ASICS Novablast 4 Shoe Review

Go from blah to bouncy in the new ASICS Novablast 4. Not your average daily trainer, the Novablast 4 is packed to the brim with ASICS’ energetic FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning, made with at least 20 percent bio-based content.

The ASICS Novablast 4 offers a similar feel and fit as the previous version, but it’s been upgraded with 10 additional millimeters of stack height in the heel. Given the recent updates to other popular ASICS running shoes, like the ultra-cushioned GEL-Nimbus 25 and GEL-Kayano 30, we aren’t surprised.

Will the Novablast 4 have you blasting into the stratosphere on your next run? Read on to find out.

Reviewers appreciated the soft-to-firm ratio of the midsole that makes this shoe just as comfortable for easy miles as it does for harder efforts.

“The FF BLAST PLUS ECO midsole is pure awesomeness,” Nate says. “It’s got a density to it, but it also feels very energetic and springy. The midfoot and forefoot seem to spread outwards underneath you, providing an extra stable platform. I was all smiles on my early morning run.”

The wide base adds some inherent stability to the Novablast 4, making it a viable option for runners who may have felt that other high-stack shoes lack the necessary support.

“As someone with weak ankles—I’m in the gym working on it!---the instability of some of the high-stack shoes can hardly be considered an everyday option for me,” says Max. “But the Novablast 4 bucks that trend. The midsole foam is firm and stable, but also packs a lot of pop and energy. Some of the firmer foams out there lack any energy return, but ASICS figured it out with the Novablast 4.”

Fleet Feet reviewers are still wondering whether the geometric patterns on the sides of the midsole enhance the performance of the shoe, or just the aesthetics. We couldn’t come to a verdict on that, but ultimately, the jury has ruled that the Novablast 4 is soft, springy and delightful.

The Novablast 4 continues the improvements up top, with a brand-new, engineered woven upper to add more breathability and flexibility. A thin, winged tongue sits flat atop your foot to hold you in securely.

“The moment I slipped the Novablast 4 on my feet, it felt like I was slipping into my favorite hoodie after a long day at work,” says Mandy. “The upper wrapped around my foot so comfortably that I found myself making excuses to go out more, just so I could put them on.”

Also new in the Novablast 4 is a slightly tapered out heel design, giving your achilles room to breathe while still offering a snug fit. Plus, a handy pull-tab on the back of the heel makes it easy to slide these shoes on as you’re rushing to get out the door.

“When I wore the Novablast 3, I felt like the heel collar hugged my heels just a little bit too tight and aggravated my already existing foot pain,” says Caroline. “But there was none of that in the Novablast 4.”

Reviewers found the fit of the Novablast 4 to be true to size, regardless of the width and shape of their feet.

“The upper is downright luxurious, with silky smooth fabric and premium cushion in the heel collar,” says Kate. “Plus, it fits me perfectly.”

It’s running shoe sorcery. The Novablast 4 is somehow soft enough for recovery runs, cushioned enough for long runs and responsive enough for hard efforts.

“The Novablast 4 feels super bouncy without being too soft or too forgiving,” says Max. “Sometimes, energy return is lost when the shoes are too firm. But the Novablast’s bounce-to-firm ratio was the best I’ve felt in a while.”

Thanks to its versatility, reviewers have added the Novablast 4 to their shoe rotations for a variety of runs.

“Initially, I planned to save these shoes for days when I want to run fast,” says Caroline. “But I’ve found myself reaching for them before easy runs, too.”

While the Novablast 4 remains true to form as an energetic daily trainer, the updates to the fit and feel create a slightly softer ride without compromising energy return.

“I found the Novablast 3 to feel a bit too firm for my taste, but the latest version is the perfect blend between soft and springy,” says Caroline.

The shoe’s increased stack height catapults the Novablast from an moderately-cushioned trainer to a max-cushioned monster. However, it does so without compromising stability, thanks to its wide base.

The slight increase to the weight is likely due to the increased stack height, although reviewers thought the extra cushioning was worth the unnoticeable extra weight.

“The Novablast 4 feels airy and lightweight while still providing a ton of cushioning during my three-mile easy-pace run,” says Mandy.

We took a look at some comparable shoes to see how the ASICS Novablast 4 stacks up. Here’s what we found.

Reviewers found the Novablast 4 to feel similar to the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 and the Brooks Hyperion Max. All three shoes offer a propulsive sensation without a carbon-fiber plate.

All three shoes use a combination of springy midsole foam and rocker-shaped geometry to create a responsive ride, and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 takes it a step further with a nylon plate embedded in the midsole.

“The Novablast 4 feels like a lot of the plated racers in terms of fit and feel,” says Kate.

But when it comes down to cost effectiveness, reviewers lauded the Novablast 4 for its versatility and relatively low price point.

“I’ll admit, I thought the price was a typo at first,” says Max. “When you think about all the things this shoe can do—easy runs, speed work, long runs—it’s a great value.”