Blast Off in Rockwell: My First Run with the ASICS NOVABLAST 5

There’s an old rule in running: Never wear new shoes on race day. Well, I broke that rule for our 5-km trial run in Rockwell, and I have zero regrets.

ASICS surprised me with a pair of the new Novablast 5 right before we hit the pavement. Usually, I expect a "break-in" period or a little bit of stiffness, but I honestly jived with these right away. We did a solid 5-km loop around the Rockwell area, and the most impressive part? Zero pains. No hotspots, no arch rubbing—just pure, bouncy comfort from the first kilometer to the last.

You can get your new pair at the Asics Pop-Up Store in Rockwell, Makati. You can also find it in:

Amazon here. Or get the pair from Shopee here.

Why the Novablast 5 is a Game-Changer

If you loved the previous versions, the 5 takes that signature "trampoline" feel and turns the volume up. Here are the features that stood out during my run:

• FF BLAST™ MAX Cushioning: This is the big tech update. It’s ASICS' newest foam that is even lighter and bouncier than before (roughly 8.5% more bounce, to be exact!). It feels soft when you land but gives you a serious "pop" when you push off.

• Engineered Jacquard Mesh Upper: Manila heat is no joke. The new mesh is incredibly breathable and has just enough stretch to let your toes splay naturally without feeling loose.

• Improved Grip (AHAR™ LO): Even on the polished pavement and occasional slick spots around Rockwell, the traction felt secure and stable.

• The "No-Pain" Geometry: The midsole is shaped like a rocker, which helps roll your foot forward effortlessly. For a neutral runner like me, it felt like the shoe was doing half the work for me!

The Verdict for The Travelling Foxes

As a "Fox" who travels, I need a shoe that can handle a morning run in a new city but still looks sleek enough to wear to a post-run coffee in Rockwell. The Novablast 5 hits that sweet spot of performance and style. It’s a versatile daily trainer that I’d trust for everything from a quick 5k to a half-marathon.

🔥 Get Your Pair

If you’re looking for a shoe that offers maximum bounce without the "heavy" feeling of a traditional cushion shoe, this is it.

👉 Order the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 in Shopee here 👈

Stay active, keep exploring, and I’ll see you on the next run!