ASICS Novablast 6: the quick verdict
The ASICS Novablast 6 is a neutral, cushioned daily trainer that landed in July 2026, and RunRepeat calls it one of the most popular daily trainers on the market. It keeps the soft, bouncy feel the Novablast line is known for, and adds a firmer, springier forefoot that makes faster runs feel a bit livelier.
For most Perth runners doing easy 5-10km runs, weekend long runs and the odd faster session, it’s a very good one-shoe option. It isn’t cheap at $260 RRP in Australia, though, and runners who land heavily on their heels may not love the ride. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.
Information checked October 2026. Prices and stock change often, so check the retailer before you buy.
Key facts at a glance
- Type: neutral daily trainer
- Australian RRP: $260 (ASICS Australia). The GORE-TEX version is $300.
- Released: July 2026
- Midsole: FF BLAST MAX foam, with an FF TURBO SQUARED “trampoline” pod in the forefoot
- Drop: 8mm (ASICS claim)
- Stack height: 41.5mm heel / 33.5mm forefoot (men’s); 40.5mm / 32.5mm (women’s), per Believe in the Run
- Weight: about 218g for a women’s US 8 and 249g for a men’s US 9, per Doctors of Running
- Outsole: ASICSGRIP rubber in the forefoot
- Widths: standard and wide (D) for women on the ASICS Australia site
What’s new in the Novablast 6 vs Novablast 5?
According to ASICS Australia’s own Novablast 6 vs 5 comparison, the main changes are:
- A new forefoot pod. FF TURBO SQUARED foam sits under the front of the foot for more energy return at toe-off. It’s the same compound ASICS uses in the Megablast, according to Believe in the Run.
- Reshaped midsole geometry designed to roll you forward more smoothly.
- A woven upper replacing the old jacquard mesh, aimed at better breathability and a more secure fit.
- Better grip. ASICSGRIP rubber in the forefoot is meant to improve traction and wear life, especially on wet roads.
RunRepeat’s lab test found the forefoot energy return jumped to 69.1%, well above average, while the heel stayed closer to 55%. That split explains most of what reviewers like and dislike about this shoe.
How does the Novablast 6 feel to run in?
The good bits
Most testers agree the forefoot is the highlight. Believe in the Run describes a lively toe-off without a carbon plate, cushioning that works from short runs to a 12-mile (about 19km) long run, a roomy toe box and a secure heel. RunRepeat scored it 93 out of 100, calling it light for its stack height, breathable, grippy and versatile across paces.
Breathability matters in Perth. RunRepeat rated the upper above average for airflow, which is good news for January long runs along the Swan River.
The not-so-good bits
Doctors of Running was less convinced. Their reviewer found the heel transition “clunky” and “slappy”, the heel foam a little flat, and the fit slightly short because of the heel padding. RunRepeat also noted it’s less stable than the Novablast 5, with a narrower platform and a tapered toe box.
The common thread: the Novablast 6 suits runners who land on their midfoot or forefoot. If you’re a heavy heel striker, try it on and jog in it before you buy.
Sizing
Reviewers split on fit. RunRepeat found it true to size, Doctors of Running found it slightly short and one Believe in the Run tester found it slightly long. In other words, try it on in store if you can, ideally later in the day when your feet are a little bigger.
Is the Novablast 6 good for beginners?
Yes, for many beginners it’s a sensible pick. RunRepeat lists newer runners who want one reliable shoe as a good match. It’s cushioned enough for easy runs and walk-run sessions, and light enough that it doesn’t feel like a brick.
The catch is stability. If you know you need a supportive shoe, or you’ve had shin or knee niggles, a stability model may suit you better. A physio or a specialist running store can watch you run and give advice that fits your feet. Don’t buy a $260 shoe based on a review alone, ours included.
