Asics Novablast 6

The Asics Novablast 6 is the daily trainer for neutral runners looking for a light, cushioned ride that can respond when the pace picks up. Within the Asics range, the Novablast 6 still has its own place between the versatile daily cruiser Gel Cumulus 28 and the maximalist Superblast 3, without trying to outshine them. To paraphrase the famous line: it is not a daily cruiser, it is not a pure maximalist, it is... a hybrid shoe that has found an identity of its own.

Compared with its predecessor, the Novablast 5, the changes are notable. Asics goes for a combination of foams, with FF BLAST MAX in the midsole and an FF TURBO SQUARED insert in the forefoot for more energy at toe-off. The woven mesh upper is slightly sturdier to tackle chafing issues, with a tongue padded at the top and partly stitched to the sides that protects well from lace pressure. The heel gets generous padding, so much that some users find the shoe fits slightly short; otherwise, the fit is secure in the midfoot.

With an 8 mm heel-to-toe drop, the geometry is fairly classic and aimed at heel strikers, while the wider outsole base adds some stability to offset the generous stack height. It is a shoe for anyone who wants a fun trainer for daily runs, easy intervals and the occasional long run without moving to something more aggressive or heavier.