Products
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
Mizuno Neo Zen
Tested using Methodology v0.10
Updated Feb 23, 2026 04:50 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Tested using Methodology v0.10
Updated Mar 10, 2026 03:31 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Weight
248.2 g (8.76 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.2 mm
Plate
None
Weight
226.3 g (7.98 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
4.9 mm
Plate
None
Our Verdict
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
Mizuno Neo Zen
The Mizuno Neo Zen and the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 are both modern, high-stack daily trainers built for comfort and bounce, but they differ in execution. The Mizuno is softer and more cushioned, offering a plush, highly protective ride that's ideal for easy and recovery runs. It also features a sock-like upper that helps save weight and contributes to the shoe's lighter overall build compared to the ASICS. However, this upper comes with a tradeoff—the lockdown isn't as secure, and it has a less accommodating fit that can feel more unstable during longer runs.
Variants
- NOVABLAST 5 (Black/Carrier Grey - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Black/Carrier Grey - (Women - US 7))
- Neo Zen (Black/Raspberry - (Men - US 9))
- Neo Zen (Black/White - (Women - US 7))
Main Differences for
Marathon Racing
Marathon Racing
Threshold
Marathon Racing
7.3
7.6
Weight
6.5
7.3
Heel Energy Return
6.3
7.3
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
6.5
7.3
Right Shoe Weight Photo
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Left Shoe Weight Photo
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Weight
248.2 g (8.76 oz)
226.3 g (7.98 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
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Heel Stack Height
41.8 mm
41.1 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
33.4 mm
36.2 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.2 mm
4.9 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.0 mm
6.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Outsole Heel Width
89 mm (3.5")
92 mm (3.6")
Outsole Arch Width
75 mm (2.9")
79 mm (3.1")
Outsole Forefoot Width
115 mm (4.5")
111 mm (4.4")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
2.13
2.24
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.44
3.07
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Internal Length
284 mm (11.2")
275 mm (10.8")
Internal Heel Width
62 mm (2.4")
62 mm (2.4")
Internal Forefoot Width
94 mm (3.7")
93 mm (3.7")
Wide Sizing Available
Yes
No
Forefoot Fit: Width
9.2
9.9
Forefoot Width Photo
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Ball-Of-Foot TTS Deviation
1.5 mm (0.059")
-0.5 mm (-0.020")
Toe TTS Deviation
-3.0 mm (-0.116")
0.7 mm (0.026")
Forefoot Fit: Height
8.9
7.7
Forefoot Height Photo
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Toe TTS Deviation
-1.6 mm (-0.064")
-2.7 mm (-0.107")
Arch Fit: Width
7.1
7.4
Arch Fit Photo
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Arch Width TTS Deviation
-4.5 mm (-0.178")
-4.1 mm (-0.161")
Length Fit
10
10
Toe Clearance Photo
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Other Features
Other Features Photo
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Tongue Gusset Type
Fully-gusseted
Non-gusseted
Plate
None
None
Performance
Heel Energy Return
6.3
7.3
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Heel Energy Return
74.0%
77.4%
Forefoot Energy Return
7.3
7.1
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Forefoot Energy Return
77.3%
76.5%
Heel Cushioning
8.2
8.3
Heel Cushioning Picture
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Heel Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 550N
3.83 J
4.24 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
9.97 J
10.05 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
16.86 J
16.18 J
Forefoot Cushioning
7.9
8.4
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
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Forefoot Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 800N
5.15 J
5.48 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
8.58 J
9.10 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
12.28 J
12.99 J
Heel Firmness
5.1
5.6
Heel Firmness
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 550N
47.1 N/mm
47.9 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
109.3 N/mm
117.4 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
229.7 N/mm
268.4 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
8.1
7.9
Forefoot Firmness
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 800N
105.0 N/mm
98.0 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
220.1 N/mm
206.9 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
436.1 N/mm
435.7 N/mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
7.3
8.0
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 10km
8.00 J
8.88 J
Energy Absorbed At 20km
7.77 J
8.72 J
Energy Absorbed At 30km
7.61 J
8.63 J
Energy Absorbed At 40km
7.50 J
8.53 J
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ASICS NOVABLAST 5
Mizuno Neo Zen
Comments
ASICS NOVABLAST 5 vs Mizuno Neo Zen: Main Discussion
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