ASICS NOVABLAST 6 Running Shoes NZ: Complete Buyer's Guide

 Mike Wood · 5 July, 2026

The ASICS NOVABLAST 6 arrives at Players Sports 11:00am 28 July 2026, bringing meaningful updates to one of the world's most popular daily running shoes.

After becoming the most-used running shoe by Strava users during 2025, the NOVABLAST has earned a reputation for combining comfort, versatility and an energetic ride that suits a wide range of runners.

For the sixth generation, ASICS has refined rather than reinvented the formula. The result is a shoe that feels familiar underfoot while offering more bounce, improved responsiveness and better traction.

Whether you're training for your first 5km, building towards a marathon or simply looking for a comfortable everyday running shoe in New Zealand, here's everything you need to know.

What is the ASICS NOVABLAST 6?

The ASICS NOVABLAST 6 is a neutral daily running shoe available in men's and women's models designed to provide lightweight cushioning, comfort and an energetic ride across a wide variety of training runs.

It sits within the ASICS performance running range as a versatile option capable of handling:

  • Easy runs

  • Daily training

  • Long runs

  • Marathon pace efforts

  • Recovery runs

  • Some faster sessions

Its biggest strength is versatility. Most runners could comfortably use the NOVABLAST 6 as their primary training shoe throughout the week.

What's new in the ASICS NOVABLAST 6?

While the NOVABLAST 5 was already an outstanding daily trainer, ASICS has introduced several worthwhile improvements.

FF TURBO SQUARED trampoline pod

The biggest update is the addition of a FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot trampoline pod.

Rather than replacing the existing midsole, ASICS has kept the proven FF BLAST MAX cushioning and added a smaller section of the more responsive FF TURBO SQUARED foam beneath the forefoot.

This creates:

  • More energy return

  • Better forefoot bounce

  • Faster transitions

  • A livelier ride when picking up the pace

Importantly, the entire midsole is not FF TURBO SQUARED. The shoe still uses FF BLAST MAX as its primary cushioning, with the FF TURBO SQUARED pod providing extra responsiveness where it's most noticeable during toe-off.

New engineered woven upper

The updated engineered woven upper replaces the previous jacquard material.

Benefits include:

  • Improved breathability

  • Better comfort

  • More adaptive fit

  • Natural movement with the foot

Despite the new material, the overall fit remains very similar to the previous generation.

Updated outsole grip

The forefoot now features ASICSGRIP rubber alongside AHAR LO rubber.

This improves:

  • Traction

  • Toe-off efficiency

  • Confidence on varied road surfaces

Revised midsole geometry

ASICS has subtly reshaped the midsole, particularly around the heel.

Combined with the updated forefoot pod, the result is a smoother, more energetic transition through each stride.

ASICS NOVABLAST 5 vs NOVABLAST 6

Many runners considering an upgrade will naturally ask whether the changes are significant enough.

Here's a quick comparison.

The overall experience remains familiar, but the NOVABLAST 6 feels noticeably more responsive, particularly once your pace increases.

For many runners, it feels like the more exciting shoe without sacrificing the comfort that made the NOVABLAST series so popular.

How does the NOVABLAST 6 feel to run in?

The first thing you'll notice is comfort.

The heel collar is generously padded, creating a plush step-in feel without feeling bulky.

The gusseted tongue also helps provide a secure lockdown while remaining comfortable across longer runs.

Once running, the updated forefoot trampoline pod gives the shoe a noticeably springier feel than its predecessor.

Compared with the NOVABLAST 5:

  • Toe-off feels quicker

  • Forefoot bounce is more noticeable

  • The shoe encourages smoother turnover

  • Faster paces feel easier to maintain

Despite these improvements, the NOVABLAST 6 remains a highly comfortable daily trainer rather than a dedicated racing shoe.

Who is the ASICS NOVABLAST 6 best suited for?

At Players Sports, we see the NOVABLAST range appeal to a broad mix of runners throughout New Zealand.

The NOVABLAST 6 is particularly well suited to:

  • New runners wanting one quality shoe

  • Recreational runners

  • Half marathon training

  • Marathon training

  • Daily mileage

  • Long easy runs

  • Runners who value cushioning and comfort

If you're looking for one shoe that comfortably covers most types of training, the NOVABLAST 6 is an excellent option.

Who may want a different ASICS running shoe?

The NOVABLAST 6 is versatile, but it won't be the ideal choice for everyone.

