Asics NovaBlast 4 Review: Comparison to NovaBlast 3 - Which is Best?

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Have you ever owned a set of running shoes that felt like you’d stuck your feet into bricks? With each step, you feel this thud in your body that eventually leads to unnecessary fatigue and joint stress.

We've all been there at some point. The Asics Novablast 4 is a different type of shoe. With multiple design choices, you can pick something that works with your fit while delivering consistent results on the road. 

The Novablast 4 is available for men, women, and children. It comes with a wide variation, a TR model, and a Platinum choice.

For this review, I’ll be looking at the standard Asics Novablast 4.

How the Novablast 4 Compares to Novablast 3

In looking at the Novablast 4s compared to previous models, there are some crucial innovations to consider.

• The midsole has more firmness than the Novablast 3 or 1, which delivers a stable ride for most conditions.
• You receive a more conforming experience with the premium, woven materials that deliver enhanced breathability compared to other options.
• Runners receive more stability than in past iterations of the Novablast.
• The fit is true to size, creating a significant change from previous models that were always a little larger than expected on your foot.

Overall, the Novablast 4 strikes a balance between maintaining some of the beloved features of earlier versions while introducing new elements that aim for improved stability and performance.

Pros and Cons

The Shoe Structure Lends to a Comfortable Experience

I would agree that the Novablast 4 delivers some extra room in the toe box compared to other designs, even from Asics. That creates fractionally less stability for some runners with narrow feet, but it was not an issue for me at a ll.

I found the structure itself creates an energetic experience during a run or a training experience, even if you’re doing a tempo run or logging a long-distance session.

The Novablast 4 features the Blast Plus cushioning technology engineered by Asics. This material delivers a responsive result while keeping the feeling light on the foot. You get a softer landing that took me by surprise at first, plus a better rebound to encourage you to keep going.

This foam is an evolution of the old FlyteFoam that used to be in Asics shoes. It resists compression and maintains its shape and functionality, even if you’re on the heavier side as a runner, so you can trust in its performance.

I also like how the upper is constructed from a soft and lightweight engineered mesh. It enhances your comfort while working out because the breathability around the foot is excellent. You get a secure fit, even with different foot shapes or sweat levels.

As for the outsole, Asics has incorporated a high-abrasion rubber that helps to extend the shoe's lifespan. It's strategically placed in high-wear areas to improve durability and provides good traction on various surfaces.

Designed with the Neutral Runner in Mind

I've have found it to be a challenge at times to find comfortable shoes with a neutral gait and a slight bit of underpronation. Although I don't put all my weight on the outside of the foot, my high arches do put more pressure there when the interior construction doesn't rise to fully meet my feet.

The Asics Novablast 4 are great because they take the pressure off the smaller toes on the outside of my foot. I get even distribution for the push off instead of repetitively putting stress on the inside metatarsals, which lets me feel like I’ve got more energy after a run.

You also get this lighter footprint while saving on the carbon costs of the shoe. The Novablast 4 has an economic impact that runs more than 20% lower than the industry average. About 20% of the FF Blast Plus foam is bio-based and comes from renewable sources.

I appreciate how this Asics design fits around the midfoot. The gusseted tongue and traditional lacing provide a custom approach to how it wears, allowing you to get the right feeling of snugness without feeling constrictive.

It also heels secure around the heel. There isn’t movement or slippage in the back, especially with the padded collar locking things in there for you.

How the Asics Novablast 4 Runs

Some running shoes take a long time to break in and conform to your foot. These are ready to go after the first few minutes of that initial run. I found the maximum comfort and response came on my third training session.

Normally, I’m not the biggest fan of the rocker design on some running shoes. The Novablast is not as exaggerated as others, and I found it to be supportive of the transition from back to front. It allows me to stay within my natural form with relative ease.

The shoe’s design does come with a high-stack height with the cushioning to support more shock absorption. It could take some runners a little time to get used to its feel, which led to brief moments of feeling uncertain. That concern disappeared almost immediately.

I would say that runners who train by sprinting or in other faster workouts or races might look for something with more support for their specific discipline. I found the Novablast 4 worked better for mid-range runs, bordering on long-distance, when the terrain was consistent.

Personally, I like taking them to the local track oval to put in some laps. It’s an energetic shoe in that environment.

Final Verdict

There is a lot to love when slipping into a pair of Novablast 4s from Asics. Compared to the other runners and trainers from this brand, you'll find an excellent level of support if you're a part-time runner or someone who prefers tempo-based training.

These shoes don’t perform as well on trails or in rustic settings. They’re meant for the track, working on a treadmill, or taking a run where you live.

I found them to be comfortable and supportive. If you have a narrow foot or need lots of extra space in the toe box, I’d recommend trying them on first to see if they’ll support your foot.

Beyond that, I would purchase another pair of Novablast 4s for my running needs. They take the stress off my feet because they provide so much support.