ASICS Novablast 5 and GEL-Trabuco 14 Women's Running Shoe Rotation
The ASICS Novablast 5 and GEL-Trabuco 14 Women’s running shoes are a smart two-shoe rotation for runners training across road and trail in New Zealand. This combo suits runners building weekly mileage, mixing speed work on pavement with longer runs on gravel tracks or bush trails. It covers everything from weekday sessions to weekend off-road runs.
Used together, these ASICS running shoes give you the right tool for each surface. The Novablast 5 handles faster road work and tempo efforts, while the Trabuco 14 provides grip and protection when you head off-road.
Road Runs: ASICS Novablast 5
The Novablast 5 is a neutral road running shoe built for runners who want a lively, responsive feel. It’s well suited to tempo runs, intervals, Parkrun efforts and shorter races where you want to hold pace.
The FF BLAST PLUS ECO midsole delivers soft landings with a noticeable bounce. Combined with the trampoline style outsole, it helps drive you forward through toe off, which you’ll feel when picking up the pace on flat roads or footpaths.
The engineered jacquard mesh upper is light and breathable, which works well in warmer NZ conditions. The tongue wing design keeps the shoe secure through quicker changes in pace, reducing movement inside the shoe.
Where It Works Best
Use the Novablast 5 for road running, track sessions and firm surfaces. It performs best in dry conditions but still holds its own on damp pavements.
Trail Runs: ASICS GEL-Trabuco 14
The GEL-Trabuco 14 is a trail running shoe built for uneven ground, loose gravel and bush tracks. It suits runners heading onto DOC trails, forestry roads and mixed terrain where grip and protection matter.
The ASICSGRIP outsole gives reliable traction on wet and dry surfaces, helping you stay stable on roots, rocks and loose sections. Compared to the previous version, it’s lighter and adds 2mm of FF BLAST MAX cushioning, which improves comfort over longer trail runs.
A trail specific fit locks the midfoot in place while a wider forefoot allows your toes to spread naturally. This reduces hot spots and helps with stability on uneven terrain.
The rock protection plate adds a layer between your foot and sharp ground, which you’ll notice on stony trails. The elastic lace band keeps laces secure and out of the way.
Where It Works Best
Use the Trabuco 14 for trail running, hiking style runs and longer off-road sessions. It handles wet tracks, mud and loose terrain better than road shoes.
Why This Rotation Works
Rotating between road running shoes and trail running shoes helps manage impact and improves durability. You get cushioning and speed on the road, and grip and protection on the trail.
For NZ runners training year round, this setup covers changing conditions without compromise.
Key Features
ASICS Novablast 5
-
FF BLAST PLUS ECO midsole for cushioning and energy return
-
Trampoline style outsole for responsive toe off
-
Engineered jacquard mesh upper for breathability
-
Tongue wing design for secure fit
-
Neutral road running shoe for faster sessions
ASICS GEL-Trabuco 14
-
ASICSGRIP outsole for traction on wet and dry trails
-
FF BLAST MAX cushioning with added 2mm stack
-
Lighter than previous model for improved efficiency
-
Trail specific fit with secure midfoot hold
-
Wider forefoot for comfort on long runs
-
Rock protection plate for underfoot safety
-
Elastic lace band for secure lace management
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both the Novablast 5 and Trabuco 14?
If you run both road and trail, yes. The Novablast 5 is built for speed and cushioning on pavement, while the Trabuco 14 is designed for grip and protection off-road. This shoe rotation pack allows you to save more too!
Are these suitable for beginner runners?
Yes. This rotation works well for beginner to experienced runners. The Novablast 5 is forgiving on the road, and the Trabuco 14 provides stability on trails.
How does the Trabuco 14 perform in wet conditions?
It performs well on wet trails thanks to the ASICSGRIP outsole, which gives solid traction on mud, roots and loose ground.
Is the Novablast 5 good for long runs?
It can handle moderate distance runs, but it’s best suited to tempo sessions and faster efforts rather than slow long runs.
How do they fit compared to other ASICS running shoes?
Both are generally true to size. The Trabuco 14 has a slightly wider forefoot, while the Novablast 5 has a secure, performance fit.
Can I use the Trabuco 14 for road running?
You can for short sections, but it’s less efficient on pavement compared to the Novablast 5 and will wear faster on hard surfaces.
| ASICS SOCKS | ||
| Size |
US Men's Size |
US Women's Size |
| Small |
4 - 6 US |
6 - 7.5 US |
| Medium |
7 - 9 US |
8 - 9.5 US |
| Large |
9.5 - 11.5 US |
10 + US |
| XL |
12 + US |
| ASICS | |||||||||||||
| WOMEN'S | |||||||||||||
| US | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 |
| UK | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
| EU | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5 |
| CM | 23 | 23.5 | 24 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 25.75 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 28 | 28.5 |
| Please note that sizes and fit may vary depending on the model of footwear. | |||||||||||||
| WOMEN'S SHOE WIDTH | |
| B | Standard |
| D | Wide |
| 2E | X-Wide |
Experience our speedy shipping service across New Zealand.
We prioritise hassle-free returns, allowing you to buy multiple items or sizes and return any unwanted items no questions asked. Ensure you receive the correct size initially and easily send back any ill-fitting sizes.
All exchanges will be sent back to you at no additional cost.
For full-priced items, you have the option to exchange, receive store credit, or obtain a refund.
Sale (Discounted) and Clearance items can be exchanged or credited, but refunds are not available.
Click here to view the full Shipping Details and Returns Policy.
