Jason Jogs's ASICS Novablast 6 Review

ASICS · Footwear · Reviewed by Jason Jogs · Published 2026-07-14

Rating 4.5/5Source quality 100/100Evidence 15Claims 9Q&A 6Pros 8Cons 5FootwearIndependent creator

Based on a review by Jason Jogs (accessed 2026-07-14).

This page converts Jason Jogs's review of the ASICS ASICS Novablast 6 into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.

Product Evidence hub pending. This is currently the only analysed source for this product. A full evidence hub becomes available once a second qualifying source is processed.

Source verdict

The reviewer highly recommends the ASICS Novablast 6, considering it worth its $155 price. He states it's a very solid and versatile all-around running shoe that performs everything "really really good," even if it's "nothing groundbreaking or revolutionary," positioning it as one of the best non-plated daily trainers on the market.

About this source

The reviewer provides a detailed, full review of the ASICS Novablast 6 running shoe, covering its outsole, midsole, upper, fit, and overall performance. He shares his experiences and findings after putting 35 miles on the shoes, including a 15-mile long run.

Review notes

This daily trainer is a solid recommendation for its versatile, all-around performance, despite lacking a groundbreaking "wow" factor. The outsole demonstrates improved durability compared to the Novablast 5 after 35 miles, and the FF Blast Max midsole offers reliable impact protection with a comfortable, stable feel for a high stack shoe. However, its mesh upper significantly restricts airflow, causing feet to feel hot even in mild conditions. If you seek a single shoe capable of handling various runs from short to marathon distances, the Novablast 6 is a worthy investment. However, if breathability is a top priority for you, other daily trainers offer superior ventilation.

What the reviewer liked

  • Improved outsole durability compared to the Novablast 5
  • Good traction on asphalt road conditions
  • Midsole offers good impact protection and stability for its stack height
  • Highly versatile for a variety of paces and distances (short, long, fast, slow)
  • Comfortable and supportive upper with good heel lockdown
  • Ample toe box room for wider feet, true to size fit
  • Gusseted tongue prevents movement during runs
  • Overall solid and easy to recommend for most runners

What the reviewer criticised

  • Midsole lacks a "super bouncy" or "energized" feel compared to other shoes
  • Forefoot does not provide the same bounce as the ASICS MegaBlast
  • Upper is not well-ventilated, causing feet to get hot
  • Price increased to $155, making it more expensive than most other daily trainers
  • Doesn't excel in any one specific performance category

Structured claims

The outsole of the Novablast 6 shows better durability than the Novablast 5 after 35 miles, with less wear in high-impact areas.

comparison_claimmoderate

The ASICS grip rubber outsole provides good traction on asphalt for road running in ideal weather conditions, though its performance in harsh conditions is untested.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The full-length FF Blast Max midsole offers a comfortable, slightly firm, and stable ride with good ground feel and impact protection, suitable for various paces and distances.

reviewer_claimstrong

The midsole is solid but lacks the super bouncy or energized feel found in some other super shoes or super non-plated trainers, and specifically does not offer the same bounce in the forefoot as the ASICS Mega Blast.

comparison_claimstrong

The upper provides an excellent, true-to-size fit, offering ample toe box room for wider feet, and secure midfoot and heel lockdown, consistent with the Novablast 5.

reviewer_claimstrong

The soft upper materials require no break-in period and prevent hot spots, contributing to overall comfort.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The upper is not well-ventilated, causing feet to feel hot, especially in humid conditions, and has worse airflow compared to shoes like the Saucony Kinvara 19 and Puma Deviate Nitro.

reviewer_claimstrong

The Novablast 6 is an incredibly versatile shoe, capable of handling various runs from 5k to marathon distances, making it a good 'one-shoe' option that is reliable and easy to run in without injury concerns.

reviewer_claimstrong

Despite its $155 price point, which is higher than many daily trainers, the Novablast 6 offers good value as a reliable, all-around performer with superior cushioning and stability compared to some competitors, making it a strong recommendation for a single-shoe rotation.

