ASICS Novablast 5 vs Saucony Ride 18: Daily Trainer Shootout
If youâre shopping for a daily trainer in 2026, youâve probably narrowed it down to a few names. The ASICS Novablast 5 and Saucony Ride 18 are both on that list. Theyâre neutral daily trainers at similar price points, both from brands with serious running heritage, and both get recommended constantly on running forums and in running stores. The ASICS Gel Nimbus vs Saucony Triumph comparison covers the premium tier from these same two brands.
But they feel very different on the road. The Novablast is bouncy and energetic. The Ride is smooth and stable. Which one works for you depends on what you want from a daily trainer. Let me break down exactly how they compare.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ASICS Novablast 5 | Saucony Ride 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $140 | $140 |
| Weight | 8.9oz (menâs) / 7.8oz (womenâs) | 9.2oz (menâs) / 8.0oz (womenâs) |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Stack Height | 35mm heel / 27mm forefoot | 35mm heel / 27mm forefoot |
| Midsole | FF Blast Plus | PWRRUN+ |
| Outsole | AHAR Plus rubber | XT-900 rubber |
| Upper | Engineered mesh | Engineered mesh |
| Toe Box | Medium | Medium-wide |
| Best For | Easy runs, long runs | Daily training, mixed workouts |
The Midsole: Where They Diverge
The midsole is the heart of any running shoe, and these two use very different foam technologies.
ASICS Novablast 5: FF Blast Plus
The Novablast 5 uses ASICSâs FF Blast Plus foam, which is noticeably bouncy and energetic. When you land, the foam compresses and then pushes back with a springy feel. Itâs not a carbon plate shoe, but the foam itself has a lively character that makes easy runs feel less like a slog.
The stack height is 35mm in the heel, which is substantial but not maximalist. The shoe feels cushioned without feeling unstable for most runners. The bounce is most noticeable at moderate paces (8:00 to 10:00 min/mile). At faster paces, the softness can feel a bit mushy.
Saucony Ride 18: PWRRUN+
The Ride 18 uses Sauconyâs PWRRUN+ foam, which is denser and more stable than the Novablastâs FF Blast Plus. Itâs cushioned, but the ride is smoother rather than bouncy. You get good impact absorption without the springy feel.
The Ride feels more âplantedâ on the road. Itâs less exciting than the Novablast, but some runners prefer the predictable, stable platform. The PWRRUN+ foam also tends to hold its shape better over longer runs, where the Novablastâs bounce can start to feel less responsive.
Which Midsole Is Better?
This is personal preference, not objective quality. If you want a shoe that makes easy runs feel fun and energetic, the Novablast wins. If you want a shoe thatâs reliable, stable, and predictable for every type of run, the Ride is the better choice.
Ride Feel: Bouncy vs Smooth
The on-road experience is distinctly different between these two shoes.
Novablast 5: The first thing you notice is the bounce. The FF Blast Plus foam has a trampoline-like quality that makes each step feel light and energetic. Itâs particularly enjoyable on easy runs where youâre not pushing the pace. The shoe seems to want to go fast, even when youâre taking it easy.
The downside of the bounce is instability on uneven surfaces. The tall stack combined with the soft foam can feel tippy on curbs, uneven sidewalks, or technical trails. Itâs a road shoe through and through.
Ride 18: The Ride feels smooth and composed. The transition from heel to toe is fluid, and the shoe feels stable on every surface. Itâs less exciting than the Novablast, but itâs also less fatiguing on long runs. The PWRRUN+ foam absorbs impact without the bouncy feedback.
The Ride is more versatile than the Novablast. It handles easy runs, tempo runs, and even some workouts without feeling out of place. The Novablast excels at easy running but can feel too soft for faster efforts.
Fit and Upper: Both Good, Different
Both shoes have well-designed uppers that fit true to size for most runners. The differences are subtle:
Novablast 5: The upper is breathable and lightweight. The toe box is medium-width, which works for most foot types. The midfoot lockdown is good but not exceptional. Some runners report the heel collar could be more padded.
Ride 18: The upper is slightly more structured than the Novablastâs. The toe box is a touch wider, which is good for runners with wider feet or those who prefer more room. The midfoot lockdown is excellent, and the heel collar is well-padded.
For runners with wider feet, the Ride 18 is the safer choice. For average-width feet, both fit well. Our HOKA vs Brooks vs ASICS comparison has more on how ASICS fits relative to other brands.
