ASICS’ Commitment to a Sound Body, Sound Mind, Sound Earth
ASICS has been making a push for greater environmental responsibility, including repurposing materials from the 2021 L.A. Marathon Expo to create bags used for the 2022 race.
Shoe Review: ASICS Novablast 3
Blast off in the new ASICS Novablast 3. This highly cushioned running shoe will put a spring in your step on even the toughest runs.
The Novablast 3 is made with ASICS’ signature FF BLAST PLUS foam, a lightweight midsole cushioning compound that creates a soft, springy feel. A smooth, engineered mesh upper made with 75 percent recycled material wraps comfortably around your foot, which creates a secure fit that’s eco-friendly, too.
Fleet Feet reviewers put the ASICS Novablast 3 to the test during easy miles, long runs and tempo workouts. Here’s what you can expect.
Tech Specs | ASICS Novablast 3 | ASICS Novablast 2 |
Weight | 7.8 oz (W), 8.9 oz (M) | 8.2 oz (W), 9.7 oz (M) |
Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
Stack height (heel/forefoot) | 30 mm/22 mm (W), 31 mm/23 mm (M) | 29 mm/21 mm (W), 30 mm/22 mm (M) |
Category | Neutral | Neutral |
Surface | Road | Road |
FF BLAST PLUS Foam Puts the “Blast” in Novablast
The Novablast made its debut in 2020 alongside a growing lineup of highly cushioned running shoes from ASICS. It promised a fun, energetic feeling underfoot – and it delivered. Now on its third iteration, the Novablast continues to deliver a responsive ride for runners of all levels.
The Novablast 3 sits on a thick bed of FF BLAST PLUS foam, ASICS’ softest, lightest midsole foam. The latest version of the Novablast offers more cushioning than ever before – one millimeter of added stack height to be exact. Despite this, it didn’t get any heavier (thanks to a new, lightweight upper). The women’s shoe weighs about half an ounce lighter, while the men’s is almost a full ounce lighter.
“These shoes are so light and peppy, they feel lighter than my socks,” Alex says. “They’re so cushioned and responsive, it feels like they’re filled with helium. I’ll wear these for any run, whether it’s fast or slow, short or long.”
In addition to a plush bed of springy midsole foam, the ASICS Novablast 3 also provides a heel stabilizer to support your foot through its gait cycle. This firm piece of plastic-like material on the medial and lateral sides of the heel reduces side-to-side movement, which helps you run efficiently.
The outsole is equipped with durable rubber on the areas that see the most wear and tear such as the heel and forefoot. The strategic placement ensures that the shoe can withstand your daily miles even with such a light weight.
Overall, reviewers enjoyed the light, bouncy ride of the Novablast 3.
“The big bed of FF BLAST PLUS foam has a nice kick to it while giving way to smooth transitions,” Nate says. “I love the springiness and energy this shoe has.”
ASICS Novablast 3 Upper Minimizes Weight
The ASICS Novablast 3 sports a brand new upper. This engineered monofilament mesh upper adds breathability while reducing weight, helping you stay cool and dry.
A plush, padded heel collar keeps your feet securely in place while a smooth, gusseted tongue tops off the upper.
“These hug my foot like a glove the second I slide into them. The smooth mesh material wraps around my foot while providing plenty of wiggle room in the toe box,” Caroline says. “The heel collar is just cushioned enough to feel soft, but it’s not overly plush. The tongue is thin and lightweight – enough material to hold me in without weighing me down.”
ASICS stays true to their sustainability commitment by creating the upper of the Novablast 3 with at least 75 percent recycled materials, which reduces waste and carbon emissions. The sockliner, the removable insert that sits right underfoot, is produced with a solution dying process that reduces water usage by approximately 33 percent!
This means you can feel good about your new shoes, from a comfort and environmental perspective.
ASICS Novablast 3 vs Novablast 2
The ASICS Novablast is still a highly cushioned, highly responsive daily trainer, now with a taller stack height and a lighter weight.
A redesigned upper adds more breathability and is made with recycled materials, making the shoe an eco-friendly choice.
Reviewers appreciated the updates to the ASICS Novablast 3 and think you will, too.
“The ASICS Novablast 3 is a solid performer in the maximally-cushioned category and one of the most exciting offerings I’ve seen from ASICS,” Nate says. “This shoe should be on your list to test drive at your local Fleet Feet.”
What is the ASICS Novablast 3 Best For?
Thanks to a plush bed of FF BLAST PLUS midsole foam, the ASICS Novablast 3 offers enough cushion to tackle long runs and recovery miles. The snappy, energetic feel underfoot is also perfect for picking up the pace during tempo runs or speed workouts. In short, it’s an “everything” shoe.
If you want to try on the new ASICS Novablast 3, be sure to head into your local Fleet Feet for an expert one-on-one outfitting. Fleet Feet outfitters use 3D fit id® foot scanning technology to gather information about your feet and the support they need by taking precise measurements of your foot length, width and arch height. Not only does the outfitting experience provide you with the right shoes and insoles, outfitters can make recommendations on apparel, accessories and nutrition to help you reach your goals.
