ASICS Novablast 4: Unleashing Explosive Cushioning - Honest Review!

[@patrickvanderwal6324]

I am going to use them for daily training and save my Superblasts for specific training, like long runs with tempo parts. Great combo.

[@GFCoyleWVU]

I just picked up a pair of Novablast 4s to break in and wear for my first full marathon one month from today. I tried on a ton of shoes, including the Superblast, and it was the best feel for me. Really excited to try it out tomorrow and hope that it rides as well in my training and on race day as it did in the store. Great review!

[@tuckertech]

I have two pair of the Novablast 3. I love them. I rotate them so I don’t wear one pair out considerably. I have a pair of 4 on the way. Update: Got the NovaB 4 in a wide width and I am in LOVE with them 😍😍😍

[@andrewcash4658]

Loving that new superblast colour way. Superblast is such a good shoe, 200 miles in mine now and has been a fantastic long run shoe

[@FordyRuns]

Simon has 400 in his and still going strong

[@shamewizard3187]

Used Pegasus 40's for most of my runs. Just got the NB3's and, with the same effort, have been taking 15-20 seconds of my min/km time. It is crazy how much difference they make.

[@Fozzee.1970]

That's cos Pegs are rubbish 😊

[@RobertHarridge]

I can agree with you on this review. My problem with the Novablast is they’ve made the shoe become so grown up, it’s almost to the point of questioning why the Cumulus or even the Nimbus still exist, particularly the Cumulus. I actually preferred the ride of the Nimbus 25 over the Novablast 3, but I miss how bonkers the original Novablast was (and I still run in them from time to time). The Novablast 2 was the right balance for me of speed, stability, and comfort for a daily trainer. I may have to give these a go, but the Superblast is such an amazing shoe. I love that shoe for just about everything.

[@FordyRuns]

Thank you

[@marie-clairechahine857]

Novablast 1 ... still unsurpassed bounce / energy - still my favorite - bought all of them so far and I keep looking in outlets hoping to find version 1

[@dawnwattandjoegcowley57]

Had two pairs of Novablast 3 and a pair of superblast. For some reason they seemed to make my left foot work harder and ‘tense’. I could feel the plantar hurting. I have done several runs in the NB 4 and I love it.

[@barrysullivan1892]

Ran everything from a 5k up to my first 100 miler in the Novablast 3 and absolutely love them.Brought the 4 last week and definitely need to break them in more as done a 20 mile run in them on Saturday and they felt heavy but as I said definitely need to break them in more.

[@macfin4862]

Im still in my NB2's, ive never had any stability issues, but im pretty big at 6'1 88kg and I've long suspected that bigger runners sink a bit deeper in to them and get greater stability. Looking forward to sone big ckearance sales on the 3s

[@YsoSer1ous]

The specific running technique plays a huge role, and if you understand how to run and work on it, you'll likely feel fine with the majority of running shoes. Another thing is how your legs feel after the run, as some shoes may offer more comfort and support than others.

[@prayerXtantra]

Bought the 1s on sale when v2 came out. ❤ the 1s!!! So much personality and pep. Stability not an issue. I still go for my 1s precisely for that “nutter” zest. They almost have a race/super shoe feel to them when you’ve done a run and come back to a walking pace like they’re pushing you forward. Haven’t pulled the trigger on 2 or 3 bc there’s still life in my 1s and they don’t sound as fun. Was crossing my fingers for v4; perhaps I’ll bite the bullet and grab the superblast for that endorphin sugar high I craving. Thanks as always

[@philfox55]

I love the three and I just ordered the four! Also, can’t wait for the super blast 2 next year

[@johnshandle777]

I loved version 1, still occasionally run in them and don't have problems with stability. Skipped V2 and got another V1 instead. Bought V3 TR which is okay for me, nothing special, so wondering if V4 will just fix problems i didn't have and reduce the bits i loved.

[@MandalaAsriB11-z6o]

I'd tried this shoe last week. I feel there is a split issue on my heel. But this shoe is great.

[@TheHutchRuns]

Sounds like a good shoe and at that price doesn't really have many competitors, I'm really enjoying the On Running Cloud Eclipse as my daily trainer but would consider these, great review as ever Chris!

[@FordyRuns]

Thank you

[@namits3775]

Had the NB 1, 2 and 3 so looking forward to the 4 - thanks for the review

[@FordyRuns]

Welcome

[@Trailrunner1978]

Sad the Superblast never gets on sale. ☹️ But are you also saying, is Novablast 4 sort of a cheaper Superblast? Or is Novablast 3 the Superblast alternative? Or is for example Triumph 20 or 21 really more comparable to the Superblast? 😂

[@παναγιωτηςκουρελης-π2τ]

Very nice i have all of them 1-2-3 and with v3 i have over 1000 kilometers and i am still running with them the outsole in the forefoot has almost disappeared so i am waiting for v4 to arrive in Greece

[@FordyRuns]

Enjoy

[@jjames1949]

Any body know where I can get hold of a pair of Superblasts other thanks Asics website which is always sold out? Im located in Kent, cheers in Advance!

