ASICS Novablast 6 vs Novablast 5
Novablast 6 or Novablast 5? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
The Novablast 6 replaced the Novablast 5.
A new foam formula with an FF Turbo² forefoot pod, a narrower base and a better upper. It’s firmer, stiffer and snugger than the 5.
What changed
- Foam: A new FF Blast Max formula with less bounce, plus a forefoot pod of FF Turbo², the Megablast’s foam.
- Shape: Narrower, less bulky base and a gentler forefoot rocker.
- Upper: Improved upper.
- Price: Small price increase.
- On the run: Firmer, much stiffer up front and much snugger. Bounce about the same.
- Measured: 1.7mm less foam under the heel. Weight and drop about the same.
Still like the Novablast 5? It’s $25 less than the Novablast 6 while supplies last, with 3 colors in stock.
On the run
Novablast 6: The springy do-it-all. Light and springy, with a forefoot pod that snaps more the faster you go. It handles everything from easy days to workouts.
Novablast 5: The soft, bouncy do-it-all. Soft, bouncy and fun: the plushest Novablast yet. Surprisingly stable, and versatile enough for short, medium and long runs.
Specs side by side
| Novablast 6 | Novablast 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $155 | $129.95 (was $150) |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 41.5 / 33.5mm* | 41.5 / 33.5mm* |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm* |
| Weight, men’s | 8.9 oz | 9 oz* |
| Weight, women’s | 7.6 oz | 7.9 oz* |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide | Standard |
| Built for | Easy days, Tempo & workouts, Long runs | Easy days, Tempo & workouts, Long runs |
| Expected life | 400–500 miles | 350–450 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Novablast 6. True to size with a tapered but splay-friendly toebox and a locked-in heel. It’s low over the toes, so high insteps should go wide rather than longer.
Novablast 5. True to size, and the roomiest Novablast yet, so it’s a good pick for wide feet.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
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