Compare Running Shoes
Brooks Ghost 17 scores higher on safety - here's why.
R3 scored the ASICS Novablast 5 6.2/10 and the Brooks Ghost 17 7.1/10 on the same running shoes scoring system, weighing safety, efficacy, and usability. The Brooks Ghost 17 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 Brooks Ghost 17.
Unlock the full ASICS Novablast 5 vs Brooks Ghost 17 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 a predictable, comfortable everyday trainer that just works.
You need a precise fit and want narrow, wide, or extra-wide options.
You value a brand that states its shoes are made without PFAS.
You prefer a steady, durable ride over a bouncy, high-energy one.
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 standard cushioning foam returns less energy than the springier supercritical-foam trainers, so this shoe feels steady and comfortable rather than bouncy. If you want a lively, propulsive ride, look elsewhere.
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 want a lively, high-energy-return foam with plenty of pop.
You want the lightest possible daily trainer.
You require an independent third-party chemical certificate rather than a brand statement.
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 Brooks 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 Brooks Brooks Ghost 17 - it scored 7.1/10 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.
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