Novablast 6
High-cushion neutral daily trainer with FF BLAST MAX and a FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot trampoline pod.
Available in Men's and Women's sizing.
- Daily Trainer
- Neutral
- Max Cushion
- 8mm Drop
- 253g
- Best forDaily training with a soft, energetic ride.
- Runner typeNeutral gait
- SurfacesRoad, Treadmill
- Release dateJul 2026
Overview
High-cushion neutral daily trainer with FF BLAST MAX and a FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot trampoline pod.
Kitletics notes particular strengths around soft energetic daily ride and improved wet grip vs prior novablast.
- Soft energetic daily ride
- Improved wet grip vs prior Novablast
- Light for the stack
Kitletics Review · 9.0 Excellent
The ASICS Novablast 6 is a high-cushion neutral daily trainer with FF BLAST MAX and a FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot trampoline pod. I'd shortlist it for a soft, energetic daily ride and the wet-grip update versus Novablast 5. The trade-off is stability — it is not a guidance shoe, and it is not a race-day supershoe. I'd keep it for easy and long road miles; Ghost 18 is the cleaner compare if you wanted a firmer, more conventional daily.
Read Kitletics Review →At a glance
- Weight
- 253 g
- Drop
- 8 mm
- Heel Stack
- 41.5 mm
- Cushioning
- High
- Stability
- Neutral
- Terrain
- Road, Treadmill
- Plate
- No
- Category
- Running Shoes
- Best for
- Daily training with a soft, energetic ride
Performance scores
- Comfort9.6
- Energy9.2
- Cushion9.3
- Versatility9.0
- Grip8.8
Overall score: 9.0
Pros & cons
Pros
- Soft energetic daily ride
- Improved wet grip vs prior Novablast
- Light for the stack
Cons
- Not a stability shoe
- Less ideal as a pure race-day racer
Key technologies
FF BLAST MAX
FF BLAST MAX + FF TURBO SQUARED trampoline pod
ASICSGRIP (forefoot)
ASICSGRIP (forefoot) / AHAR LO (heel)
How it fits different uses
| Use case | Score |
|---|---|
Easy Runs Excellent for easy and recovery-paced road miles. | 95 |
Daily Training Top-tier soft daily trainer for neutral road runners in 2026. | 94 |
Long Runs Strong long-run road option when you want soft protection with enough bounce for progression finishes — not a pure recovery mush shoe. | 93 |
Recovery Runs Works well for easy recovery jogging. | 90 |
Tempo Runs Serviceable occasional tempo shoe; not a workout specialist. | 80 |
Trail Running Not recommended for trail running. | 20 |
Kitletics Review
A buying decision based on structured product data and evidence — not invented star ratings or fake user reviews.
Kitletics Review
Verdict
The ASICS Novablast 6 is a high-cushion neutral daily trainer with FF BLAST MAX and a FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot trampoline pod. I'd shortlist it for a soft, energetic daily ride and the wet-grip update versus Novablast 5. The trade-off is stability — it is not a guidance shoe, and it is not a race-day supershoe. I'd keep it for easy and long road miles; Ghost 18 is the cleaner compare if you wanted a firmer, more conventional daily.
Pros
- Soft energetic daily ride with rocker geometry
- Light for the stack (~253 g men’s reference)
- Improved wet-road grip story versus Novablast 5
- Wide width option in catalog
- Strong daily / long-run recommendation fit
Cons / Trade-offs
- Skip it if you need a stability shoe for most of your training.
- Less ideal as a pure race-day racer
- Tall stack may not suit ground-feel seekers
- No Kitletics personal wear-test yet
Best for
- Daily training with a soft, energetic ride.
- Long runs where cushioning matters more than outright speed.
- Neutral miles with a lively rocker.
- Improved wet grip vs prior Novablast.
Not ideal for
- Runners who need added stability or guidance.
- Those looking for a lightweight race-day shoe.
- Those looking for firm, highly responsive ride.
- People who need a stability shoe for most of your training.
Performance breakdown
- Cushioning9.3· High stack FF BLAST MAX
- Ride & Energy9.1
- Fit & Comfort9.0
- Stability7.8· Neutral platform
- Durability8.2· Research estimate — not wear-logged
- Value for Money8.4
- Fit8.8
- Responsiveness8.8
- Grip8.6· ASICSGRIP forefoot
- Versatility9.0
Scale: Poor (1–3) · Fair (4–5) · Good (6–7) · Very Good (8) · Excellent (9–10)
How it performs
Ride & Feel
Independent coverage and manufacturer materials describe a soft, rockered ride aimed at easy and long road miles. FF BLAST MAX remains the primary midsole story; the FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot pod is positioned to add trampoline-like response without a full carbon race plate.…
Upper & Fit
The engineered woven upper is documented as a breathability and lockdown update versus prior generations. Width options include standard and wide in the catalog — a practical edge versus some soft max-cushion competitors. True-to-size feedback is the category norm for this line;.…
Outsole
ASICSGRIP in the forefoot with AHAR LO in the heel is the primary verified traction change from Novablast 5. That targets wet-road confidence for daily asphalt and treadmill use — not aggressive trail lugs. Technical mud and rocky paths sit outside the design brief.
