Products
HOKA Mach 6
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
Tested using Methodology v0.9
Updated Oct 29, 2025 03:35 PM
SEE PRICE
Hoka.com
Tested using Methodology v0.9
Updated Oct 17, 2025 07:49 PM
SEE PRICE
Asics.com
Weight
233.6 g (8.24 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
5.9 mm
Plate
None
Weight
248.2 g (8.76 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.2 mm
Plate
None
Our Verdict
HOKA Mach 6
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
The HOKA Mach 6 and the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 are both versatile daily trainers but cater to different needs. The Mach 6 sits closer to the ground and offers a lighter, firmer feel, making it a great no-fuss option for daily training. In contrast, the NOVABLAST 5 provides significantly more cushioning, helping to protect your legs during longer efforts, and a midsole that delivers greater energy return.
Variants
- Mach 6 (Black - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (Black/Electric Tangerine - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (Black/Fuchsia - (Women - US 7))
- Mach 6 (Black/White - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (Black/White - (Women - US 7))
- Mach 6 (Cielo Blue - (Women - US 7))
- Mach 6 (Cloudless/Waterpark - (Women - US 7))
- Mach 6 (Dusk Shadow - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (Electric Cobalt/Varsity Navy - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (Frost/Gold - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (Lava - (Women - US 7))
- Mach 6 (Oat Milk/Barley - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (Pale Dusk/Gull - (Women - US 7))
- Mach 6 (White - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (White/Lettuce - (Women - US 7))
- Mach 6 (White/Nimbus Cloud - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (White/Nimbus Cloud - (Women - US 7))
- Mach 6 (White/Solar Flare - (Men - US 9))
- 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))
Main Differences for
Marathon Racing
Marathon Racing
Threshold
Marathon Racing
7.0
7.3
Heel Stack Height
37.1 mm
41.8 mm
Weight
7.0
6.5
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
7.0
6.5
Right Shoe Weight Photo
Left Shoe Weight Photo
Weight
233.6 g (8.24 oz)
248.2 g (8.76 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
Heel Stack Height
37.1 mm
41.8 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
31.2 mm
33.4 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
5.9 mm
8.2 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
5.0 mm
8.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Outsole Heel Width
88 mm (3.5")
89 mm (3.5")
Outsole Arch Width
61 mm (2.4")
75 mm (2.9")
Outsole Forefoot Width
108 mm (4.2")
115 mm (4.5")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
2.37
2.13
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.46
3.44
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Internal Length
271 mm (10.7")
284 mm (11.2")
Internal Heel Width
59 mm (2.3")
62 mm (2.4")
Internal Forefoot Width
92 mm (3.6")
94 mm (3.7")
Wide Sizing Available
Yes
Yes
Other Features
Other Features Photo
Tongue Gusset Type
Semi-gusseted
Fully-gusseted
Plate
None
None
Performance
Heel Energy Return
6.3
6.3
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Heel Energy Return
74.1%
74.0%
Forefoot Energy Return
7.0
7.3
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Forefoot Energy Return
76.0%
77.3%
Heel Cushioning
6.8
8.2
Heel Cushioning Picture
Heel Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 550N
2.86 J
3.83 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
8.53 J
9.97 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
15.28 J
16.86 J
Forefoot Cushioning
7.8
7.9
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
Forefoot Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 800N
4.51 J
5.15 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
8.38 J
8.58 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
12.61 J
12.28 J
Heel Firmness
5.9
5.1
Heel Firmness
Firmness At 550N
60.0 N/mm
47.1 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
111.1 N/mm
109.3 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
235.8 N/mm
229.7 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
7.6
8.1
Forefoot Firmness
Firmness At 800N
100.0 N/mm
105.0 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
186.2 N/mm
220.1 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
385.5 N/mm
436.1 N/mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
6.6
7.3
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 10km
7.32 J
8.00 J
Energy Absorbed At 20km
7.07 J
7.77 J
Energy Absorbed At 30km
6.92 J
7.61 J
Energy Absorbed At 40km
6.81 J
7.50 J
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HOKA Mach 6
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
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HOKA Mach 6 vs ASICS NOVABLAST 5: Main Discussion
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