Choosing a running shoe often feels like a gamble, but the ASICS Novablast 5 has quickly become a favourite for women who want a daily trainer that bounces back. Released in December 2024, the women’s version weighs just 7.9 ounces and packs FF BLAST MAX cushioning designed for softer landings and a livelier toe-off.

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Price (Ireland): €150 ·
Cushioning Technology: FF BLAST MAX ·
Shoe Drop: 8mm ·
Stack Height: 30-38mm ·
Available Colors (Women’s): Black, Pink, Green, Blue, Gravel/Blue

Quick snapshot

1Popularity
  • Bouncy FF BLAST MAX cushioning and lightweight construction make it a popular daily trainer (ASICS product page)
2Best Uses
3Controversy
4Comparisons

Six key specs, and one standout: the FF BLAST MAX midsole. Here’s the full data sheet for the women’s Novablast 5.

Specification Value
Price (Ireland) €150
Cushioning FF BLAST MAX
Drop 8mm
Stack Height 30mm heel / 22mm forefoot
Weight (women’s US 8) ~7.5 oz (approx)
Colors Available Black, Pink, Green, Blue, Gravel/Blue
Upper Material Engineered jacquard mesh
Support Type Neutral
Tongue Construction Wing design to prevent sliding
Release Date December 2024

Why is the Novablast 5 so popular?

  • FF BLAST MAX cushioning creates softer landings and more energized toe-off
  • Lightweight construction appeals to a wide range of runners
  • High energy return compared to previous Novablast models

What makes the Novablast 5 different from its predecessors?

  • New FF BLAST MAX foam replaces earlier formulations
  • Tongue wing construction improves fit and reduces tongue movement
  • Engineered jacquard mesh upper for more stretch and ventilation

Who is the Novablast 5 best for (beginner vs advanced)?

  • Neutral runners looking for a cushioned daily trainer
  • Not ideal for speed work or racing due to lack of plate and moderate weight
  • Suitable for both beginners and experienced runners as a versatile neutral option
Bottom line: ASICS gave the Novablast 5 the biggest midsole update in the line’s history. Runners who want a light, bouncy shoe for daily miles—but not for race-day speed—will find a lot to like.

The pattern: each upgrade reinforces the Novablast 5’s position as a versatile neutral daily trainer.

What is the Asics Novablast 5 best for?

  • Ideal for daily training and long runs due to high cushioning
  • Not designed for speed work or racing (no plate, heavier than racing shoes)
  • Also works well for recovery runs and easy jogging

Can the Novablast 5 be used for racing?

  • Not ideal – weight and lack of carbon plate put it behind dedicated racers
  • Fine for a marathon if your goal is comfort over speed

Is the Novablast 5 suitable for walking?

  • Yes – plush cushioning and 8mm drop make it comfortable for walking
  • Podiatrists include it in walking-friendly lists

The implication: If you’re buying one shoe for everything but race day, the Novablast 5 is a solid choice. For walkers and recovery runners, it’s even better.

Why was Novablast 5 banned?

  • Novablast 5 was not actually banned; confusion arises from World Athletics thickness limits
  • Some stack heights exceed 40mm limit, but Novablast 5 is within limits (38mm)
  • Banned rumors likely stem from misinterpretation of rules applicable to prototype or modified shoes

What shoe is banned in marathons?

  • World Athletics bans shoes with stack heights over 40mm (effective 2024)
  • Novablast 5’s 38mm heel keeps it legal

Which organizations banned the Novablast 5?

  • No major athletics governing body has banned the Novablast 5
  • The rumor may have started from a social media misinterpretation of World Athletics rule updates
The catch

Runners who heard the ban story can stop worrying: the Novablast 5’s 38mm stack height keeps it under the 40mm ceiling, and no official ban has been issued. The rumor is pure noise.

What this means: the ban debate is a dead end, and runners can train with confidence.

Which is better Hoka Clifton or Asics Novablast?

Three models, one clear trade-off: do you want bounce or a smooth, plush ride?

Feature ASICS Novablast 5 (Women’s) Hoka Clifton 10 (Women’s) Hoka Bondi 9 (Women’s)
Weight (women’s US 8) 7.9 oz (ASICS product page) 9.80 oz (HOKA Clifton page) ~11.3 oz (est., based on Run4It comparison)
Heel Drop 8mm 5mm 4mm
Stack Height (heel) 38mm ~37mm (approx) ~39mm (approx)
Cushioning Feel Bouncy, energetic Plush but stable Maximum softness
Best For Daily training, long runs, recovery Everyday runs, walking Long runs, max cushioning
Price (Ireland) €150 ~€160 ~€180
Support Type Neutral Neutral Neutral
Primary Purpose Versatile daily trainer Lightweight daily trainer Maximum cushion trainer

Four rows, one pattern: the Novablast 5 delivers more bounce per gram than either Hoka, while the Clifton 10 offers a smoother, more traditional ride and the Bondi 9 goes all-in on softness.

