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Asics Novablast 4 Review

Our favorite do-it-all trainer is comfortable, versatile, and, most importantly, fun
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Asics Novablast 4 Review (The Asics Novablast 4 is a versatile daily trainer.)
The Asics Novablast 4 is a versatile daily trainer.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Price:  $140 List
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Manufacturer:   Asics
By Nathaniel Bailey ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jun 5, 2024
73
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 25
  • Cushioning and Landing Comfort - 25% 8.3
  • Responsiveness - 25% 7.0
  • Stability - 20% 7.0
  • Upper Comfort - 15% 8.0
  • Weight - 15% 5.9

Our Verdict

The Novablast 4 is easily one of our favorite daily trainers. Combining versatile max-cushioning with a snappy geometry, this shoe thrives at a wide range of paces. If we only could pick one shoe for almost all our runs, this would be it. Asics nailed the upper, which provides excellent lockdown and is extremely comfortable. Somehow, the Novablast isn't a heavy shoe. Sure, traction isn't great, and the heel design feels a bit bulbous at times, but neither of those issues outweighs the fantastic ride and versatility. This is a phenomenal choice for runners who value comfort over speed but still want to be able to do it all.
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight cushioning
Fun ride
Versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor traction on wet/slick surfaces
Warmer upper

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Asics Novablast 4
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Price $139.95 at Amazon
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Bottom Line A daily trainer that can handle most runs, the Novablast 4 is fun and extremely comfortableAn all-around standout that can handle easy days as comfortably as hard workoutsBouncy, responsive and well-cushioned, this shoe is performance-oriented but still versatileA daily trainer that blends comfort and versatility at a reasonable priceA great combination of responsiveness and plush comfort
Rating Categories Asics Novablast 4 Saucony Endorphin S... New Balance FuelCel... Puma Velocity Nitro 3 Puma Deviate Nitro 2
Cushioning and Landing Comfort (25%)
8.3
8.0
8.5
8.0
7.0
Responsiveness (25%)
7.0
8.0
7.5
7.0
7.5
Stability (20%)
7.0
5.7
4.0
6.0
6.0
Upper Comfort (15%)
8.0
7.5
6.0
7.0
7.0
Weight (15%)
5.9
7.1
8.8
5.3
6.2
Specs Asics Novablast 4 Saucony Endorphin S... New Balance FuelCel... Puma Velocity Nitro 3 Puma Deviate Nitro 2
Sizes Available 6 - 15 US, regular 7-15 US, regular 7-16 US, regular & wide 7 - 14 US, regular 7 - 15 US, regular
Style Daily/cushioning Plated daily Daily Daily Plated Daily
Measured Heel Stack Height 43 mm 38 mm 36 mm 39 mm 36 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop 7 mm 6 mm 5 mm 10 mm 8 mm
Plate Type None Nylon None None Carbon
Rocker Angle 22.5 deg 25.0 deg 19.5 deg 18.0 deg 19.5 deg
Rocker Apex Location 66.53% 67.74% 62.18% 66.67% 69.17%
Measured Weight 9.76 oz 9.73 oz 7.98 oz 10.07 oz 9.58 oz
Upper Engineered woven/knit Engineered mesh/knit Engineered mesh Engineered knit Engineered mesh
Midsole FF Blast + Eco PWRRUN PB FuelCell Profoam NITRO/NITRO Elite
Outsole AHAR Lo Rubber Rubber PumaGrip PumaGrip ATR
Heel Tab Type Finger loop None None None None

Our Analysis and Test Results

If we had to describe the Novablast 4 in one word, it would be “comfy.” Normally, that's code for slow. Not so with the Novablast. The thick FF Blast + Eco foam insulates your legs from the pavement and is firm enough to get rolling at faster paces easily. Add in the fun geometry, and you have a shoe that can handle workouts or even races for some runners. The ride is also surprisingly stable, with a wider platform and slight sidewalls.

The upper is soft to the touch. Even with the fairly generous toe-box, dialing in a perfect fit is easy. It runs a bit warm, as most knit uppers do, but we aren't complaining about that during the winter. Our biggest issue with the shoe is the lack of traction. The shoe handles dry pavement and light gravel easily but run in a bit of rain, snow, or ice, and you'll notice the lack of lugs. To be fair, it's more barefoot on damp tile than bowling shoes on ice, but it's not ideal. However, this is still the shoe we grab on most days (when we aren't testing other shoes).

Performance Comparison


asics novablast 4 - the asics novablast 4 is a versatile daily trainer.
The Asics Novablast 4 is a versatile daily trainer.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey

Cushioning and Landing Comfort


The Novablast 4 is a max-cushioned shoe. But while the 43mm of foam in the heel and 36mm in the forefoot provide a nicely cushioned landing, it isn't as soft as other shoes with this much foam. Instead, the firmer ride allows for a good ground feel and energy return. That, in turn, allows for a versatility that is hard to match. With a midsole that never bottoms out and a bouncy ride, this shoe is comfortable on both easy runs and at a 5K pace. That's hard to do.


The cushioning didn't score the highest in the test, but the only shoes that scored higher were either race-only super shoes or more niche easy day shoes. The Novablast brings excellent levels of cushioning to a wider range of uses.

asics novablast 4 - we appreciate the versatility of the cushioning on the novablast
We appreciate the versatility of the cushioning on the Novablast
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey

We think heel-strikers will appreciate the generous amounts of foam towards the rear of the shoe, but mid/forefoot strikers shouldn't worry. The combination of geometry and generous forefoot stack makes for a smooth ride if you land farther forward.

