Asics Novablast 6 Review: A True Success? (Review 2026)
For those who thought a new Novablast would drop every year, that bet hasn’t paid off: the Novablast 5 came out in November 2024. That hasn’t hurt its popularity at all — it’s still arguably the most sought-after shoe right now. A few years ago, nobody thought any model could dethrone the Pegasus; the Novablast pulled it off.
The Novablast 5 firmly established the series and won over the entire running community. Now Asics has to deliver with this new iteration — and the pressure is real, since the competition has hit hard in the meantime with the Adidas Adizero Evo SL and the New Balance Rebel V5.
Does this new iteration fit your running profile and goals? That’s what we’ll cover in this full review.
Why trust me?
With a personal best of 2:38 at the marathon and a high weekly training volume, I get to test a lot of running shoe models to support my training.
I tested the Asics Novablast 6 across different types of workouts to evaluate comfort and ride feel. I also talked to runners of varying levels to validate my impressions and make sure my recommendations are useful to as wide an audience as possible.
Our verdict
An excellent shoe that’s just as fun and capable as ever for daily training.
- Weight: 253 g (8.9 oz) in size US 9 (EU 42)
- Foam: FLYTEFOAM BLAST MAX, FLYTEFOAM TURBO²
- Stack height: 41.5 mm (heel), 33.5 mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 8 mm
- Training for all distances
Bottom line up front: quality is there. The midsole uses FLYTEFOAM BLAST MAX foam, this time paired with FLYTEFOAM TURBO² in the forefoot. The underfoot feel stays well-balanced while leaning toward plush — great for enjoying the run.
Responsiveness is as good as ever, and shock absorption is excellent for going long across all distances. The outsole gets a big upgrade, adding ASICSGRIP rubber on top of the AHAR LO coating.
Traction is even better, giving you a confident ride. The new Engineered Woven Upper is very comfortable and breathes well.
The Asics Novablast 6 improves on the previous version and once again stands out as one of the best shoes for daily training.
Pros
- Improved outsole with reliable traction
- High cushioning to push through a marathon
- Balanced, plush ride feel that makes running genuinely fun
- Impressive comfort and a very well-made upper
- Exceptional versatility for daily training
Cons
- Some testers would have liked more Peba in the midsole
Cushioning: a maximalist sole built for distance
Stack height is unchanged and stays maximalist at 41.5 mm under the heel and 33.5 mm under the forefoot. Shock absorption is excellent, letting you go long without any restrictions.
From beginners to seasoned runners, regardless of body weight, the Novablast 6 is built to absorb impacts and handles every distance up to the marathon.
FF Blast Max foam returns in the midsole — already used in the previous version. This time, Asics adds a block of FLYTEFOAM TURBO² foam in the forefoot, inside the trampoline module.
It’s made of A-TPU (aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane), a next-generation foam that outperforms Peba.
It’s essentially the same foam as FlyteFoam Leap, found in race shoes like the Asics Metaspeed Ray, but in a more durable formulation designed for training.
The ride feel at impact is very well balanced and leans toward plush, with enough firmness to appeal to a wide range of runners.
No plate in the shoe, so the ride is smoother and less rigid than a carbon-plated shoe. The 8 mm drop is standard and is fine.
Energy return: enhanced snap thanks to TURBO² foam
At 253 g (8.9 oz) in US 9 (EU 42), the shoe is reasonably light given its substantial stack height. It keeps the asymmetrical outsole and midsole design (Trampoline Pod).
The FLYTEFOAM TURBO² foam is noticeably more present than expected during push-off, especially when picking up the pace. The snap and bounce are real — though less pronounced than on a Megablast or a Superblast 3.
The shoe handles a wide range of paces and lets you accelerate. The curved sole geometry makes heel-to-toe transitions smooth and efficient.
Stability: a wide, confidence-inspiring platform
The upper fits well and the platform is wide. The shoe is designed for a neutral stride, with no stability technology, but it still feels planted underfoot.
Foot support: a revamped upper
Like the rest of the shoe, the upper has been completely redone. Gone is the technical Jacquard mesh, which didn’t win everyone over on breathability and support. The new Engineered Woven Upper fixes both of those issues.
It’s technical mesh with a fine, dense weave. The numerous micro-perforations show Asics’ intent to satisfy everyone. The forefoot features a complex pattern alternating thinner and thicker zones.
