Asics
Novablast 5 Running Shoe – Men's
$129.95
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The Grivet Take
The Novablast 5 is ASICS's bouncy daily trainer for runners who want a soft, trampoline-like ride with enough structure for easy miles, long runs, and the occasional tempo effort. The new FF Blast Max foam reads softer than the v4 and rebounds with the signature Novablast bounce; the reduced posterior heel flare finally fixes the v4's slappy heel-strike. Two trade-offs to flag: the bouncy soft foam is not for runners chasing a firm, responsive feel, and the standard D width is the only option, so wide-footed runners should look elsewhere. Runners wanting a similar bouncy daily with a wider toe box should look at the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5; runners wanting a more rockered tempo daily should consider the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4.
Fit & Feel snapshot
Fit
LengthHow the shoe fits compared with true-to-size expectations.
True to size
Toe box widthHow much side-to-side room the shoe has across the front of the foot.3 of 5
NarrowWide
Toe box volumeHow much vertical room the shoe has above the toes.3 of 5
LowHigh
MidfootHow snug or roomy the shoe feels through the arch and laces.3 of 5
SnugRoomy
Heel holdHow securely the back of the shoe holds the heel.4 of 5
LooseLocked
Ride
CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.4 of 5
MinimalMaximal
SoftnessHow soft or firm the cushioning feels underfoot.4 of 5
FirmPlush
RockerHow much the shoe's shape rolls you forward through the step.3 of 5
FlatAggressive
ResponsivenessHow much pop or energy return the shoe feels like it gives back.4 of 5
DeadBouncy
Support
Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
Neutral
Stability
Motion Control
Neutral shoe with a wider, steadier base
PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
Wider, steadier base
How it fits
Length runs true to size for most runners. The reworked mesh upper provides a slightly wider, lower-volume fit through the midfoot; the toe box is somewhat tapered laterally but opens through the forefoot for normal-width feet. Heel hold is secure thanks to the thin gusseted tongue and redesigned counter. The mesh material works best with socks; runners sensitive to bare-skin contact should wear running socks during fitting. Men's sizing is offered only in D (standard); runners needing wider should look at the NB FuelCell Rebel v5 or 880v14 instead.
How it feels
The FF Blast Max midsole reads soft and bouncy with the signature Novablast trampoline character that the line is known for. The new compound is softer than the v4 but still bounces back rather than going mushy on push-off, which keeps the shoe versatile at easy and uptempo paces. The forefoot rocker engages on push-off without forcing a roll; the reduced posterior heel flare eliminates the v4's slappy heel-strike and produces a smooth heel transition. Energy return is moderate-to-high; the shoe handles easy miles, long runs, and uptempo efforts within the same pair. The ASICSGRIP outsole grips dry pavement reliably and shows above-average durability for a soft-foam trainer.
Quick specs
- Category
- Long run trainer
- Surface
- Pavement · Treadmill
- Heel stackHow much shoe sits between your foot and the ground.
- 41.5 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 33.5 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 8.0 mm
- Weight (men's 9)
- 9.0 oz · 255 g
- CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.
- 4 / 5
- Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
- Neutral
- PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
- Wider, steadier base
- Midsole
- FF Blast Max
- Outsole
- ASICSGRIP rubber
- PlateA stiff layer, usually carbon, nylon, or TPU, built into some shoes to add structure, snap, or propulsion.
- No
- WidthsThe width options this shoe is made in. Actual availability depends on current inventory.
- D
Tech, translated
FF Blast Max is ASICS's new midsole foam formulation introduced on the Novablast 5, replacing the v4's FF Blast+. The compound is softer and bouncier without going mushy underfoot, which preserves the line's signature trampoline character while adding a touch more plush feel.
The reduced posterior sole flare is the v5's most meaningful geometric change: the v4's flared rear sole caused a slappy heel-strike feel that drew complaints from heel-strikers and faster paces. The v5 trims the flare and adds a smoother heel bevel, which produces a clean transition through landing into push-off.
The ASICSGRIP outsole is the brand's high-durability road compound, optimized for long-mileage wear on dry pavement. There is no plate; the forefoot rocker and the FF Blast Max foam handle transitions through push-off.
What changed from the previous version
The Novablast 5 updates the midsole foam from FF Blast+ to a new FF Blast Max compound that reads softer and bouncier with a similar trampoline character. The posterior sole flare on the v4 has been reduced, which eliminates the slappy heel-strike feel that some v4 runners experienced. The mesh upper is reworked for a slightly wider, lower-volume fit. Stack height stays in the same 41.5/33.5 mm men's range with the same 8 mm drop. v4 fans coming back will find a smoother transition and a softer overall feel.
Frequently asked
What changed from the ASICS Novablast 4 to the 5?
The Novablast 5 updates the midsole foam from FF Blast+ to a new FF Blast Max compound that reads softer and bouncier with a similar trampoline character. The posterior sole flare on the v4 has been reduced, which eliminates the slappy heel-strike feel some v4 runners experienced. The mesh upper is reworked for a slightly wider, lower-volume fit. Stack height stays in the 41.5/33.5 mm men's range with the same 8 mm drop. v4 fans coming back will find a smoother transition and a softer overall feel.
How does the ASICS Novablast 5 compare to the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4?
Both are versatile daily trainers for easy miles, long runs, and faster workout days. The Novablast 5 has a softer, bouncier FF Blast Max midsole, no plate, and a moderate forefoot rocker. The Endorphin Speed 4 has a nylon S-Curve plate, an aggressive rocker, and a firmer PWRRUN PB midsole built for marathon-paced tempo work and racing. Pick the Novablast 5 for foam-only versatility; pick the Endorphin Speed 4 for plated tempo and race capability.
Is the ASICS Novablast 5 firm or soft underfoot?
The Novablast 5 lands on the soft and bouncy side rather than firm. The new FF Blast Max midsole compresses underfoot with the signature Novablast trampoline character — softer than the v4 but still rebounding rather than going mushy. Runners looking for a firmer, more grounded daily should consider the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 or the Brooks Ghost 17 instead.
Is the ASICS Novablast 5 good for treadmill running?
Yes. The bouncy FF Blast Max cushioning, reduced posterior heel flare, and durable ASICSGRIP outsole grip belt surfaces reliably and absorb the steady cadence of treadmill sessions well. The forefoot rocker helps smooth transitions through push-off at treadmill paces. The trampoline character keeps interval-style work interesting on the treadmill.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Choose the Novablast 5 for a foam-only bouncy daily trainer with versatile easy-to-uptempo capability. Choose the Endorphin Speed 4 for a nylon-plated aggressive-rocker shoe built for committed tempo work and marathon racing.
Compare Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 →
Brooks Hyperion Max 3
Choose the Novablast 5 for a softer, bouncier FF Blast Max midsole. Choose the Hyperion Max 3 for a more pronounced rocker and a more grounded tempo-daily feel.
Compare Brooks Hyperion Max 3 →
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Choose the Novablast 5 for a more pronounced forefoot rocker and a slightly firmer FF Blast Max foam. Choose the Rebel v5 for a wider toe box and a softer PEBA-blended FuelCell midsole with more forefoot flex.
Compare New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 →
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27
Choose the Novablast 5 for a bouncier, more pronounced trampoline character. Choose the Gel-Cumulus 27 for a more cushioned, more traditional daily trainer feel in the same brand.
Compare ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 →
Buyer's guide
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