Expert Research Review
ASICS Novablast 6 Review
A bouncier, more energetic daily trainer that feels fast without trying too hard.
Editorial desk · 1 February 2026
Review type
How we assessed this product
How we assessed this product: published specs, catalog comparisons, and editorial research — not hands-on testing unless the page says otherwise.
Review summary
High-cushion neutral daily trainer with FF BLAST MAX and a FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot trampoline pod. Here's a practical take on the ASICS Novablast 6 — what it's for, who it suits, and when to pick something else. I'd shortlist it if you want soft energetic daily ride, improved wet grip vs prior Novablast or light for the stack. Skip it if you need a stability shoe for most of your training.
High-cushion neutral daily trainer with FF BLAST MAX and a FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot trampoline pod. I'd shortlist it when you want a soft, energetic daily ride. Skip it if you need a stability shoe for most of your training.
The bottom line
High-cushion neutral daily trainer with FF BLAST MAX and a FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot trampoline pod. I'd shortlist it when you want a soft, energetic daily ride. Skip it if you need a stability shoe for most of your training.
Fit / sizing. Sold in Men + Women sizing. This review is research-based, not a first-hand wear test of a specific Men’s or Women’s last — confirm fit on the product page. Catalog weights are usually a Men’s US 9 reference unless a Women’s weight is verified; we do not invent Women’s figures.
Who this review is for
Who it's not for
- Runners who need added stability or guidance.
- Those looking for a lightweight race-day shoe.
- Those looking for firm, highly responsive ride.
- People who need a stability shoe for most of your training.
Pros
- Soft energetic daily ride with rocker geometry
- Light for the stack (~253 g men’s reference)
- Improved wet-road grip story versus Novablast 5
- Wide width option in catalog
- Strong daily / long-run recommendation fit
Cons
- Skip it if you need a stability shoe for most of your training.
- Less ideal as a pure race-day racer
- Tall stack may not suit ground-feel seekers
- No Kitletics personal wear-test yet
How it scores
How we scoreScores are out of 10 for this product’s job — not a claim it wins every category. Each note below is about this product, not a generic glossary.
Cushioning
High stack FF BLAST MAX.
Ride & Energy
Fit & Comfort
Stability
Neutral — not a guidance shoe.
Durability
Value for Money
What these scores mean
Cushioning
9.3/10
Excellent
Softness and protection underfoot for the miles this shoe is built for.
Excellent here because light for the stack (~253 g men’s reference) is the main job. Trade-off: tall stack may not suit ground-feel seekers — keep workouts in a snappier shoe.
Ride & Energy
9.1/10
Very strong
How it feels once you are moving — smooth, soft, lively, or firm.
Ride stays in its lane: soft energetic daily ride with rocker geometry. Match it to easy miles; do not expect race-day pop.
Fit & Comfort
9.0/10
Very strong
Everyday fit comfort in the sessions this shoe is meant for.
Fit works well when improved wet-road grip story versus Novablast 5 matches your foot. Start with your usual size and check width on an easy jog.
Stability
7.8/10
Good
How planted it feels — neutral daily versus guidance/support.
Neutral platform — fine if you already run happily without guidance. If you need medial support, pick a GTS/Kayano/Structure peer instead of forcing ASICS Novablast 6 to do that job.
Durability
8.2/10
Good
How the foam, upper and outsole are likely to hold up with real use.
Soft dailies usually fade in the foam before the upper looks worn — rotate when you can. Watch: no Kitletics personal wear-test yet.
Value for Money
8.4/10
Good
Whether the strengths are worth the price for how often you will use them.
Good value if the shoe's main job matches your week. Check live street price; skip it if a cheaper peer covers the same sessions.
How we wrote this review
We put this guide together from published specs and similar products in the same job. We have not personally tested this product unless the page says we did. Scores are meant to help you decide — affiliate links do not change the verdict.
Fit / sizing. Sold in Men + Women sizing. This review is research-based, not a first-hand wear test of a specific Men’s or Women’s last — confirm fit on the product page. Catalog weights are usually a Men’s US 9 reference unless a Women’s weight is verified; we do not invent Women’s figures.
We start with the numbers that shape the buy — weight, stack, drop, surface intent, stability class and materials — then place the product against alternatives that solve a similar job. Feel claims only show up when the sources support them.
Sources used for this review
- Manufacturer specifications
- Editor comparison
Ride & Feel
Independent coverage and manufacturer materials describe a soft, rockered ride aimed at easy and long road miles. FF BLAST MAX remains the primary midsole story; the FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot pod is positioned to add trampoline-like response without a full carbon race plate. Expect energetic daily miles rather than supershoe snap — runners who prefer firm ground feel may find the stack tall.
