AI comparison report

Novablast 6 vs Magic Speed 5

By CompareAI Editorial Team · Published 2026-10-02 · How we compare

Choose the ASICS Novablast 6 for plush, high-mileage daily training and recovery, or select the ASICS Magic Speed 5 for lightweight, carbon-plated propulsion d…

Who wins: Novablast 6 or Magic Speed 5?

Choose the ASICS Novablast 6 first as your primary running shoe, because its versatile non-plated dual-foam design, protective 41.5 mm heel stack, and lower $155 price tag cover the majority of daily base mileage and recovery needs before adding a speed-specific model.

Based on our analysis across 5 dimensions with 20 sources, Novablast 6 scores 8.0/10 overall while Magic Speed 5 scores 8.4/10 overall.

DimensionNovablast 6Magic Speed 5
Midsole Composition & Plating7.5/108.8/10
Intended Use & Running Pace8.8/108.7/10
Weight & Speed Performance6.5/109/10
Stack Height & Geometry8.5/108/10
Retail Price & Rotation Role8.5/107.5/10
Overall8.0/108.4/10

Should I choose Novablast 6 or Magic Speed 5?

Verdict: Choose the ASICS Novablast 6 first as your primary running shoe, because its versatile non-plated dual-foam design, protective 41.5 mm heel stack, and lower $155 price tag cover the majority of daily base mileage and recovery needs before adding a speed-specific model.

Choose the ASICS Novablast 6 for plush, high-mileage daily training and recovery, or select the ASICS Magic Speed 5 for lightweight, carbon-plated propulsion during tempo workouts and races.

The decision between the ASICS Novablast 6 and ASICS Magic Speed 5 comes down to training purpose, geometry, and plating. The ASICS Novablast 6 serves as a $155 high-volume daily trainer, featuring a non-plated dual-foam configuration (FF Blast Max with a forefoot FF Turbo Squared pod) and a maximal stack height of 41.5 mm at the heel and 33.5 mm at the forefoot (8 mm drop) weighing approximately 253 g. In contrast, the ASICS Magic Speed 5 is a $180 speedwork specialist weighing considerably less at 196–204 g, featuring a lower 37.5 mm heel and 30.5 mm forefoot profile (7 mm drop) alongside a full-length carbon-fiber plate embedded between FF LEAP and FF Blast+ foams. Runners prioritizing maximal underfoot impact protection and everyday training economy should choose the ASICS Novablast 6, while those targeting fast 5K to 10K racing paces, tempo efforts, and snappy propulsion should invest in the ASICS Magic Speed 5.

Best for Novablast 6

  • Daily base mileage and everyday aerobic volume
  • Long recovery runs requiring plush impact absorption
  • Runners seeking maximal cushioning with a 41.5 mm heel and 33.5 mm forefoot stack
  • Non-plated running with responsive FF Blast Max and FF Turbo Squared foam
  • Budget-conscious runners seeking a durable daily workhorse at $155

Best for Magic Speed 5

  • Tempo runs, speedwork, and track interval workouts
  • 5K to 10K racing and fast-paced performance running
  • Runners wanting a stiff full-length carbon-fiber plate for snappy propulsion
  • High-cadence efficiency with a lightweight 196–204 g build
  • Accessible carbon-plated technology priced at $180

When not to compare directly

Do not compare the ASICS Novablast 6 and ASICS Magic Speed 5 directly when building a single-purpose rotation slot, as the Novablast 6 is an everyday high-cushion non-plated daily trainer while the Magic Speed 5 is a lightweight, carbon-plated tempo and race shoe built for high-speed workouts.

What are the key differences between Novablast 6 and Magic Speed 5?

  • Midsole Composition & Plating

    While the ASICS Novablast 6 relies on a 0-plate, dual-foam geometry of FF Blast Max and FF Turbo Squared for soft bounce, the ASICS Magic Speed 5 embeds 1 full-length carbon plate between FF LEAP and FF Blast+ foams for rigid propulsion.

