Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Adidas Adizero Boston 12 vs ASICS Novablast 5: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 12: 56% of 230 owners recommend it, vs 41% of 145 for the ASICS Novablast 5.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Adidas Adizero Boston 12

56%of 230 owners recommend
56% recommend · 14% neutral · 30% don't
Owners praise
  • Excels at tempo and speed work
  • Extremely durable, high mileage
  • Firm, stable, responsive ride
Owners complain about
  • Stiff, unforgiving upper
  • Laces won't stay tied
  • Narrow forefoot causes blisters
Full owner report →

ASICS Novablast 5

41%of 145 owners recommend
41% recommend · 26% neutral · 33% don't
Owners praise
  • Soft, bouncy ride when fresh
  • Comfortable, well-cushioned feel
  • Versatile daily trainer across paces
Owners complain about
  • Bounce and midsole die early (durability)
  • Forefoot pod, arch, and foot pain
  • Slippery grip on wet pavement
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 if
  • ✓Runners doing tempo, interval, and speed workouts
  • ✓Those wanting a durable, high-mileage daily trainer
  • ✓Runners who prefer a firm, low-stack ride
  • ✓Bargain hunters buying at sale prices
Skip it if
  • Runners wanting soft cushioning for easy or long runs
  • Narrow or blister-prone forefeet
Get the ASICS Novablast 5 if
  • ✓Neutral runners wanting a soft, bouncy daily trainer
  • ✓Easy days, long runs and beginners building mileage
  • ✓Runners with wider feet who want a roomy toebox
  • ✓Value seekers wanting an all-rounder that won't break the bank
Skip it if
  • High-mileage runners needing foam that lasts past ~250km
  • Forefoot strikers prone to arch or forefoot pain

What Adidas Adizero Boston 12 owners say

“la recomiendo ampliamente”
— @King_Therion on YouTube
“ya puedo decir que disfruto con la 12”
— @juanluiscalvo6838 on YouTube
“Adidas parece que sigue sin darse cuenta de las grandes mejoras y evoluciones que el resto de marcas hace”
— @davidbelmonte2305 on YouTube

What ASICS Novablast 5 owners say

“Look at that Nova Blast, Bouncy yet Stable. And the comfort level.”
— @andrewmcallister3903 on YouTube
“I just bought novablast 5. So far, its good for me. Bounce and good energy return. Satisfied”
— @alihafiz13 on YouTube
“novablast has way too much cushion for me. too soft for my taste.”
— @MrJoshbono5 on YouTube

Adidas Adizero Boston 12 vs ASICS Novablast 5: frequently asked questions

Is the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 or the ASICS Novablast 5 better?

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 12: 56% of 230 owners recommend it, vs 41% of 145 for the ASICS Novablast 5.

Who should get the Adidas Adizero Boston 12?

Owners point the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 at runners doing tempo, interval, and speed workouts, and those wanting a durable, high-mileage daily trainer.

Who should get the ASICS Novablast 5?

Owners point the ASICS Novablast 5 at neutral runners wanting a soft, bouncy daily trainer, and easy days, long runs and beginners building mileage.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 is stiff, unforgiving upper. For the ASICS Novablast 5, it's bounce and midsole die early (durability).