
The Asics Novablast 5 is an impressive daily trainer that offers a winning balance of comfort and speed. It feels as comfortable as premium cushioned running shoes like the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 or New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 while being lighter and more affordable, and it’s one of the best running shoes for both beginners and experienced runners.
I’ve tested every generation of the Asics Novablast and the Novablast 5 is my favorite version of the shoe yet, with its new midsole foam and adjusted heel bevel creating a smoother, softer ride than the Novablast 4. However, it’s not a huge upgrade on the older shoe, so finding a deal on the Novablast 4 would be a better value approach.