ASICS Novablast 5 vs ASICS Superblast 3
On paper, compared with the ASICS Novablast 5, the ASICS Superblast 3 is 20 g lighter, 4.9 mm more heel stack, ₹11,900 pricier, Ride +1.
My take
Want soft and bouncy: Superblast 3 — my favourite of the year. Want lighter and quicker, less soft: Novablast. Neither has ankle support.
 ASICSNovablast 5 |  ASICSSuperblast 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 8.33 | 8.67 |
| Ride | 8.0 | 9.0 |
| Design & Comfort | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Value | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹10,079 | ₹21,999 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Versatile trainer | Max cushion |
| Weight | 250 g | 230 g |
| Heel stack | 40.9 mm | 45.8 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 33.5 mm | 37.7 mm |
| Drop | 7.4 mm | 8.1 mm |
| Foam | FF Blast Max | FF Leap + FF Blast Plus |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | neutral | neutral |
| Fit | – | narrow |
| Sizing | – | true to size |
| Recommended runner weight | Up to about 90 kg | All runners, including heavy (90 kg+) |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsLong runsTempo | Easy runsLong runsBeginnersRunners 90 kg+ |
| Pros | Soft, very bouncy FF Blast Max ride · New light, breathable upper fixes Novablast 4's issue · Versatile from 4:00/km to 6:30/km · Wide base adds stability · Good heel padding and counter for long runs · No issues in 100+ km of testing | Most fun shoe of the year · Extremely soft FF Leap + FF Blast Plus midsole · Fit true to size at UK 8, snug and secure · Plush woven upper with gusseted tongue · Light at 230 g for a 46/38 mm stack · Stability improved once I'd done a few runs |
| Cons | Not for beginners or runners slower than 6:30/km · Wet grip only above average · Bouncy foam won't last as long as the Novablast 4's · Unlikely to be discounted | Exposed midsole wears and cracks quickly · Outsole rubber wears fast · Narrower forefoot than Superblast 2 · Expensive at ₹22,000–23,000, rarely discounted · Can feel clunky for lighter runners · Less energetic than the Megablast |
| Avoid if | Avoid it if you are a beginner or regularly run slower than about 6:30/km, because the bouncy foam gives less stability and ground feel at those paces. | Avoid it if you have ankle pronation and need a stability shoe, or if you have wide feet and can't size up or get the wide version. |
My verdicts
ASICS
Novablast 5
If I were training for my first marathon and wanted one shoe, this is the one I would pick. I would not recommend it to beginners or to runners slower than about 6:30/km pace.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you are a beginner or regularly run slower than about 6:30/km, because the bouncy foam gives less stability and ground feel at those paces.
Read reviewASICS
Superblast 3
If money is no issue and you want one shoe that makes you love running, the Superblast 3 is the one I recommend. No other shoe this year gave me this much fun, though the soft exposed midsole wears quickly.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you have ankle pronation and need a stability shoe, or if you have wide feet and can't size up or get the wide version.
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