The Novablast has become one of the most loved training shoes out there: bouncy, comfortable and genuinely fun to run in. With the Novablast 6, ASICS doesn't reinvent the recipe — it refines it exactly where it counts. So is it worth the jump if you already own the Novablast 5? We compared the two in detail.
ASICS Novablast 6 or Novablast 5? Both are neutral, max-cushioned daily trainers built on the same cushioning platform. The difference comes down to forefoot bounce, grip, heel hold and price. Here's the full comparison.
In short
Same platform: FF Blast Max foam, 41.5 mm stack, 8 mm drop, almost identical weight (253 g vs 255 g). The cushioning and overall feel don't change.
The Novablast 6 adds an FF Turbo Squared trampoline pod at the forefoot (more bounce at toe-off), an ASICSGRIP outsole (better traction), a cleaner woven upper and a more wrapped heel that feels a bit more stable on long runs.
The Novablast 5 is still excellent and costs less: the best value if you don't miss the extra bounce.
Contents
The Novablast 5 at a glance
The Novablast 5 built the line's reputation: a neutral, max-cushioned shoe powered by FF Blast Max foam and a trampoline-inspired outsole that delivers that signature bounce. Light (255 g), breathable and versatile, it eats up training kilometres with a smile. It remains a safe bet today — and it costs less than the new version.
The Novablast 6 at a glance
The Novablast 6 keeps exactly the same base — FF Blast Max, 41.5 mm stack, 8 mm drop — and improves it on a few precise points. First, an FF Turbo Squared trampoline pod at the forefoot, which amplifies the bounce at toe-off: the push is snappier, the stride more dynamic. Second, an outsole with ASICSGRIP at the forefoot, for noticeably more confident traction (especially on wet pavement). The lighter, cleaner woven upper rounds it out. One more gain you notice when trying them on: the heel hold is more wrapped, which makes the 6 slightly more stable than the 5 over long distances, when fatigue sets in.
The key differences
| Novablast 5 | Novablast 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Foam | FF Blast Max | FF Blast Max |
| Forefoot | Trampoline-inspired outsole | FF Turbo Squared trampoline pod (more bounce) |
| Outsole | AHAR LO | ASICSGRIP at the forefoot + AHAR LO |
| Upper | Jacquard mesh | Woven, cleaner |
| Heel and stability | Standard hold | More wrapped heel, slightly more stable over long distances |
| Weight | 255 g | 253 g |
| Stack | 41.5 mm | 41.5 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Price | $149.95 (sale price at the time of writing) | $189.95 |
In other words: cushioning, stack height, drop and weight are practically identical. What you pay extra for with the 6 is the added forefoot bounce, better traction and a more secure heel.
Which one to choose
Choose the Novablast 6 if…
- you want more bounce and snap at toe-off, especially on faster runs;
- you often run on wet pavement or want more confident traction;
- you want a bit more stability on long runs, thanks to the more wrapped heel;
- you're starting fresh and want the most refined version of the line;
- you appreciate a lighter, cleaner upper.
Choose the Novablast 5 if…
- you want the best value: same cushioning, same platform, lower price;
- you're already happy in the 5 and don't miss the extra bounce;
- you want a reliable training shoe to log kilometres without breaking the bank.
Our in-store take: if you already own the Novablast 5 and it works for you, the jump to the 6 isn't essential — it's a targeted evolution, not a revolution. But if you're buying your first Novablast, or you like feeling that push at toe-off, the 6 is worth the difference. The best move is to try them side by side in the store.
You can also browse our daily trainers for men and for women, or our max-cushioned shoes for men and for women.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to choose your Novablast?
Novablast 6 for bounce, traction and heel hold; Novablast 5 for value. Both are excellent training shoes. Explore the Novablast 6 and the Novablast 5, or come try them side by side in the store.
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