This ASICS Novablast 6 review covers the bouncy daily trainer that many testers rank above pricier shoes. It costs about $155 at full price and weighs 8.5 oz in the men's, with FF Blast Max foam and a forefoot puck for extra energy return. RunRepeat scored it 93 ('Superb'). It's less stable than the Novablast 5 and the toebox is tapered. Best for: runners who want one fun, cushioned, versatile daily shoe.
Illustration drawn from the product’s specs — see the brand’s site for real photos and colors.
ASICS Novablast 6 Review (2026): Worth $155?
4/5
our rating
our rating
$155Full price on ASICS’s site, checked Oct 7, 2026
Best for: Runners who want one fun, cushioned, versatile daily shoe.
Skip it if: You are a heel striker wanting stability or have a broad forefoot.
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What we like
- Plush but light for its stack (242 g men's)
- Improved forefoot energy return
- Works across short, medium and long runs
- Durable outsole and breathable upper
- Wide offered
Watch out for
- Less stable than the Novablast 5
- Heel strikers may prefer other options
- Tapered toebox
- Small price increase
On this page
Fit and sizing
RunRepeat's 119 owner votes call the Novablast 6 true to size, and ASICS offers Normal and Wide. The upper is secure and breathable. Lab data suggests a tapered toebox. Use our running shoe finder to compare widths.
Cushioning and ride
ASICS lists a 41.5 mm heel and 33.5 mm forefoot stack in the men's with an 8 mm drop. FF Blast Max is the main foam, and an FF Turbo² puck in the forefoot lifted forefoot energy return in the lab. The result is a soft but bouncy feel.
How it performs for daily runs and varied paces
Reviewers say it works across paces and distances and is more agile than versions 4 and 5. It suits many runners, though heel strikers may find better options. Tom's Guide recommended it over the Brooks Ghost 18. Our beginner shoe list compares similar shoes.
Price and value
At about $155 at full price, RunRepeat calls it good value despite the price increase. The Novablast 5 is likely discounted.
Alternatives
The Saucony Ride 19, Nike Pegasus 42 and Brooks Ghost 18 are the main rivals. For more cushion see the Nimbus 28. More on the ASICS brand page.
Who should skip it
Skip the Novablast 6 if you need stability or a roomy toebox.
Specs
| For | Men & women |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Men's and women's US sizes (full range not captured) |
| Extended fits | Wide widths |
| Weight | 242 g (8.5 oz) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm |
| Heel stack | 41.5 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 33.5 mm |
| Cushioning | Soft |
| Support | Neutral |
| Widths | Regular, Wide |
| Plate | None |
| Midsole foam | FF Blast Max with FF Turbo² puck |
| Surface | Road |
| Best use | Daily |
| Good for | Running, Speed work, Long runs, Everyday wear |
The verdict
A light, bouncy, versatile daily trainer that is hard to beat for the money. Check fit and stability needs, then enjoy. Skip it if you are a heel striker wanting stability or have a broad forefoot. Ratings here are editorial estimates, not our own testing.
Alternatives to consider
Frequently asked questions
Novablast 6 or Novablast 5?
The 6 is lighter and bouncier but less stable. The 5 may be discounted. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves. Check the brand page or a retailer for the latest colors, sizes and price before you order.
Does the Novablast 6 come in wide?
Yes, ASICS offers Normal and Wide per RunRepeat. Availability can differ by colorway, store and country, so check the width selector before you order and keep the return window in mind. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves.
Is the Novablast 6 good for beginners?
Reviewers say it is versatile and comfortable. Heel strikers may want something more stable. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves. Check the brand page or a retailer for the latest colors, sizes and price before you order.
How much does the Novablast 6 weigh?
ASICS lists 8.5 oz (242 g) for men's and 7.5 oz (212 g) for women's. Weights are the brand's stated figures for a men's size unless noted, and independent lab weights can differ slightly, so treat them as a guide. Prices move often with sales and new colorways, so treat the list price as a starting point and compare retailers before you buy.
Sources and last checked · Oct 7, 2026
Notes: Scope.md listed Novablast 5 only as a 'verify' item; ASICS's US running page 2026-10-07 lists Novablast 6 at $155 (Lite-Show $165, GTX $175) and no 5, so we use the 6 (released Jul 2026 per RunRepeat). Per-product URL 404'd, so official_url is the ASICS men's running listing. Weight 8.5 oz / 242 g men's, 7.5 oz / 212 g women's, drop 8 mm, stack 41.5/33.5 mm (women's 40.5/32.5) per RunRepeat quoting ASICS; lab 249 g, 7.1 mm, 39.2/32.1 mm. Widths Normal and Wide per RunRepeat. Sizing true to size (119 votes). Ratings estimated; we have not tested this shoe.
Specs and prices come from the sources above and change often; ratings are our editorial estimates, not lab tests. Spot something out of date? Tell us.