ASICS Novablast 6 Review 2026: Tested for Triathlon Training

The ASICS Novablast 6 launched globally on 1 July 2026, and after a wait since the Novablast 5, this is the update the line needed. The headline change is FF Turbo Squared foam in the forefoot — technology previously reserved for the pricier Superblast line — combined with a redesigned upper and a grippier outsole. Here’s what’s actually changed, and whether it’s worth your money.

Price and UK Availability

The Novablast 6 is priced at £140 in the UK and is in stock now at Start Fitness across multiple men’s and women’s colourways. It isn’t listed on Amazon UK yet — we’ll add an Amazon link here as soon as ASICS’ own UK retail listings and Amazon stock catch up.

What’s Changed vs the Novablast 5

Midsole: FF Turbo Squared foam now sits in the forefoot “trampoline pod” on top of the existing FF Blast Max midsole — this tech previously only appeared in ASICS’ Megablast and Sonicblast lines, so this is a genuine step up rather than a cosmetic refresh.
Stack height: 41.5mm heel / 33.5mm forefoot, 8mm drop (men’s).
Weight: 9.5oz (269g) men’s size 10.5, 7.4oz (210g) women’s size 7.5.
Upper: Switched from the Novablast 5’s jacquard mesh to a woven engineered mesh for better breathability and a more secure midfoot wrap.
Outsole: New AsicsGrip rubber under the forefoot addresses a recurring wet-weather grip complaint on earlier Novablasts, with durable AHAR LO rubber retained at the heel.

How It Rides

Believe in the Run’s hands-on review frames the Novablast 6 as a comeback after the 5 felt like it had lost some of the line’s signature bounce — they call the FF Turbo Squared forefoot the standout upgrade and rate it highly across design, value and performance, recommending it as a versatile daily trainer that holds its own in a crowded £140–£160 category. Fleet Feet’s review corroborates the “bouncier than ever” framing.

Who It Suits

For triathletes, the Novablast 6 works best as a mid-week daily trainer for aerobic runs and brick sessions rather than a race-day shoe — it’s cushioned and forgiving rather than plated and aggressive. If you want a shoe that can also double up on tempo days, pair it with something firmer like the ASICS Superblast 3.

Verdict

The Novablast 6 delivers on what was expected: a genuinely bouncier ride than the 5, a more secure upper, and a grippier outsole, at a price (£140) that undercuts most premium super-trainers. If you liked the Novablast line before but found the 5 a little flat, this is the one to switch to.

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