There's a shoe category that stands the test of time but doesn't always get enough credit: the fun and versatile daily trainer. It’s not the one you save for race day, or the one you (maybe begrudgingly) lace up for long recovery runs. This is the one you get excited to wear for morning KMs with the girlies, unpack for vacation jogs, or pick up the pace with during your 60-min “lunch break” (hey - we’re all about a little work-from-home-life balance!).
The ASICS Novablast has always lived in that space, and with the Novablast 6, ASICS has sharpened everything that made the line so popular while quietly fixing a few things that needed fixing. We should always be working on ourselves, right?
As your local run experts (and major shoe enthusiasts), we were able to get our hands on a few pairs early. We put them through their paces across different distances and conditions, and put together an overview of what you can expect from the new Novablast 6 when it launches in Canada this July. Spoiler: we love it. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting shoe!
What's New in the Novablast 6?
ASICS didn’t change the things that didn’t need changing, so the Novablast 6 has the same stack and 8mm drop as the previous version. But the underfoot feel tells a different story.
The biggest update is in the forefoot, where ASICS has introduced FF TURBO™ SQUARED Trampoline Pod into the Novablast for the first time. This new update gives the Novablast 6 the same "oomph" as the Megablast, while the soft layer of FF BLAST™ MAX foam and moderate stack height maintains its daily-trainer status.
The upper has also been overhauled, which was one of the biggest pieces of feedback from our testers. Gone is the older mesh, and in its place is a new engineered woven upper that's noticeably lighter and more breathable. For warm-weather running or indoors on the treadmill, this is a major day-to-day improvement. The new gusseted tongue also stays firmly in place, and the overall lockdown through the midfoot is more secure. Finally, ASICSGRIP™ rubber in the forefoot outsole rounds out the updates, providing improved traction at toe-off.
Tech Specs: How It Stacks Up
Midsole
-
FF BLAST™ MAX cushioning: ASICS' most energetic midsole foam from the previous model is back; soft, bouncy, and responsive.
-
FF TURBO™ SQUARED Trampoline Pod: forefoot-specific foam tech, new to the Novablast line (previously only in the Megablast and Sonicblast); amplifies energy return and snap at toe-off.
Upper
-
Engineered woven upper: lightweight, breathable, adapts to natural foot movement.
-
Gusseted tongue: stays in place, reduces shifting and pressure points.
-
Tongue wing construction: secure midfoot feel without added bulk.
Outsole
-
ASICSGRIP™ rubber (forefoot): proprietary outsole compound for advanced grip on varied terrain.
-
AHAR® LO rubber: lower-hardness rubber in key zones for reliable traction without sacrificing durability.
Stack & Fit
-
Stack height: 33.5mm forefoot / 41.5mm heel
-
Drop: 8mm
-
Weight (Men's): ~253g
-
Fit: True to size; neutral / supination-friendly
How It Runs: Novablast 6 Tester Reviews
Our testers logged everything from 6km shakeouts to 20km long runs in the Novablast 6, and the word that came up most consistently was "bounce."
"Bounce is back! No, for real though. These felt snappier than I had imagined they would be," said one tester, who compared the feel to the New Balance Rebel V5 — and noted the Novablast 6 edges it out on fit and toe box space.
Another tester described the ride as "cushioned, smooth, and energetic" with a forefoot that "feels noticeably more responsive when rolling through the stride." A third highlighted the balance between softness and structure: "It has plenty of cushioning, but it doesn't feel bulky or unstable."
The consensus: this shoe truly earns its daily-trainer label. It handles easy runs and mid-distance long runs without complaint, and has enough pep to cover tempo work if your run demands it. It's not necessarily a speed shoe, but it does have what one tester called "a little dash of pep that can be activated if needed."
Take a look at a few more of their reviews:
“I think this will be an easy shoe to explain: soft and comfortable, but not boring. It feels cushioned, smooth, and energetic. It still has that fun Novablast bounce, but this version feels more controlled and less “wild” underfoot. My biggest takeaway from using it on a long run was that it felt consistent the whole way.”
“This is really a daily driver that can eat up a ton of fun miles with a little dash of pep that can be activated if needed. Took them for 6km, 12km, and 20km, and they performed well at all distances, with the 12km being their best slotted performance IMO. I would gladly pack these as my only running shoes for a long weekend away this summer!”
“The ride feels smooth and offers a nice pop, especially when picking up the pace. There’s a noticeable bounce through the midfoot that helps keep your feet turning over without feeling forced. I was also impressed with the outsole traction. I had the opportunity to run in rainy conditions, and the grip on wet roads was excellent.”
“One thing I’ve learned over the years is that there is no such thing as the perfect running shoe for everyone. Every runner has different biomechanics, preferences, and training goals. What I appreciate about the Novablast 6 is that it improves on many of the things I didn’t love about the previous version. The lighter upper, improved breathability, secure fit, and reliable traction all contribute to a better overall running experience. If you’re looking for a comfortable, cushioned daily trainer that can handle everything from easy runs to long runs, the Novablast 6 is definitely worth considering.”
How It Fits
Our testers all agreed that the Novablast 6 fits true to size, with a secure fit and enough room in the toe box to allow for comfortable toe splay. Think “spacious” without being “sloppy.” The heel is well-padded, the midfoot lockdown is solid, and the gusseted tongue is a meaningful upgrade over the Novablast 5's tendency to shift during longer efforts.
One tester had this to say: “Fantastic fit. Really felt true to size. I usually go up a half-size to 9.5 for my easy run daily driver shoes (to allow for toe splay and prevent black toes), but these size 9s felt near perfect for my foot shape, toe splay, and usual size. The toe box was perfect. Upper felt secure. Lace length is great. No notes!”
Who Is The ASICS Novablast 6 For?
The versatility and overall neutral design of The Novablast 6 make it an excellent choice for a huge mix of runners. From beginners looking to invest in that “do-it-all” first shoe, to marathoners who need to add something fresh to their rotation, this shoe can cover your easy days, your long runs, and the occasional pickups, too.
Speaking of beginners, it's also an excellent entry point for runners newer to the sport who want a shoe with real energy return at a price that won’t cause a knee-jerk reaction. At $190 CAD, it delivers an elevated ride and value-packed punch for the category.
One of our testers (and resident Toronto store managers) agrees: “I’d feel very comfortable recommending the Novablast 6 as a daily trainer that can handle most runs. It is one of the easiest shoes to recommend, especially for someone looking for a versatile option at a reasonable price point.”
The Verdict: Take Flight In The Novablast 6!
The Novablast line has always had a clear identity — fun, bouncy, approachable — and the Novablast 6 stays true while adding some upgrades that refine its ride. The new forefoot foam technology adds noticeable energy, the upper is lighter and more breathable, the fit is more dialled in, and the traction gives you one less thing to think about when the pavement gets slick.
One tester summed it up perfectly: "The Novablast line has always been key in my rotation, and this Novablast 6 cements its status with its perfect fit and energetic bounce."
If you want your daily miles to feel a little more alive, the Novablast 6 is the shoe for that. Get yours starting July 1st online and in-store at BlackToe Running! And whether you need help with fit, a personalized foot strike assessment, help picking accessories, or general advice, our Run Experts are always here to help you make the best choice possible. Stop in or reach out anytime!