Durability: Both Last Well
Both shoes use quality rubber outsoles that hold up well to road running. The Novablast 5 uses AHAR Plus rubber in high-wear areas, while the Ride 18 uses Sauconyâs XT-900 rubber.
In terms of midsole longevity, the Novablastâs FF Blast Plus foam tends to lose its bounce faster than the Rideâs PWRRUN+. Most runners report the Novablast feeling âdeadâ around 350 to 400 miles, while the Ride maintains its feel closer to 450 to 500 miles.
If you log high mileage and want a shoe that lasts, the Ride 18 is the better investment.
Price and Value
Both shoes retail at $140, which is competitive for a daily trainer. Neither is a budget shoe, but both offer good value for the quality of materials and construction.
The Novablast 5 goes on sale more frequently, and you can often find previous-generation models (Novablast 4) at significant discounts. The Ride 18 holds its price longer but also goes on sale periodically.
For the best value, watch for sales on either shoe. A Novablast 5 at $100 to $110 is an excellent deal. A Ride 18 at $110 to $120 is also good value.
Who Should Buy the ASICS Novablast 5?
The Novablast is the right choice if:
- You want a fun, bouncy ride. The FF Blast Plus foam makes easy runs enjoyable.
- Easy runs are your primary use case. The Novablast excels at recovery runs, long easy runs, and daily jogging.
- You like a lighter shoe. The Novablast is slightly lighter than the Ride.
- You donât need versatility. If you have other shoes for workouts and races, the Novablast is a great easy-day companion.
Who Should Buy the Saucony Ride 18?
The Ride is the better choice if:
- You want one shoe for everything. The Ride handles easy runs, tempo runs, and workouts well.
- Stability matters to you. The Rideâs platform is more stable than the Novablastâs.
- You log high mileage. The Rideâs foam lasts longer before breaking down.
- You have wider feet. The Rideâs toe box is slightly roomier.
- You prefer a predictable, smooth ride. The Ride doesnât surprise you; it just works.
The Verdict
Both are excellent daily trainers that justify their $140 price tag. The Novablast 5 is more fun to run in, but the Ride 18 is more versatile and durable. For a runner who wants one shoe that does everything well, the Ride 18 is the safer bet. For a runner who wants an easy-day shoe that makes every run feel like a treat, the Novablast 5 is the pick.
If you can only buy one, go with the Ride 18. If youâre building a rotation, the Novablast 5 is a fantastic addition for easy days. Our best On running shoes 2026 guide has more cushioned options if neither of these quite fits.
For more shoe comparisons, see our Redditâs Favorite Running Shoes 2026 roundup and our HOKA Clifton 10 vs Nike Pegasus 42 comparison.
Related reading: ASICS vs Nike Running Shoes | HOKA vs Brooks vs ASICS
FAQ
Is the ASICS Novablast 5 good for beginners?
Yes. The Novablast 5 is forgiving, comfortable, and fun to run in. Itâs a great first daily trainer for new runners. The only caveat is that the bouncy foam can feel unstable for runners who are still developing their stride and balance. If youâre brand new to running and want something more stable, the Saucony Ride 18 might be a better starting point.
Can I race in the Novablast 5 or Ride 18?
You can, but neither is a racing shoe. Both are daily trainers with cushioned, durable midsoles. For racing, youâd want something lighter and more responsive, like the Saucony Endorphin Speed or a carbon plate racer. Our best carbon plate racing shoes 2026 guide covers the top options. That said, for a first 5K or 10K where youâre not chasing a PR, both shoes are perfectly adequate.
Which shoe is better for heavier runners?
The Saucony Ride 18 is the better choice for heavier runners. Its denser PWRRUN+ foam provides more support and stability under higher loads. The Novablast 5âs softer foam can bottom out for runners over 185 lbs (84 kg), especially on longer runs.
Do I need to break in either shoe?
Neither shoe requires a significant break-in period. Both feel comfortable from the first run. The Novablastâs foam might feel slightly stiffer for the first 10 to 15 miles before it opens up. The Ride 18 feels consistent from day one. You can run your normal distance in either shoe right out of the box.
How do these compare to the Nike Pegasus 42?
The Nike Pegasus 42 is another popular daily trainer at a similar price point ($140). Itâs heavier than both the Novablast and Ride, with a firmer, more stable ride. The Pegasus is the âsafe choiceâ that works for everyone but doesnât excite anyone. The Novablast is bouncier, the Ride is smoother, and the Pegasus is more stable. For a detailed comparison, see our HOKA Clifton vs Nike Pegasus article. Also check out Redditâs favorite running shoes for the communityâs current picks.