One of our few complaints about the shoe is about the bulbous heel. The design is visually striking, but it feels a bit clunky when moving fast. We wouldn't mind seeing it slimmed down a bit.

asics novablast 4 - the design of the novablast is visually exciting, but we wish the...
The design of the Novablast is visually exciting, but we wish the exterior of the heel was a little smaller.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

These shoes also don't provide a lot of confidence when landing on wet or slick terrain. The lack of lugs is noticeable, especially at faster paces. However, the lack of lugs is a big reason this shoe is so lightweight for its size. In most cases, it's a tradeoff we're willing to make.

Sure, some shoes are more plushly cushioned. But the Novablast strikes a middle ground that makes it great for most runs.

asics novablast 4 - the novablast 4 struggles on slick terrain but is fine on loose dirt...
The Novablast 4 struggles on slick terrain but is fine on loose dirt roads.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey

Responsiveness


When we first tried the Novablast on, we immediately noticed the rocker and the “trampoline-inspired outsole.” It isn't just marketing. The forefoot does feel a bit like a trampoline; the recessed midsole/outsole pod works really well to give a forward, bouncy feel.

asics novablast 4 - you can see the pod of outsole/midsole foam that creates the...
You can see the pod of outsole/midsole foam that creates the trampoline effect in the forefoot.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Combined with the aggressive rocker that hits right around the ball of your foot (we measured the angle at 22.5 degrees in our standardized testing) and firmer ride, it results in a readily responsive and really fun shoe.

There are more responsive shoes on the market. The Novablast feels snappy up to about 5K pace, but that doesn't result in a shoe that struggles to take it easy. We think the balance between responsiveness and cushioning is near-perfect for a daily trainer.


On the other hand, this isn't the first shoe we would pick for most 5K and faster work, mostly due to the relative weight and size. It's lightweight, but most speed-oriented trainers or super shoes are significantly lighter. And, like we mentioned earlier, the heel can get in the way a bit when you're really pushing it.

We love the fun geometry of the Novablast.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey

Asics nailed the daily trainer with the Novablast 4. It can handle your daily miles and your long run but is more than responsive enough for some workouts. Some runners who value comfort over top-end speed might even find them race-worthy.

asics novablast 4 - the geometry of the novablast 4 makes for a responsive shoe at a...
The geometry of the Novablast 4 makes for a responsive shoe at a range of paces
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey

Upper Comfort


The knit upper of the Novablast is extremely comfortable. Overall, this is one of the most comfortable shoes we've tested. We never experienced hotspots, regardless of the socks we chose or how wet the roads were. The tongue is reliable, well-cushioned, and sits comfortably on long runs.


The heel cup is reasonably deep and, in conjunction with some sidewalls on the heel, feels very supportive and provides great lockdown. Dialing in the fit was never a struggle with this shoe. The toe box should be roomy enough for runners with high-volume feet but is stretchy enough to provide a reliable, no-slide fit for most users.

asics novablast 4 - the knit upper of the novablast creates a comfortable, secure fit.
The knit upper of the Novablast creates a comfortable, secure fit.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Our only issue with the upper is temperature regulation. Knit uppers never breathe as well as engineered mesh. Our feet didn't feel hot in 70 temperatures, but the upper is similar to other Asics shoes. Depending on your sock choice, there is a good chance your feet will get pretty toasty when temperatures push past 80. But hey, at least we're not complaining about cold feet on chilly winter long runs!

asics novablast 4 - the novablast 4 has become one of our favorite long run shoes.
The Novablast 4 has become one of our favorite long run shoes.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey

Lateral Stability and Support


For a neutral daily trainer, the Novablast does a good job of providing support. We think it could work well for runners needing mild stability in their shoes for several reasons. First, the shoe makes use of a wider platform and some sole flaring that does a good job of providing lateral support in the midfoot.

asics novablast 4 - the wide sole flaring in the forefoot provides a more stable platform.
The wide sole flaring in the forefoot provides a more stable platform.
Credit: Natalie Kafader


Second, the heel is nested into the foam sidewalls, and the heel cup is reasonably deep, providing good support.


On the other hand, the high stack height does create an inherently unstable platform, particularly on unpredictable terrain. If you're looking for maximum support or stability, this isn't the one to choose.

asics novablast 4 - the nested heel cup and sole flaring help provide stability that...
The nested heel cup and sole flaring help provide stability that counters the high stack and aggressive geometry.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Weight


A shoe with 43mm of stacked foam in the heel and 36mm in the forefoot, plus a knit upper that weighs just 9.76 ounces? Count us in.


Sure, Asics saved weight by compromising the traction of the outsole, but we love how light this shoe is. It's large, but it doesn't feel heavy on your feet.

asics novablast 4 - the chunky size of the novablast is deceptive- this is a reasonably...
The chunky size of the Novablast is deceptive- this is a reasonably light shoe.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Should You Buy the Asics Novablast 4?


If you're hunting for a near-perfect daily trainer, this shoe is for you. It can chill on recovery days and knock out long threshold sessions. You could race in this shoe. We love it. It's comfy, it's snappy, and it just feels good. That's why the Novablast 4 is our Editor's Choice; it's not just a good shoe by the numbers, it's also a fun shoe to run in.

What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?


If you need more support and stability, we suggest looking into the Asics Gel-Kayano 30, which provides some of the best support and stability across all of the running shoes we tested and has an upper similar to the Novablast. If you're looking for another do-it-all shoe, check out another of our favorites, the Hoka Mach 6.

Nathaniel Bailey