Not every shoe launch starts with a silent disco.

We headed down to Melbourne to celebrate the pre-launch of the all-new ASICS NOVABLAST 6, joining ASICS athletes, media and creators for a first look at the latest evolution of one of running's most-loved daily trainers.

Before anyone talked specs, we laced up. Headphones on, music curated by ASICS athletes, and the streets of Melbourne became the backdrop for a silent disco run that made for one of the more memorable shoe launches we've been part of.

So, what's new?

The NOVABLAST 6 builds on everything runners loved about its predecessor, with a softer, lighter and more energetic ride. An updated FF BLAST™ MAX midsole delivers even more cushioning and bounce, while the redesigned engineered mesh upper improves comfort and breathability. Combined with subtle geometry refinements, it all adds up to a shoe that feels smoother underfoot without losing the fun, responsive ride the NOVABLAST is known for.

After the run, we caught up with Australian marathon stars Haftu Strintzos and Izzi Batt-Doyle to chat about their first impressions of the NOVABLAST 6, where it fits into their training, and the advice they'd give runners chasing their own personal best.

Of course, it wasn't all about running. We also found out which athlete will passionately defend pineapple on pizza.

Haftu Strintzos

Congratulations on your Gold Coast Marathon win and Oceania record. Looking back, what are you most proud of from that performance?

I'm quite proud of just putting it together on the day and executing the plan. I also felt pretty good at the 30km mark, and I'm proud of myself for stepping out there, going for the lead, making the decision and following through with it.

Where does the new ASICS NOVABLAST 6 fit into your shoe rotation?

Well, I've been using the NOVABLAST 5 to cover a lot of my easy mileage, recovery runs and long runs. A large portion of the 180 to 190 kilometres a week I run is made up of easy runs, and I'm hoping to bring the NOVABLAST 6 into the mix, transition over from the NOVABLAST 5 and keep covering a lot of my mileage in those.

What type of runner do you think the NOVABLAST 6 is best suited to?

I think it'll be great for a lot of runners, all different types of runners. Whether you're doing a lot of mileage or you're a recreational runner, they've got a good support structure, a bit of bounce, while also being light with good stability. So I think a lot of people can use them.

What's your go-to post-race meal?

Back in my college days, I had this tradition where, if I had a good day and won a race, I'd buy the biggest pizza in town and share it with my friends.

Sometimes you don't get the opportunity to do that because you've got drug testing and integrity units following you around, so you have to stick around for a bit after races. But yeah, I still like to do that whenever I can.

Most importantly... what's your go-to pizza?

Hawaiian and Capricciosa, usually. You have to like pineapple on pizza. I like a bit of sweetness on my pizza.

What's your favourite running route around Melbourne?

I do a lot of running from home, but I really like running along Mentone Beach towards Albert Park on the bike path. I've done a lot of my midweek long runs there. It's really scenic and you can run uninterrupted, keep your momentum going and just get into the flow. I really like that route.

Izzi Batt-Doyle

What's your go-to post-race meal?

Always a grilled veggie burger and fries if I'm in Australia. Otherwise, pizza. Something savoury, filling and yummy.

You've competed across everything from the 5K to the marathon. Looking back, what achievement are you most proud of?

I think I'm most proud of my half marathon record last year in Japan when I broke it. That record had stood for, I think, 25 years, and I really surprised myself. It was a performance that I didn't think was possible at the time.

I'm also really proud of making two Olympic teams. That took so much work behind the scenes, years of running and everything leading up to those moments. They're probably the two things I'm most proud of.

Where does the new ASICS NOVABLAST 6 fit into your shoe rotation?

I've loved the NOVABLAST from the very first iteration, but I found the 4 and the 5 were a little bit soft, so they kind of fell out of my shoe rotation.

The 6 is amazing. It's got a firmer feel, it's more stable, it's got great grip, and it's going to be my go-to for easy runs, double runs, warm-ups and cool-downs. Just easy mileage. It's such a nice shoe and I'm really excited to have it in my weekly rotation.

What type of runner do you think the NOVABLAST 6 is best suited to?

I think the NOVABLAST is a great shoe because it really is suitable for every runner. It's a shoe you could wear for anything: a long run, a short run, a tempo run or an easy run.

It's really versatile. You can have fun with it and make it what you want it to be. Whether you're a new runner doing their first parkrun or an elite runner, it's going to be a shoe that everyone can wear and really enjoy.

What's one run you'll never forget?

There are so many, but I think my first marathon at the Melbourne Marathon in 2022.

Running a marathon is such an incredible and emotional experience, and I have really fond memories of feeling like I'd done something I didn't know was possible. To achieve something like finishing a marathon is amazing for anyone, so that's definitely one that's going to stay with me forever.

A huge thank you to ASICS for inviting us down to Melbourne to celebrate the launch of the all-new NOVABLAST 6, and to Haftu Strintzos and Izzi Batt-Doyle for taking the time to chat with us.

The ASICS NOVABLAST 6 lands at Pace Athletic on 28 July and will be available online and in-store. Drop into your local Pace store to try it for yourself.