Acclaimed for its unrivalled comfort and exceptional energy return, the new NOVABLAST™ 5 makes a grand entrance at the start of this year. Is its reputation justified? We asked Fanny FernandezPrivate Sport Shop athlete, to test it from top to bottom.
With a personal best of 3h04 marathon and 40 minutes over 10 km, Fanny shares her feedback on one of Asics' favorite running shoes.
Strong of 9 marathons to her credit, including the prestigious Boston Marathon, she runs an average of 2500 km per year and has already accumulated over 200 km with the NOVABLAST™ 5. Find it on Instagram and Strava.
USE
I mainly use Novablast 5s for fundamental endurance training, as well as for long runs of up to around 1h30. I also sometimes test them on long split sessions such as 5 x 1000 m.
This is a really versatile shoe, ideal when I can only take one model with me. They're a great option if you want to have just one pair you can use every day (and it saves you breaking the bank on shoes 😉 ). They can also be operational on small, non-technical trails. For runners aiming for 3H30 on a marathon, they may well suit, as you gain in comfort compared to carbon plate shoes. For beginners, they offer plenty of cushioning, comfort and stability for everyday training.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
As soon as I put on the NOVABLAST 5s, the first thing that struck me was the comfort inside the shoe. The cushioning, though abundant, doesn't crush the foot, offering excellent support and lasting comfort for the heel and ankles. The shoe is also lightweight and offers a precise fit. What's more, the mesh feels much more robust than on previous versions. I also really like the design (and the purple color 😍).
Concerning the size, I don't change my habits, the Novablast fits normally.
"The NOVABLAST™ has quickly become one of my favorite ASICS shoes. From recovery runs to sprints, the shoe really is perfect for everything. The NOVABLAST™ 5 offers everything I expected from it: comfort, rebound and incredible design. I love it already!" - Bashir Abdi: Olympic silver medalist, European record holder and Rotterdam marathon winner."
midsole
I find the midsole very responsive and generates a dynamic rebound thanks to FF Blast MAX foam. The cushioning therefore offers great flexibility and excellent energy return. The midsole also enables the foot to roll forward smoothly, accentuating the momentum when pushing off, keeping the pace steady and minimizing muscle fatigue. It's ideal for fast-paced or split sessions. You really feel the "trampoline effect".
racing sensations
During runs, my foot is well supported, with no stability problems. With this type of shoe, I'm not particularly looking for grip, but rather comfortable cushioning and a dynamic, propulsive rebound with every stride. The Novablast 5 meets these expectations perfectly.
MY OPINION General
The NOVABLAST 5 have been my favorite running shoes for many years. I always recommend them to those who are looking for a great running shoe. versatile pairThey are ideal for both endurance/recovery rides and high-intensity sessions. They offer an excellent balance between comfort, responsiveness and durability. If I had to choose just one pair to go on vacation and run every day, it would definitely be these.
HIGHLIGHTS : cushioning, responsiveness, dynamism, design and versatility
- SURFACE : route
- DROP : 8 mm
- WEIGHT : 255 g
- SUPPORT : neutral
- AMORTI : maximum
- SELLING PRICE : 150€
- AVAILABILITY : Private Sport Shop
ROTATION
Shoe rotation consists of alternating between two or three models during your training week. As each pair has its own characteristics (cushioning, dynamism, comfort, carbon plate, etc.), rotation allows you to optimize your performance while reducing the risk of injury. We recommend it for runners focused on performance. Here's our advice:
