Compare Running Shoes
adidas Adizero Evo SL scores higher on safety - here's why.
R3 scored the ASICS Novablast 5 6.2/10 and the adidas Adizero Evo SL 7.7/10 on the same running shoes scoring system, weighing safety, efficacy, and usability. The adidas Adizero Evo SL comes out ahead, led by its safety score (7.1/10 vs 5.1/10).
The most important dimensions, side by side.
See which one actually scores higher — and why
Free account unlocks full safety scores, spec-by-spec breakdown, and the R3 verdict on ASICS Novablast 5 vs adidas Adizero Evo SL.
Unlock the full ASICS Novablast 5 vs adidas Adizero Evo SL breakdown
Free account unlocks all safety scores, complete spec comparison, scoring rationale, and the R3 verdict on which one to buy.
Everything you need to make the call - who each one is for, and who should skip it.
Go for it if you...
You want a soft, bouncy, well-cushioned everyday trainer that is fun to run in.
You log easy miles and tempo days and care most about the ride feel.
You want to dial in your fit with a normal or wide option.
You are comfortable with a brand that manages chemicals through an internal program but has not made a PFAS-free statement for this shoe.
You want one lively, well-cushioned shoe for daily miles and the occasional fast day.
You value a springy, high-energy foam that keeps everyday runs feeling fun.
You need to dial in your fit and want a normal or wide option.
You want an outsole that grips in the wet and holds up over a lot of miles.
The main thing to know
ASICS has not stated that this shoe is made without PFAS, and it notes that some of its shoes still use treatments containing them. There is no evidence this model contains PFAS, but the missing disclosure is the main thing separating it from the top picks here.
The PFAS-free claim and chemical-management program are adidas's own statements, not an independent certificate covering this exact shoe. That keeps the safety standing from a perfect mark even though everything checks out.
Skip this if you...
You want a stated PFAS-free shoe and the most transparent chemical disclosure you can get.
You need a fully rubber-covered outsole for maximum durability.
You prefer a firmer, lower-to-the-ground ride over a tall, soft one.
You require an independent third-party chemical certificate printed on the shoe rather than a brand statement.
You want a stiff carbon plate for racing.
You prefer a maximal, tall-stack cushioned ride over a lighter, more responsive one.
Neither of these quite what you're looking for?
I've reviewed all Running Shoes options at every price pointEvery Running Shoes in our database is scored using R3's deterministic scoring system - the same inputs always produce the same score. For this comparison, we evaluated ASICS and adidas across 3 independent criteria: Safety (67%), Efficacy (22%), Usability (10%). No sponsored rankings. No paid placements.
Straight answers - no sponsored content, no filler.
I'd start with adidas adidas Adizero Evo SL - it scored 7.7/10 overall in our scoring system. Safety is our top-weighted scoring pillar, followed by efficacy, and usability. Check which pillar matters most to your family and compare those specific scores.
R3 uses a deterministic scoring system - the same inputs always produce the same score. We evaluate each Running Shoes across Safety, Efficacy, Usability using independently verified data. No sponsored rankings. No paid placements. Every score is fully reproducible.
Not necessarily. The overall score reflects how we weight those three pillars, but your priorities may differ. If you care most about safety, compare the safety scores directly. If budget drives your decision, the prices tell a clearer story. The "right" pick is the one that matches what matters most to your family.
Not the right match? Explore these alternatives in the same category.
