ASICS Novablast 5 vs New Balance 1080v14 – Two Big Softies?

Stack Height, Drop, Weight and Price

The ASICS Novablast 5 stack height has 41.5mm in the heel and 33.5mm in the forefoot, for an 8mm drop. Meanwhile, the New Balance 1080 v14 has 38mm in the heel and 32mm in the forefoot for a shallower 6mm drop.

When it comes to weight, ASICS shaved a little off this latest generation. In our US Men’s 9.5 test shoe, the ASICS Novablast 5 now tips the scales at a pretty impressive 8.9oz / 251g – light for such a big stack.

By contrast, the New Balance 1080 V14 has put on a bit of weight. It now tips the scales at 10.1oz or 285g.

On price, the RRP for the New Balance 1080v14 is $165. The ASICS Novablast 5 drops in cheaper at $140.

Design

On design, the ASICS Novablast 5 sticks largely to a familiar Novablast blueprint with a max-stack midsole with that geometric styling. However, it uses a new softer and bouncier Flytefoam Blast Max foam. There’s a large rocker, a wide forefoot platform but a reduced heel extension compared to Novablast 4. That makes the shoe feel more compact.

The New Balance 1080v14 has a more conservative stack of FreshFoam X also with a rockered midsole. While the ASICS Novablast 5 shoots for extra softness, the 1080v14 has gone the other way with a firmer feel and snappier return than the 1080v13.

Up top, the New Balance 1080V14 has engineered mesh uppers which are much more hugging than the looser-fit of the ASICS Novablast 5’s more premium Jacquard mesh.

There’s significantly less flex in the toe box of the 1080 V14, making for a more wrapped, less airy fit overall.

Both shoes have plush padded heel collars. Though the 1080V14 has a little more padding in the heels and on the gusseted tongues. The Novablast 5 saves some weight with a thin, nicely wrapping tongue.

The New Balance 1080v14 outsole has a horseshoe of rubber around the mid-to-forefoot, a single pad of protective rubber in the middle of the forefoot and rubber patches in the heel that are thicker and more durable than we saw on the V13.

The ASICS Novablast 5 outsole sticks to a relatively standard covering of ASICS AHAR Lo rubber. It’s a shame you’re still not getting the top-level AHAR Plus grip that you find on the ASICS Superblast 2.

Fit

When it comes to fit I ran in a US 9.5 which is my regular size in both shoes. The biggest thing to note on fit here is the NB1080 v14 fit is really snug. That makes for good hold and security but they’re not that roomy. If, like me, you’ve got quite high feet, they’re a bit cramped across the top of the mid foot.

The ASICS Novablast 5 is cavernous by comparison. Really spacious and airy, with a roomier toe box. Some people have found the Novablast 5 a bit too spacious. But again, I’ve got quite wide feet, and I like space. Particularly in shoes I’d use for longer miles.

That said, I’d personally go true to size in both shoes. Though I think some might want to consider half a size up – or the wide option – in the New Balance for a roomier fit.

Check Out My 5 Best ASICS Shoes Here

Performance

In testing, I’ve run more than 40 miles in the New Balance 1080V14, mostly easy plodding with some runs up to 90 minutes. I’ve covered well north of 50 miles in the Novablast 5, including a full 4-hour solo marathon test.

I’ve tested both shoes across a range of paces, covering slow and easy long runs, right up to faster intervals and progression runs. As usual I’ve run mainly on the road but with some light off-road, too.

The story for me is that these two shoes have moved closer together. While the ASICS Novablast 5 runs softer, the New Balance 1080V14 is back to being snappier.

The New Balance 1080v14 has a marginally, stiffer midsole-outsole combo that offers some extra resilience and immediacy. I think that smooths the transitions and makes for a much quicker response thanks to the faster returning foam than we found on the New Balance 1080 V13. The result is a shoe that’s marginally better when you move up through the gears. Though still not a shoe you’d probably choose first for pushing the higher paces.

Check Out My 5 Best New Balance Shoes Here

The ASICS Novablast 5 also offers a nice smooth ride that responds well on toe-off. The softer foam definitely adds more cushion for the easy miles but there’s some more about too. It’s not overdone but when you’re feeling good, running with good form and pushing the pace, the Novablast 5 feels energetic. It feels springy but controlled. But it’s also cushioned enough to accommodate slower paces. Though sometimes on heavier legs, I found it felt a bit soggy.

On durability, both shoes feel well put together. The new Jacquard uppers on the Novablast 4 add a bit of wear-proofing structure. The New Balance 1080V14 midsole looks like it’ll eat more overall mileage. But I had no worries about either as a daily use longer hauler.

My Verdict

These are both capable daily trainers at the more cushioned end of the spectrum. I find they generally handle similar types of run overall, performing better at slower and easier, rather than faster, paces.

When I’m running with energy, the lighter ASICS Novablast 5 returns more. That gives it more upper pace potential.

However, if all you want is a smooth ride for your easiest of easy miles, with guaranteed road protection and comfort, the New Balance 1080v14 offers that. And it’s very good at it, too. I actually prefer the slower miles in the New Balance 1080V14, simply because they feel less sinky and there’s a bit more stability, too.

If I had to choose one shoe, I think the ASICS Novablast 5 just edges it based on the better versatility and value.

Other shoes I’d seriously consider that can offer similar include the Saucony Ride 18, the Adidas Supernova Prima, the Nike Pegasus 41 and the Puma Velocity Nitro 3.