If you’re curious about the benefits of ASICS Novablast running shoes, here’s a detailed breakdown of what makes them stand out:
🧱 Springy, Energetic Ride
- The core feature is the FlyteFoam Blast / Blast Plus (and Blast Max in NB5) midsole that delivers a trampoline‑like bounce and excellent energy return. It’s plush yet responsive—ideal for both recovery miles and tempo work .
- Reviewers describe it as soft underfoot but not sloppy—providing comfort without sacrificing spring or propulsion .
🎯 Versatility for Multiple Paces
- These shoes function well across a range of paces—from easy, long runs to steady tempo efforts. The Novablast handles both slower miles and up‑tempo workouts pretty well.
- Experts recommend Novablast as a great hybrid comfort-speed trainer—a versatile option for runners training from 5K all the way to marathon distances.
☁️ Plush Comfort & Fit
- Soft padding around the heel and forefoot gives a cushioned, comfortable fit right out of the box.
- The engineered jacquard mesh upper on the Novablast provides improved breathability and lighter weight, along with good forefoot room—even for wider feet.
- The semi-gusseted tongue remains in place during runs, reducing pressure and hotspots.
🌦️ Grip & Durability
- The AHAR LO outsole on the Novablast 5 is more durable and grippy than previous versions, offering better traction on polished or damp roads .
- Outsole wear is noticeable after ~500+ km's, particularly in the mid/forefoot, and the bounce does diminish over time—but comfort remains high .
⚖️ Lightweight Build
- Surprisingly light for a maximal‑cushion shoe—typically around 260‑270 g for a men’s size 9. Novablast 5 is tweaked to lose a bit of weight compared to earlier versions .
✅ Great Value
- Novablast typically retails around $270, offering performance and comfort that often rival more expensive trainers in the $300+ range.
- Widely recommended across gear guides as a versatile all‑rounder—especially as a daily trainer or even a “single‑shoe rotation” pick.
⚠️ Considerations & Limitations
- The shoe is primarily neutral and can feel wobbly or unstable at sharp turns, higher speeds, or on uneven terrain—especially if you’re heavier than ~90 kg or have less stability/control.
- The upper can feel slightly warm in really hot conditions, and some versions felt slippery on wet or paved sidewalks—though Novablast 5 improves both grip and airflow over earlier models.
- Some long‑term runners report the foam loses some bounce after ~500kms +, though the ride remains plush for short or recovery runs.
🗣️ Runner Feedback
On Reddit, runners frequently assured that Novablast is a strong all‑rounder:
“If I could only pick one shoe to do it all, it would be the Novablast.”
“Good energy return… lightweight… forgiving for beginners but responsive for quicker runs.”
✅ Summary: Who Should Consider Novablast?
Best for runners seeking:
- A fun, cushioned, springy ride
- One shoe to handle daily km's, recovery runs, and medium-paced workouts
- Comfortable upper and midsole without bulk or stiffness
- Strong value for under ~$300
Less ideal if you need:
- High-motion control/stability or overpronation guidance
- Maximum durability or long-lasting bounce after 500+ Km's
- Crisp feel for sharp-speed intervals or fast racing
In Short:
The ASICS Novablast line offers a highly cushioned, responsive “trampoline‑like” ride, breathable and well-fitting uppers, and the versatility to cover easy runs up to marathon training paces—all at solid value. It’s a favorite among runners who want a comfortable daily trainer with bounce, yet it isn’t built for aggressive speed sessions or users needing rigid stability.