I bought the Asics Novablast 5 with my own hard earned money. Not so much for the purpose of review, more as a training shoe. However, since the Novablast is quite a popular daily trainer, I decided to write this review. I will try to do my best and give you my honest opinion of the shoe.
Before I will write about the shoe a few facts about me, that are important for the review. I’m currently training for two half marathon, the first one in two months, the second one in three. I just started with structured training two weeks ago and therefore my current fitness is not where I want. But I will get there.
My current easy run pace is between 5.40 and 5.50 min/km, my longrun pace between 5.30 and 5.45 min/km, my tempo pace between 4.40 and 4.50 min/km and I run some fast 30 second repeats at 3.15 min/km pace. So now you know at what paces I tested the shoe.
Let’s find out more about the Asics Novablast 5
Till today I ran more than 100 kilometers in the shoe. Before I write a shoe review, I normally do quite some runs in the shoes, from easy recovery runs up to tempo runs, intervals and one or two long runs. I used the Novablast 5 on almost all of my runs the last two weeks. Did everything in them what was on my training plan. The longest run in the shoe was 20 kilometers and the fastest a track workout with 30 second repeats at 3.15 min/km pace.
Fit of the shoe
The shoe for me fits true to size. The upper hugs the foot nicely and there is no problem with the lockdown. I have normal wide feet but I think that even runners with wider feet will have no problem with the shoe. However, Asics has also a wide option of this shoe.
The toe box is quite roomy and has enough volume that the feel is comfortable. The heal cup has just the right amount of padding and it hold my foot nicely. I have not used a runners knot and could not feel any heel slippage. All in all a decent lockdown.
The tongue is gusseted with just the right amount of padding. I could not feel any pressure from the laces on top of my feet. It’s a comfortable shoe but those who have narrower feet could get a bit of a problem with the lockdown and heel support. I think that thicker socks can help overcome this issue.
The upper is modern, thin and it provides very good breathability. I have used the shoe at lower winter temperatures but I think that even in warmer conditions you will not overheat.
Most of my running shoes are size 12 US, that equals 30 cm of length according to sizing tables. However, Asics has 12 US as 29,5 cm of length. But I would not recommend going up half a size to get the cm size. Just stick to your normal US shoe size and it should fit perfectly.
Performance of the shoe
First a bit about the midsole. For a lot of runner the most important part of a running shoe. The Midsole of the Asics Novablast 5 is called FF Blast Max. According to Asics the foam helps provide a lightweight and energetic ride. It works great straight out of the box. The foam itself is on the softer side of midsole foams used in daily trainers and on my 20 kilometer run I could feel that my legs where protected from the pounding all the way to the end of the run. There is no carbon plate in the midsole of this shoe. As such it is not considered a race shoe but a training shoe.
When it comes to daily trainers I personally prefer shoes, that have a firmer midsole. However, I like the ride in the Novablast 5. You don’t sink into the foam. The shoe can handle slower paces but you need to hold back. There is a bit of a springy sensation on toe of and when you put a bit more force into the shoe, the midsole comes to life. I would say, that as certain paces, you get a lot back from the midsole.
The midsole is not working against your stride. I was able to be in control of the shoe on my runs, not the other way around. I don’t want this to be a comparison to any other shoe but still. Some daily trainers have firmer midsoles and a similar rocker. But on the Asics Novablast 5 the rocker is not dominant. It’s more a springy sensation.
Every shoe has an intention. And 30 second repeats at 80-90% effort are not the sweet spot of this shoe. For such fast workouts the foam is too soft and I could feel sinking into the foam. I had the feeling that I needed quite some time and additional strength to keep my feet moving at these faster paces. Therefore I think, that the sweet spot of this shoe are longruns, easy runs and tempo runs up to half marathon, maybe 10k effort. Nothing faster.
On the outsole there are stripes of rubber, not a full coverage. The grip was good on dry roads, the running track I use and even on some light trails. But as soon as the ground was a little bit wet and the paces where a bit faster than my easy run pace, the grip was not the best. Therefore I will use the shoe mostly when it will be dry outside.
How will I use the shoe
Somehow I already answered this question. But to sum it up. This will be my go to shoe for most of my long runs, as well as for my easy runs and maybe even some tempo runs around half marathon effort. I will also use this shoe on some of my longrun workouts that include segments of half marathon pace or effort.
On the other hand, I will not use this shoe on track sessions and on 1k or 2k repeats with faster paces. The midsole foam is a bit too soft and I will choose a shoe with a more denser or firmer midsole foam.
Would I recommend the Asics Novablast 5
It’s a modern running shoe in the daily trainer category. With a midsole foam, that provides enough cushioning even for longer runs and protects your feet from the pounding. It has no carbon plate in the midsole but is still a good option for race day. Especially for half marathons and even marathons. I think that with this midsole foam you will get enough protection even in the later stages.
In my opinion the Asics Novablast 5 is a shoe that will suite a lot of runners. Just be aware, that it’s around 40mm high in the heel and has no additional support. Therefore it’s best neutral runners. After 100 kilometers there are no signs of wear, not even on the outsole. But since the foam is on the softer side I don’t know, how much it will compress over time and how the ride of the shoe will be after 200 or 300 kilometers.
I also wrote a comparison of the Ascis Novablas 5 vs. Saucany Ride 18. Another daily trainer out there on the market. You can find the post here: Novablast 5 vs Ride 18
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