7 Best Novablast Running Shoes of 2026

The NOVABLAST 3 bursts onto the scene with a cloud-like ride and explosive responsiveness, making it a standout for runners craving both comfort and energy return. Built around ASICS’ FF BLAST PLUS cushioning, this shoe delivers a soft yet springy feel underfoot, turning easy jogs into lively sprints. The jacquard mesh upper wraps the foot like a second skin, offering breathable support without sacrificing flexibility—ideal for women seeking a lightweight, breathable runner that doesn’t skimp on protection.

In real-world testing, the 6mm heel drop and trampoline-inspired outsole work in harmony to promote a smooth, propulsive stride, especially during tempo runs or long-distance training. The gusseted tongue wing fit system keeps the midfoot locked down, eliminating slippage even on winding routes or wet pavement. While the cushioning excels on pavement, it’s less stable on uneven terrain—not built for trail work, and the lack of reflective elements limits visibility during early morning or late-night runs.

Compared to the newer NOVABLAST 5, the 3 feels slightly less energetic, trading some bounce for a more grounded, plush sensation. It’s best suited for neutral runners who prioritize daily comfort over maxed-out performance. While it doesn’t have the upgraded FF BLAST MAX foam or reflectivity of later models, it still offers a smoother, more responsive experience than many in its class—especially for those who like a softer, more forgiving ride.

The NOVABLAST 5 redefines what it means to be an all-around performer, combining explosive energy return with daily-ready comfort in a way few running shoes achieve. At its core is FF BLAST MAX cushioning, a high-rebound foam that feels spring-loaded with every stride, giving runners a bouncy, forward-driving sensation without sacrificing softness. The engineered jacquard mesh upper delivers targeted breathability and stretch, while tongue wing construction ensures a snug, adaptive fit—perfect for men who want one shoe that handles everything from 5Ks to long Sunday miles.

On the road, the trampoline-inspired outsole design truly shines, capturing and returning energy with a snappy toe-off that keeps legs feeling fresh over distance. In testing, it proved versatile across paces, handling easy runs with plush comfort and tempo efforts with surprising responsiveness. The added reflective details are a thoughtful touch, boosting safety during low-light runs—something earlier models lacked. However, the moderate 8mm stack height means it’s not the most protective option on rough surfaces, and the fit runs slightly narrow for wide-footed runners.

Pitted against the NOVABLAST 4, the 5 delivers a noticeably more energetic ride, thanks to its upgraded foam and refined geometry. It’s the ideal pick for runners who want maximum bounce and daily durability without stepping into super-shoe territory. With a better balance of performance and wearability than the eco-focused 4, it justifies its position as the best overall in the lineup—offering a more dynamic experience than the 3 while staying more grounded than race-day rockets.

The NOVABLAST 5 for women isn’t just a color swap—it’s a precision-tuned performance machine built to deliver explosive responsiveness with all-day wearability. Featuring FF BLAST MAX cushioning, it offers a lightweight, bouncy ride that feels like running on coiled springs, making every stride more efficient. The breathable engineered mesh upper hugs the foot with strategic stretch, while the tongue wing construction locks in the midfoot, eliminating distractions during high-mileage runs. This is the go-to for women who want a lively, supportive shoe that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for speed.

In real-world use, the trampoline-inspired outsole delivers on its promise, returning energy with a snappy, propulsive kick at toe-off—ideal for tempo runs or long training days. The 8mm heel drop promotes a natural transition, and the reflective details add peace of mind for early dawns or post-work jogs. While the fit is excellent for average to narrow feet, wider forefeet may feel pinched, and the foam, while bouncy, isn’t the most durable on abrasive surfaces.

Compared to the NOVABLAST 3, this model feels more dynamic and modern, with better energy return and improved visibility features. Against the men’s version, it shares the same core performance DNA but with a softer, more accommodating fit tailored to female biomechanics. It outperforms the eco-focused NOVABLAST 4 in bounce and responsiveness, making it the best choice for women who want a high-energy daily trainer that excels across paces and distances.

The NOVABLAST 4 stands out as a budget-friendly powerhouse, offering a surprisingly lively ride without the premium price tag. It’s built on FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning, a sustainable foam made with 20% bio-based content that still delivers a cloud-like, soft bounce—perfect for runners who want eco-conscious comfort without sacrificing performance. The engineered woven upper is both durable and breathable, while the gusseted tongue wing fit system ensures a secure, irritation-free lockdown across the midfoot—ideal for daily training runs.

