ASICS  Novablast 5 Road-Running Shoes - Men's

I’ve been using these for almost a year with consistent but relatively low mileage, rotating them 50/50 with the Adidas Adizero SL2 (which is slightly firmer). At first they felt very bouncy — almost too much. It even took me a few days to get used to walking in them. After a few runs the ride felt more natural. The initial bounce does reduce over time (as many people say), but they’re still very comfortable and well-cushioned for daily training. Outsole seems durable overall, but the rubber placement leaves some exposed foam between patches. If you’re not running on clean pavement, that foam can start to chip. Grip is good on dry asphalt but noticeably slippery on wet roads. The biggest downside is the upper. The toe box started developing holes on both shoes, even with moderate mileage. Under the same usage pattern, my SL2 still looks almost new. That’s disappointing for a daily trainer. Overall, very comfortable and fun to run in — but the weak toe box is the only thing stopping me from buying another pair unless they reinforce the upper.

I purchased this running shoe for my treadmill and easy runs on campus. This shoe is light, cushioned, and feels great. The upper accommodates my wider-than-average foot, and the colorways are simple and eye-catching. The only issue with this shoe is the traction; it could be a little better, but it isn't the best for undesirable road conditions. The tongue is also very minimal, and while I think this is good for a shoe as versatile as the Novablast, I would enjoy a thicker tongue.

I wanted to like these shoes. They are highly regarded by running influencers and shoetubers. I enjoyed the softness and step in feel of the Novablast 4. However, I've found these shoes to have a very jarring, firm ride. The transition from midfoot to pushoff is very slappy. I got terrible shin splints. I returned these and am now rotating between the Endorphin Speed and Hyperion Max.

VERY comfortable and true-to-size. I have wide feet and the toe box on the regular width fit perfectly. I use these for my daily running miles as well as for casual walking (theme parks, errands, etc.)

I always wear Asics and these are the worst I've ever had. I wasn't convinced when I bought them and should have purchased different ones. Here are the highlights: 1. The sole is squishy and doesn't provide enough support. It's like walking on a bosu half ball balance trainer. 2. These shoes are LOUD. When you're walking or running on pavement, the scraping noise of the soles on the asphalt can be heard a block away. It's hard to have a conversation when you're walking. 3. The shoelaces both broke after 4 months. 4. The sole of one shoe started separating after 6 months.

I REALLY wanted to love this shoe. The cushioning is excellent and provides very good energy return. However, the closure around my ankles rubbed and created blisters.

I don’t know what they have changed from the 4s to the 5s but it sure is disappointing. The 4s were the best shoes I’ve run in yet, and the 5s just don’t do it for me. The cushion/spring is nice, but whatever they’ve changed, they just aren’t the same. I am returning the 5s and ordered 2 more pairs of the 4s on sale while I can get them. Not looking forward to shoe hunting for something else once my 4s are toast.

I'm now over 150 miles on my Novablast 5s. At my easy going pace that I do well over half my running at they do really well and just feel like they're one with my feet. If you just need something for joy riding then these are great. My only gripe is that for me the 4s were good at that too but also had something to offer when I wanted to run with some tempo while these 5s do not.

I've been blessed with the ability to purchase over 30 shoes in the last 12 months since I want variety while I crank out 80 miles a week. The Novablast 5 is one of the best daily trainers, certainly the best ASICS daily trainer. It hits the Goldilocks level of softness with a good bounce response. Well done ASICS. I've had a few of your bad shoes but this makes up for it.

This is my first expensive running shoe and I really went back and forth about it for a long time. I’m really glad I went with the Novablasts. they felt a little wobbly in the store, but once I started running it never entered my mind again. highly recommend, even for beginning runners that are looking to run more often and increase those distances!