Both are solid choices for daily training and picking up the pace. I’ve put plenty of miles into each, so I get why runners keep debating which one to grab.
Let’s dig into how these two stack up on the road. I’ll highlight the main differences in comfort, weight, and how fast they feel, so you can figure out which one suits your running style best.
Direct Comparison: Asics Novablast 5 vs adidas Evo SL
Both shoes are great for uptempo training, but they take different routes to get you there. The Novablast 5 leans into plush comfort with a lot of cushioning, while the Evo SL is all about being light and responsive underfoot.
Performance, Ride and Versatility
The Novablast 5’s new FF Blast Max midsole makes for a soft, bouncy ride. It’s great for everything from easy jogs to moderate workouts. The thick cushioning really soaks up impact, which is a relief on longer days when your legs are tired.
The Evo SL is more energetic. It’s lighter and has a firmer feel, so you get better ground contact and a quicker response during tempo runs or intervals. You feel more connected to the road, especially compared to the Novablast’s plushness.
The Novablast 5 is a solid all-rounder if you want one shoe to cover most of your runs. The Evo SL is better for folks who want something lighter that can double up for workouts or even race day.
Comfort and Fit Details
The Novablast 5 fits true to size and gives your toes some room to move. The upper’s engineered knit is breathable and molds to your foot. I didn’t get any heel irritation, even on long runs.
The Evo SL hugs your foot more, especially through the midfoot. The gusseted tongue keeps things in place, but it might feel a bit tight if you prefer a looser fit. The upper is thinner and feels a bit more stripped back than the Novablast 5.
Arch support is decent in both, and the Novablast 5 is more forgiving for wider feet. The Evo SL is better suited if your feet are on the narrow or medium side.
Weight, Stack Height and Cushioning
The Evo SL comes in around 240g for a men’s UK 9, which is noticeably lighter than the Novablast 5’s 270g. That 30g difference stands out when you start pushing the pace.
The Novablast 5 has a higher stack and more cushioning throughout. The FF Blast Max foam is softer than the previous version, so landings feel even plusher. The 8mm drop works for most runners.
The Evo SL has less stack but still manages decent protection. Its balance of cushioning and weight is impressive. The 6.5mm drop encourages a slightly more efficient stride, at least for me.
Durability and Value
The Novablast 5 usually goes for about £140 at most retailers. The outsole rubber holds up well in high-wear spots, and I’ve seen the foam last for 400-500km without much trouble. The upper takes a beating but doesn’t show much wear.
The Evo SL is cheaper, usually around £120. The lighter build means the outsole wears down faster, especially on the outer heel. I’d say you’ll get 350-450km before needing a new pair.
Value-wise, both are strong daily trainers. Novablast 5 costs a bit more but might outlast the Evo SL. If you like rotating shoes, the Evo SL is a good, affordable pick.
Essential Features and Run Experience
Both shoes bring solid features, but they don’t feel the same on the run. Grip, upper materials, tongue design, and the types of runs they’re best for all set them apart.
Traction and Grip on the Road
The Novablast 5 isn’t the best on slick roads. The outsole pattern just doesn’t dig in as much as I’d hoped, especially on rainy days. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s noticeable.
The Adidas Evo SL has better grip, thanks to more rubber and a stickier pattern. On wet roads, it’s definitely the safer choice. On dry pavement, both are fine, but when things get slick, the Evo SL pulls ahead.
If you’re often running in the rain, I’d lean toward the Evo SL.
Breathability and Upper Construction
The Novablast 5’s engineered mesh lets your feet breathe, even on hot days. I haven’t had any issues with hotspots or discomfort, even on longer runs.
The Evo SL uses a similar lightweight mesh. Both are breathable, but the Novablast feels a bit softer and more padded. The Adidas upper is more minimal, which keeps the shoe lighter but less plush.
Your feet won’t overheat in either shoe. The Novablast is comfier, while the Evo SL is sleeker and lighter.
Gusseted Tongue and Stability
Both have a gusseted tongue, which keeps it from sliding around. That’s a small thing, but it really matters on longer runs where little annoyances add up.
The Novablast 5 is surprisingly stable for such a soft shoe, mostly thanks to its wide base. It’s not as stable as some traditional trainers, but it doesn’t feel wobbly.
The Evo SL, sitting lower to the ground with a firmer midsole, feels more planted and controlled, especially when you’re picking up speed.
Recommended Runs: Long Runs and Recovery Sessions
The Novablast 5 really shines on long runs where comfort is a big deal. That plush cushioning gives your legs a break over those extra miles, and the bounce adds a bit of fun even when you’re getting tired.
For recovery runs, both shoes work but cater to different tastes. The Novablast’s softer landing is great if you want that pillowy feel on easy days. On the other hand, the Evo SL is better if you’re after something a bit firmer and snappier, even when you’re just jogging it out.
If I’m honest, I’d grab the Asics for pure comfort on long, slow days. The Adidas can handle those miles too, but it feels more at home when you want to throw in a quicker stretch now and then.