Upper & Fit
The engineered woven upper is documented as a breathability and lockdown update versus prior generations. Width options include standard and wide in the catalog — a practical edge versus some soft max-cushion competitors. True-to-size feedback is the category norm for this line; always confirm fit in person when possible.
Outsole
ASICSGRIP in the forefoot with AHAR LO in the heel is the primary verified traction change from Novablast 5. That targets wet-road confidence for daily asphalt and treadmill use — not aggressive trail lugs. Technical mud and rocky paths sit outside the design brief.
Durability
Kitletics has not logged personal wear mileage on this model. Category norms for high-cushion daily trainers suggest monitoring foam compression and outsole wear after high weekly volume. Treat durability scores here as research-informed estimates, not measured wear results.
Value
At typical European street pricing for a premium daily trainer, value is strongest for runners who will use the soft energetic ride across easy and long days. Previous-generation Novablast 5 or a firmer daily like Ghost 18 may undercut it when discounted — choose 6 when you want the current platform and grip updates.
How it compares
ASICSNovablast 6- Score
- 9.0
- Cushioning
- 9.3
- Ride
- 9.1
- Stability
- 7.8
- Weight
- 253 g
- Best for
- Soft energetic daily ride
ASICSNovablast 5- Score
- 8.8
- Cushioning
- 9.2
- Ride
- 9.0
- Stability
- 7.8
- Weight
- 255 g
- Best for
- Soft energetic ride
SauconyEndorphin Speed 5- Score
- 9.1
- Cushioning
- 8.4
- Ride
- 9.2
- Stability
- neutral
- Weight
- 227 g
- Best for
- Versatile plated workout shoe
HOKAClifton 10- Score
- 8.8
- Cushioning
- 9.2
- Ride
- 8.8
- Stability
- 8.0
- Weight
- 250 g
- Best for
- Light for the stack
Keep reading
Specs and buy links live on the product page. Use the paths below when you want alternatives, head-to-heads, shortlists, or how-to choose frameworks.
- ProductASICS Novablast 6 specs & offers
- AlternativesWhat to buy instead of Novablast 6
- ComparisonNovablast 6 vs Novablast 5
- ComparisonNovablast 6 vs Ghost 18
- ComparisonNovablast 6 vs Clifton 10
- ComparisonNovablast 6 vs GEL-Nimbus 27
- Best guideBest Running Shoes 2026
- Best guideBest Daily Trainers
- Buying guideHow to Choose Running Shoes
- Buying guideRunning Shoe Drop Explained
Verdict
Excellent
Kitletics Score
- Cushioning9.3
- Ride & Energy9.1
- Fit & Comfort9.0
- Stability7.8
Should you buy the Novablast 6?
High-cushion neutral daily trainer with FF BLAST MAX and a FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot trampoline pod. I'd shortlist it when you want a soft, energetic daily ride. Skip it if you need a stability shoe for most of your training.
Buy if
- You're looking for a soft, energetic daily trainer.
- You want enough cushioning for long runs without a heavy ride.
- You prefer a neutral shoe with a lively rocker.
Skip if
- You need added stability or guidance.
- You're primarily looking for the lightest race-day option.
- You prefer a firm, highly responsive ride.
About this review
- Type
- Expert Research Review
- Reviewer
- Kitletics Editorial
- Published
- 1 February 2026
- Updated
- 1 September 2026
- Verified
- 12 September 2026
No brand-supplied product or sponsored testing applied to this review. Affiliate availability does not affect scores or verdict.
Where to buy
Showing offers for Netherlands. Prices may change at the retailer.
Runner's World Shop
in stockSpecialistNLLast checked 12 September 2026€ 149Check priceAll4running
in stockSpecialistNLFrom €4.95Last checked 12 September 2026€ 154Check priceAmazon.nl
in stockMarketplaceNLLast checked 12 September 2026€ 159View on AmazonASICS Official
in stockBrand DirectNLLast checked 12 September 2026€ 160Check price
Kitletics may earn a commission when you buy through some retailer links. This does not affect our recommendations. Affiliate disclosure
Independent & Transparent
We don't sell gear. Guidance is independent, labelled honestly, and evidence-led.
Always Up to Date
Products, prices and new releases are continually reviewed.
Real Prices
Regional retailer offers with last-checked timestamps — not invented MSRP.
Find What Fits You
Smart tools match gear to your sport, goals and budget.