REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Responsive
Versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks traction on slick surfaces
Thick heel might not be universally enjoyed
Asics Novablast 4 - Women's Review
With its blend of performance technology and comfort, this running shoe will be your first choice for all run types
This do-it-all shoe is one we can't get enough of.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Women of 2024
Our Verdict
Step into near-unparalleled comfort and performance with this excellent option from Asics — the Novablast 4. This shoe beat out a lot of past favorites thanks to its comfort, responsiveness, and overall epicness. Elevating the running experience to new heights, the Novablast combines cutting-edge technology and comfort, making it a standout choice for runners of all levels. The Novablast boasts a soft upper that cradles your foot with a gentle embrace, ensuring a snug fit and secure comfort. Its responsive nature propels your legs forward, while the well-cushioned design provides a plush landing. It is no wonder that the Novablast earned high accolades — and for a pretty reasonable price! Rookie runners, veterans, fitness junkies, and ultra-distance enthusiasts will all find something to love about this innovative running kick by Asics.
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 This Product
Asics Novablast 4 - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Running Shoe for Women |  Best Value for a Women's Road Running Shoe |  Most Versatile Road Running Shoe | Best Stability-Focused Road Running Shoe | |
| Price | $120.93 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $89.95 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $140.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $99.98 at Dick's Sporting Goods Compare at 4 sellers | $140.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This running shoe offers the performance technology and comfort needed to be your go-to shoe, no matter your running goals | Affordable and minimally-minded, the updated Kinvara is a great everyday shoe that is suitable for a myriad of running situations | For epic versatility in a single shoe, we recommend this lightweight superstar | The structure and comfort of this shoe make it a highly recommended option for long distance runners who want a reliable road running steed | A geometrically-designed shoe that is great for uptempo runs when a lightweight shoe is what you need |
| Rating Categories | Asics Novablast 4 -... | Saucony Kinvara 15... | Hoka Mach 6 - Women's | Brooks Adrenaline G... | New Balance FuelCel... |
| Landing Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Responsiveness (20%) | |||||
| Stability (15%) | |||||
| Upper Comfort (15%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Traction (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Asics Novablast 4 -... | Saucony Kinvara 15... | Hoka Mach 6 - Women's | Brooks Adrenaline G... | New Balance FuelCel... |
| Measured Weight | 7.36 oz | 5.44 oz | 6.27 oz | 8.21 oz | 6.00 oz |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 38 mm | 27 mm | 33 mm | 33 mm | 31 mm |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 8 mm | 3 mm | 7 mm | 10 mm | 8 mm |
| Plate Type | None | None | None | None | None |
| Rocker Angle | 22.0 deg | 25.0 deg | 24.5 deg | 26.5 deg | 24 deg |
| Rocker Apex Location | 69.5% | 64.7% | 65.4% | 71.4% | 66.7% |
| Style | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer |
| Upper | Engineered knit mesh | Mesh | Creel jaqquard | Engineered air mesh | Mesh |
| Midsole | FF Blast Plus Eco | PWRRUN | Supercritical EVA | DNA Loft v2 | PEBA/EVA Fuelcell |
| Outsole | AHAR outsole | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber |
| Heel Tab Type | Finger loop | None | Extended heel pull | None | None |
| Sizes Available | 5 - 12 US, regular | 5 - 12 US, regular |
5 - 11 US, regular & wide | 5 - 13 US, narrow, medium, wide & extra wide | 5 - 12 US, regular & wide |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Asics Novablast 4 is an innovative running shoe that marries well-rounded comfort with performance, making it one of our runner's all-time favorite options for just about any type of run.
Downhill coastal cruising in the Novablast 4 feels exceptional thanks to this shoe's underfoot cushion, geometric outsole, and trampoline-inspired midsole.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Landing Comfort
Running can feel punishing when you're in the throes of training, but the Novablast 4 offers a luxurious edge to your endurance efforts. The Asics-specific FF Blast Plus Eco landing comfort of this running shoe is a testament to a true commitment to comfort.
With a total stack of 38 mm at the heel and 30 mm at the forefoot, as measured by our in-house testing team — that includes a 5.1 mm insole — there is plenty of cushion between your feet and the unrelenting pavement. The Novablast features FF Blast Plus Eco cushion technology that seamlessly absorbs impact, delivering noticeably gentle landings. Whether you're embarking on a long-distance run or tackling high-intensity workouts, the underfoot design of the Novablast ensures that your feet are snuggled in a cocoon of comfort, allowing you to focus on reaching that runner's high. The marriage between high-tech running features and comfort on the Novablast is better than we are used to seeing. Read on to see if our new favorite daily runner might be a shoe that is a match for you.
