Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

ASICS Novablast 5 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: 75% of 134 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

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 →

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

75%of 134 owners recommend
75% recommend · 6% neutral · 19% don't
Owners praise
  • Versatile do-it-all daily and tempo shoe
  • Great for uptempo, tempo and race-pace runs
  • Nice bounce, pop and protective cushioning
Owners complain about
  • Narrow, pointy toebox cramps and rubs the pinky toe
  • Firm, dead-feeling midsole with little bounce
  • Toe numbness or circulation issues mid-run
Full owner report →

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 Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 owners say

“Endo Speed 4 being great”
— @dhgpan on YouTube
“i love them so much i decided to run the marathon i was preparing with”
— @jeremybmxfr on YouTube
“Speed 4 is by far my least favourite version. I loved version 1-3 but this one just doesn't feel right on my foot.”
— @nickskier1 on YouTube