The Asics Novablast 6 has landed with some major changes, turning this popular daily trainer into something a bit different from what came before. After logging plenty of miles in these, I can say they’ve hit a pretty sweet spot between everyday comfort and energetic performance.
I’ve been running in Asics for years, and the Novablast line has always appealed to runners who want a fun, peppy shoe without going full-on race mode.
Design, Cushioning, and Key Technology
The Novablast 6 shakes up its midsole setup with FF TURBO² foam in the forefoot and FF BLAST MAX in the rear. There are also tweaks to the outsole’s grip and a lighter, more breathable mesh upper.
Midsole Construction and Foam Innovations
The biggest change here is the FF TURBO SQUARED foam (or FF TURBO²) in the forefoot trampoline pod. This A-TPU foam, seen in the Megablast and Sonicblast, now makes its way into the Novablast.
The forefoot pod feels noticeably springier and more responsive than before. Pairing that with FF BLAST MAX cushioning in the rest of the midsole, you get a ride that’s both energetic and soft underfoot. It’s a mix that works surprisingly well.
Stack height is 33.5 mm in the forefoot with an 8mm drop, keeping the signature Novablast look and that trampoline-like bounce. The midsole’s design shows off what you feel with every stride.
Outsole Materials and Traction Enhancements
The Novablast 6 uses ASICSGRIP rubber in targeted spots on the outsole. I noticed the outsole grabs better than past versions, especially on wet roads. Rubber is placed where it matters most for a balance of grip and durability.
The forefoot traction works with the FF TURBO SQUARED pod to make toe-off more efficient. This combo really amps up the shoe’s responsiveness when you pick up the pace. The outsole also helps keep the ride smooth and efficient for everyday training.
Upper Materials and Fit Experience
The engineered mesh upper is lighter and more breathable, with a fit that adapts without feeling sloppy. I liked how the material stretched just enough, never going baggy. It wraps the foot well for daily training.
The fit is true to size, and the insole is removable if you want to swap it out. The heel counter adds enough structure to keep your foot secure but doesn’t feel stiff. A gusseted tongue keeps things in place, which is always a plus for comfort.
Ride Feel and How the Novablast 6 Compares
The Novablast 6 feels noticeably more energetic than the last version, thanks to the FF Turbo Squared foam up front. It keeps that bouncy vibe runners love but now balances comfort and speed better than the Novablast 5. Against other versatile trainers, it holds its own.
Comfort and Versatility for Different Runners
The Novablast 6 gives you a cushioned, protective ride that worked for both my easy and long runs. The FF Blast Max midsole softens landings at the heel without turning mushy.
What stood out was how well the shoe handled different training paces. The 41.5mm heel stack and 33.5mm forefoot meant I had plenty of protection on longer efforts. Even with the high stack, the ride felt stable enough for a neutral shoe, though this isn’t a stability model.
The upper held my foot in place, no hot spots even on runs up to 20km. The heel collar did get a bit warm during this heatwave. If you have wide feet, the upper has enough stretch to make it work.
The platform is a touch narrower than the Novablast 5, which, oddly enough, made things better at faster paces. It’s a shoe that works for beginners needing a protective daily trainer or experienced runners wanting one pair for most workouts.
Performance at Varying Paces and Distances
I ran everything from 6:00/km easy days to 4:00/km tempos in these. The FF Turbo Squared puck in the forefoot actually made a difference when I started to push.
At easy paces (5:30-6:00/km), the shoe felt smooth and forgiving. The midsole compressed nicely underfoot, never feeling flat. For steady and progression runs, it transitioned well as I sped up.
It really shone during tempo and threshold sessions. The extra bounce from the Turbo foam insert gave my toe-off more snap than the Novablast 5. I even used it for intervals.
Novablast 5 vs Novablast 6 and the Blast Series
The Novablast 5 and 6 feel pretty different. The old model used FF Blast Max foam throughout, so it was softer and less propulsive. The Novablast 6 adds that Turbo Squared insert, and honestly, it changes the whole feel.
This new one is lighter and more versatile. The Novablast 5 was really more for easy and steady paces.
Within Asics’ Blast lineup, the Novablast 6 lands between the plush Superblast 3 and the more race-ready Megablast. The Sonicblast is lighter with less stack. If you want the most versatility, I’d lean toward the Novablast 6 over the Superblast 3, which is pricier and heavier for daily use.
The Megablast uses higher-end foam and is better for fast training, but it’s a lot more expensive. The Novablast 6 gives you maybe 80% of the Megablast’s performance at a more reasonable price.
Competitor Comparisons and Alternatives
Against Traditional Daily Trainers:
| Shoe | Weight | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novablast 6 | 262g | £140 | Versatile daily with speed capability |
| Nike Pegasus 42 | 285g | £130 | Traditional cushioned daily |
| Saucony Ride 19 | 278g | £140 | Balanced, reliable daily |
The Novablast 6 just feels more modern and honestly, a lot more fun than both the Nike Pegasus 42 and Saucony Ride 19. Those classics are fine for easy miles, but they don’t really have the spark you want for picking up the pace.
Against Performance Trainers:
The Puma Deviate Pure and Saucony Endorphin Azura go toe-to-toe with the Novablast 6. The Puma’s lighter and quicker, but I didn’t love it for truly easy days, just felt a bit harsh. The Endorphin Azura is versatile too, though the ride’s got its own flavour.
The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is way lighter (about 220g) and just flies during uptempo workouts, but let’s be real, it doesn’t have the plush comfort you get from the Novablast 6 when your legs are trashed.
If you want max cushioning, the Nike Vomero Plus is softer and more protective, but honestly, it’s kind of dull if you want to speed up. The Novablast 6 just nails that comfort-responsiveness combo for all sorts of runs.
