Products
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
Tested using Methodology v0.9
Updated Feb 06, 2026 03:35 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Tested using Methodology v0.10
Updated Feb 19, 2026 06:49 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Weight
283.6 g (10.00 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
5.1 mm
Plate
None
Weight
248.2 g (8.76 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.2 mm
Plate
None
Our Verdict
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 and ASICS NOVABLAST 5 are both cushioned daily trainers, but they deliver that comfort in very different ways. The ASICS feels like the more modern option, pairing generous cushioning with noticeable bounce to create a fun, protective ride that stays lively for daily miles and steady efforts. The New Balance comes in heavier with a lower drop and focuses more squarely on cushioning and reliability, offering a stable, predictable platform that prioritizes comfort over energy return.
Variants
- Fresh Foam X 1080v14 (Black Cement/Angora/Hot Mango - (Men - US 9))
- Fresh Foam X 1080v14 (Black/Black Metallic/Phantom - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Black/Carrier Grey - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Black/Carrier Grey - (Women - US 7))
Main Differences for
Marathon Racing
Marathon Racing
Threshold
Marathon Racing
6.4
7.3
Forefoot Energy Return
5.5
7.3
Weight
5.1
6.5
Heel Energy Return
3.6
6.3
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
5.1
6.5
Right Shoe Weight Photo
Compare High-Res
Compare High-Res
Left Shoe Weight Photo
Compare High-Res
Compare High-Res
Weight
283.6 g (10.00 oz)
248.2 g (8.76 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
Compare High-Res
Compare High-Res
Heel Stack Height
37.9 mm
41.8 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
32.8 mm
33.4 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
5.1 mm
8.2 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
6.0 mm
8.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Outsole Heel Width
93 mm (3.7")
89 mm (3.5")
Outsole Arch Width
75 mm (3.0")
75 mm (2.9")
Outsole Forefoot Width
117 mm (4.6")
115 mm (4.5")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
2.45
2.13
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.57
3.44
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Internal Length
277 mm (10.9")
284 mm (11.2")
Internal Heel Width
69 mm (2.7")
62 mm (2.4")
Internal Forefoot Width
91 mm (3.6")
94 mm (3.7")
Wide Sizing Available
Yes
Yes
Forefoot Fit: Width
9.2
Forefoot Width Photo
Ball-Of-Foot TTS Deviation
1.5 mm (0.059")
Toe TTS Deviation
-3.0 mm (-0.116")
Forefoot Fit: Height
8.9
Forefoot Height Photo
Toe TTS Deviation
-1.6 mm (-0.064")
Arch Fit: Width
7.1
Arch Fit Photo
Arch Width TTS Deviation
-4.5 mm (-0.178")
Length Fit
10
Toe Clearance Photo
Other Features
Other Features Photo
Compare High-Res
Compare High-Res
Tongue Gusset Type
Semi-gusseted
Fully-gusseted
Plate
None
None
Performance
Heel Energy Return
3.6
6.3
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Heel Energy Return
70.2%
74.0%
Forefoot Energy Return
5.5
7.3
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Forefoot Energy Return
72.6%
77.3%
Heel Cushioning
7.6
8.2
Heel Cushioning Picture
Compare High-Res
Compare High-Res
Heel Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 550N
3.47 J
3.83 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
9.24 J
9.97 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
15.89 J
16.86 J
Forefoot Cushioning
7.8
7.9
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
Compare High-Res
Compare High-Res
Forefoot Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 800N
4.97 J
5.15 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
8.38 J
8.58 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
12.11 J
12.28 J
Heel Firmness
5.5
5.1
Heel Firmness
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 550N
52.8 N/mm
47.1 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
111.8 N/mm
109.3 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
234.3 N/mm
229.7 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
8.1
8.1
Forefoot Firmness
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 800N
103.9 N/mm
105.0 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
218.5 N/mm
220.1 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
438.3 N/mm
436.1 N/mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
7.0
7.3
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 10km
7.66 J
8.00 J
Energy Absorbed At 20km
7.44 J
7.77 J
Energy Absorbed At 30km
7.33 J
7.61 J
Energy Absorbed At 40km
7.23 J
7.50 J
To access
and
Become an Insider
unlimited full product reviews,
product prices
other exclusive site features
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
Comments
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 vs ASICS NOVABLAST 5: Main Discussion
What do you think of these products? Let us know below.
Looking for a personalized buying advice from the RTINGS.com experts? Insiders have direct access to buying advice on our insider forum.