Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

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

Real owners lean toward the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: 62% of 60 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 5

62%of 60 owners recommend

62% recommend · 13% neutral · 25% don't

Owners praise

More stable and planted than past versions and rivals like the Evo SL
Versatile do-everything trainer that handles tempo, speed work, and longer runs
Improved fit with roomier toe box and more secure upper than the 4

Owners complain about

Firmer, more muted ride that lost some of the bounce and punch of earlier Speeds
Outsole and midsole wear early, going flat by roughly 230-350 km
Happiest at shorter, faster efforts; feet ache past the half marathon

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 5 owners say

“find it good for pretty much everything”
— @TimGrose on YouTube

“More pep, more bounce, more comfort, very pleasant overall”
— @destrucciondeldiablo on YouTube

“I wanted so badly to love the ES4 but the toe box taper made it unbearable just crushing my pinky toe.”
— @nate_collins on YouTube