    Novablast 6: The ASICS Novablast 6 utilizes a non-plated midsole construction combining a primary FF Blast Max foam carrier with a forefoot FF Turbo Squared pod designed for responsive daily cushioning.

    Magic Speed 5: The ASICS Magic Speed 5 incorporates a full-length carbon-fiber plate sandwiched between a layer of high-rebound FF LEAP foam and an underlying FF Blast+ foam bed engineered for snappy propulsion.

    Scores — Novablast 6: 7.5/10, Magic Speed 5: 8.8/10

    The presence of a stiff carbon plate and foam formulation determines propulsion, energy return, and ride stiffness for different training intensities.

    Sources: Cut in half: ASICS Novablast 6 Review (2026), Cut in half: ASICS Magic Speed 5 Review (2026)

  • Intended Use & Running Pace

    While the ASICS Novablast 6 is engineered for comfortable daily base mileage and recovery running, the ASICS Magic Speed 5 is built with a carbon plate specifically tuned for fast tempo workouts and 5K to 10K race paces [1, 2].

    Novablast 6: The ASICS Novablast 6 is designed as a high-cushioned daily trainer geared for easy aerobic volume, base miles, and long recovery runs where plush comfort supports sustainable training mechanics across everyday running paces [1, 5].

    Magic Speed 5: The ASICS Magic Speed 5 is a carbon-plated performance shoe optimized for fast workouts, tempo runs, track intervals, and short-distance races targeting fast paces between 5K and 10K events [2, 6].

    Scores — Novablast 6: 8.8/10, Magic Speed 5: 8.7/10

    Matching the shoe to the specific workout type prevents premature fatigue and optimizes running mechanics.

    Sources: Cut in half: ASICS Novablast 6 Review (2026), Cut in half: ASICS Magic Speed 5 Review (2026)

  • Weight & Speed Performance

    The ASICS Magic Speed 5 is considerably lighter at roughly 196–204 g compared to the 253 g ASICS Novablast 6, providing better efficiency for high-cadence speed performance.

    Novablast 6: The ASICS Novablast 6 weighs approximately 253 g (Men's size 9), focusing on underfoot volume and protection rather than maximum speed performance.

    Magic Speed 5: The ASICS Magic Speed 5 weighs around 196–204 g (Men's size 9), offering a significantly lighter build engineered for fast leg turnover and high-cadence speedwork.

    Scores — Novablast 6: 6.5/10, Magic Speed 5: 9/10

    Lighter footwear reduces leg turnover effort, which is critical when maintaining target race paces.

  • Stack Height & Geometry

    The ASICS Novablast 6 provides a taller 41.5 mm heel and 8 mm drop for maximum cushioning, whereas the ASICS Magic Speed 5 utilizes a lower 37.5 mm heel and 7 mm drop for responsive agility.

    Novablast 6: The ASICS Novablast 6 features a maximal stack height profile of 41.5 mm at the heel and 33.5 mm at the forefoot, yielding an 8 mm heel-to-toe drop designed for high-cushion impact absorption.

    Magic Speed 5: The ASICS Magic Speed 5 offers a lower-profile geometry measuring 37.5 mm in the heel and 30.5 mm in the forefoot, resulting in a 7 mm drop engineered for fast transitions and tempo stability.

    Scores — Novablast 6: 8.5/10, Magic Speed 5: 8/10

    Heel-to-toe drop and stack height influence impact absorption, stability, and foot strike mechanics.

    Sources: Cut in half: ASICS Novablast 6 Review (2026), Cut in half: ASICS Magic Speed 5 Review (2026)

  • Retail Price & Rotation Role

    The ASICS Novablast 6 is positioned as a $155 everyday training workhorse, whereas the ASICS Magic Speed 5 costs $180 to deliver accessible carbon-plated race and speedwork functionality.

    Novablast 6: The ASICS Novablast 6 retails at $155 and serves as an everyday training workhorse designed for high-mileage daily volume and general recovery runs.

