The Novablast is ASICS' bouncy trainer, and the 5 is the version built around FF BLAST MAX foam. It is a tall, soft shoe with a trampoline-shaped outsole that springs back when you push off, which makes easy miles feel less like work and lets you lift the pace without changing shoes.
It suits runners who want one trainer for most of the week: easy days, long runs, and the occasional steady effort. At 255 g it is light for how much foam sits under you.
It is not a race shoe. There is no plate, and the soft stack that feels good at easy pace turns vague when you really lean on it. It is not a trail shoe either - the outsole is built for tarmac and will slide on wet ground.