ASICS Novablast 6 vs Novablast 5 - Worth the Upgrade?
The ASICS Novablast has been one of the most fun daily trainers since it launched. Itâs the shoe that proved a daily trainer doesnât have to feel boring or utilitarian. Bouncy, light, affordable compared to the competition. The Novablast 5 was a genuine hit, and a lot of runners consider it the best version ASICS has made.
Now the Novablast 6 is here, released July 1, 2026. ASICS is charging $140 to $155 depending on the colorway, which is a weird price range that weâll get into. The question everyoneâs asking is simple: did they fix what needed fixing without ruining what made the 5 great?
Iâve been reading every early review I can find and comparing specs side by side. Hereâs whatâs actually different and whether it matters.
Spec Comparison
| Feature | ASICS Novablast 6 | ASICS Novablast 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $140 to $155 | $140 (often on sale for $100 to $110) |
| Weight | ~8.9 oz (menâs) | 8.9 oz (menâs) |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Stack Height | Similar to Novablast 5 | 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot |
| Midsole | Updated FF Blast Plus | FF Blast Plus |
| Outsole | ASICSGRIP (forefoot) + rubber | AHAR Plus rubber |
| Upper | Redesigned engineered mesh | Engineered mesh |
| Best For | Daily training, easy runs, long runs | Daily training, easy runs, long runs |
| Durability | 400 to 500 miles (estimated) | 400 to 500 miles |
What Actually Changed
ASICS didnât reinvent the Novablast. This is an iterative update, and honestly, thatâs probably the right call. The 5 didnât need a complete overhaul. Hereâs whatâs different.
The Outsole: ASICSGRIP
This is the biggest change and the one that matters most. The Novablast 5 used AHAR Plus rubber on the outsole, which was fine on dry pavement but got sketchy in the wet. If youâve ever taken a corner on damp concrete in the 5, you know exactly what Iâm talking about. It wasnât dangerous, but it wasnât confidence-inspiring either.
The Novablast 6 swaps in ASICSâs ASICSGRIP compound on the forefoot outsole. This is the same rubber ASICS uses on some of their trail shoes and higher-end road models. Early reviews are consistently praising the grip improvement. Multiple testers are saying wet traction is noticeably better, which was the single biggest complaint about the 5.
If you run in a climate where rain, morning dew, or occasional puddles are part of your life, this alone might justify the new version. The 5âs grip in wet conditions was its Achillesâ heel. (Sorry. Had to.)
The Midsole: Updated FF Blast Plus
ASICS is calling it âupdated FF Blast Plus,â which is vague enough to mean almost anything. What early reviewers are reporting is a slightly bouncier feel compared to the 5. Not a dramatic change. Not a completely different foam. Just a bit more energy return, a bit more pop in each step.
This tracks with how ASICS has handled foam updates in other models. They tweak the formulation slightly each generation rather than making dramatic changes. The ride character should feel familiar to anyone who loved the 5. Think of it as the same recipe with a small adjustment, not a new dish entirely.
The stack height and drop appear to be essentially unchanged. Youâre getting the same platform, same geometry, same overall ride profile. Just with a slightly livelier foam underfoot.
The Upper: Redesigned
ASICS updated the upper design, though the details are less specific than the outsole and midsole changes. Early impressions suggest a more comfortable, better-fitting upper with improved breathability. The 5âs upper was already pretty good, so this is more refinement than revolution.
If the 5 fit you well, expect the 6 to fit similarly. ASICS hasnât mentioned any significant last changes or width adjustments.
Ride Comparison
The Novablast 5 was known for a bouncy, fun ride that made daily miles feel less like a chore. The foam had a springy quality that encouraged you to pick up the pace, even on easy days. It wasnât a max-cushion cruiser like the HOKA Clifton 10 vs Nike Pegasus 42 options out there. It was more energetic than that. More playful.
The 6 should feel very similar based on everything weâre seeing. The updated FF Blast Plus foam adds a small bump in energy return, but this isnât a shoe thatâs trying to become a tempo trainer. Itâs still a daily trainer that happens to be fun. The ride character that made people love the 5 is intact.
Where youâll notice the biggest difference isnât the bounce. Itâs the grip. Running confidently through corners, on slightly damp roads, or on painted crosswalks without that slight slip feeling. That changes how a shoe feels in practice more than a small foam tweak does.
If youâre looking at other daily trainer options, our best daily training shoes 2026 roundup covers the full landscape. The Novablast competes with shoes like the Saucony Ride, Nike Pegasus, and New Balance 1080. It holds its own in that group by being the fun one.
Who Should Buy the Novablast 6
New to the Novablast line? Get the 6. Itâs the better shoe outright. The improved grip is a real upgrade, the foam is slightly better, and youâre getting the current version with full warranty and support. At $140 for the base colorways, itâs competitively priced against other daily trainers.
Have the Novablast 5 and itâs getting worn out? Get the 6. Same familiar ride with the grip problem fixed. No reason to look at the 5 unless you find it deeply discounted and want to save money.
Have the Novablast 5 with plenty of miles left? Keep running in it. The 6 is not enough of an upgrade to justify replacing a shoe that still works. Wait until your 5s are cooked, then buy whatever version of the 6 is available (or on sale by then).
