ASICS Novablast 4
Buy ASICS Novablast 4 at today's best price (men's/women's)
6 minute read
Overview
The ASICS Novablast 4 is a running shoe designed to offer a balance between comfort and performance. This shoe is known for its firm and stable ride, making it suitable for faster-paced runs.
Key Features:
- FF Blast+ Eco Midsole: A firmer, eco-friendly midsole providing stability and a responsive ride.
- Engineered Mesh Upper: A breathable and comfortable upper design that accommodates a wide range of foot sizes.
- Outsole Design: Improved grip and durability for reliable traction on road surfaces.
- Modern Aesthetics: Trend-setting design with a focus on sustainability and recycled materials.
The ASICS Novablast 4 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a stable and responsive shoe for their daily running. Its updated features offer benefits in stability and comfort, making it suitable for a variety of road running activities. Part of the ASICS Novablast family, this model continues the lineage with a commitment to innovation and quality.
With an average review score of 88%, it's in the highest rated 20% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 20% of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the ASICS Novablast 4
The ASICS Novablast 4 has been received as a firm-riding daily trainer, more suited to faster-paced runs than relaxed ones. While it may not have the same bouncy ride as its predecessors, it compensates with improved stability thanks to the new FF Blast+ Eco midsole. The shoe's upper has been praised for its comfort and breathability, and the outsole offers better grip and durability. Although the Novablast 4 has gained a bit of weight and lost some of its versatility, it remains a strong contender in the running shoe market. Overall, the ASICS Novablast 4 is a solid choice for runners seeking a stable and responsive shoe for their daily training.
Updates to ASICS Novablast 4
The ASICS Novablast 4 introduces several updates from its predecessor, the ASICS Novablast 3. These include a new FF Blast+ Eco midsole for a firmer and more stable ride, an engineered mesh upper for improved breathability and comfort, and an outsole design that offers better grip and durability. These changes reflect ASICS' ongoing commitment to innovation within the Novablast line.
Comparable Shoes
The ASICS Gel Kayano 30 is a shoe that offers a different experience compared to the ASICS Novablast 4. While the Novablast 4 focuses on a firmer, more responsive ride, the Gel Kayano 30 is known for its plush cushioning and stability features, making it a better option for runners who require additional support and a softer underfoot feel.
Compared to the ASICS Novablast 4, the Saucony Triumph 21 provides a more plush and bouncy ride, which may appeal to runners looking for maximum cushioning. The Triumph 21 is also known for its exceptional breathability, making it a strong contender for runners who prioritize airflow and comfort during their runs.
The ASICS Superblast stands out with its highly responsive cushioning, offering a more energetic return than the ASICS Novablast 4. Runners who are not constrained by budget and seek the utmost in responsiveness may find the Superblast to be a more suitable option for their performance needs.
7 ASICS Novablast 4 Pros & Cons
4 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The ASICS Novablast 4 features an engineered mesh upper that provides a breathable and comfortable fit. This design accommodates a wide range of foot sizes and shapes, ensuring a snug and secure feel during runs. The upper's modern aesthetics align with current trends, offering a visually appealing look that doesn't compromise on functionality.
Midsole
At the heart of the ASICS Novablast 4 is the FF Blast+ Eco midsole, which offers a firmer ride and improved stability. This eco-friendly midsole is composed of 20% bio-based materials, reflecting ASICS' commitment to sustainability. The midsole's design contributes to a responsive ride, making the shoe suitable for faster-paced runs.
Outsole
The outsole of the ASICS Novablast 4 has been enhanced to provide better grip and durability. This improvement ensures reliable traction on various road surfaces, contributing to the shoe's overall stability and performance. The outsole's design complements the midsole, working together to deliver a smooth and efficient running experience.
Size/fit
The ASICS Novablast 4 runs slightly long, so runners may consider sizing down for a better fit. The toe box is of medium width, accommodating most foot shapes without feeling cramped. The shoe's fit is further refined by a redesigned tongue and collar, offering a secure and comfortable fit around the foot.
Comfort
Comfort in the ASICS Novablast 4 is achieved through a combination of a soft, woven mesh upper and a padded tongue. These features provide a plush feel while maintaining breathability. The shoe's overall construction is designed to offer a comfortable running experience without sacrificing performance.
