Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

ASICS Novablast 5 vs Brooks Ghost 16: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 41% of 145 ASICS Novablast 5 owners recommend it, vs 45% of 67 for the Brooks Ghost 16.

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

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 →

Brooks Ghost 16

45%of 67 owners recommend
45% recommend · 10% neutral · 45% don't
Owners praise
  • Comfortable, plush ride with no hotspots
  • Holds up well over high mileage
  • Solid, supportive daily trainer
Owners complain about
  • Causes blisters, sore knees or arch pain
  • Tight, narrow fit that runs poorly
  • Feels worse and made differently than previous Ghosts
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

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
Get the Brooks Ghost 16 if
  • ✓Runners wanting a plush, supportive daily trainer
  • ✓People on their feet all day needing cushioning
  • ✓Road runners mixing easy miles and speed intervals
Skip it if
  • Wide-footed runners (narrow forefoot causes blisters)
  • Fans of the Ghost 15 who dislike the reworked fit

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

What Brooks Ghost 16 owners say

“the ghost and adrenaline shoes by brooks have saved me”
— @Mackham63 on YouTube
“This shoe is not given enough credit for how well it performs *in what it is good at*”
— @aconcernedcitizen1 on YouTube
“The Ghost is so outdated compared to modern daily trainers”
— @ianpshuffles on YouTube

ASICS Novablast 5 vs Brooks Ghost 16: frequently asked questions

Is the ASICS Novablast 5 or the Brooks Ghost 16 better?

Real owners rate these about evenly: 41% of 145 ASICS Novablast 5 owners recommend it, vs 45% of 67 for the Brooks Ghost 16.

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.

Who should get the Brooks Ghost 16?

Owners point the Brooks Ghost 16 at runners wanting a plush, supportive daily trainer, and people on their feet all day needing cushioning.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the ASICS Novablast 5 is bounce and midsole die early (durability). For the Brooks Ghost 16, it's causes blisters, sore knees or arch pain.