Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Adidas Ultraboost 5 vs ASICS Novablast 5: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the ASICS Novablast 5: 41% of 145 owners recommend it, vs 35% of 34 for the Adidas Ultraboost 5.

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

Adidas Ultraboost 5

35%of 34 owners recommend
35% recommend · 21% neutral · 44% don't
Owners praise
  • Many owners call them among the most comfortable shoes they've owned, day to day and out of the box
  • Durability holds up well for years of regular wear when the pair isn't defective
  • Well suited to distance running, including high weekly mileage and marathon training
Owners complain about
  • Sole cracking, peeling, and premature breakdown, sometimes within just 3-6 months of purchase
  • Comfort and cushioning have declined across generations, with older versions (1.0, 3.0, 4.0) feeling comfier than the newer 19/5
  • Divisive looks, especially the caged design and redesigned heel cup, which some owners find ugly
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 Ultraboost 5 if
  • ✓Casual runners and walkers who won't rack up serious weekly mileage
  • ✓Distance runners who prioritize long-run comfort over sprint responsiveness
  • ✓Buyers who want an all-around comfortable everyday sneaker for gym or casual wear
  • ✓Shoppers grabbing them on sale who value fashion and comfort over ultimate durability
Skip it if
  • High-mileage runners doing serious weekly distance or fast sprint training
  • Anyone wanting a shoe to double as regular walking or travel footwear
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 Ultraboost 5 owners say

“Say what you want about the design, these are insanely comfortable shoes. IMO look better in person.”
— ridukosennin on Reddit
“I have Allbirds and UB 3.0s and I can say definitively my UBs are far more comfortable for me. It’s a treat to wear them haha”
— SunriseMoon on Reddit
“Anyone have the issue of the footbed moving around in their Ultraboost 19s? It makes mine nearly unwearable. (It slides back constantly. No matter how tight or loose they are.)”
— Easy-Lucky-Free on Reddit

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 Ultraboost 5 vs ASICS Novablast 5: frequently asked questions

Is the Adidas Ultraboost 5 or the ASICS Novablast 5 better?

Real owners lean toward the ASICS Novablast 5: 41% of 145 owners recommend it, vs 35% of 34 for the Adidas Ultraboost 5.

Who should get the Adidas Ultraboost 5?

Owners point the Adidas Ultraboost 5 at casual runners and walkers who won't rack up serious weekly mileage, and distance runners who prioritize long-run comfort over sprint responsiveness.

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 Ultraboost 5 is sole cracking, peeling, and premature breakdown, sometimes within just 3-6 months of purchase. For the ASICS Novablast 5, it's bounce and midsole die early (durability).