For runners who want a great mix of bounce, durability, and all-around comfort, the ASICS Novablast series has become a top choice. Since the first version came out five years ago, each new model has added smart updates to make running easier and more fun.
These shoes have been loved for everything from easy jogs to serious long-distance runs.
Now, after a year of fans enjoying the Novablast 4, ASICS has launched the Novablast 5—and it comes with some exciting new features!
The biggest update? The new FF Blast Max midsole foam, which is supposed to give even more bounce and energy than before.
ASICS says this change gives the shoe 8.5% more “bounce power” than the foam in the Novablast 4.
If you loved the springy feel of the last version, this should be good news!
But there’s more. The Novablast 5 also has a new upper material made of Jacquard mesh, which makes the shoe breathe better and fit more comfortably.
It’s like the soft feel of a slipper, while also keeping your foot secure. The tongue design also got a little update to make sure your foot stays snug.
In this comparison review, we’ll look at every detail to see how the Novablast 5 stacks up against the Novablast 4.
We’ll check out the specs, comfort, design, and performance so you can find out which shoe is the best pick for your running needs!
Specs Comparison: ASICS Novablast 4 VS 5
| Specs | ASICS Novablast 4 | ASICS Novablast 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Midsole Technology | FF BLAST Plus ECCO | New FF BLAST Max |
| Midsole Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Heel Height | 41.5 mm | 41.5 mm |
| Forefoot Height | 33.5 mm | 33.5 mm |
| Support System | Neutral | Neutral |
| Weight (Men’s) | 9.2 oz / 260 g | 8.9 oz / 252.3 g |
| Weight (Women’s) | 7.9 oz / 225 g | 7.9 oz / 225 g |
| Waterproofing | No | No |
| Widths Available | Normal, Wide | Normal, Wide |
| Removable Insole | YES | YES |
| Price | $ | $140 |
| Customer Rating | 4.55 out of 5 | _ |
Durability
Upper
The upper of a shoe impacts fit, breathability, and durability. The Novablast 4 has an engineered woven upper, which offers stretch, ventilation, and better durability. This design helps the shoe hold up over time and makes it comfortable during long runs, though it may feel slightly warmer due to the thicker fabric.
The Novablast 5, however, features a Breathable engineered jacquard mesh upper, which is designed to stretch more, providing improved ventilation and comfort. It also has a “tongue wing” construction to keep the tongue in place, preventing shifting during movement. This construction not only makes the shoe more breathable but also lighter, giving a slight edge in durability over time.
Midsole
The midsole is key to cushioning and comfort. The Novablast 4 uses FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning, which includes 20% bio-based material, giving it a more eco-friendly edge. This material offers a soft, cloud-like comfort while absorbing shock effectively.
The Novablast 5, however, steps up with New FF BLAST™ MAX cushioning, designed to create even softer landings and a more energized toe-off. The MAX cushioning is thicker, providing a noticeable bounce and high energy return.
For runners who prioritize maximum comfort and impact protection, the Novablast 5 offers a significant durability advantage here, as it keeps its structure for longer without compressing as quickly.
Outsole
The outsole affects the shoe’s traction and wear over time. Both models feature a trampoline-inspired outsole design for responsiveness, but the material differences affect durability.
The Novablast 4 uses AHAR® outsole, which provides good grip and resistance on various surfaces.
In the Novablast 5, ASICS incorporates AHAR® LO outsole rubber, which is designed for even better traction and durability on rougher terrains. This outsole material is softer yet more resilient, offering a smoother ride and improved shock absorption.
Reflective details are also included in both models, making them safer for low-light conditions.
Comfort
Cushioning
Cushioning is one of the most important aspects of a comfortable running shoe, and both the Novablast 4 and 5 have features that aim to provide a soft, responsive feel.
The Novablast 4 comes with FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning, which includes 20% bio-based content. This eco-friendly material provides a good mix of softness and bounce, creating a “cloud-like” feeling underfoot.