Should You Upgrade from the Novablast 5?
No. Not if your 5s still have life in them.
This is the honest answer and itâs the same answer Iâd give for almost any year-over-year update from any brand. The Novablast 6 is a better shoe than the 5, but the improvements are incremental. Better grip. Slightly bouncier foam. Refined upper. None of those things are worth $140 if your current shoes are still working.
The exception: if you hated the 5âs wet traction and it actively bothered you on runs, the 6 fixes that specific problem. That might be worth it to you, especially if you can sell or donate your 5s while they still have some life left.
For everyone else, wait. Buy the 6 when your 5s need replacing. Or buy the 5 on sale right now. The Novablast 5 is showing up for $100 to $110 at various retailers, and at that price, itâs a steal. The grip issue is real but manageable if youâre not running on wet roads constantly. Many runners have used the 5 for thousands of miles without major grip complaints.
We compared the ASICS Novablast 5 vs Saucony Ride 18 in a previous article if you want to see how the 5 stacks up against its closest competitor.
Price and Value
Hereâs where things get slightly annoying. The Novablast 6 launches at $140 to $155, with the price varying by colorway. The base colors are $140, which matches the 5âs launch price. Some of the special or premium colorways are $155, which is new.
The Novablast 5 launched at $140 and is now regularly available for $100 to $110 on sale. Thatâs a significant price difference for a shoe thatâs 95% as good as the 6.
If budget matters, and it does for most of us, the 5 on sale is the better value play right now. Youâre giving up improved grip and a slightly bouncier foam. For $30 to $40 less, thatâs a trade-off many runners should happily make.
If you want the latest and the grip improvement matters to you, the 6 at $140 is still a fair price. Itâs not overpriced for what you get. ASICS has always positioned the Novablast as an affordable bouncy daily trainer, and theyâve kept that positioning. Compare it to something like the GEL Nimbus vs Saucony Triumph where youâre paying $160 to $180, and the Novablast looks like a bargain either way.
What Reddit Thinks
The running community on Reddit has had a strong opinion about the Novablast for years. The 5 was one of the most recommended shoes on r/running and r/runningshoegeeks. From whatâs showing up in early threads about the 6, the reaction is cautiously positive. People are happy about the grip fix but underwhelmed by the overall scope of the update.
If you want to see what the community is recommending right now across all brands, check out our Redditâs favorite running shoes 2026 roundup. The Novablast appears on that list, and the 6 will likely take the 5âs spot once more people get miles on it.
Verdict
The Novablast 6 is a solid, predictable update to a shoe that was already very good. ASICS fixed the biggest complaint (wet grip) without messing up the things people loved (bouncy ride, lightweight feel, reasonable price). Thatâs a successful update, even if itâs not a dramatic one.
Buy the Novablast 6 if: youâre new to the Novablast line, your 5s are worn out, or wet grip was a real issue for you.
Buy the Novablast 5 on sale if: you want the best value, your runs are mostly on dry roads, or you donât mind the occasional slippery corner.
Skip both if: you need a stability shoe, you want something softer for recovery runs, or youâre looking for a tempo shoe. The Novablast is a daily trainer with a bouncy personality. Itâs not trying to be everything.
The Novablast line has earned its place as one of the best daily trainers you can buy. The 6 keeps that going. Itâs not a must-upgrade if you have the 5, but itâs an easy recommendation for anyone shopping for a new daily trainer in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ASICS Novablast 6 true to size?
Yes. The Novablast 6 fits similarly to the 5, which was true to size for most runners. If the 5 fit you well in your usual size, go with the same size for the 6. ASICS hasnât mentioned any significant fit or last changes between versions.
Can I use the Novablast 6 for tempo runs?
You can, but itâs not ideal. The Novablast is built for daily training at easy to moderate effort. Itâs bouncy and fun, which makes it feel faster than it is, but it lacks the firmness and responsiveness of a dedicated tempo shoe. For tempo work, something like the Saucony Endorphin Speed or ASICS Magic Speed would serve you better. The Novablast is at its best on easy runs, long runs, and general daily mileage.
How does the Novablast 6 grip compare to the Novablast 5?
Significantly better, especially in wet conditions. The Novablast 6 uses ASICSâs ASICSGRIP compound on the forefoot outsole, which is a softer, stickier rubber than the AHAR Plus used on the 5. Early reviewers are consistently calling this the biggest improvement in the update. If wet traction was a problem for you with the 5, the 6 addresses it directly.
Is the Novablast 6 worth $155 for the premium colorways?
Probably not. The $140 base colorway is the same shoe with different colors. Unless a specific colorway matters enough to you to pay $15 extra, get the standard version. The performance is identical.
How does the Novablast compare to the Nike Pegasus or HOKA Clifton?
The Novablast is bouncier and more energetic than both. The Pegasus is more versatile and handles a wider range of paces. The Clifton is softer and more cushioned for pure easy running. If you want a daily trainer that feels fun and springy, the Novablast is the pick. If you want one shoe for everything including occasional workouts, the Pegasus is more capable. If comfort on long easy runs is your priority, the Clifton is hard to beat. Check out our HOKA Clifton 10 vs Nike Pegasus 42 comparison for a deeper look at those two.