ASICS Novablast 5 Review: A Bouncy Daily Trainer for Runners and Everyday Wear

As an occasional runner—not someone chasing personal records every week, but someone who enjoys a few kilometers to stay active—I’m always looking for a shoe that balances comfort, versatility, and style. The ASICS Novablast 5 caught my attention because of its reputation as a “fun” running shoe that can double as an everyday sneaker. After spending time researching and reflecting on how it performs, here’s my full take on its comfort, price, durability, design, colors, and overall appeal.

Comfort: Soft, Bouncy, and Enjoyable

The first thing that stands out about the Novablast 5 is its comfort. Many reviewers describe it as soft and bouncy without feeling overly mushy, which is exactly what I want when I go out for a relaxed run.

From my perspective as a casual runner, this kind of cushioning makes a big difference. I’m not always consistent with my runs, so when I do lace up, I want something forgiving on my feet—and this shoe delivers. The cushioning absorbs impact well and feels protective, especially during longer walks or light jogs.

What I really like is that the shoe doesn’t feel heavy despite the thick cushioning. It stays light and responsive, which helps keep my runs enjoyable instead of tiring.

That said, I’ve noticed feedback that the softness can slightly reduce stability, especially for beginners or those who prefer firmer shoes. But for someone like me—just running occasionally—it actually feels more comfortable than restrictive.

Price: Premium but Worth It

The Novablast 5 typically sells around $140–$150 (around ₱7,500–₱9,000 in the Philippines), placing it in the mid-to-premium range.

At first glance, it might seem a bit expensive for casual use. But when I consider the performance and versatility, it feels like a fair investment. Many reviews even describe it as “great bang-for-buck” in the max-cushion category.

Personally, I think it’s worth it if you plan to use it both for running and everyday wear. Instead of buying separate shoes for workouts and casual outfits, this one can do both.

Durability: Good, but Not Perfect

Durability is where things get a bit mixed. On the positive side, the upper materials are generally considered durable and comfortable, holding up well over time.

However, some feedback points out that:

• The outsole grip isn’t the best, especially on wet surfaces
• The midsole foam may lose its bounce after heavy use

As an occasional runner, I don’t think this will be a major issue. Since I’m not logging hundreds of kilometers every month, the shoe should last me a good amount of time. But for daily heavy runners, durability might be something to consider.

Design: Modern and Versatile

One thing I genuinely like about the Novablast 5 is its design. It doesn’t scream “performance running shoe” too loudly, which makes it easy to wear casually.

The silhouette is sleek, with a slightly chunky sole that gives it a modern, sporty look. The upper is made with breathable engineered mesh, which adds both comfort and style.

From my perspective, this is a big win. I can wear it for a quick run, then head out for errands without feeling like I’m still in workout gear.

Colors: Plenty of Choices

The Novablast 5 comes in multiple colorways—some sources mention over 15 options for men and women.

From bold and vibrant designs to more neutral tones, there’s something for everyone. Personally, I’d go for a neutral color like black, white, or gray for everyday use—it’s easier to match with different outfits.

Appeal: Why It Stands Out

The Novablast 5 has become very popular among runners—and even casual users—for a reason. It offers:

• A fun, bouncy ride
• A lightweight feel
• A versatile design for daily wear

In fact, it’s even been recognized as one of the most popular running shoes among users due to its balance of comfort and performance.

From my experience (and based on what I value), this shoe stands out because it doesn’t try to be overly technical. Instead, it focuses on making running feel enjoyable—which is exactly what I need.

Can I Recommend It for Everyday Use?

Yes, I can confidently recommend the ASICS Novablast 5 for everyday use—especially for someone like me, an occasional runner.

Here’s why:

• It’s comfortable enough for long hours of walking or standing
• It looks good with casual outfits
• It performs well for light to moderate runs
• It offers good value for its versatility
• However, I would recommend it with a few considerations:
• If you need strong stability or run in wet conditions often, it might not be ideal
• If you’re a very serious runner logging high mileage, durability could be a concern

Final Thoughts

As someone who runs occasionally and values comfort above all, the Novablast 5 feels like a perfect match. It turns every run into a more enjoyable experience and transitions easily into everyday wear.

If you’re like me—not chasing elite performance but simply looking for a reliable, stylish, and comfortable shoe—this is definitely worth considering.

Cheerio!