This shoe has maximum cushioning, making it suitable for long-distance runners or those looking for extra shock absorption.
In the Novablast 5, ASICS has upgraded to New FF BLAST™ MAX cushioning. This advanced cushioning is designed to create even softer landings with a springy toe-off, adding energy to each step.
This thicker cushioning might feel softer and more energetic than the Novablast 4, making it ideal for runners who prioritize extra bounce and impact protection.
Arch Support
Arch support is key to preventing injuries and providing comfort, especially for neutral runners. Both the Novablast 4 and 5 are designed for neutral pronation, making them ideal for runners with normal-size arches. This design helps distribute weight evenly across the foot, minimizing injury risks.
In the Novablast 4, the arch support offers a balanced feel, ideal for neutral runners who want adequate support without added stiffness. The Novablast 5 continues this tradition but improves the overall feel with better shock absorption.
Thanks to the FF BLAST™ MAX cushioning, it may provide even more support for runners who need a bit of added stability without compromising comfort.
Fit & Sizing
Fit and sizing are essential for overall comfort. Both the Novablast 4 and 5 feature a tongue wing construction, which helps keep the tongue in place, improving the fit and preventing it from sliding during runs.
However, each version has unique materials in the upper, which affect the fit slightly.
The Novablast 4 has an engineered woven upper, offering a combination of stretch, ventilation, and durability. This woven material makes the shoe feel snug and durable, though it might feel warmer in hotter weather.
The Novablast 5, on the other hand, uses an engineered jacquard mesh upper with additional stretch for a softer, more breathable fit. This mesh upper allows for better ventilation and a lighter feel, making it comfortable for long runs in warm weather. While it’s more breathable, it may also be slightly less resistant to wear over time.
Style and Design
ASICS Novablast 5
The ASICS Novablast 5 is built to turn heads. The shoe has a modern, sporty appearance with a focus on comfort and sustainability. Its engineered jacquard mesh upper gives it a lightweight, breathable design with added flexibility.
This material not only allows for better airflow during long runs but also has a soft, sock-like feel that hugs the foot comfortably.
The Novablast 5 includes a tongue wing construction that helps keep the tongue in place, which reduces the chance of it slipping around during intense movement.
This design adds both style and functionality, giving the shoe a streamlined, secure look. Reflective details are also present, adding a touch of flair while enhancing visibility in low-light conditions—an essential feature for evening or early-morning runners.
One of the standout features is the shoe’s use of recycled materials, with at least 75% of the upper made from recycled fabrics. This eco-friendly focus aligns with a growing trend toward sustainable designs, which may appeal to environmentally-conscious runners.
The outsole is trampoline-inspired to add a bouncy, responsive feel to each step, making the shoe look both energetic and functional.
ASICS Novablast 4
The ASICS Novablast 4 has a distinct yet durable design. Its engineered woven upper gives the shoe a sturdier look with a snug, supportive fit. The woven material offers stretch, ventilation, and durability, which is beneficial for runners who want a shoe that holds up well in various conditions.
Compared to the Novablast 5, this upper may feel a bit more secure and supportive, though it can be warmer in hot weather due to its thicker structure.
The Novablast 4 also features a gusseted tongue wing fit system, which enhances the midfoot fit and helps keep the tongue from moving around. This detail not only improves comfort but gives the shoe a more classic, structured appearance.
Reflective details are present here too, making the shoe both stylish and functional in low-light settings.
A key design choice in the Novablast 4 is its FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning, which contains 20% bio-based content. This eco-friendly cushioning contributes to a cloud-like feel while aligning with ASICS’ sustainability goals.
The shoe’s AHAR® outsole adds durability and improves traction, giving it a rugged, athletic look that’s ideal for runners who need dependable traction and support.
