ASICS Novablast 6: Even More Energy for Runners’ Favorite Daily Trainer
For several years now, the Novablast has held a unique place within the ASICS lineup. No plate, just a daily trainer packed with personality. It has always represented something a little different: generous bounce, a playful ride underfoot, and that feeling of energy that makes you want to head back out for another run the next day. It’s the true Swiss Army knife of the ASICS rotation and the brand’s best-selling running shoe worldwide. Its strong identity, built version after version, has turned it into one of the most popular models on the market, competing directly with standout options like the adidas EVO SL. With the new Novablast 6, ASICS isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, the Japanese brand has taken everything that worked and improved it with a new foam designed to make the ride even more fun.
| FF TURBO² Foam in the Novablast: A True First
This is clearly the biggest update in version 6. For the first time in the Novablast franchise, ASICS has integrated its FF TURBO² foam into the forefoot trampoline pod. It’s a technology we already know from one of the standout shoes of the year, the MegaBlast, but this is its debut in the Novablast line.
So what does it actually change? FF TURBO² is an ATPU-based foam built for energy return. Combined with the Novablast’s trampoline pod, the concept is simple: more pop at toe-off, a livelier rebound sensation, and that spring-like feeling under the forefoot that really comes alive once you start picking up the pace.
To avoid sacrificing comfort, ASICS keeps FF BLAST MAX foam in the rearfoot. There’s even more foam than in the v5. It’s a smart combination: responsiveness up front, softness in the back. Exactly the kind of balance you want from a daily trainer.
| Updates to the Outsole and Upper as Well
The Novablast 6 isn’t just about new foam. ASICS has also reworked both the outsole and the upper.
On the outsole, ASICSGRIP now appears in the forefoot. This is clearly a response to the many criticisms regarding the v5’s lack of traction. The goal is twofold: improve grip and enhance the propulsion effect by working in harmony with the midsole construction. On a shoe built around rebound, every detail matters.
As for the upper, the engineered mesh has been redesigned to improve both breathability and comfort. After all, comfort is probably the most important feature in a shoe you wear every day. From the first few strides, this version feels like it was designed with that in mind. The rear structure is rigid enough to lock the heel in place while remaining comfortable enough to prevent irritation.
“The NOVABLAST™ franchise has become one of our most loved and fastest-growing running shoes globally, and with that comes a responsibility to keep pushing the evolution forward. For the NOVABLAST™ 6 shoe, we took inspiration from the energetic, trampoline-like feel that defines the series and looked at how we could elevate it even further. By introducing new technologies like 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 to not only meet the expectations of runners who already love NOVABLAST™ shoe, but to exceed them.’’
Paul Lang, Senior Manager of Global Product, Performance Running Footwear at ASICS
| Novablast 6 vs the Competition
When I think about a high-performance daily trainer that can also handle faster running, three models immediately come to mind.
First, the adidas Adizero Evo SL, probably the benchmark in the category. It uses adidas’ Lightstrike Pro supershoe foam, features roughly 38 mm of stack height, weighs around 224 g, and comes in at €150. On paper and on the run, it’s built for speed. It’s incredibly light but can feel somewhat unstable for less experienced runners.
Then there’s the Saucony Endorphin Azura, which made a strong impression at the beginning of the year. Built around PWRRUN PB foam (the same foam used in the Endorphin Pro) and an aggressive rocker, it focuses on balance and propulsion: 40 mm of stack, 240 g, and a €160 price tag. It offers excellent versatility from easy runs to tempo workouts, though it may lack a bit of comfort.
The New Balance Rebel v5 is another direct competitor. With its FuelCell PEBA/EVA foam blend, it combines comfort and responsiveness for daily training. At €160, 223 g, and 35 mm of stack height, it stands out by offering a softer, smoother ride.
Against these three references, the Novablast 6 brings its own strengths. It isn’t the lightest shoe in the category, nor does it rely on the maximalist stack and rocker of the Azura. Instead, the Novablast focuses on comfort, versatility, stability, and now FF TURBO² foam to amplify its energetic ride. At €160, it matches the Azura’s pricing and clearly has solid arguments against the EVO SL, Rebel v5, and Endorphin Azura.
| Who Is the ASICS Novablast 6 For?
That’s the real question. And the answer is pretty broad. The Novablast has always excelled at appealing to a wide range of runners, and version 6 doesn’t change that. To put it simply, everyone could use a Novablast in their rotation.
➜ For everyday runners, it’s a reliable, protective shoe capable of handling high mileage without excessive fatigue.
➜ For runners with performance goals, the FF TURBO² foam and ASICSGRIP outsole clearly open the door to tempo sessions and faster-paced workouts.
➜ And for everyone else, it’s simply a fun, responsive shoe that makes you want to run.
The iconic geometric midsole design remains unchanged. The shoe continues to move forward with the same distinctive style, now with even more energy return.
“A lot of my training is about consistency, so I need a shoe that feels comfortable and efficient across a full week of running and the NOVABLAST™ series has always been my go-to for that. Already an amazing shoe, the NOVABLAST™ 6 shoe really levels up the bounce and energy. You can feel the difference with the FF TURBO™ SQUARED trampoline pod, especially when you start to pick up the pace, helping to create a more responsive and efficient ride. Exactly what I’m looking for in a daily trainer.”
Drew Hunter, ASICS athlete
Technical Specifications – ASICS NOVABLAST 6
- Category: Daily trainer
- Use: Easy runs, long runs, tempo workouts, everyday training
- Cushioning: FF TURBO² (ATPU) in the forefoot + FF BLAST MAX
- Outsole: ASICSGRIP
- Surface: Road
- Runner Level: All runners
- Price: €160
- Release Date: July 1, 2026
ASICS has always understood what makes the Novablast successful. With version 6, the brand didn’t try to reinvent the model—it simply upgraded every key component. The addition of FF TURBO² foam in the trampoline pod is the most significant update the series has seen in years. On paper, the promise is compelling: more bounce, more energy, and no compromise on comfort. Now all that remains is to see how it performs out on the road.
✔ The ASICS Novablast 6 will be available from July 1, 2026, for €160 on asics.com.
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
