The ASICS Novablast has long been one of the most recognisable names in energetic daily running shoes. Since its launch, it has earned a reputation for delivering soft cushioning, an exciting ride and the versatility to handle everything from easy kilometres to faster training.

That popularity reached another level in 2025, when the Novablast became the most logged running shoe on Strava worldwide, highlighting just how many runners turned to it for their everyday kilometres.

Now in its sixth iteration, the Novablast 6 feels like a genuine refresh. While the previous two versions gradually drifted away from what made the franchise so popular, this latest update brings back much of the excitement that runners loved, while refining the shoe into a more balanced and accommodating daily trainer.

Within the ASICS performance range, the Novablast 6 now sits comfortably as the elevated and energetic daily trainer. It bridges the gap between the protective Nimbus and the higher stack and premium Superblast 3, offering a ride that feels cushioned, lively and remarkably versatile without overcomplicating things.

For us, this feels like the clearest identity the Novablast has had in years.

Where it fits in the ASICS range

Gel-Nimbus 28 – Maximum cushioning and protection for easy kilometres and recovery days.

Novablast 6 – An energetic daily trainer that comfortably handles everything from relaxed runs to steady workouts.

Sonicblast – A plated speed-focused daily trainer built for faster training and uptempo sessions.

Superblast 3 – A maximum cushioned super trainer built for daily training and high-mileage versatility.

Megablast – ASICS' premium performance super trainer, delivering the most responsive ride in the BLAST family.

What's New in the Novablast 6?

At first glance, the Novablast 6 doesn't look dramatically different, but underfoot it feels like a far more considered update than its predecessor.

The headline change is an entirely new dual-layer midsole, pairing FF BLAST MAX with a forefoot layer of FF TURBO SQUARED. Rather than simply chasing softness, ASICS has introduced a more lively yet balanced ride that better captures what runners have always expected from the Novablast name.

The upper has also received a meaningful update with a new woven mesh construction that feels more structured and secure while remaining highly breathable. Combined with a more accommodating forefoot shape, the fit is noticeably more forgiving than the Novablast 5.

Underneath, ASICS has refined the outsole with a combination of ASICSGRIP through the forefoot and AHAR LO rubber in the heel, creating a purposeful balance of grip, durability and flexibility.

None of these updates sound substantial on their own, but together they make the Novablast 6 feel more stable, more comfortable and ultimately more enjoyable across a wider range of training.

Outsole

The outsole doesn't immediately demand your attention, but that's exactly what a good daily trainer should do.

ASICS has opted for a dual-rubber configuration, using ASICSGRIP through the forefoot and AHAR LO rubber across the heel. The result is a purposeful combination that delivers reliable grip where you need it most, while keeping the overall ride smooth and flexible.

AHAR LO is a lighter, lower-density rubber that helps soften landings without sacrificing durability, while the ASICSGRIP forefoot provides reassuring traction during toe-off and on less-than-perfect road surfaces.

It's not the most exciting update on paper, nor is it trying to be. Instead, it quietly supports the much larger improvements made elsewhere in the shoe, providing dependable grip and durability without adding unnecessary weight or stiffness.

Midsole

This is where the Novablast 6 truly earns its name.

ASICS has paired FF BLAST MAX with a full-height forefoot layer of FF TURBO SQUARED, introducing a layer of its premium race-day foam into an everyday trainer. The result is a ride that feels noticeably more energetic while maintaining the soft, protective cushioning expected from the Novablast franchise.

Rather than becoming overly plush, the Novablast 6 feels balanced. Landings are comfortably cushioned, but it's the toe-off that stands out most. The FF TURBO SQUARED layer adds a lively rebound that creates an almost trampoline-like sensation through the forefoot, encouraging the shoe to roll naturally into your next stride.

It finally feels like Novablast has rediscovered the personality that made the earlier models so popular.

Upper

The updated woven mesh upper continues the theme of refinement.

It's a simple update, but an effective one. The material feels structured enough to provide confident lockdown while remaining exceptionally breathable, making it well suited to warmer conditions and everyday training.

Compared to previous versions, the fit also feels noticeably more accommodating through the forefoot. ASICS has gradually been moving towards slightly roomier toe boxes across several recent releases, and the Novablast 6 follows that trend. The result is a shoe that disappears on your foot without sacrificing security through the midfoot and heel.

Perhaps the biggest compliment we can give the upper is that it simply gets out of the way. It doesn't rely on excessive padding or plush materials, yet remains comfortable, secure and easy to forget once you're running.

Jessie's Perspective

The Novablast 6 is a really welcome update. The slightly firmer ride feels noticeably more stable, while providing a better sense of ground contact and a little more snap when you want to pick up the pace.

The new FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot trampoline pod adds to that responsiveness without taking away from the shoe’s easy-going nature. Alongside a shoe like the Superblast 3, I see the Novablast 6 becoming my go-to option for shorter easy runs where I simply want to lace up and head out without overthinking what is on my feet.

The updated ASICSGRIP outsole is another major positive, giving me the confidence to take the shoe onto local fire trails and gravel paths without immediately reaching for a trail shoe.

There are plenty of options in the daily trainer category, but few deliver quite the same combination of cushioning, stability and energy. At its price point, the Novablast 6 feels like an honest and dependable alternative to the Superblast 3, making it a strong choice for runners looking for a slightly poppier and more versatile trainer before stepping into a premium super trainer.

Ed's Perspective

After really enjoying the Novablast 3, I found myself drifting away from the fourth and fifth versions. They remained capable shoes, but for me they lost some of the character that originally made the Novablast one of my favourite daily trainers to run in. The Novablast 6 changes that.

It feels cushioned without becoming overly soft. It has the energy you expect from the Novablast name, yet remains stable and dependable enough to handle almost any daily run I'd throw at it. For me, that's exactly where this shoe should sit.

In my own rotation, I can see myself using the Novablast 6 for easy weekday runs, steady aerobic sessions and those days where I simply want a shoe that feels enjoyable without overcomplicating things. Personally, I'd probably keep my longest runs in the Superblast 3, but for anything up to around an hour, the Novablast 6 would happily become one of my first choices.

My favourite update is undoubtedly the introduction of FF TURBO SQUARED. It gives the shoe a level of responsiveness that I felt had been missing from recent versions and helps bring back the energetic ride that originally made the Novablast such a favourite.

Final Thoughts

The Novablast 6 feels like one of the most meaningful updates the franchise has seen in years. Rather than reinventing the shoe, ASICS has listened to runner feedback and refined almost every aspect that needed attention. The result is a more accommodating fit, a more structured ride and a midsole that genuinely brings excitement back to every run.

For newer runners, it's an incredibly capable shoe that can comfortably cover almost every type of training. For more experienced runners, it makes an outstanding daily trainer, warm-up shoe or easy-day option that complements a faster rotation.

Most importantly, the Novablast 6 once again feels like a shoe with a clear identity. It is an elevated daily trainer that delivers exceptional value, dependable versatility and enough energy to make everyday running feel genuinely enjoyable.

About the Author

Ed - Runner & Content Specialist

I’m a distance runner and Performance Content Specialist at RunDNA, with a passion for running, road and gravel cycling, quality gear, and the stories shaped by effort and adventure. My current focus is long-distance road running and triathlon, driven by a love of performance and the challenge of pushing body and mind further.