8.4Staff pick
Saucony
A full-length nylon plate in PWRRUN PB foam: race-shoe pop without the race-shoe fragility.
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Daily Trainers · ASICS
Novablast 5
Bouncy, cheerful and happy to pick up the pace when you are.
8.5 Elite
Runsletter Score out of 10. Among the best we've tested. Buy with confidence.
Buy it if
- Bouncy, fun ride at all paces
- Plenty of cushion for long runs
- Versatile enough to be your only shoe
- Fair price for what it does
Skip it if
- Not a stability shoe for overpronators
- Soft foam can feel unstable on tight corners
$145
List price; often discounted in seasonal sales
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Staff pick
- Weight
- 255 g
- Stack
- 41 mm
- Drop
- 8 mm
The verdict
The Novablast 5 is a big, bouncy trainer built around FF Blast Max foam. It is soft enough for easy miles but has enough spring to pick up the pace, and the gentle rocker keeps everything rolling smoothly.
It suits almost everyone: newer runners who want comfort, experienced runners who want one shoe for daily runs, long runs and the odd tempo. It works for heel and midfoot strikers, and the stack gives plenty of protection over longer distances.
It is livelier than the Ghost 17 or Pegasus 41, and cheaper than the Endorphin Speed 5, which is the better pick for proper workouts. Fit is comfortable with a reasonably roomy toe box, true to size for most.
“If you only buy one shoe this year, start here.”
Specs
| Weight | 255 g |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 41 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Cushion | 4 / 5 |
| Plate | None |
| Support | Neutral |
| Surface | road |
| Best for | daily, tempo, long |
| Midsole | FF Blast Max foam |
| Upper | Engineered jacquard mesh with a padded tongue and heel |
| Outsole | Rubber in the high-wear zones |
| Fit | Comfortable, slightly roomy toe box; true to size |
| Widths | Standard and wide |
We may earn a commission if you buy through our links. Scores are sample editorial data.
How it stacks up
Compare side by side →| Product | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ASICS Novablast 5 · this one | 8.5 Elite | $145 |
| Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 | 8.4 Strong | $175 |
| Adidas Adizero Evo SL | 8.3 Strong | $150 |
| New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 | 8.0 Strong | $140 |
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