Unbiased. Data-driven. Expert sport gear recommendations.

Comparison

ASICS Novablast 6 vs Novablast 5

Same family daily trainers. Novablast 6 adds a FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot pod, engineered woven upper and ASICSGRIP forefoot; stack and drop stay 41.5/33.5 mm and 8 mm.

  • Expert comparison
  • Data driven
  • Updated 1 September 2026
  • Running Shoes

Decision guide

When each shoe is the better buy — by training mix and conditions, not overall score alone.

Bottom line

Choose Novablast 6 for the current platform and wet-road grip updates; choose Novablast 5 when discounted previous-generation value matters more than those updates.

ASICS Novablast 6

ASICS

Choose Novablast 6 if…

  • You want the current Novablast platform and updated forefoot grip.
ASICS Novablast 5

ASICS

Choose Novablast 5 if…

  • You find strong previous-generation pricing and still want the soft daily role.

Key Differences

  • Midsole

    Novablast 5: FF BLAST MAXNovablast 6: FF BLAST MAX + FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot pod

    Manufacturer materials document the dual-compound forefoot change on gen 6.

  • Outsole

    Novablast 5: AHAR LONovablast 6: ASICSGRIP forefoot + AHAR LO

    ASICSGRIP is the primary verified traction change.

Score Comparison

Novablast 6Novablast 5
  • Cushioning

    9.3
    9.2
  • Ride & Energy

    9.1
    9.0
  • Fit & Comfort

    9.0
    8.2
  • Stability

    7.8
    7.8
  • Durability

    8.2
    8.0
  • Value for Money

    8.4
    8.2

When each wins

Context winners by session type — use these with the decision guide above, not as a universal ranking.

ASICS Novablast 6

Daily Training

Novablast 6

Current generation with updated forefoot response and traction.

ASICS Novablast 6

Long Runs

Novablast 6

Recovery Runs

ASICS Novablast 6

Tempo Runs

Novablast 6

ASICS Novablast 6

Easy Runs

Novablast 6

Same soft daily role with current outsole compound.

ASICS Novablast 6VS
ASICS Novablast 5

Value

TIE

Kitletics value scores are too close to call on current catalog pricing.

Specs

Specification comparison
SpecNovablast 6Novablast 5Winner
Weight (g)253255
Drop (mm)88TIE
Heel Stack (mm)41.541
Forefoot Stack (mm)33.533
CushioningHighHighTIE
StabilityNeutralNeutralTIE
Energy ReturnHighHighTIE
Cushion FeelSoftSoftTIE
Ride CharacterRockeredRockeredTIE
FlexibilityModerateModerateTIE
PlateNoNoTIE
Plate MaterialNoneNoneTIE
MidsoleFF BLAST MAX + FF TURBO SQUARED trampoline podFF BLAST PLUS ECO
OutsoleASICSGRIP (forefoot) / AHAR LO (heel)AHAR rubber (partial)
UpperEngineered wovenEngineered mesh
TerrainRoad, TreadmillRoad, TreadmillTIE
Training TypesEasy, Long, Recovery, TempoEasy, Long, Recovery
Recommended DistanceDaily, Half, MarathonDaily, Half, MarathonTIE
Weather SuitabilityDry, Wet, All SeasonDry, All Season
Width OptionsStandard, WideStandard
Arch SupportMediumMediumTIE
Fit / SizingMen, WomenMen, WomenTIE
Recommended Pace Range (min/km)TIE
Recommended Runner Weight Range (kg)TIE
SurfaceAsphalt, TreadmillAsphalt, TreadmillTIE
GripRoadRoadTIE
DurabilityModerateModerateTIE
Race LegalYesYesTIE
BreathabilityHighHighTIE

Current Prices

Regional prices · Netherlands

Novablast 6

From € 149

Novablast 5

From € 130

Prices last checked: 12 Sept 2026. Offer updates do not mean the editorial comparison was re-reviewed.

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