When the ASICS Novablast 4 first came out, I wasn’t eager to get it. I am team Superblast (I don’t know, more cushion?), and the Novablast has never been “the one” for me. But seeing other people’s excitement, I decided to try it. The Novablast is incredibly popular and has a strong following. It convinced me to try it! I couldn’t remember if I tried the Novablast 3, but that’s what blogging is for right?
Known for its lightweight design and excellent cushioning, the Novablast is a popular daily trainer. In fact, even though it’s a newer shoe from ASICS, it’s one of the most popular and competing with the Nimbus!
ASICS Novablast 4 Quick Facts:
Price: $139.95
Weight: 9.1 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 8 mm
ASICS Novablast Intro:
The Novablast is a great daily trainer. It has more room in the toe box than many other ASICS options. Is it wide? No. But is it wider than many other options from ASICS. There have been some bigger updates, especially in fit, given to the Novablast. The biggest question on everyone’s mind: Is the ASICS Novablast 4 as good as the previous version?
ASICS Novablast 4 Fit:
As mentioned, the Novablast 4 upper has been given a fairly substantial update, but in all the best ways. The Novablast 4 fits very similarly to the Superblast (hooray, since that’s my favorite shoe). It’s much wider than previous versions.
ASICS has added a gusseted winged tongue that keeps the tongue in place. The upper definitely feels completely different than previous versions, but it fits so much better.You don’t have to have super narrow feet to wear it. The best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and the ASICS Novablast 4 does just that. In running shoes, I generally wear between a 10-11 wide. I’ve found I like the fit of most size 11 ASICS shoes, which is exactly what I like in the Novablast.
ASICS Noveblast 4 Ride:
The ASICS Novablast 4 midsole is composed of the ASICS Flightfoam Blast+ Eco edition. What is the Eco Edition? It uses 20% recycled material. According to ASICS, the Novablast 4 has a 23% lower carbon footprint than the industry average.
I’m all about brands using recycled and sustainable materials, if the shoe still performs well. I’ve found sustainable materials make for a firmer midsole, and the Novablast is similar. It’s not too firm that I feel like I have cinderblocks on my feet, but it’s definitely firm.
I wasn’t sure where the Novablast 4 would fall into my rotation. An easy run shoe? A workout? I know a lot of people prefer it as a tempo run shoe, but I’ve found it to be a great daily trainer. It’s the type of shoe I would take with me if I don’t know what kind of run I’m going to do for the day. It can definitely handle any type of run. There are better options for speed workouts, but it’s a great multipurpose trainer.
Outsole:
The Novablast 4 has moved from AHAR to AHAR Lo, which is the same kind of outsole the Superblast uses. Do you notice a trend of being a baby brother and sharing so many similarities to the Superblast? The AHAR Lo has much more traction. I’ve already put 50 miles on the Novablast 4 with no signs of slowing down.
ASICS Noveblast 4 Conclusion:
The ASICS Novablast 4 is a great daily trainer and one of the better daily trainer options. I can see why it has a strong following. If you are looking for a daily trainer, you will appreciate the Novablast. If you already training in the Superblast, this is a great option as a lighter and faster option.
Who should buy the ASICS Novablast 4? If you are looking for a wider ASICS shoe that can handle almost any type of training.
Who should not buy the ASICS Novablast 4? Those looking for more cushion or a speed workout shoe. The Superblast is a great option for those wanting more cushion. If you are looking for a racing shoe consider the Magic Speed or Metaspeed Edge+ or Sky+.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: ASICS Novablast 4, Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Brooks Caldera 6, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro , Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the ASICS Novablast 4?
What is your favorite running shoe?