Asics Just Gave This Unicorn Daily Trainer Its Biggest Update Ever

The new Novablast brings more bounce to every step.

Published October 28, 2024

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Asics just unveiled the latest installment in its hugely popular Novablast series, which has quietly become of the most beloved and trusted shoe lines in all of running.

Earlier versions have been known to do it all, with last year’s Novablast 4 topping best-of lists by Runner’s World, Running Warehouse and countless others.

The secret to its versatility and range? A lightweight design and responsive ride that still offers a trampoline-like bounce and ample cushioning for recovery runs and tempo sessions, alike.

asics running shoe — The Asics Novablast 5 will arrive on December 5.

The Novablast 5 doubles down on that combination by adopting Asics’s brand-new foam, FF Blast Max, which made its first appearance in the Glideride Max (albeit in limited quantities).

The new Novablast features an entire midsole crafted from the stuff, leading to an 8.5 percent increase in “bounce properties” compared to last year’s FF Blast Plus Eco foam, the brand says.

Other updates

While the midsole material is clearly the headlining feature, Asics didn’t waste an opportunity the rethink other aspects of the Novablast line.

For the upper, the brand opted for a jacquard mesh upper that should improve breathability over the mesh material on the Novablast 4, while a new race-ready tongue takes after the incredibly well-received Superblast 2.

As far as watch-outs, previous Novablasts have all underperformed in wet conditions, lacking the necessary grip to run confidently without slipping. Unfortunately, a new outsole looks as streamlined as ever, so it’s hard to see the issue resolving itself (forthcoming reviews will be telling).