ASICS Novablast 6 brings even more spark to runners’ favorite daily trainer

For several years now, the Novablast has held a special place in the ASICS lineup. No plate, just a daily trainer with plenty of personality. It has always offered something a little different: generous bounce, a lively feel underfoot and the kind of energy that makes you want to head out for another run the next day. It’s the Swiss Army knife of the ASICS rotation, and the brand’s best-selling shoe worldwide. That strong identity has been built up version after version, turning the Novablast into one of the most popular models on the market, with direct competition from bangers like the adidas EVO SL. With the new Novablast 6, ASICS isn’t trying to reinvent everything. The Japanese brand has kept what worked and upgraded it with a new foam for even more fun.

FF TURBO² foam comes to the Novablast for the first time

This is clearly the biggest update in version 6. For the first time in the Novablast franchise, ASICS is bringing its FF TURBO² foam to the trampoline pod in the forefoot. It’s a technology we already saw on one of the shoes of the year, the MegaBlast, but this marks its debut on the Novablast.

So what does it change in practice? FF TURBO² is an ATPU foam designed to return energy. Combined with the Novablast’s trampoline pod, the logic is simple: more pep on toe-off, a livelier rebound and that springy feeling under the forefoot that makes all the difference when you start to pick up the pace.

To keep comfort intact, ASICS has retained its FF BLAST MAX foam in the heel. There’s even more foam than in the v5. It’s a smart pairing: dynamism on one side, softness on the other. The kind of balance you want from a daily trainer.

ASICS launches the Novablast 6 with an FF TURBO² SQUARED pod in the forefoot. More responsive, lighter and more fun. Everything we already loved, only better. Available from July 1.

Updates underfoot and up top, too

But the Novablast 6 isn’t only about a new foam. ASICS has also reworked the outsole and the upper.

On the outsole, ASICSGRIP makes its debut in the forefoot. That’s a clear response to the many complaints about the v5’s lack of grip. The aim is twofold: improve traction and enhance propulsion by working in harmony with the midsole geometry. On a shoe built around bounce, every detail matters.

The engineered mesh upper has also been reworked for better breathability and comfort. Because with a shoe you pull on every day, comfort is probably the most important factor. From the first few strides, this version feels designed with that in mind. The structure around the heel is rigid enough to lock it down securely, while still offering enough comfort to prevent friction.

The NOVABLAST franchise has become one of our most popular and fastest-growing running shoes worldwide, and that comes with a responsibility: to keep moving things forward. For the NOVABLAST 6, we drew on the energetic, trampoline-like feeling that defines the series and looked for ways to take it even further. By introducing new technologies such as the FF TURBO SQUARED trampoline pod and refining the overall geometry, we’ve created a shoe that feels even more responsive, dynamic and fun to run in. Our goal was not only to meet the expectations of runners who already love the NOVABLAST, but to exceed them.
Paul Lang, Senior Manager – Global Product, Performance Running Footwear at ASICS

The Novablast 6 versus the competition

When I think of a performance-oriented daily trainer that can also pick up the pace, three models come to mind. First, the adidas Adizero Evo SL, probably the benchmark in this category. It uses the Lightstrike Pro foam found in adidas supershoes, has a stack height of around 38 mm, weighs roughly 224 g and costs €150. On paper and on the run, it’s a shoe built for speed: very light, but potentially lacking stability for less polished runners. The Saucony Endorphin Azura also made a strong impression when it launched earlier this year. Built around PWRRUN PB foam, the same foam used in the Endorphin Pro, and a particularly pronounced rocker, it focuses on balance and propulsion: a 40 mm stack, 240 g and a €160 price tag. It’s also impressively versatile, from easy runs through tempo work, though it may give up a little comfort. The New Balance Rebel v5 is another direct rival to the Novablast 6. With its combination of PEBA- and EVA-based FuelCell foams, it blends everyday comfort with a lively ride. At €160, 223 g and with a 35 mm stack, it stands apart from its competitors with a slightly softer underfoot feel.

Against these three benchmarks, the Novablast 6 brings its own set of arguments. It isn’t the lightest shoe in the category, nor does it rely on the maximal stack and rocker of the Azura. Instead, the Novablast plays a different card: comfort, versatility, stability and now FF TURBO² foam to amplify its lively feel even further. At €160, it matches the Azura on price. It clearly has plenty to offer against the EVO SL, Rebel v5 and Endorphin Azura.

Who exactly is the ASICS Novablast 6 for?

That’s the real question. And the answer is fairly broad. The Novablast has always been good for a wide range of runners, and version 6 doesn’t change that. To put it simply, everyone needs a Novablast in their rotation…

➜ For the everyday runner, it’s a reliable, protective pair that can rack up the miles without excessive fatigue.
➜ For runners with a specific goal, the FF TURBO² foam and ASICSGRIP clearly open the door to tempo sessions and sustained-pace runs.
➜ And for everyone else, it’s simply a fun, responsive shoe that makes you want to run.

The iconic geometric midsole design remains. The shoe continues on its way with the same distinctive style and even more energy return.

A large part of my training is built around consistency, so I need a shoe that stays comfortable and effective throughout a full week of running. The NOVABLAST series has always been my go-to for that. Already an exceptional shoe, the NOVABLAST 6 takes a real step forward in terms of bounce and energy. You can clearly feel the difference from the FF TURBO SQUARED trampoline pod, especially when you start to accelerate. It creates a more responsive and efficient stride, exactly what I’m looking for in a daily training shoe.
Drew Hunter, ASICS athlete

Specs – ASICS NOVABLAST 6

Category : Daily trainer
Best for : Easy runs, long runs, tempo, everyday training
Cushioning : FF TURBO² (ATPU) in the forefoot + FF BLAST MAX
Outsole : ASICSGRIP
Surface : Road
Runner level : All levels
Price : €160
Release date : July 1, 2026

ASICS has always understood what made the Novablast successful. For version 6, the brand hasn’t tried to reinvent the shoe; it has simply upgraded every key component. Adding FF TURBO² foam to the trampoline pod is the series’ most significant change in a long time. On paper, the promise is compelling: more bounce and more dynamism, without sacrificing comfort. Now all that remains is to see how it performs on the road.

✔ The ASICS Novablast 6 will be available from July 1, 2026, priced at €160, on asics.com.