Products
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
Tested using Methodology v0.9
Updated Oct 27, 2025 06:25 PM
SEE PRICE
New Balance
Tested using Methodology v0.9
Updated Oct 17, 2025 07:49 PM
SEE PRICE
Asics.com
Weight
214.7 g (7.57 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
7.3 mm
Plate
None
Weight
248.2 g (8.76 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.2 mm
Plate
None
Our Verdict
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 and the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 are both daily trainers, but they cater to different running preferences. The New Balance offers a classic daily trainer feel with a firmer midsole and a more grounded, stable ride. On the other hand, the ASICS is significantly more cushioned, providing better underfoot protection, which is especially beneficial during longer runs or for those who prioritize softness and comfort. While both shoes are reliable choices for daily training, choose the Rebel v4 if you prefer a stable, firm feel and the NOVABLAST 5 if you want maximum cushioning and comfort over extended distances.
Variants
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (Black/Graphite - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (Black/Graphite/White - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (Blue Laguna/Reflection/Black - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (Clay Ash/White/Black - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (Clay Ash/White/Black - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (Cyber Jade/Black/White - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (Cyber Jade/White/Black - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (Graphite/Black/Quartz Grey - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (Grey - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (Heron Blue/Chrome Blue - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (Hot Mango/Angora/Black - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (Hot Mango/Angora/Black - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (Quarry Blue/Chrome Blue/Heron Blue - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (Spice Blue/Limelight/Blue Oasis - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (Spice Blue/Limelight/Blue Oasis - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (Twilight Haze/Dark Ice Wine/Black - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (White/Bleached Lime Glo/Hot Mango - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (White/Bleached Lime Glo/Hot Mango - (Women - US 7))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (White/Linen/Sea Salt - (Men - US 9))
- FuelCell Rebel v4 (White/Linen/Sea Salt - (Women - US 7))
- 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
5.3
7.3
Heel Stack Height
31.3 mm
41.8 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
24.0 mm
33.4 mm
Forefoot Energy Return
6.0
7.3
Weight
7.7
6.5
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
7.7
6.5
Right Shoe Weight Photo
Left Shoe Weight Photo
Weight
214.7 g (7.57 oz)
248.2 g (8.76 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
Heel Stack Height
31.3 mm
41.8 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
24.0 mm
33.4 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
7.3 mm
8.2 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
6.0 mm
8.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Outsole Heel Width
95 mm (3.7")
89 mm (3.5")
Outsole Arch Width
77 mm (3.0")
75 mm (2.9")
Outsole Forefoot Width
116 mm (4.6")
115 mm (4.5")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.04
2.13
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
4.83
3.44
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Internal Length
274 mm (10.8")
284 mm (11.2")
Internal Heel Width
64 mm (2.5")
62 mm (2.4")
Internal Forefoot Width
95 mm (3.7")
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
5.5
6.3
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Heel Energy Return
72.6%
74.0%
Forefoot Energy Return
6.0
7.3
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Forefoot Energy Return
73.4%
77.3%
Heel Cushioning
6.1
8.2
Heel Cushioning Picture
Heel Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 550N
3.17 J
3.83 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
7.75 J
9.97 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
12.55 J
16.86 J
Forefoot Cushioning
5.7
7.9
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
Forefoot Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 800N
3.71 J
5.15 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
6.10 J
8.58 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
8.64 J
12.28 J
Heel Firmness
7.1
5.1
Heel Firmness
Firmness At 550N
61.5 N/mm
47.1 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
149.9 N/mm
109.3 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
342.2 N/mm
229.7 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
9.1
8.1
Forefoot Firmness
Firmness At 800N
145.2 N/mm
105.0 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
317.3 N/mm
220.1 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
622.7 N/mm
436.1 N/mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
5.0
7.3
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 10km
5.49 J
8.00 J
Energy Absorbed At 20km
5.34 J
7.77 J
Energy Absorbed At 30km
5.24 J
7.61 J
Energy Absorbed At 40km
5.16 J
7.50 J
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New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
Comments
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 vs ASICS NOVABLAST 5: Main Discussion
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