With a 38 mm total stack at the heel, this uniquely shaped stack provides cushion and energy return - an unlikely balance.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Responsiveness
Asics unveiled a surprising twist with the creation of the Novablast 4. Many supremely comfortable kicks fall flat when it comes to responsiveness, but the Novablast is a rare exception.
The plush comfort of its well-cushioned design seamlessly coexists with an unexpected level of responsiveness. As you hit the pavement, the Novablast responds dynamically to each footfall, providing an energizing push-off that efficiently propels you forward. The geometric heel shape adds to the overall oomph that this shoe has to offer. While the technology of the Novablast isn't as advanced as some of the race-specific shoes in our lineup, its “trampoline-inspired” outsole design provides fun energy return. This may not be a speed demon's go-to racing steed, but it is a great training shoe for runners looking to ratchet up their leg turnover and mileage in comfort. This uncommon harmony between superior cushioning and responsiveness sets the Novablast apart, which helps secure its standing as an all-around great running shoe.
Finding such a comfortable shoe that propels you forward is not typical. We love running in the Novablast 4 because it so seamlessly marries these two elements.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Stability
The Novablast is a neutral runner, which adds to its universal-ish appeal. The latest iteration put forth by Asics offers a comfortably stable ride without the confines of rigid side walls, perfect for runners who are seeking a middle ground between minimalism and overbuilt stability.
The design of the Novablast seems to embrace flexibility, with all of its eco-minded textiles gently securing feet. The absence of rigid side walls allows for an adaptive-style fit, with the chunkiness of the heel your main source of stability. Because of this, the Novablast is suitable for runners who might mildly overpronate but may not be a good choice for runners needing serious gait corrections. For runners seeking a neutral stability shoe that balances comfort and adaptability, the Novablast stands out as a worthy contender.
While not the most stable shoe, the Novablast performs pretty well for having a taller-than-average stack under the heel.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Upper Comfort
The flexible upper comfort of the updated Novablast will suit runners who want a snug fit and those who want space for their toes to splay.
This running shoe's upper takes the concept of comfort above and beyond the standard, offering an experience that is nothing short of awesome. The upper is crafted with a pliably strong engineered mesh that gently wraps around your foot, providing a snug and customized-feeling fit. The textile of the upper is breathable and soft enough to prevent hotspots from forming. Our only gripe — and it's a minor one — is that a women's 7 Novablast is a bit shorter than other women's size 7s. We occasionally felt like our toes were pressing against the toe wall of the shoe. This wasn't a dealbreaker for us at all, but it is certainly worth considering, especially if you are between sizes. Ultimately, you'll revel in the breezy and soft-to-the-touch upper comfort of the Novablast 4.
The shape and fit of the Novablast's upper feel a bit short, but are otherwise wildly comfortable.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
The weight metric might be the only metric in which the updated Novablast didn't majorly exceed expectations. A women's size 6.5 weighs 7.36 ounces per shoe, slightly above average and just heavy enough to edge the Novablast out of the lightweight category.
For how much cushion the Novablast offers, we think the weight is worth it. It may not be the lightest shoe in our lineup, but the balance between comfort and weight is prime. The entirety of the shoe feels light during runs, making it a great shoe for runners seeking comfort without fully delving into maximalist shoe territory.
Despite being made of comfortable materials, the Novablast is on the lighter end of the weight spectrum.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction
It is worth noting that on wet roads, the Novablast lacks significant traction.
We didn't find this to be a huge issue on our day-to-day runs where we'd cross a bit of wet pavement, but it was noticeable across wet grass, mud, and slick sidewalks.
The Novablast doesn't offer the best traction on slick surfaces, it is otherwise an exceptional shoe that many runners will adore.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Should You Buy the Asics Novablast 4?
Even though our recommendations change based on your running style and goals, the Novablast is one that we recommend to very nearly everyone. While runners seeking a carbon-plated speed shoe for Ferrari-fast racing will find the Novablast lacking, those searching for a near-perfect daily running shoe will enjoy what this one has to offer. Its comfort is as close to universal as a shoe can get.
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?
If something about the Novablast doesn't suit your fancy, we consider the Asics Gel Kayano 31 a close cousin, and it might be more your speed. The Kayano is ever-so-slightly lighter than the Novablast and has a slightly less comfortable upper. Either choice would be great for runners who want their miles with a side of comfort. The Novablast is not as responsive as the Brooks Hyperion Max 2, one of our go-to recommendations for runners looking for some speed. The Hyperion Max isn't as comfortable as the Novablast, so weigh this out as you shop. For an everyday shoe, the Hoka Mach 6 is another one of our top choices. It lacks the softness of the Novablast but scored nearly as well across the board.
—
Ally Arcuri
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