Breathability is improved without sacrificing coverage in cold weather — it works well whatever the conditions. Out-of-box comfort is impressive for a shoe in this category.
It doesn’t quite match the silky feel of a Nimbus 28 or a Kayano 33, but wearing it is a genuine pleasure thanks to the generous padding and linings — even softer than on the previous version.
You can wear it for long hours without any issues, like during daily use. The fit is better than on the V5.
Often criticized on the previous version, the upper is now more structured and slightly stiffer, which puts the complaints about a loose fit to rest.
The gusseted tongue works great — no slipping, and it moves naturally with the foot.
The rigid heel counter locks the heel down well, and the three-eyelet lacing system at the top lets you dial in the fit.
The removable insole handles moisture well. Overall, the upper is very well executed and impressive for a shoe in this price range.
Size and fit
The fit is standard. The few comments about sizing issues are too isolated to factor in. Go with your usual size.
The stretchy mesh accommodates a wide variety of foot shapes, so your normal size works fine.
Traction: ASICSGRIP — a game-changer
Most people will focus on the new foam, but the outsole is the biggest upgrade. I’ve heard from runners who complained about durability in this area on previous versions.
Version 5 had already improved things significantly, but the Novablast 6 goes a step further. On top of the AHAR LO coating, Asics adds ASICSGRIP rubber in the impact zones.
It’s a real game-changer — traction is excellent. Even on wet surfaces, grip is solid and there’s no slipping. The grooves and micro-grooves keep the sole flexible.
It’s fine on standard roads and paths, but technical terrain will be more of a challenge.
In use: the versatile shoe I recommend without hesitation
I get a lot of shoe recommendation requests, both in person and online. I talk through people’s needs and running habits. This year, I noticed I keep coming back to the Novablast.
Simply because it’s a rock-solid pick. With its smooth ride, bounce, and responsiveness — plus excellent shock absorption — it’s hard to disappoint anyone with this shoe.
It’s hard to find flaws because you can do just about anything in it. The high cushioning lets you push your distance with confidence, no restrictions.
The balanced, plush ride feel won’t hold you back, and the Novablast 6 handles long runs really well.
An accessible model
Some runners say it isn’t always ideal at slower paces.
I left that out of the cons because I think it’s unfair. The transitions are smooth, and the ride isn’t demanding the way a plated shoe can be.
The stack is high and there’s bounce — admittedly less than on other shoes in the lineup like the Superblast 3 or Megablast. I find the Novablast 6 very comfortable at slower paces, like on easy recovery runs.
Even for a beginner, it’s a great fit — the drop is accessible and the curved profile guides the foot’s roll naturally. The improved heel lockdown reinforces that feeling.
With its light weight and responsive foam, the Asics Novablast 6 has real snap and accelerates without issue. Tempo runs feel great — it’s a versatile shoe for every scenario.
Speed workouts are where it’s more limited, as expected. The plush feel and lack of a plate don’t help with sharp accelerations on short reps. Some runners would have liked more Peba in the foam to compensate.
For racing, you’ll find faster options. But even there, it’s a great choice for runners who want one shoe that does everything and don’t want the stiffness of a carbon plate.
Quality and durability: built to last
Every runner has a different stride and foot strike, which can explain the range of opinions on durability. But the Novablast 6 will draw far fewer complaints on this front.
The outsole works for more runners because the rubber is tough. The upper shows no signs of premature wear, and the foam holds up well over time — making for excellent value.
The upper is made from 75% recycled materials to reduce waste and CO2 emissions. The Asics Novablast 6 is also vegan.
Asics Novablast 6 vs. 5
Changes from the previous version:
- A new, more breathable and better-structured upper
- New FLYTEFOAM TURBO² foam in the forefoot
- New ASICSGRIP rubber for better traction
Both versions are excellent training shoes, and you can go with either depending on current deals. That said, the Novablast 6 brings meaningful improvements — it’s the more refined shoe.
Should you go for the Novablast 6?
The Asics Novablast 6 manages to improve on an already very popular shoe. The ride is just as enjoyable as before, but it’s better structured, more responsive, and grippier.
It’s hard to find a flaw, and it’ll no doubt be among the most talked-about shoes again. A great shoe for all training scenarios — or for racing if you don’t want a carbon plate shoe.
Facts
Reference: official website
