Asics Novablast 6

The Asics Novablast 6 is a lightweight, springy trainer for neutral runners. It will cover distances from 5k and 10k up to a marathon.

The Asics Novablast 6 is ideal if...

You are a neutral runner looking for a cushioned yet responsive shoe, for training distances up to a marathon
You want something lightweight
You want something responsive to help you pick up the pace

Feature	Details
Category	Neutral Running Shoes
Cushioning	Balanced
Weight	M 253g / W 215g
Drop	8mm (M 40.5/32.5mm W 41.5/33.5mm)
Fit	True to size
Width Options	Standard

Men's Asics Novablast 6

£140

Women's Asics Novablast 6

£140

Pros

Foam in the midsole helps to protect joints
Very lightweight, which makes it easier when picking up the pace
Durable outsole can help you to feel more confident on a variety of road surfaces.

Con(siderations)

Only suitable for those with a truly neutral gait
Can feel slightly narrower than the Novablast 5

Improvements of Novablast 5

Addition of FF TURBO SQUARED trampoline pod gives the 6 better energy-return
New woven mesh upper feels more secure and breathable
Tongue wing construction improves locked-down feel
ASICSGRIP™ in the outsole offers better traction on road

Features

Upper

Engineered woven material which is lightweight and breathable
Tongue wing construction which holds the foot in place

Midsole

FF BLAST MAX cushioning making the shoe feel soft yet responsive
FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot pod contributes to the responsiveness and makes it easier to roll through the midfoot
High stack for protection underfoot

Outsole

Asics Grip technology offers excellent traction on slippery road surfaces.
Durable rubber in high-wear areas

In Testing

There were a couple of things about the Asics Novablast 6 that stood out to me most. One of these was the outsole, which offered noticeably better grip than other Asics shoes I’ve worn. During one of my runs, it started to drizzle, causing the pavements to become wet and slippery. The grip of the Novablast 6 helped me feel more confident that I wasn’t going to slip, which is particularly useful when running through the wetter conditions in the UK.

Another thing I noticed pretty quickly was how responsive and springy the shoes felt underfoot. Asics describes the Novablast 6 as having a trampoline-like feel, and I think that's a pretty accurate way of describing it. There is a noticeable bounce which each step, which makes the shoe feel more enjoyable to run in. Though soft and springy I also felt confident in them when turning corners and picking up the pace.

The Novablast 6 also feels very lightweight, which adds to its versatility. I can see it working well as a day-to-day running shoe as well as for faster runs.

Verdict

Overall, I would say my first impressions of the Novablast 6 are very positive. The combination of good grip, cushioning and responsiveness make it very versatile for a variety of distances under different conditions. Out of all the Asics shoes I’ve tried out the past, this one offers the best grip on wet roads and slippery pavements. Novablast 6 is a brilliant shoe.

Men's Asics Novablast 6

£140