Durability
Kitletics has not logged personal wear mileage on this model. Category norms for high-cushion daily trainers suggest monitoring foam compression and outsole wear after high weekly volume. Treat durability scores here as research-informed estimates, not measured wear results.
Key specs that matter
| Spec | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 253 g | Affects how lively or protective the shoe feels on easy miles. |
| Drop | 8 mm | Influences stance and load distribution — preference, not a quality score. |
| Heel Stack | 41.5 mm | Contributes to cushion depth under the heel on landings. |
| Forefoot Stack | 33.5 mm | Affects forefoot protection and how the toe-off feels. |
| Stability | Neutral | Indicates guidance geometry versus a pure neutral ride. |
| Terrain | Road, Treadmill | Defines primary surface suitability (road, trail, mixed). |
| Width Options | Standard, Wide | Official widths available — separate from subjective toe-box feel. |
Should you buy it?
Buy if
- You're looking for a soft, energetic daily trainer.
- You want enough cushioning for long runs without a heavy ride.
- You prefer a neutral shoe with a lively rocker.
- You want soft energetic daily ride.
Skip if
- You need added stability or guidance.
- You're primarily looking for the lightest race-day option.
- You prefer a firm, highly responsive ride.
- Skip it if you need a stability shoe for most of your training.
Final verdict
High-cushion neutral daily trainer with FF BLAST MAX and a FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot trampoline pod. I'd shortlist it when you want a soft, energetic daily ride. Skip it if you need a stability shoe for most of your training.
Alternatives to consider
BrooksGhost 18Why choose this instead: Beginner-friendly
8.6 · Very GoodFrom € 144Compare →
HOKAClifton 10Why choose this instead: Want better value?
8.8 · Very GoodFrom € 144Compare →
SauconyRide 18Why choose this instead: True daily workhorse
8.1 · GoodFrom € 140Compare →
Compare with
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How we assessed it
We put this guide together from published specs and similar products in the same job. We have not personally tested this product unless the page says we did. Scores are meant to help you decide — affiliate links do not change the verdict.
Review type: Expert Research Review.
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Specifications
- Weight
- 253g
- Drop
- 8mm
- Heel Stack
- 41.5mm
- Cushioning
- High
- Stability
- Neutral
- Terrain
- Road, Treadmill
- Plate
- No
Geometry
| Weight | 253 g |
|---|---|
| Heel Stack | 41.5 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 33.5 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm |
Ride
| Cushioning | High |
|---|---|
| Cushion Feel | Soft |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Energy Return | High |
| Flexibility | Moderate |
| Ride Character | Rockered |
Construction
| Upper | Engineered woven |
|---|---|
| Midsole | FF BLAST MAX + FF TURBO SQUARED trampoline pod |
| Outsole | ASICSGRIP (forefoot) / AHAR LO (heel) |
| Plate | No |
| Plate Material | None |
Use
| Terrain | Road, Treadmill |
|---|---|
| Training Types | Easy, Long, Recovery, Tempo |
| Recommended Distance | Daily, Half, Marathon |
| Surface | Asphalt, Treadmill |
| Weather Suitability | Dry, Wet, All Season |
| Race Legal | Yes |
Fit
| Width Options | Standard, Wide |
|---|---|
| Arch Support | Medium |
| Grip | Road |
| Durability | Moderate |
| Breathability | High |
Other
| Fit / Sizing | Men, Women |
|---|
Novablast family
Where to buy
Showing offers for Netherlands. Prices may change at the retailer.
Runner's World Shop
in stockSpecialistNLLast checked 12 September 2026€ 149Check priceAll4running
in stockSpecialistNLFrom €4.95Last checked 12 September 2026€ 154Check priceAmazon.nl
in stockMarketplaceNLLast checked 12 September 2026€ 159View on AmazonASICS Official
in stockBrand DirectNLLast checked 12 September 2026€ 160Check price
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Sources & evidence
Transparency behind this Kitletics Review — not a substitute for the buying decision above.
Verified specification
ASICS NOVABLAST 6 product specifications
Weight ~253 g (men’s reference), stack 41.5/33.5 mm, drop 8 mm, FF BLAST MAX + FF TURBO SQUARED, ASICSGRIP forefoot — manufacturer materials; release July 2026.
Verified 12 September 2026
Editorial research
Independent expert reviews & Kitletics editorial analysis
Used to cross-check ride, fit, category placement and buying trade-offs. Not a Kitletics personal wear-test.
Verified 12 September 2026
Verified specification
Official product specifications
Used to verify identity, published measurements, materials and official features.
Verified 12 September 2026
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Product data verified 12 September 2026. Prices checked 12 September 2026.
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