You may prefer another model if:

Choose the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 if:

  • You regularly run tempo sessions

  • You want a lighter super trainer

  • You prioritise speed over softness

  • You frequently run at marathon pace or faster

Choose the ASICS MEGABLAST if:

  • You want the most energetic ride possible

  • You prefer maximum FF TURBO SQUARED cushioning

  • You enjoy highly responsive long run shoes

ASICS NOVABLAST 6 vs SUPERBLAST 3 vs MEGABLAST

NOVABLAST 6

Best for:

  • Daily training

  • Easy runs

  • Long runs

  • Versatility

  • Everyday comfort

SUPERBLAST 3

Best for:

  • Tempo runs

  • Marathon training

  • Faster long runs

  • High-mileage runners wanting maximum efficiency

MEGABLAST

Best for:

  • Runners seeking the lightest and bounciest experience

  • Faster-paced training

  • Long runs where responsiveness is the priority

How does the ASICS NOVABLAST 6 fit?

Fit remains very similar to the previous model.

Most runners should choose their usual ASICS running shoe size.

A few fit notes:

  • True to size for most runners

  • Slightly generous in length

  • Good forefoot width

  • Comfortable heel lockdown

  • Secure gusseted tongue

If you're typically between sizes, sizing down half a size may provide the best fit.

If you're unsure, our team can help with fitting advice in-store at our Players Sports Greenlane flagship store (1-7 Marewa Rd, Auckland).

Key specifications

Men's weight: 253g

Women's weight: 215g

Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm

Midsole:

  • FF BLAST MAX

  • FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot pod

Upper:

  • Engineered woven

Outsole:

  • ASICSGRIP

  • AHAR LO rubber

Why the NOVABLAST remains one of ASICS' most popular running shoes

One reason the NOVABLAST franchise continues to grow is that it suits so many different runners.

Professional athletes appreciate its efficiency during high-volume training, while recreational runners enjoy its comfort for everyday kilometres.

ASICS athlete Drew Hunter has described the NOVABLAST series as his go-to daily trainer because of its consistency, with the NOVABLAST 6 delivering even more bounce and responsiveness when increasing pace.

That combination of comfort and versatility helps explain why the NOVABLAST became the most-used running shoe among Strava users during 2025.

Available at Players Sports NZ

The ASICS NOVABLAST 6 arrives at Players Sports from July 2026.

You can explore the range:

  • At our Players Sports Greenlane flagship store (1-7 Marewa Rd) in Auckland

  • Online with fast NZ-wide delivery

If you're comparing models, our team can also help you choose between the NOVABLAST and other ASICS running shoes based on your training goals.

You can also explore our complete range of ASICS running shoes, men's running shoes, women's running shoes, running socks and running accessories to complete your setup.

Frequently Asked Questions - ASICS NOVABLAST 6

Is the ASICS NOVABLAST 6 a good daily running shoe?

Yes. The NOVABLAST 6 is designed primarily as a daily trainer. It combines soft cushioning, responsive energy return and enough versatility for easy runs, long runs and moderate pace training, making it one of the most well-rounded running shoes in the ASICS range.

What is the biggest difference between the NOVABLAST 5 and NOVABLAST 6?

The biggest change is the addition of the FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot trampoline pod. This increases responsiveness and energy return while retaining the soft FF BLAST MAX midsole. The NOVABLAST 6 also introduces a new engineered woven upper, updated outsole grip and revised midsole geometry.

Is the ASICS NOVABLAST 6 true to size?

Yes. Most runners should choose their normal ASICS running shoe size. The shoe offers a comfortable forefoot with slightly generous length, so runners between sizes may find going down half a size provides the best fit.

Is the NOVABLAST 6 suitable for marathon training?

Yes. The NOVABLAST 6 is an excellent option for marathon training. It provides enough cushioning for long runs while remaining responsive enough for marathon pace efforts, making it suitable for a large percentage of weekly training.

Should I choose the NOVABLAST 6 or SUPERBLAST 3?

Choose the NOVABLAST 6 if comfort and versatility are your priorities. Choose the SUPERBLAST 3 if you regularly run faster workouts, longer tempo efforts or want a lighter, more performance-focused super trainer.

Where can I buy the ASICS NOVABLAST 6 in New Zealand?

The ASICS NOVABLAST 6 is available from Players Sports at our Greenlane flagship store in Auckland and online with fast NZ-wide shipping. Our team can also help with sizing advice and recommend the most suitable ASICS running shoe for your goals.

Final thoughts

The ASICS NOVABLAST 6 is a thoughtful evolution of one of the world's most popular daily trainers. It retains the comfort runners already know while adding a more energetic forefoot, improved grip and a refined upper that together create a more responsive and enjoyable ride.

If you're looking for a versatile running shoe that can comfortably handle everything from recovery runs to marathon training, the NOVABLAST 6 deserves a place on your shortlist.

We're here to help. Visit our Greenlane flagship store in Auckland to try the ASICS NOVABLAST 6 in person, or shop online with fast NZ-wide delivery. Our team can help you find the right fit and recommend the best ASICS running shoe for your training goals.

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Written by Mike Wood
Founder & Managing Director, Players Sports
21+ years across retail and wholesale sporting goods in New Zealand

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