What if the BlazeBlast were simply a Novablast for the trails? ASICS is launching a brand-new road-to-trail shoe that carries over the bouncy DNA of its road range. We compare it with the king of bounce, the Novablast 6, to help you choose.
Looking for a BlazeBlast review or test, or torn between it and the Novablast 6? Both shoes share the FF BLAST MAX foam, the trampoline feel and an 8 mm drop. But one is a hybrid road-to-trail shoe, built for off-road and gravel running, while the other stays dedicated to pure road. Here is our full comparison.
What is the difference between the BlazeBlast and the Novablast 6?
The ASICS BlazeBlast is a hybrid road-to-trail shoe fitted with an ASICSGRIP outsole with 2.5 mm lugs, designed for gravel running and smooth trails, while the ASICS Novablast 6 is a road shoe that delivers maximum bounce thanks to its combination of FF BLAST MAX and FF Turbo Squared foams.
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Why choose the ASICS BlazeBlast?
The ASICS BlazeBlast launches a new family of shoes designed to make the trail accessible and fun, without the stiffness of a technical trail shoe. It is a true hybrid road-to-trail shoe: as comfortable on pavement as on gravel paths, forest trails, smooth trails and parks. It combines the FF BLAST MAX foam, a trampoline geometry at the forefoot for energy return, an ASICSGRIP outsole with 2.5 mm lugs and a woven upper that is breathable and protective, all on an 8 mm drop. It is now one of the best road-to-trail shoes to get into gravel running.
BlazeBlast: who is this new category of shoes for?
The BlazeBlast does not fit the usual boxes: neither a pure road shoe nor a technical trail shoe. It targets a fast-growing category, road-to-trail and gravel running. Here is who it is for:
- runners who mix road and smooth trails in the same outing, without wanting to switch shoes;
- fans of gravel running and gravel paths who want grip without stiffness;
- those who run on forest trails, in parks or on multi-use paths;
- trail-running beginners looking for a gentle, versatile entry point;
- road runners who want a second pair to explore off the pavement.
If you were looking for a “Novablast trail” or a “Novablast gravel”, the BlazeBlast is the closest answer in the ASICS range: it carries over the Novablast’s bouncy feel and adds grip designed for off-road.
Why choose the ASICS Novablast 6?
The ASICS Novablast 6 is the latest generation of the shoe that built ASICS’ trampoline reputation. It is a max-cushion road shoe for daily training and long-distance running, for neutral runners. It relies on a duo of FF BLAST MAX + FF Turbo Squared foams at the forefoot for an even livelier bounce, on a road outsole optimised for pavement. Weight around 253 g, 41.5 mm stack, 8 mm drop.
From easy footing to faster sessions, through long runs and active recovery, it covers the essentials for a road runner. For trail or gravel, however, it quickly shows its grip limits: that is where the BlazeBlast takes over.
Full comparison: BlazeBlast vs Novablast 6
| BlazeBlast | Novablast 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Use | Road and trail (hybrid) | Road, daily training |
| Terrain | Pavement, paths, gravel, smooth trails | Pavement, track |
| Foam | FF BLAST MAX + Trampoline geometry | FF BLAST MAX + FF Turbo Squared |
| Outsole | ASICSGRIP, 2.5 mm lugs | Road rubber (ASICSGRIP forefoot) |
| Upper | Technical woven, protective | Woven road, breathable |
| Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Stack | 43 mm | 41.5 mm |
| Weight | ~252 g | ~253 g |
| Cushioning | Maximal, versatile | Maximal |
| Price | $189.95 | $189.95 |
In other words: the same bouncy spirit and the same drop, but two terrains. What really sets the BlazeBlast apart is its lugged ASICSGRIP outsole and its protective upper, which let it leave the pavement with confidence and tackle gravel running.
Which shoe to choose for your terrain?
Choose the BlazeBlast if…
- you alternate road and trails, or you want a single do-it-all shoe;
- you are starting out in trail running and want an accessible entry point;
- you run on gravel paths, smooth trails or in parks;
- you love the bouncy ASICS feel but want more grip.
Choose the Novablast 6 if…
- you run mostly on road and track;
- you want maximum bounce and dynamism at toe-off;
- you want a comfortable daily-training shoe to pile on the miles;
- off-road grip is not a concern for you.
Our in-store take: if your terrain is mixed (city + paths + gravel), the BlazeBlast is the best road-to-trail shoe to stay versatile. If you never leave the pavement, the Novablast 6 remains unbeatable for bounce. For technical, mountainous trail, go for a dedicated trail shoe instead.
Also browse our men’s trail running shoes and women’s, our daily-training shoes, or all ASICS running shoes.
Our verdict
Choose the BlazeBlast if you want a versatile shoe, able to move easily from pavement to smooth trails, gravel paths and gravel running.
Choose the Novablast 6 if you run exclusively on the road and want to enjoy the maximum bounce ASICS offers for daily training and long distance.
Ready to choose your ASICS?
BlazeBlast for off-road and versatility, Novablast 6 for road bounce: two excellent shoes, two terrains. Discover the BlazeBlast (men, women) and the Novablast 6 (men, women), or come try them on in store.
Frequently asked questions about the BlazeBlast and the Novablast 6
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