    Magic Speed 5: The ASICS Magic Speed 5 retails at $180 and functions as a specialized carbon-plated workout and race-day shoe for tempo sessions and interval training.

    Scores — Novablast 6: 8.5/10, Magic Speed 5: 7.5/10

    Price point and specialized functionality help runners allocate budget based on their training volume and racing goals.

    Sources: MAGIC SPEED 5 | Unisex | Vital Green/Carrier Grey, NOVABLAST 6 | Men | Soft Oat/Greige | Running Shoes

What are the pros and cons of Novablast 6 vs Magic Speed 5?

Novablast 6

Strengths

  • The ASICS Novablast 6 offers a maximal stack profile of 41.5 mm in the heel and 33.5 mm in the forefoot with an 8 mm drop, providing exceptional impact absorption.
  • The ASICS Novablast 6 provides high-mileage durability and plush comfort tailored for daily base miles, easy aerobic volume, and long recovery runs.
  • At a retail price of $155, the ASICS Novablast 6 delivers excellent everyday value as a versatile training workhorse.
  • The ASICS Novablast 6 utilizes a responsive dual-foam geometry combining a primary FF Blast Max carrier with a forefoot FF Turbo Squared pod for soft, bouncy cushioning.

Weaknesses

  • The ASICS Novablast 6 weighs approximately 253 g in Men's size 9, making it noticeably heavier than speed-oriented plated models.
  • The ASICS Novablast 6 features a non-plated construction that lacks the rigid snap and propulsive efficiency needed for fast tempo workouts and interval racing.

Magic Speed 5

Strengths

  • The ASICS Magic Speed 5 features an ultralight build of approximately 196–204 g in Men's size 9, optimizing leg turnover and agility during high-cadence running.
  • The ASICS Magic Speed 5 embeds a full-length carbon-fiber plate between high-rebound FF LEAP and FF Blast+ foams to deliver snappy, high-energy propulsion.
  • The ASICS Magic Speed 5 is specially tuned for fast workouts, tempo runs, track intervals, and 5K to 10K racing.
  • The ASICS Magic Speed 5 utilizes an agile geometry with a 37.5 mm heel, 30.5 mm forefoot, and a 7 mm drop for stable, fast-paced transitions.

Weaknesses

  • The ASICS Magic Speed 5 carries a higher retail price of $180, representing a larger investment for a specialized speed shoe.
  • The ASICS Magic Speed 5 features a lower 37.5 mm heel stack and a stiff carbon plate that make it less suited for daily easy base miles and plush recovery running.

Where does this data come from?

  1. Cut in half: ASICS Novablast 6 Review (2026)
  2. Cut in half: ASICS Magic Speed 5 Review (2026)
  3. ASICS Novablast 6 Review
  4. MAGIC SPEED 5 | Unisex | Vital Green/Carrier Grey
  5. ASICS Novablast 6 Review (2026)
  6. ASICS Magic Speed 5 Review: Carbon Trainer for Sub-3 ...
  7. ASICS Novablast 6 Review - A Versatile Favorite Now ...
  8. ASICS Magic Speed 5 review | Race feel with durability
  9. ASICS Novablast 6 Review: Bouncier Than Ever
  10. ASICS Magic Speed 5 Overview and First Run Review
  11. Asics Novablast 6 Review: Prepare for Liftoff!
  12. r/RunningShoeGeeks - Magic Speed 5 Specs
  13. NOVABLAST Running Shoes | ASICS US
  14. ASICS Magic Speed 5 Review
  15. NOVABLAST 6 | Men | Soft Oat/Greige | Running Shoes
  16. ASICS Magic Speed 5 First Look | The Fastest Magic Speed Yet!!!
  17. Your Guide to ASICS Bounce Shoes
  18. SHOE REVIEW: Asics Magic Speed 5
  19. NOVABLAST 6 | Men | Rose Dust/Illuminate Yellow
  20. ASICS Magic Speed 5 Review: Lost in ASICS' Own Lineup

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