Asics Novablast 5 | First Thoughts

Summary

In this casual review, Thomas and Robbie from Believe in the Run take a first look at the ASICS Nova Blast 5. They discuss its updated features like a new upper material, a lightly padded tongue, and a Flight Foam Blast Max midsole. While the shoe is praised for its value at $140, offering a softer feel and decent grip, concerns are raised about its wide fit and heel lockdown. Despite these issues, they find the shoe comfortable and light, making it a solid option for runners, though the colorway might be a personal preference. Overall, it offers great comfort for the price.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Asics NovaBlast 5 is an anticipated release that took many by surprise, though overshadowed by the SuperBlast.
• 😀 The shoe features a new mesh upper design, replacing the previous woven upper from last year.
• 😀 The shoe has a gusseted tongue and a loop lacing system, which provides a different fit compared to previous models.
• 😀 The fit is roomy, with some concern about heel lockdown and foot sliding, especially for narrower feet.
• 😀 Thicker socks help reduce foot sliding, but the shoe may still feel loose for some runners.
• 😀 The midsole uses Flight Foam Blast Max, which offers a softer feel compared to the previous Flight Foam Blast Eco, providing more comfort.
• 😀 The Flight Foam Blast Max feels lighter (9 oz for a men's size 10), though some runners may find it too soft and lacking in ground feel.
• 😀 The outsole is the same as last year, featuring a low-rubber design that provides solid grip across various surfaces.
• 😀 Despite the softness of the midsole, the shoe does not hinder pace, and runners are able to maintain good speed during runs.
• 😀 Priced at $140, the NovaBlast 5 is seen as a great value compared to the $200 SuperBlast, offering similar performance for a lower cost.
• 😀 The shoe's colorway, particularly 'Dusty Plum', is polarizing, but it was surprisingly well-received by others at the group run, despite initial skepticism.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the conversation in the transcript?

The conversation centers around a first impressions review of the ASICS A6 Nova Blast 5 running shoe, including its design, fit, cushioning, and performance.

How does the ASICS A6 Nova Blast 5 compare to the Super Blast model?

The Super Blast is seen as overshadowing the A6 Nova Blast 5, especially because of its superior features, but the Nova Blast 5 is priced lower and offers good value for money at $140.

What changes have been made to the upper material of the Nova Blast 5?

The upper of the Nova Blast 5 now features jard mesh instead of the woven mesh used in the previous version, offering a new look and feel.

What issues did the reviewers face with the fit of the Nova Blast 5?

The reviewers noted that the shoe fit wide, and they experienced issues with the lockdown, particularly around the heel, where the foot would slide out during some runs. This issue was alleviated somewhat by wearing thicker socks.

How does the Flight Foam Blast Max perform compared to the previous version?

The Flight Foam Blast Max is softer and lighter than the previous version, providing more comfort without compromising the shoe's responsiveness. The cushioning is softer but not overly 'sink-y.'

What did the reviewers think about the overall comfort of the shoe?

The reviewers found the shoe to be comfortable overall, with the softer cushioning offering a good amount of comfort. However, they mentioned that the softness did not hinder their running performance or pace.

What did the reviewers say about the outsole of the Nova Blast 5?

The outsole of the Nova Blast 5 is the same as the previous version, featuring low rubber. The grip on various surfaces was deemed good, with no issues during short runs.

How did the reviewers feel about the shoe's colorway?

The reviewers were not fond of the Dusty Plum colorway, though they acknowledged that others, particularly in New York City, seemed to like it.

What is the price of the ASICS A6 Nova Blast 5, and how does it compare to the Super Blast?

The A6 Nova Blast 5 is priced at $140, making it a more affordable option compared to the ASICS Super Blast, which costs about $60 more.

What is the overall verdict on the ASICS A6 Nova Blast 5 from the reviewers?

The ASICS A6 Nova Blast 5 is considered a solid running shoe, offering good value for its price. Despite some issues with fit and lockdown, it provides comfort, a lighter feel, and a good level of cushioning, making it a great option for runners on a budget.