Called the best beginner shoe by multiple Reddit users, with one completing a 36-mile ultrarun in them. Tom's Guide also names it their top beginner pick for 2026.
The Novablast 5 punches above its beginner label — it's bouncy enough to stay fun on easy runs but protective enough to handle real mileage. This is the pick if you want a shoe you won't outgrow quickly.
“You cannot go wrong with the ASICS Novablast 5; I've done a 36mile ultrarun in them, no issues at all, the best beginner shoe IMO.”