Cushioning
The cushioning in the ASICS Novablast 4 is characterized by the FF Blast+ Eco midsole, which provides a stable and responsive platform. While the shoe is slightly firmer than previous versions, it still delivers ample cushioning for a comfortable ride during daily runs.
Breathability
Breathability is a key feature of the ASICS Novablast 4, with its engineered mesh upper allowing for ample airflow. This keeps the feet cool and dry, even during longer runs or in warmer conditions. The upper's ventilation is complemented by additional ventilation holes in the toe box.
Stability
Stability in the ASICS Novablast 4 is enhanced by the firmer FF Blast+ Eco midsole and the shoe's overall design. The sidewalls extend higher up the sides of the shoe, keeping the foot centered over the midsole. This feature, along with the more aggressive midsole rocker (a curved shape of the midsole that promotes a rolling motion during the gait cycle), contributes to a stable and secure running experience.
Durability
Durability is a strong point for the ASICS Novablast 4, with an outsole made of high abrasion rubber that withstands wear and tear. The shoe's construction is robust, ensuring that it can handle the demands of daily training over time.
Who should buy the ASICS Novablast 4?
The ASICS Novablast 4 is well-suited for runners who seek a shoe that provides a stable and responsive ride for their everyday training. It's ideal for those who enjoy a firmer feel underfoot and appreciate a shoe that can handle faster-paced runs. The shoe's design and technology make it particularly appealing to runners who value performance without sacrificing comfort.
Who should not buy the ASICS Novablast 4?
Runners who prefer a bouncy, plush ride may not find the ASICS Novablast 4 to their liking, as it offers a firmer feel. Those who prioritize ultra-lightweight shoes for their runs might also want to consider other options, given the slight weight increase in this model. For those seeking maximum breathability, alternatives like the ASICS Gel Cumulus 25 or the Saucony Triumph 21 might be more suitable.
ASICS Novablast 4: What's it good for?
The ASICS Novablast 4 is good for road running, offering a stable and responsive experience. Its firm midsole and improved outsole grip make it suitable for daily training and faster-paced workouts. The shoe's design and materials also make it a comfortable choice for long runs.
4 ASICS Novablast 4 FAQs
What makes the ASICS Novablast 4 different from its predecessors?
The ASICS Novablast 4 features a new FF Blast+ Eco midsole for improved stability and a firmer ride, an engineered mesh upper for enhanced breathability, and an outsole with better grip and durability. These updates provide a more stable and responsive running experience.
Is the ASICS Novablast 4 suitable for long-distance running?
Yes, the ASICS Novablast 4 is suitable for long-distance running, offering a stable and responsive ride with sufficient cushioning for comfort over extended periods.
How does the ASICS Novablast 4 perform in terms of breathability?
The ASICS Novablast 4 performs well in terms of breathability, thanks to its engineered mesh upper and additional ventilation holes in the toe box, keeping feet cool and dry.
Can the ASICS Novablast 4 accommodate custom orthotics?
Yes, the ASICS Novablast 4 can accommodate custom orthotics, making it a versatile choice for runners who require personalized foot support.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | |
| released | ReleasedOct 2023 | Nov 2023 | Jan 2024 | |||
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 255 g W: 221 g | M: 298 g W: 255 g | M: 235 g W: 196 g | M: 269 g W: 232 g | M: 283 g W: 224 g | M: 218 g W: 150 g |
| Forefoot | ForefootM: 42 mm W: 34 mm | 33 mm | 32 mm | 26 mm | 28 mm | 24 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop8 mm | 5 mm | 10 mm | 6 mm | ||
| Heel | HeelM: 42 mm W: 34 mm | 33 mm | 37 mm | 36 mm | 28 mm | 30 mm |
| Usages | UsagesDaily running | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running | Daily runningSpeed training | Daily runningSpeed training |
| Brand | BrandASICS | Altra | Hoka | PUMA | Altra | New Balance |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeBreathableComfortableMaximalist | BreathableComfortableLow dropMaximalistZero drop | BreathableComfortableLightweightMaximalist | BreathableComfortableMaximalist | ComfortableLightweightLow dropZero drop | BreathableLightweight |
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Techs | Techs | OrthoLite | PUMA NITRO | |||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsSustainable | Vegan Ⓥ | ||||
Common characteristicsRoadNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh archOrthotic friendlyRemovable insole |
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- Mar 2020