reviewer_claimstrong

Evidence items

Outsole durability comparison

comparisonpositivet=0:54–1:10

The reviewer observed that the Novablast 6 outsole is holding up better than last year's Novablast 5 model after 30-35 miles, with less wear in high wear areas.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN-QhNX4hqg

Outsole traction on asphalt

hands_on_demopositivet=0:38–0:49

The updated ASICS grip rubber outsole worked really well on asphalt roads, providing good traction without any problems in ideal sunny weather conditions.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN-QhNX4hqg

Outsole traction in harsh conditions (untested)

reviewer_claimneutralt=0:41–0:53

The reviewer, living in California, did not get a chance to test the outsole in harsh conditions like rain or snow, and thus cannot speak to its performance in such environments.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN-QhNX4hqg

Midsole stack height and drop specifications

specification_claimneutralt=1:44–1:53

The midsole features full-length FF Blast Max, with a stack height of 41.5 mm in the heel and 33.5 mm in the forefoot, resulting in an 8 mm heel-toe drop.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN-QhNX4hqg

FF Turbo Squared forefoot feel

reviewer_claimneutralt=2:00–2:10

The reviewer did not really feel the FF Turbo Squared in the forefoot much while running, perceiving the whole midsole as feeling uniform.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN-QhNX4hqg

Midsole comfort, stability, and protection

hands_on_demopositivet=2:10–2:37

The overall midsole setup provided good ground feel in the forefoot, was comfortable, slightly firm for stability, offered good impact protection, and delivered a predictable ride for various paces and longer distances.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN-QhNX4hqg

Midsole bounce comparison

comparisonneutralt=2:38–2:54

The midsole is solid but lacks the 'super bouncy' or 'energized' feeling found in other super shoes or super non-plated trainers.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN-QhNX4hqg

Midsole bounce compared to ASICS Mega Blast

comparisonnegativet=3:19–3:34

The reviewer did not experience the same bounce in the Novablast 6's forefoot as found in the ASICS Mega Blast, suggesting buyers might need to spend more for that specific ride.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN-QhNX4hqg

Upper fit and room

hands_on_demopositivet=3:49–4:20

The fit was excellent, going true to size. The toe box had decent room for the reviewer's wider-than-average size 12 foot, and the midfoot and heel lockdown were very good.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN-QhNX4hqg

Upper fit consistency with Novablast 5

comparisonpositivet=4:20–4:32

The excellent heel lockdown and support, which the reviewer praised in the Novablast 5, remain unchanged and good in the Novablast 6.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN-QhNX4hqg

Upper material comfort

reviewer_claimpositivet=4:40–4:55

The upper materials are soft, require no break-in time, and caused no hot spots, contributing to a comfortable overall feel.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN-QhNX4hqg

Upper breathability issues

hands_on_demonegativet=5:04–5:26

The upper is not very ventilated, causing the reviewer's feet to feel hot, even with an all-white colorway and different socks, indicating a lack of significant airflow.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN-QhNX4hqg

Upper breathability compared to other shoes

comparisonnegativet=5:35–5:44

The reviewer notes that other daily trainers like the Saucony Kinvara 19s and Puma DV8 Pure Nitros have better airflow and breathability than the Novablast 6.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN-QhNX4hqg

Price point and market comparison

specification_claimneutralt=6:01–6:21

The Novablast 6 is priced at $155, which is $5-$10 higher than the previous model and also more expensive than most daily trainers currently around $145-$150.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN-QhNX4hqg

Overall value proposition

expert_opinionpositivet=6:21–6:58

Despite not being the most exciting shoe, the reviewer believes it's worth $155 because it does everything 'really really good' across outsole, midsole, upper, and support, making it easy to recommend for a wide majority of runners.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN-QhNX4hqg