Novablast 6 vs the alternatives
The Novablast 6 sits in a crowded daily-trainer category. Here’s how it compares with a few options, including some in the Perth Running Clubs shop.
| Shoe | Best for | Key details | Price checked Oct 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASICS Novablast 6 | Midfoot and forefoot strikers wanting one bouncy shoe | FF BLAST MAX + FF TURBO SQUARED pod, 8mm drop | $260 RRP (ASICS AU) |
| ASICS Novablast 5 (men’s) | Runners who want a more consistent, stable ride | FF BLAST MAX, jacquard mesh upper | $249.40 in our shop; clearance stock from $156 elsewhere |
| adidas Adizero Evo SL (women’s) | Heel strikers wanting a lighter, faster daily shoe | RunRepeat’s suggestion for heel strikers | $317.18 in our shop |
| Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41 (women’s) | A familiar all-rounder | Previous-generation Pegasus | $189.95 in our shop |
Shop prices are Amazon Australia prices at the time we checked and can change daily.
Short verdicts
- Novablast 6: the pick if you want one bouncy shoe that handles easy days, long runs and the occasional tempo, and you land mid or forefoot.
- Novablast 5: worth a look if you liked the older, steadier ride or you find it discounted. One Believe in the Run commenter summed up the forefoot pod as “nice, but not a game changer”.
- adidas Adizero Evo SL: RunRepeat’s alternative for heel strikers who want something light and quick. Pricier in our shop at the moment, so compare before you buy.
- Nike Pegasus 41: a dependable, well-known daily trainer that’s currently cheaper than the Novablast 6 in our shop.
How to try on the Novablast 6
Because reviewers disagree on sizing and the heel feel, a proper try-on is worth the trip:
- Wear your usual running socks and bring any orthotics you use.
- Go later in the day, when your feet have spread a little.
- Jog, don’t just walk. The heel-to-forefoot transition is what divides opinion, and you’ll only feel it at running pace.
- Check the toe box. You want about a thumb’s width at the front and no pressure across the widest part of your foot. If it’s tight, ask about the wide version.
Is the Novablast 6 worth $260?
At full price it’s a solid but not cheap buy. In the US it rose about $15 from the Novablast 5, and the Australian RRP is $260. If the Novablast 5 suited you, discounted Novablast 5 stock is a decent saving. The Running Company listed clearance pairs from $156 in July 2026.
If you’ve been running in worn-out shoes, or you’re buying your first proper pair before summer races, the Novablast 6 is a good shoe to try on. Black Friday falls on 27 November 2026, so it may be worth waiting a few weeks to see if prices drop.
Who should (and shouldn’t) buy it
Buy it if you:
- run 5-15km a few times a week and want one shoe for most of it
- land on your midfoot or forefoot
- like a soft, bouncy feel with a bit of spring for faster efforts
- want good grip and breathability for Perth’s mix of wet winters and hot summers
Skip it if you:
- are a heavy heel striker
- need a stability shoe
- have a wide or high-volume forefoot (check the wide version first)
- loved the steadier Novablast 5 and don’t want to relearn your shoe
Frequently asked questions
How much is the ASICS Novablast 6 in Australia?
The ASICS Australia RRP is $260 for the standard Novablast 6, including the women’s wide (D) version. The GORE-TEX (GTX) version is $300. Retailers sometimes discount, so compare prices before buying.
Is the Novablast 6 better than the Novablast 5?
It has a bouncier forefoot, a more breathable woven upper and better grip. Some reviewers found it less stable, with a firmer heel transition. If you liked the steady feel of the 5, try the 6 on before switching.
Can you race in the Novablast 6?
Yes, for many recreational runners. ASICS pitches it for everything from easy runs to tempo sessions, and the forefoot pod adds some pop. If you’re chasing a fast time, a dedicated racing shoe will be quicker.
Does the Novablast 6 run true to size?
Reviews are mixed. RunRepeat found it true to size, while Doctors of Running found it slightly short and one Believe in the Run tester found it long. Try it on in store if you can.
Is the Novablast 6 good for long runs?
Yes. Reviewers used it for easy and long runs, including runs of around 19km. The high stack gives plenty of cushioning for weekend long runs.
Find your next pair
The Novablast 6 is a fun, versatile daily trainer that will suit a lot of Perth runners, as long as you’re not a heavy heel striker. Try it on, jog a few steps and see how the forefoot feels. For other options, browse the running shoes in the Perth Running Clubs shop or read our running shoe showdown. And once you’ve got the shoes, find a group to run with in our Perth run club directory.
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