Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 vs ASICS Novablast 5: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 13: 55% of 309 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 13

55%of 309 owners recommend
55% recommend · 20% neutral · 25% don't
Owners praise
  • Much-improved upper over the 12
  • Versatile do-everything trainer
  • Great for tempo and faster paces
Owners complain about
  • Too firm for easy, slow long runs
  • Laces and lockdown are fiddly
  • Narrow, tapered toe box
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 →

What Adidas Adizero Boston 13 owners say

“I love the 12 so much I will choose the 13 over EVO SL any time”
— @olsa2k on YouTube
“So i bought the Boston 13 and like it much more.”
— @marcojo111 on YouTube
“i found the 12’s. WAY too hard.”
— @neilhulme8426 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