RunRepeat93
A lighter, softer and bouncier Novablast that is surprisingly stable and excellent value.
Asics Novablast 5
6 expert reviews#2 of 7 running shoesChecked 1 Nov 2026
Quick answer
The Asics Novablast 5 has a critic score of 87 out of 100 from 6 professional reviews, including RunRepeat, Tom's Guide and Runner's World UK. 6 of 6 recommend it, and scores range from 83 (RTINGS.com) to 93 (RunRepeat). 1 of the scores are printed by the outlets and 5 are our estimates from the review text. Most praised: comfort and cushioning (5 of 6); value for money (3 of 6). It ranks #2 of the 7 running shoes we score.
Reviews checked 1 Nov 2026
Photo coming
Best for: Best overall
Our verdict
6 professional reviewers tested the Asics Novablast 5, and 6 recommend it. Most praised: comfort and cushioning and value for money.
The catch: Wet-weather grip is poor.
Critic agreement: High
Scores run from 83 to 931 printed scores, 5 estimated
5 of these 6 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text and corrected for the known tendency of estimates to run high.
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What do critics say about the Asics Novablast 5?
Tom's Guide89est.
A very good, comfortable and fairly light daily trainer that the reviewer recommends most highly in its price band.
Runner's World UK89est.
An excellent, great-value all-rounder after five weeks of testing, soft yet versatile enough for faster efforts.
The Independent85est.
Named best overall in a men's running shoe roundup after hands-on testing, praised as a supremely comfortable do-everything trainer at a fair price.
RTINGS.com83est.
Lab testing finds a good, stable and plush daily trainer, with its best usage score for daily training.
The Guardian83est.
Recommended in a marathon kit guide as a comfortable everyday shoe that also works on race day.
Scores are converted to 0–100. "est." means the outlet gave no number, so we estimated one from its verdict. How we score
What critics praise most
Comfort and cushioning5 of 6
Value for money3 of 6
Performance2 of 6
What critics dislike most
No clear pattern.
Alternatives
Not sure about the Asics Novablast 5?
Photo coming
Best for faster paces
Saucony Endorphin Speed 589
4 reviews · agreement mediumPhoto coming
Best for a roomy fit
Hoka Clifton 1084
8 reviews · agreement highPhoto coming
Best plush daily trainer
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v1482
8 reviews · agreement highPhoto coming
Best for recovery runs
Asics Gel-Nimbus 2780
5 reviews · agreement mediumCommon questions
Is the Asics Novablast 5 worth it?
Most critics think so: 6 of 6 recommend it. Wet-weather grip is poor.
Do critics agree about the Asics Novablast 5?
Agreement is high: scores range from 83 (RTINGS.com) to 93 (RunRepeat), a spread of 10 points across 6 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.
What is the best alternative to the Asics Novablast 5?
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 (critic score 89), best for faster paces.