Comparisons / Daily trainer

ASICS Novablast 6 vs New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5

Two of the most fun bouncy trainers you can buy. The Rebel v5 is about 30 g lighter and lower, and it's snappier for tempo and intervals. The Novablast has more cushioning and protection, so it's the better choice for easy and long runs.

By the RunShoeRotation team. Written October 2026; specs, scores and prices updated October 2026. How we compare shoes.

ASICS Novablast 6ASICS Novablast 6: photo coming soon PHOTO INCOMING
ASICSNovablast 6Daily trainer96/100 · 1 review
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5: photo coming soon PHOTO INCOMING
New BalanceFuelCell Rebel v5Lightweight / tempo91/100 · 2 reviews

Which should you buy?

Choose the Novablast 6 if you want one bouncy shoe for easy days, long runs and steady pace.

Choose the FuelCell Rebel v5 if you want a light, playful shoe mainly for faster running and shorter sessions.

The Novablast 6 is 29 g heavier than the FuelCell Rebel v5. It has 6.5 mm more foam under the heel. Its drop is 8 mm against 6 mm.

Side by side

SpecNovablast 6ASICSFuelCell Rebel v5New Balance
Review score96/100 (1 review)91/100 (2 reviews)
TypeDaily trainerLightweight / tempo
Weight (men's UK 8.5)249 g220 g
Heel stack41.5 mm35 mm
Drop8 mm6 mm
CushioningSoftSoft
BounceSpringySpringy
PlateNo plateNo plate
SupportNeutralNeutral
FitTrue to sizeTrue to size
Widthsstandard, widestandard, wide
Waterproof versionASICS Novablast 6 GTXNo
UK RRP£140£140

Weights are for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5. Prices are UK RRPs; shops often sell for less.

What the critics say

Novablast 6

  • Extra forefoot bounce from the new FF Turbo² insert
  • Plush, well-padded heel
  • Versatile from easy days to marathon pace
  • Not the best choice for hard workouts

Scores from RunRepeat.

FuelCell Rebel v5

  • Light and snappy without a plate
  • Fun for tempo and interval sessions
  • Wide, planted platform
  • Foam durability questioned after a few hundred miles
  • Snug toe box for wider feet

Scores from RunRepeat, Road Trail Run.

Paraphrased from published reviews.

What's new in each

ASICS Novablast 6: Adds a springy FF Turbo² insert in the forefoot of the FF Blast Max midsole, grippier ASICSGRIP rubber up front and a new woven upper.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5: More stack at heel and forefoot, a softer and plusher ride, a wider midfoot platform and extra upper padding, at the cost of roughly 20 g more weight.

Prices for the Novablast 6 Prices for the FuelCell Rebel v5

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