The ASICS Novablast has become one of the most popular daily trainers on the market, with the previous version reportedly topping Strava's list of the most-used running shoes. That popularity, however, came alongside criticism from many runners who felt the Novablast 5's midsole lost its bounce too quickly, with concerns around durability and foam longevity becoming increasingly common.
That makes the arrival of the ASICS Novablast 6 a particularly important release. ASICS has introduced some significant updates aimed at improving the ride while retaining the versatility that has made the Novablast such a success.
The Novablast 6 features a 41.5mm heel stack and 33.5mm forefoot stack, maintaining the familiar 8mm drop of its predecessor. Weight has been reduced slightly, coming in at approximately 265g in a UK 9.5. The shoe remains true to size and now features a new engineered woven upper, while the outsole combines ASICSGRIP with AHAR rubber for improved traction and durability. The headline update is found in the midsole, where ASICS has combined its FF Blast Max foam with a forefoot insert of FF Turbo Squared, the same aliphatic TPU-based material used in the premium Metaspeed and Megablast range.
The Novablast line has come a long way since its debut. The original model was wildly unstable but incredibly fun, delivering a soft, energetic ride unlike anything ASICS had produced before. Over the years, the series has matured into a more dependable daily trainer. While that has broadened its appeal, some of the character that made the early Novablasts so memorable has gradually disappeared.
The new woven upper is one of the first things you'll notice. Comfort remains excellent, with a well-padded tongue, effective lockdown and a gusseted construction that keeps everything secure without creating pressure across the top of the foot. The fit feels unmistakably ASICS: comfortable, reliable and easy to get along with.
Underfoot is where the biggest changes have taken place. While FF Blast Max still makes up the majority of the midsole, the FF Turbo Squared insert in the forefoot adds a welcome dose of responsiveness. ASICS refers to it as a trampoline effect, and while that might sound like marketing speak, there is a noticeable improvement when transitioning through toe-off.
The ride hasn't been completely transformed, but it has certainly been enhanced. At easy paces, the Novablast 6 delivers the soft, forgiving feel runners have come to expect. Pick up the pace and the added Turbo Squared element becomes more apparent, providing a little extra propulsion and energy return that was arguably missing from the previous version. The result is a shoe that feels more versatile and more engaging, while still being comfortable enough for everyday mileage.
The outsole has also performed impressively. Whether on wet roads, dry summer runs or canal paths, grip has been dependable throughout testing. Likewise, the new upper has remained comfortable with no hotspots, rubbing or blister issues.
That said, this remains a soft shoe. Runners who require additional stability or who significantly overpronate may find it too compliant underfoot. While ASICS has refined the geometry and widened aspects of the platform, this is still very much a neutral daily trainer.
The biggest question surrounding the Novablast 6 isn't how it performs, but where it sits within ASICS' growing lineup. As a daily trainer, it's excellent. It's comfortable, versatile and easy to recommend. However, it feels increasingly similar to other shoes in the ASICS range, particularly when compared to standout models such as the Superblast and Megablast.
In many ways, the Novablast has evolved into a safe, dependable daily trainer, but in doing so it may have lost some of the rebellious spirit that made the original such a game changer. The market is increasingly embracing lightweight, fun and versatile trainers such as the Evo SL and Deviate Nitro Pure, and there's a strong argument that future Novablast models should move back towards that more energetic, exciting space.
None of that takes away from what ASICS has achieved here. The Novablast 6 is a better shoe than the Novablast 5. The addition of FF Turbo Squared genuinely improves the ride, the upper is excellent, the fit is superb and the outsole performs well. For runners looking for a soft, versatile daily trainer capable of handling everything from recovery runs to moderate uptempo efforts, it's an easy recommendation.
The only lingering concern is long-term durability. The previous model attracted criticism for losing its bounce over time, and only extended testing will reveal whether ASICS has solved that issue with version six.
As it stands, the Novablast 6 is one of the strongest daily trainers ASICS has produced in recent years. The performance is there, the comfort is there, and the versatility is undeniable. The only thing missing is a little of the madness that made the Novablast name famous in the first place.
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