Quick answers

  • Is the ASICS Novablast 6 a good daily trainer? The reviewer finds the Novablast 6 to be an excellent all-around daily trainer, offering a comfortable, stable, and protected ride suitable for short, long, fast, and slow runs.
  • How is the fit and comfort of the Novablast 6? The reviewer, with wider than average feet, found the Novablast 6 fit true to size, providing good room in the toe box and excellent midfoot and heel lockdown, similar to the Novablast 5.
  • Does the Novablast 6 have good cushioning and bounce? The full-length FF Blast Max midsole provides comfortable, stable cushioning with good impact protection, making it suitable for longer distances.
  • Is the Novablast 6 durable, especially the outsole? After 35 miles, the reviewer observed that the updated ASICS grip rubber outsole on the Novablast 6 is holding up better than the Novablast 5, with less wear in high-impact areas.

Buyer questions answered

Is the ASICS Novablast 6 a good daily trainer?

The reviewer finds the Novablast 6 to be an excellent all-around daily trainer, offering a comfortable, stable, and protected ride suitable for short, long, fast, and slow runs. While not groundbreaking, its consistent performance makes it highly reliable and easy to recommend for most runners, capable of doing it all.

How is the fit and comfort of the Novablast 6?

The reviewer, with wider than average feet, found the Novablast 6 fit true to size, providing good room in the toe box and excellent midfoot and heel lockdown, similar to the Novablast 5. The upper materials are soft and comfortable with no break-in needed, but its poor ventilation can lead to hot feet, especially in humid conditions.

Does the Novablast 6 have good cushioning and bounce?

The full-length FF Blast Max midsole provides comfortable, stable cushioning with good impact protection, making it suitable for longer distances. However, the reviewer noted that the shoe doesn't have the "super bouncy" or "energized" feel found in some other super shoes or the ASICS Mega Blast, which might disappoint those expecting a more dynamic ride.

Is the Novablast 6 durable, especially the outsole?

After 35 miles, the reviewer observed that the updated ASICS grip rubber outsole on the Novablast 6 is holding up better than the Novablast 5, with less wear in high-impact areas. However, he explicitly states that 35 miles is not enough to confidently speak to its full long-term durability and suggests looking for reviews with higher mileage.

What is the traction like on the Novablast 6?

The reviewer found the ASICS grip rubber outsole provided very good traction on asphalt roads, performing as intended for a road running shoe. However, as he lives in California, he could not test its performance in harsh conditions like rain or snow, and therefore cannot confirm its grip in such environments.

Is the ASICS Novablast 6 worth its $155 price?

Despite being $5-$10 more expensive than many other daily trainers, the reviewer considers the Novablast 6 a good investment. He argues its ability to perform well across all types of runs (short, long, fast, slow) and its combination of cushioning, stability, and reliable comfort make it a strong option for runners seeking one versatile shoe, even for marathon training. He highlights its overall reliability and ease of use as key value propositions.

Specs mentioned in this review

Midsole stack height and drop specifications
The midsole features full-length FF Blast Max, with a stack height of 41
Price point and market comparison
The Novablast 6 is priced at $155, which is $5-$10 higher than the previous model and also more expensive than most daily trainers currently around $145-$150

Why this source is included

100/100 source quality

  • ✓ Independent of the brand
  • ✓ Hands-on demonstration
  • ✓ Specific testing or measurements
  • ✓ Clear sponsorship / relationship disclosure

Transcript summary

This review provides a comprehensive look at the ASICS Novablast 6, a popular daily trainer, after 35 miles of use. The reviewer details the outsole's improved durability compared to its predecessor, the full-length FF Blast Max midsole's comfortable but not overly bouncy ride, and the solid, true-to-size upper fit. While noting its excellent versatility for various runs, the reviewer points out a potential issue with the upper's breathability, which can lead to hot feet. Despite being slightly pricier than competitors, the shoe is ultimately recommended for its reliability and all-around performance.

Full transcript is not redistributed here to respect the original creator’s rights.

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