ASICS Novablast 6 Review

As an energetic daily trainer, the ASICS Novablast 6 hits the mark. We found it to be a great option for consistently paced daily mileage and some uptempo workout days. The trampoline pod of ASICS' FF TURBO² superfoam in the forefoot did its job of adding some extra pep to the shoe.

Across the board, we felt like the Novablast's forefoot kept our toe-offs responsive and lively, while the heel and midfoot sections (where ASICS' FF BLAST MAX is the highlight) remained comfortable and cushioned enough for daily mileage. The added ASICSGRIP across the forefoot worked to keep us stable and confident. Across both wet and dry surfaces, indoors and outdoors, it didn't matter; the Novablast 6 had the traction we needed to pick up the pace, and last us for many runs to come.

One downside was that the foam (especially in the forefoot) skewed a bit too dense and firm for some of our daily mileage preferences. While the trampoline pod in the forefoot helped us pick up our paces in an energetic way, Grace and Ali noted their preferences for a softer, more comfortable foam for their everyday shoes. But we're beginning to blur the lines between performance and comfort, so let's turn the page to...

The first big thing to note about the Novablast 6's comfort is its sizeable heel-to-toe drop. With 42 mm of soft, bouncy foam in the heel and 34 mm of firmer, snappier foam in the forefoot, the Novablast 6 will bring you up on your toes and may not feel as level as some people prefer.

If this is a feeling and build that you're comfortable with, though, then the Novablast 6 executes its intent very well. Heel-to-toe transitions, while running, are smooth, and it feels like the cushioned heel and the springy forefoot both accomplish their unique goals without feeling disconnected or creating a "this-then-that" sensation in your stride.

The heel collar felt natural and comfortable. The upper is lightweight and breathable, as advertised, and fits well. It isn't a plush upper like you would find in long-run focused ASICS shoes, but instead threads the needle between performance-oriented and comfort-oriented, able to live with a toe in both worlds.

Along those same lines, as stated in the performance section, the pairing of foams underfoot created a feeling that was slightly firmer than some of our testers preferred. If you are a runner who craves plushness (over-foot or under-foot) for your daily mileage, then the Novablast 6 may leave you wanting.

The Novablast 6 offers a secure, confident, true-to-size fit that worked for a variety of our foot types.

Loucas called out how well the Novablast 6's toe box worked for him, as he's had issues with the toe boxes of other ASICS shoes like the MEGABLAST or the Trabuco Max 3 in the past. With those other ASICS, Loucas has felt their toe boxes pressing against his big toe. He had no such issues with the Novablast.

Similarly, Grace keeps a critical eye out for ankle collar issues and abrasion. She reported that the Novablast 6's ankle collar gave her a good lockdown without creating any of the hotspots that she was monitoring for.

Finally, Aliyah can be particular about arch fits, due to previous injuries that can resurface when an arch isn't dialed in quite right. She found the Novablast 6 to work well for her, and her injuries stayed dormant.

It feels strange, applauding a shoe for not doing something "wrong," but we put the Novablast 6 through the gauntlet with a tricky lineup of testers. So to see it come out the other side, unscathed and without critique, is impressive and noteworthy.

"The most noticeable difference for me, and likely for other heel strikers also, is the heel cushioning. The Novablast has a slight edge compared to the Neo Zen, giving more ease when it comes to the impact I could endure. There is a noticeable (but not much) different on how the shoe fits regarding lockdown; neither is bad to me, but it would depend on the runner’s personal preference.

They both have great energetic components, but I would choose the Novablast over the Neo Zen due to the trampoline pod being very distinct in the Novablast." 

-Aliyah

"The Neo Zen 2 feels taller throughout, but the balance of the foam (firmness/softness) feels largely similar. This is maybe a minor thing, but the Zen 2 is harder to put on, with its snugger sock-fit entry. And the Zen 2 feels a little narrower alongside my toe tips. In its favour, the Zen 2 gives me my preferred lower drop, and more protection under my forefoot."