HOKA Clifton 10 vs ASICS Novablast 5

  • Novablast 5 is 1.9 oz lighter and has a more energetic ride
  • Clifton 10 feels more stable and is better for walking
  • Podiatrists may prefer ASICS for its firmer heel counter and shock absorption

Which is better Hoka Bondi 9 or Asics Novablast 5?

  • Bondi 9 has more cushioning but is heavier by about 3.4 oz
  • Novablast 5 is lighter and more responsive
  • Choose Bondi if you need maximum shock absorption for injury recovery

What is better, Hoka or ASICS overall?

  • Podiatrists often recommend ASICS for stability and durability
  • Hoka excels in maximum cushioning for sensitive joints
  • No single winner – depends on your foot type and running style
Bottom line: The trade-off: The Novablast 5 gives you a springy, light trainer that works for most daily runs. Hoka loyalists will stick with the Clifton for its consistent feel or the Bondi for pure comfort.

What do podiatrists think of ASICS?

  • Many podiatrists endorse ASICS for supportive structure and shock absorption
  • Novablast 5 is not a stability shoe but can suit neutral runners with a firm heel counter
  • No specific podiatrist endorsement for Novablast 5 for plantar fasciitis found

Are ASICS shoes good for flat feet?

  • ASICS offers stability models (e.g., Kayano, GT-2000) that provide arch support
  • Novablast 5 is neutral, so flatter feet may need additional orthotics

Do podiatrists recommend Novablast 5 for plantar fasciitis?

  • Not specifically – but its cushioning can help reduce impact
  • The firm heel counter and moderate drop may offer some relief for neutral runners
What to watch

Podiatrists generally like ASICS for its build quality, but the Novablast 5 lacks the medial post of a true stability shoe. If you have flat feet or plantar fasciitis, try it with an orthotic.

The implication: the Novablast 5 is best for neutral runners; those with specific needs should consider stability models.

Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear

Confirmed facts

What’s unclear

  • Exact reason for ‘banned’ rumors – no official source found
  • Whether podiatrists specifically recommend Novablast 5 for plantar fasciitis
  • How the shoe compares to Hoka on long-term durability (no independent tests yet)

The pattern: most specs are confirmed; the ban rumor remains the only unresolved point.

What experts say

“The NOVABLAST 5 is lightweight and with more energy return than the previous version.”
– ASICS product description

“The Clifton is a cushioned, lightweight daily trainer; the Bondi is a max-cushioned, long-distance neutral trainer.”
– Running Shoes Guru comparison (Running Shoes Guru)

“The ASICS NovaBlast 5 is a versatile neutral platform suitable for runners with a natural gait and no significant foot pathology.”
– Bayshore Podiatry Center (Bayshore Podiatry Center)

But here’s the reality check: even with positive endorsements, no podiatrist has formally recommended the Novablast 5 specifically for plantar fasciitis or overpronation.

Upsides and downsides

Upsides

  • Lightweight – only 7.9 oz in women’s
  • High energy return from FF BLAST MAX
  • Versatile – daily training, long runs, recovery
  • Price is competitive at €150

Downsides

  • Not suitable for speed work or racing
  • Neutral support – not for overpronators
  • Ban controversy may confuse buyers (unsubstantiated)

The catch: the Novablast 5 excels in daily training but falls short for racers and overpronators.

Additional sources

run4it.com, bayshorepodiatry.com, asics.com, hoka.com, youtube.com, asics.com, neufoot.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Novablast 5 fit compared to other ASICS models?

It fits true to size with a medium-width toe box. The tongue wing construction reduces slipping.

Is the Novablast 5 suitable for marathon racing?

It can be used for a marathon if comfort is your priority, but it lacks a carbon plate for speed.

What is the durability of the Novablast 5 outsole?

ASICS uses a high-abrasion rubber; early reviews suggest 400-500 miles of life.

Can I use the Novablast 5 for gym workouts?

Yes, but it’s optimized for running; the soft foam may feel unstable for heavy lifting.

Does the Novablast 5 come in wide widths?

As of early 2025, ASICS does not list a wide version for women in the Novablast 5 line.

How does the Novablast 5 compare to the Novablast 4?

The 5 adds FF BLAST MAX foam, a tongue wing, and a jacquard mesh upper, making it lighter and more responsive.

Where can I buy the Novablast 5 women’s on sale?

Check retailers like Elverys Ireland, Road Runner Sports, and ASICS.com for periodic discounts – price is currently €150.

The pattern: the FAQ covers fit, racing suitability, durability, and purchase options.

Related reading

The implication: these articles provide deeper comparisons for neutral runners.

Bottom line

For women in Ireland who want one daily trainer that balances bounce, weight, and price, the ASICS Novablast 5 is a compelling choice. It’s lighter than the Hoka Clifton, bouncier than the Bondi, and at €150 it undercuts both. The ban rumor is a dead end. The real question: do you want a lively, light ride (pick Novablast) or a plush, stable one (pick Hoka)? For the Irish runner who values versatility and a springy step, the Novablast 5 is the clear winner.