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Products
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Tested using Methodology v0.8.1
Updated Aug 14, 2025 04:25 PM
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Amazon.comTested using Methodology v0.8.1
Updated Jul 17, 2025 01:44 PM
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Amazon.com
Weight248.2 g (8.76 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop8.2 mm
PlateNone
Weight227.3 g (8.02 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop7.0 mm
PlateNone
Our Verdict
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 and the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 are both daily trainers that aim to blend comfort and versatility, but they approach the task in different ways. The Rebel v5 is lighter, lower to the ground, and offering a softer ride with a natural rocker that works well for easy runs and strides. In contrast, the NOVABLAST 5 is higher stacked and more robust overall, delivering better cushioning and more rebound, especially for longer efforts. Its FF Blast+ Eco foam feels more dynamic and holds up better under heavier runners or higher mileage. While both shoes are on the softer side, the ASICS feels plusher overall.
Variants
- NOVABLAST 5 (Black/Carrier Grey - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Black/Carrier Grey - (Women - US 7))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Black/White - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Breeze/White - (Women - US 7))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Denim Blue/Midnight - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Greyish Purple/Coral Reef - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Greyish Purple/Coral Reef - (Women - US 7))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Illusion Blue/Light Blue - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Indigo Blue/Amber - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Indigo Blue/Seal Grey - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Pure Aqua/Seal Grey - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Pure Aqua/Seal Grey - (Women - US 7))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Soothing Sea/Wave Teal - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Wave Teal/Black - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Wave Teal/Black - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell Rebel v5 (Angora/Earth Shadow/Sea Salt - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell Rebel v5 (Angora/Earth Shadow/Sea Salt - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell Rebel v5 (Black/Silver Metallic/White - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell Rebel v5 (Black/White/Silver Metallic - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell Rebel v5 (Lab Green/Silver Metallic/White - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell Rebel v5 (Mint Flash/Lab Green/Silver Metallic - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell Rebel v5 (Pink Granite/Silver Metallic/Linen - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell Rebel v5 (Raincloud/Mineral/White - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell Rebel v5 (Raincloud/White/Mineral - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell Rebel v5 (Still Water/Raincloud/White - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell Rebel v5 (Urgent Red/Black/Silver Metallic - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell Rebel v5 (Urgent Red/White/Sea Salt - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell Rebel v5 (Urgent Red/White/Silver Metallic - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell Rebel v5 (White/Silver Metallic/Black - (Women - US 7))
Main Differences forMarathon Racing
Marathon Racing
Threshold
Marathon Racing
7.3
6.8
Heel Stack Height
41.8 mm
36.2 mm
Forefoot Energy Return
7.1
6.3
Weight
6.5
7.3
Forefoot Stack Height
33.4 mm
29.2 mm
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
6.5
7.3
Right Shoe Weight Photo
Left Shoe Weight Photo
Weight
248.2 g (8.76 oz)
227.3 g (8.02 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
Heel Stack Height
41.8 mm
36.2 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
33.4 mm
29.2 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.2 mm
7.0 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.0 mm
6.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Outsole Heel Width
89 mm (3.5")
94 mm (3.7")
Outsole Arch Width
75 mm (2.9")
88 mm (3.5")
Outsole Forefoot Width
115 mm (4.5")
115 mm (4.5")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
2.13
2.60
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.44
3.94
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Internal Length
284 mm (11.2")
275 mm (10.8")
Internal Heel Width
62 mm (2.4")
64 mm (2.5")
Internal Forefoot Width
94 mm (3.7")
94 mm (3.7")
Wide Sizing Available
Yes
Yes
Other Features
Other Features Photo
Tongue Gusset Type
Fully-gusseted
Semi-gusseted
Plate
None
None
Performance
Heel Energy Return
6.8
5.9
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Heel Energy Return
80.4%
77.8%
Forefoot Energy Return
7.1
6.3
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Forefoot Energy Return
81.2%
78.9%
Heel Cushioning
8.6
8.4
Heel Cushioning Picture
Heel Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 300N
1.35 J
1.47 J
Energy Absorbed At 600N
4.31 J
4.07 J
Energy Absorbed At 900N
7.54 J
6.70 J
Forefoot Cushioning
8.6
8.0
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
Forefoot Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 300N
1.19 J
1.12 J
Energy Absorbed At 600N
3.41 J
3.08 J
Energy Absorbed At 900N
5.71 J
5.10 J
Heel Firmness
4.7
5.5
Heel Firmness
Average Firmness 0 To 300N
31.9 N/mm
28.8 N/mm
Average Firmness 300 To 600N
45.3 N/mm
51.7 N/mm
Average Firmness 600 To 900N
69.4 N/mm
85.7 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
7.3
8.1
Forefoot Firmness
Average Firmness 0 To 300N
35.5 N/mm
37.5 N/mm
Average Firmness 300 To 600N
60.4 N/mm
68.7 N/mm
Average Firmness 600 To 900N
98.0 N/mm
110.9 N/mm
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ASICS NOVABLAST 5
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
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ASICS NOVABLAST 5 vs New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5: Main Discussion
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