I have spent months alternating the Hoka Clifton 10 and the ASICS Novablast 5 on my easy runs. They are two of the most popular shoes out there, and the question I get most often is simple: which one should I buy? The short answer is that it depends. The long answer is this article. If you also want to see how the Clifton compares with other Hoka models, read our Clifton 9 vs Bondi 8.
Both are daily trainers with excellent cushioning, built for runners who want comfort on their easy miles. But they follow different philosophies: the Clifton 10 goes all in on pure softness, while the Novablast 5 adds bounce and versatility. If you are torn between the two, here is my honest take after hundreds of kilometres in each.
For a wider view of the options out there, you can also check our guide to the best running shoes, where we break down the standout models on the market.
Spec sheet compared
| Spec | Hoka Clifton 10 | ASICS Novablast 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 232g (42 EU) | 260g (42 EU) |
| Drop | 5mm (low drop) | 8mm |
| Cushioning | PEBA SuperCritical | FlyteFoam Blast+ |
| Outsole | Durable rubber | AHAR+ |
| Approx. price | ~140€ | ~150€ |
| Best use | Easy runs | Easy runs + faster paces |
| Durability | 600-800 km | 800-1000 km |
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Cushioning: two different philosophies
CushioningThis is where the two shoes differ the most. The Hoka Clifton 10 uses PEBA SuperCritical foam, which feels soft and wrapping, almost like stepping on a cloud. It is the shoe that hugs your foot and makes you feel like you are floating. Ideal for calm easy runs where you want to protect your joints, help prevent injuries and enjoy every kilometre without rushing.
The ASICS Novablast 5, on the other hand, uses FlyteFoam Blast+, a more reactive foam that gives energy back on every footstrike. The sensation is bounce, propulsion. It is not as soft as the Clifton, but it is livelier. If you have ever run in a pair of Novablasts, you know exactly what I mean: that feeling of the shoe pushing you forward, which can also help your cadence improve naturally.
In short: the Clifton 10 is like running on a memory foam mattress. The Novablast 5 is like running on a soft trampoline. Both protect you, just in different ways.
Upper and fit
FitThe Hoka Clifton 10 has an engineered mesh upper that sits very close to the foot. Putting it on feels like pulling on a sock: it adapts, wraps and stays put. That is great if you have a narrow or average foot, because the fit is faultless. But if your foot is wide, it can feel tight, especially around the metatarsals.
The ASICS Novablast 5 uses an engineered jacquard mesh that gives you more room in the toe box. The upper breathes well and lets your toes move freely. The overall fit is a bit roomier than the Clifton's, which makes it the better option for wide feet or for anyone who does not want pressure at the front of the shoe.
On ventilation, both do their job. The Novablast has a more open mesh that lets more air through, which you appreciate in summer. The Clifton makes up for it with a fit that keeps sand and small stones out. If you want to know more about finding your perfect size, take a look at our guide on how to choose running shoes.
Outsole and durability
DurabilityDurability is one of the factors that weigh most when choosing shoes, especially when we are talking about models above 130€. And here the Novablast 5 wins hands down.
The Hoka Clifton 10 has a durable rubber outsole that works well on clean asphalt and even surfaces. But on abrasive asphalt, rough pavement, or if you drag your feet slightly, the wear shows up sooner than you would like. In my experience, somewhere between 600 and 800 km the outsole starts to lose grip, especially at the heel and the toe.
The ASICS Novablast 5 runs an AHAR+ outsole (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber), a compound that is far more wear-resistant. Reaching 800-1000 km with the outsole in good shape is normal. That 200 km gap may sound small, but if you run 40-50 km a week it is another month and a half of useful life. Over the long run, the Novablast works out cheaper.
Based on real-world testing on city asphalt
Who is each shoe for?
Pick yoursChoose the Hoka Clifton 10 if...
- You want maximum comfort: its CMEVA cushioning is among the softest on the market
- You weigh less than 75kg: the foam responds better with light to medium weights
- You run at easy paces: it is built for relaxed runs and recovery days
- You want a low drop (5mm): it encourages a more natural footstrike (learn how to choose running shoes for your gait)
- You prioritise low weight: at 232g it is the lighter of the two
Choose the ASICS Novablast 5 if...
- You want easy runs plus faster paces: its bounce lets you pick up the pace whenever you feel like it
- You weigh more than 75kg: FlyteFoam Blast+ handles compression better
- You want more durability: the AHAR+ outsole lasts significantly longer
- You like a bouncy ride: it is a dynamic shoe and fun to run in
- You have wide feet: its last gives you more room in the toe box
If you are a beginner and you are not sure what to look for in a pair of shoes, I would suggest a look at our guide to running shoes for beginners and our guide to shoes for a neutral gait.
Final verdict
VerdictBoth are outstanding shoes, among the best you can buy in 2026 for daily training. The Hoka Clifton 10 wins on pure comfort: if all you want is a soft shoe to run at easy paces and enjoy the ride, that is your pick. The ASICS Novablast 5 wins on versatility and durability: if you want one shoe that covers easy runs but also lets you throw in a change of pace, and that lasts more kilometres on top of that, it is the better investment.
My personal recommendation: if I had to keep a single daily trainer, I would go for the Novablast 5 for its versatility. But if you already own a fast shoe and you are looking for a second one for relaxed runs, the Clifton 10 is unbeatable on comfort. Whichever you choose, pair your shoes with our training plans to get the most out of them. And if you want to explore more options specifically for city and road running, have a look at our ranking of the best road running shoes.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for beginners, the Hoka Clifton 10 or the ASICS Novablast 5?
Both are excellent for beginners, but the Hoka Clifton 10 is more stable and lighter, ideal if you want comfort from the very first kilometre. The Novablast 5 has more bounce and is the better pick if you prefer a livelier feel.
Which one lasts more kilometres?
The ASICS Novablast 5 usually lasts between 800-1000 km thanks to its AHAR+ outsole, while the Hoka Clifton 10 performs well up to 600-800 km. The Novablast wins on durability.
Which one is lighter?
The Hoka Clifton 10 weighs around 232g in a size 42, while the ASICS Novablast 5 sits at about 260g. The gap is small, but the Clifton is the lighter of the two.
Which one has better cushioning?
Both cushion very well, just in different ways. The Hoka Clifton 10 gives you a soft, wrapping ride with its CMEVA foam. The Novablast 5 uses FlyteFoam Blast+, which delivers more bounce and energy return.
Is it worth paying more for one or the other?
It depends on how you run. If you run at easy paces and want maximum comfort, go for the Clifton 10. If you want versatility for easy runs plus the odd faster session, the Novablast 5 gives you more for the money.
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