On pavement, the trampoline-inspired outsole provides a snappy, responsive toe-off, though the foam feels slightly less energized than the FF BLAST MAX in the NOVABLAST 5. It’s a reliable daily trainer for easy to moderate efforts, but lacks the pop needed for faster intervals or race simulations. The 8mm heel drop supports a smooth transition, and the upper holds up well over time. However, the absence of reflectivity is a drawback for low-light runners, and the eco-foam, while comfortable, breaks down faster under heavy use.

When compared to the NOVABLAST 5, the 4 trades some bounce and visibility for affordability and sustainability. It’s the smart pick for runners on a budget who still want a soft, responsive platform for logging miles. While it doesn’t match the high-energy return of the 5, it delivers more cushioning and fit refinement than the basic NOVABLAST 3—making it the best budget-friendly option for those who value eco-conscious design and solid performance.

The NOVABLAST 5 Trail brings road-shoe energy to the wild, merging the explosive bounce of FF BLAST MAX cushioning with trail-ready durability in a daring fusion of speed and grip. Unlike most trail runners that sacrifice responsiveness for protection, this shoe delivers a springy, propulsive ride even on loose gravel and packed dirt. The trampoline-inspired outsole pod enhances energy return at toe-off, while the breathable engineered mesh upper resists debris and sheds moisture—making it a top pick for light trail runners who hate feeling bogged down.

In real-world trail testing, it excels on well-maintained paths and fire roads, offering excellent cushioning and rebound over long distances. The midfoot lockdown is secure, thanks to the tongue wing construction, and reflective details add visibility in early alpine starts. However, the outsole lacks deep lugs, so it struggles on muddy or technical terrain, and the foam, while bouncy, compresses on sharp rocks—a reminder it’s not built for extreme off-roading.

Compared to the road-focused NOVABLAST 5, this model sacrifices a bit of smooth-surface pop for trail adaptability, but still feels more energetic than most trail hybrids. It’s the ideal bridge for road runners venturing off-pavement without wanting a heavy, clunky shoe. While it doesn’t match the aggressive grip of dedicated trail models, it offers a far more dynamic ride than the NOVABLAST 4, making it the best choice for fast, light trail adventures.

The NOVABLAST 4 for women is a hidden gem of value, combining eco-conscious design with soft, responsive performance at a fraction of the cost of newer models. At its heart is FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning, a bio-based foam that delivers a plush, cloud-like ride while reducing environmental impact—perfect for runners who want sustainability without sacrificing comfort. The engineered woven upper is both breathable and durable, and the gusseted tongue wing fit system keeps the foot locked in place, eliminating distractions on long runs.

On the road, it shines as a daily trainer, offering a smooth transition and gentle bounce that’s ideal for easy to moderate efforts. The trampoline-inspired outsole adds a touch of spring, though it doesn’t match the high-energy return of the FF BLAST MAX in the NOVABLAST 5. It’s a reliable workhorse for base mileage, but lacks reflectivity for low-light conditions and feels a bit underwhelming during speedwork.

Pitted against the NOVABLAST 5, it’s clearly a step down in energy return and visibility, but it outperforms the NOVABLAST 3 in durability and eco-innovation. For women who want a comfortable, sustainable daily runner without overspending, it’s the best value in the lineup—delivering more cushioning and fit security than the 3 while staying lighter on the wallet than the 5.

The Kid’s NOVABLAST 5 isn’t just a mini version—it’s a playground-to-pavement powerhouse designed to keep up with high-energy kids who never stop moving. Built with EVA technology, it delivers responsive cushioning that absorbs impact during jumps, sprints, and sudden stops—perfect for developing feet. The trampoline outsole design encourages a bouncy, fun stride, while the kids-specific last ensures a natural, comfortable fit that supports healthy foot development. It’s the ideal shoe for parents who want durability, comfort, and performance in one colorful package.

In real-world use, it handles schoolyard chaos and weekend runs with ease, offering solid grip and shock absorption on both tile and asphalt. The simple mesh upper is breathable and easy to clean, though it lacks the structured support of adult models. It’s not built for serious trail use or long-distance training, and the minimal cushioning means it won’t replace performance runners for older athletes.

Compared to adult NOVABLASTs, it sacrifices advanced foam and fit systems for simplicity and durability—but that’s by design. It’s not trying to be a mini super-shoe; it’s built to withstand daily wear while encouraging active play. For kids who need a reliable, bouncy shoe that looks cool and feels great, it offers far more energy return than basic school sneakers—making it the best choice for young runners who love to move.