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 →

Which should you buy?

Get the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 if
  • ✓Runners doing tempo and faster workouts
  • ✓Those wanting one versatile do-it-all trainer
  • ✓Runners who like a firm, stable ride
  • ✓Heavier runners needing stability and durability
Skip it if
  • Runners wanting soft cushioning for slow long runs
  • Wide feet or those needing a roomy toe box
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 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

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 vs ASICS Novablast 5: frequently asked questions

Is the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 or the ASICS Novablast 5 better?

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 13: 55% of 309 owners recommend it, vs 41% of 145 for the ASICS Novablast 5.

Who should get the Adidas Adizero Boston 13?

Owners point the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 at runners doing tempo and faster workouts, and those wanting one versatile do-it-all 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 13 is too firm for easy, slow long runs. For the ASICS Novablast 5, it's bounce and midsole die early (durability).