WhichOneToGet
Updated 3 Nov 2026

Is the ASICS Novablast 5 worth it?

Yes — the best all-rounder for most runners.

It's light at about 255 g, soft and bouncy, and flexible, so it feels good on easy runs and quicker ones, and it's good value. The toe box is roomy. Narrow feet may find the upper loose, grip on wet roads is only average, and the mesh at the toe can wear through early. The Novablast 6 is now out, so the 5 is often cheaper.

ASICS Novablast 5 running shoe
96%of 52 owners give it 4 or 5 stars
  • Light, soft and bouncy
  • Roomy toe box
  • Easy and faster runs

We earn a commission from these links.

What owners say

Nearly all verified owners are happy, mostly praising how it feels to run in.

Good to know

  • The upper is roomy and can feel loose on narrow feet.
  • Grip on wet roads is only average.
  • The mesh at the toe can wear through early.
  • The Novablast 6 has replaced it; the 5 is often cheaper.

From 52 buyer ratings at Otto (Germany) and Rebel Sport (Australia), every complaint read by us, November 2026. How we do this

What they love

  • Good for runningMentioned a lot
  • ComfortableMentioned a lot
  • Soft, bouncy cushioningAlso mentioned

What they complain about

Hardly any: just 2 of 52 owners gave it 3 stars or fewer, and no complaint came up often enough to list.

Get it if…

  • You want one shoe for most of your runs.
  • You like a soft, bouncy ride.
  • You want good value.

Skip it if…

  • Your feet roll inward — get the Kayano 32.
  • You have narrow feet.
  • You run on wet roads a lot.

More on the Novablast 5

How we reached this verdict

RunRepeat's lab rated it 93/100: light at 254 g, soft, flexible and roomy (74.4 mm at the big toe), with weak toe-box durability. Believe in the Run's testers called it great value with a roomy upper, loose for narrow feet, and mediocre grip in the wet. Otto and Rebel Sport's verified buyers are nearly all happy.

We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.

Sources: RunRepeat: ASICS Novablast 5, Believe in the Run: ASICS Novablast 5, ASICS (specs), RunRepeat: Nike Vomero 18, RunRepeat: ASICS Gel-Kayano 32, RunRepeat: HOKA Clifton 10, RunRepeat: Brooks Ghost 17, Believe in the Run: Nike Vomero 18, Believe in the Run: ASICS Gel-Kayano 32, manufacturer specifications.

Updated 3 Nov 2026How we decide