Waterproofing & Non-Slip Grip
Waterproofing
While the ASICS Novablast series is designed primarily for road running, neither the Novablast 5 nor the Novablast 4 is specifically marketed as a waterproof shoe. This means they may not be ideal for consistently wet or muddy conditions. However, each model includes design choices that help keep feet comfortable and protected.
ASICS Novablast 5: This model features an engineered jacquard mesh upper. This material allows airflow to keep your feet cool, but it isn’t fully water-resistant, so water may seep in during rainy runs.
The jacquard mesh, however, is quick-drying, which can be useful if you’re running in damp conditions or hit a few puddles.
The eco-friendly material focus of this model (with at least 75% of the upper made from recycled materials) may appeal to those looking to reduce their environmental footprint, though it doesn’t provide additional water protection.
ASICS Novablast 4: The Novablast 4 has an engineered woven upper, which is thicker than the jacquard mesh on the Novablast 5. This woven upper is more durable and may provide a slight advantage in mild rain by offering a bit more resistance to water. However, like the Novablast 5, it isn’t fully waterproof and isn’t suited for extreme wet conditions.
Non-Slip Grip
When it comes to traction, both the ASICS Novablast 5 and 4 have features that aim to provide runners with a solid grip on the road, especially on dry surfaces.
ASICS Novablast 4: The Novablast 4 uses the AHAR® outsole to improve traction on roads, delivering grip and durability similar to the Novablast 5. This material is ideal for road running but might lack the grip required for off-road trails or slick surfaces.
Like the Novablast 5, it also features a trampoline-inspired design, adding a bounce to each step and enhancing forward momentum.
ASICS Novablast 5: The Novablast 5 incorporates an AHAR® LO outsole rubber, which offers improved traction and durability. This rubber design provides stability during quick movements and sharp turns, giving runners confidence on dry or slightly damp roads.
The outsole is also trampoline-inspired, adding responsiveness and a slight bounce to each step. Both are not for trail running.
Customer Review and Feedback
ASICS Novablast 4 Reviews
ASICS Novablast 4 Reviews
Positive Reviews:
- Cushioning: Reviewers loved the soft and responsive cushioning, which made for a comfortable running experience, especially on longer distances.
- Lightweight: Many users appreciated that despite the cushioning, the Novablast 4 remained lightweight, making it suitable for various types of runs.
- Aesthetics: The design and color options were frequently complimented, with users noting that the shoe looked stylish.
- Durability: Customers were impressed with the outsole’s durability, reporting that it held up well even after extensive use.
- Versatility: Like the Nimbus, users found the Novablast 4 effective for both training and casual wear, adding to its appeal.
Negative Reviews:
- Breathability: Some users expressed disappointment with the breathability of the upper, feeling it could be improved for warmer weather.
- Stability: A few runners noted that the shoe felt less stable during sharp turns or quick movements, which could be a concern for some athletes.
- Fit Issues: Some customers reported that the sizing could be inconsistent, with a few needing to try different sizes to find the right fit.
ASICS Novablast 5 VS 4: Which One is Right for You?
Durability
Choose the Novablast 4 if you want a solid, eco-friendly shoe with a sturdy upper and reliable grip for daily road running.
Choose the Novablast 5 if you’re looking for maximum bounce, more breathability, and extra durability, especially if you run on mixed or rougher terrains.
Comfort
Novablast 4 if you want solid cushioning, balanced support, and a snug fit that holds up well over time.
Novablast 5 if you’re after maximum bounce, extra breathability, and a softer feel for long, comfortable runs.
Style & Design
Pick the Novablast 5 for a lighter, breathable, and modern style with eco-friendly features.
Pick the Novablast 4 if you want a snug, supportive, and durable design that looks and feels classic.
Waterproofing & Non-Slip Grip
Choose the Novablast 4 if you need a shoe that gives a bit more protection from light rain and feels sturdy.
Choose the Novablast 5 if you want shoes with quick-drying material and a little extra grip on slightly damp surfaces.