Written by

Brandon Law

Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
The Superblast is ASICS' expensive, new trainer; the Novablast is a mid-range daily trainer. Here we will be comparing the Superblast and the Novablast.
ASICS Superblast vs ASICS Novablast

The Superblast is an illegal stack height, do-it-all trainer which has taken the world by storm. It's on its 2nd version and it costs $200.

The Novablast is the popular, mid-range daily trainer which comes in at an affordable $140. It's also a very versatile trainer and is on its 5th iteration.

This comparison will tell you all you need to know about them and tell you which version is better for you.

Similarity and differences: Superblast 2 vs Novablast 5

Brand
Expert score
Expert score
8/10
Expert score
9/10
Weight
9 oz
8.7 oz
Heel Drop
8 mm
8 mm
Verdict
The ASICS Superblast 2 is a great versatile daily trainer with a stable and max-cushioned ride. It's capable of a wide range of paces from recovery to marathon pace and is arguably one of the best long run trainers on the market. Version 2 has a more comfortable, more breathable upper and better outsole traction than v1. It has an almost identical ride to its predecessor and has also picked up some weight.
The ASICS Novablast 5 is an excellent, versatile daily trainer and the best Novablast version to date. The new FF Blast Max midsole made from POE is a significant improvement over the EVA midsoles of previous iterations, providing a softer ride with better energy return. Version 5 is a big upgrade over version 4, becoming lighter, more comfortable and more lively. It performs better over long distances and on uptempo runs than its predecessor.
Recommended for
Speedwork, daily training
Daily training
Cushioning type
Balanced
Balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
flexible
Stability
very stable
some stability
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$200
US$139.95

Sole unit: Superblast 2 vs Novablast 5

The Superblast uses ASICS premier racing foam FF Turbo in its midsole. It’s incredibly light and it returns a really high amount of energy during foot strikes. The Novablast uses FF Blast Max in its midsole. This type of foam is heavier and is less energetic.

The Superblast has a firmer ride than the Novablast. This makes it more suited to faster paced runs. It also has a bigger forefoot rocker which makes it feel even faster. The Superblast has more cushioning due to its giant 45 mm heel stack height so it’s better for longer distances.

The Novablast has a softer ride which makes it more suitable for slower paced runs. It has a thinner midsole with less cushioning so it’s better for shorter distances than the Superblast.

When it comes to versatility, the Superblast wins. It’s lighter so you can use it for races, speedwork and slower paces. The Novablast struggles a bit on the faster-paced runs.

In terms of stability, the Novablast is the more stable trainer because it isn’t as tall so your feet sit lower to the ground.

On the outsoles, the Novablast has a lot more rubber coverage than the Superblast so it has more protection from the ground. The Novablast is the more durable when it comes to outsoles.

Upper unit: Superblast 2 vs Novablast 5

The upper of the Novablast is a little bit more padded and more comfortable than the Superblast. It also has a more accommodating fit. The Superblast has thinner mesh so its lighter and more breathable.

They have good lock heel lockdown and there is very little tongue slide due to having gusseted tongues.

Both trainers fit true to size with a little more length than the average running shoe. The Superblast has a more narrow fit than the Novablast.

Which one to buy: Superblast 2 vs Novablast 5

If you’re looking for a running shoe which is better for fast-paced runs and long runs, the Superblast is the shoe you should pick. It costs $60 more than the Novablast but it’s the more versatile shoe. It’s better for racing and it has a more breathable upper.

If you want a cheaper running shoe for slower-paced runs or short runs, the Novablast is the shoe you should pick. It’s heavier than the Superblast but it’s also more durable due to the extra rubber on its outsole. It has more stability than the Superblast if you need the extra support.

Best price online: Superblast 2 vs Novablast 5


This expert review is written by

Brandon Law

Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Brandon is a South African who lives and trains in Malaysia. He is a marathon runner who eats, sleeps and dreams running shoes. While most people wear shoes to run, he runs to wear shoes.