ASICS Novablast 6 Review: Bouncier, Livelier, & Actually More Durable

Written by Lauren Haislip

The ASICS Novablast 6 is the best Novablast ASICS has built. It releases today, July 1, 2026, at $155, and if you've been running in the Novablast 5, you'll want to know what changed and whether the upgrade is worth it. It is. The Novablast 6 is in stock now at =PR= Run & Walk, and if you want to feel the new forefoot pop before committing, we'll put you on a treadmill in it.

ASICS took a shoe that was already the most-tagged trainer on Strava in 2025 and made it livelier, more durable, and better-behaved in wet conditions. They didn't break the formula. They added a forefoot pod of FF Turbo Squared foam, a new woven upper, and ASICSGRIP rubber on the outsole. The result is a more complete version of a shoe that was already doing a lot right.

What Changed in the Novablast 6

The midsole, the headline update

The Novablast 6 is the first version to use a dual-density midsole. The bulk of the foam is still FF Blast Max, the cushioned compound from the 5. But ASICS added a "trampoline pod" of FF Turbo Squared foam in the forefoot, the same foam used in their Megablast, their lightest and bounciest trainer. Its presence here makes toe-off noticeably springier than before. The landing stays soft and cushioned. The launch is where things get lively.

The upper

Gone is the engineered mesh of previous versions. The 6 debuts an engineered woven upper: denser, more structured, and looks more like a technical sneaker than a traditional running shoe. Performance-wise, it provides solid foot lockdown through the midfoot and comfortable heel wrap. The gusseted tongue stays put. For runners prone to plantar fasciitis or forefoot discomfort, the added structure reduces unwanted foot movement during long efforts.

The outsole

Wet traction was a persistent complaint about the Novablast 5. ASICS addressed it. The 6 uses ASICSGRIP rubber in the forefoot alongside AHAR LO at the heel for durability. According to testing at Runner's World, wet-surface traction is now among the shoe's strengths rather than its weaknesses, a meaningful reversal from the 5.

What Stayed the Same

Stack height: 41.5mm heel / 33.5mm forefoot. Drop: 8mm. Weight: approximately 8.9 oz in men's size 9, impressively light for a shoe with this much foam.

The fit character is consistent with prior versions. Accommodating forefoot, secure midfoot. The woven upper in the 6 adds slightly more structure, but runners who've been in the 5 should feel at home from mile one.

Who Should Run in the Novablast 6

Neutral daily trainers who want a shoe that's actually fun

The Novablast has always been built around a specific experience: running that feels good. Not just functional, actually engaging. The 6 continues that, and the FF Turbo Squared forefoot pod makes it more rewarding at tempo efforts than any previous Novablast. Browse the full footwear collection if you want to compare it alongside other neutral options before deciding.

Versatile runners logging mixed-intensity weeks

The dual-density midsole makes the 6 more capable at uptempo efforts than previous versions. Soft at easy paces, more responsive when you push. That range is genuinely useful if your week includes both easy miles and threshold work.

Runners returning to a consistent routine

The cushioning depth and flexibility make this a comfortable shoe from first stride, no break-in awkwardness, no demanding geometry. It rewards relaxed running without punishing faster efforts.

Walkers and all-day wear

The cushioning depth and forefoot flexibility make the Novablast 6 a reasonable choice for extended time on your feet. Not a walking-specific shoe, but protective enough for long days. For runners and walkers who want guidance alongside cushion, the stability collection has purpose-built options worth comparing.

Who Should Consider Something Else

Runners who want a firm, grounded feel

The Novablast sits high off the ground with a soft initial landing. If you prefer the connected-to-the-road feel of a thinner, firmer trainer, this shoe will feel like too much.

Aggressive heel strikers

Several reviewers flagged a clunky heel transition in the 6, a function of the stiffer rear section and lateral heel bevel that pushes the foot toward the forefoot pod. Most runners adapt within a few runs, but if you land hard on the heel, the first few miles will feel abrupt. A midfoot or forefoot strike brings out the best of this shoe.

Runners who need wide fit

The 6 is available in wide, but the woven upper runs slightly more structured than the 5. If you've got a very wide foot, confirm fit in store before buying.

Specs at a Glance

Novablast 6 vs. Novablast 5: Worth the Upgrade?

The FF Turbo Squared forefoot pod is the most significant midsole change in this series since version 5 introduced FF Blast Max. The outsole improvement is real. The woven upper feels more premium. If your Novablast 5s are still in good shape, finish them out. When they're done, the 6 is a meaningful step forward, not a cosmetic refresh.

If you're new to the Novablast line, this is the version to start with. And if you want to know how it stacks up across the broader ASICS lineup, the ASICS running shoes overview is worth a read before you commit.

A Note on Fit and Sizing

The Novablast 6 is available in standard and wide widths. It runs true to size in length, though the woven upper feels slightly more structured than the mesh of the Novablast 5 — if you're right on the border between standard and wide, size up in width rather than length. For runners with significant width needs or high foot volume, trying it on in store is the most reliable confirmation. The fit-first philosophy behind the =PR= Fit Process applies as much to a neutral daily trainer as it does to a stability shoe: the right shoe on the wrong foot is still the wrong shoe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ASICS Novablast 6 good for beginners?

Yes. Forgiving, cushioned, and comfortable at easy to moderate paces, which is exactly where most beginners spend their time. It's not so specialized that it would be the wrong first running shoe, and the wide forefoot accommodates a variety of foot shapes.

How does the Novablast 6 compare to the HOKA Clifton?

Both are cushioned daily trainers, but they feel different. The Novablast 6 has a springier, more energetic ride thanks to the FF Turbo Squared forefoot. The Clifton is smoother and more muted underfoot. Runners who want energy return tend to prefer the Novablast; runners who want a calm, protective ride often prefer the Clifton. Try both on a treadmill at any of our locations, the difference is immediately clear.

Does the Novablast 6 work for wide feet?

Available in wide sizing and has always had an accommodating forefoot. The woven upper adds slightly more structure than the 5, so runners with very wide feet should confirm fit in store before buying.

Is the ASICS Novablast 6 good for long runs?

Yes. The cushioning depth makes it a solid long-run trainer. The FF Turbo Squared forefoot reduces leg fatigue on extended efforts, and foam longevity is improved over previous versions.

When does Novablast 6 come out?

July 1, 2026. We'll have it in all =PR= Run & Walk locations from launch day.

Can I use the Novablast 6 for walking?

Yes, enough cushioning and forefoot flexibility for long days on your feet. Not a walking-specific shoe, but it performs well in that role. For dedicated walking options, the men's running and walking collection covers purpose-built walkers too.

Ready to blast off?

The Novablast 6 is here, and we've got it in every =PR= Run & Walk location from day one. Come try a pair on the treadmill and see how it moves with you or book a free 3D foot scan while you're in, and we'll make sure the 6 is the right fit before you log your first mile.