[@Ninja-Cake]

I have version 3 and love the shoe it does everything, really want version 4 but I hated the Nimbus 25 so I am concerned about the FF blast + ECO which is what the nimbus has.

[@ScottC79]

Hi Fordy, I didn’t quite understand the comparison between the Novablast 4 and the superblast. If the superblast is a fast shoe, and the Novablast lost some of its pop wouldn’t they have gotten further apart?

[@FordyRuns]

Hi - sorry for the confusion - I’ve not said I don’t think the superblast is a fast shoe. It’s a shoe that can hold multiple paces when marathon training which is great. It’s stable and responsive pretty light snd damn comfortable. The Novablast was a faster feeling daily trainer but unstable and a bit crazy. This model has been toned down so it appeals to more (which is not a bad thing) and by doing so it’s lost some of that inherent speed

[@guyg.1085]

Great shoe ❤

[@melissas717]

Sooo... should I just get the Novablast 4 TR?

[@WhatScratchSSR]

Great review as always. I've got the Nimbus 25 for my easy / long runs which I love and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 for faster runs, but I find the Speed 3 pretty hard on the body and anything more than 10kms on them batters me. I'm 88kg and 180cm tall and an average runner (5.10m/km for 5km). I love the feel of the Nimbus but need something more responsive...Would you recommend the Novablast 4 or something else?

[@philipppuchner1115]

I am the same. 180cm/89kg, got back into running, got a NB4 TR and happy with it. After that multiple shoes, inkl. Nimbus 26 (which is the same as a Nimbus 25 with a little more breathable upper). I don't really like the Nimbuses ride. It is comfy slipping it on etc, but running... the shoes are all so wide, that you slap onto the ground when heel striking. Also the newest GT-2000 12 - hard as a brick and unrunable! #11 is ok, but also wide. #10 is "normal" and rols like it should and everything is ok. I struggle with running slow and now after an MRT I have a horizontal tear in my left, medial Menisukus. I also feel that inside of the knee more and more. Its better when i properly warm up + make internal hip rotation better and after a run i stretch my quads more and apply Chin Min Balm. Story short: I found a superb shoe for ME to run slow (6min+ / km) and is easier to mid foot strike which is far better for the knees than heel striking. The Asics Kayano Lite 3! :) Also what knee and midfoot striking is concerned: I have Hoka Speedgoat 5 for Trail and I love them. Yeah you have to lace them like 3 times before going for a run because otherwise they become loose in the mid foot, but otherwise... ok, they are also quite soft when downhilling... but also very good on the road TO the trail (and back home). They have a 4 or 5 mm drao, compared to many Asics shoes with 8mm drop (which is considered perfekt). Soooo, the more drop, the more you heel strike and the better for your calves, but worse for your knees. I tried forefoot striking for the first time time in my life with the Nimbus 26 and after just ~5km through the city my calves were dead for over 1 week! Bottom line: Get the Novablast 4 TR :)

[@WhatMatterstoMatt]

Heard a few folks mention the Novablast 4 runs a little long. I’m trying to decide whether I should size down half a size or not

[@FordyRuns]

If you have a narrow foot then yeo

[@gaspard9000]

i had the novablast 2, it was ok but i much more like the superblast, i have over 600km in them and wanting to get a new one as my planned marathon is in march but my size is sold out... oh no.....i hope they release more sizes again... i heard superblast 2 will be for fall 2024. any idea if thats true? i also got adios pro 3 where i will probably run my marathon in but it gives me blisters on the top of my middle toe on left foot....

[@hikinguphigh]

I was 23 stone 5 months ago and decided to change my lifestyle. Im now about 18 stone, going to the gym 6 days a week and eating clean, i have just started running (mainly short runs, 5k or less) not trying to set records, just get myself fit and a healthy weight, i ordered these shoes today, went a half size up as i have wide feet, will these still be a good shoe considering my weight?

[@Dizzywind]

How did they work for you? I'm curious how you like them.

[@hikinguphigh]

@Dizzywind I loved them, went with the Paris colour. I'm a touch under 17 stone now and they are by far the most comfy shoe I've ever worn, although bear in mind that is my first pair of running shoes, they are nicely cushioned but don't collapse under my weight

[@karls8989]

i had 2 and 3 and by far 3 was the worst because i could only take it out on dry days and to me that should not be what a daily trainer is...you should be able to take it out in 99% of conditions

[@FordyRuns]

Agree and this is better but still not 100%

[@minghanlim2319]

If the NB3 is the same stack as the NB4, making it more than 40mm ... would you know why it isnt banned at Ironman events? They have a list of shoes that are not allowed.

[@FordyRuns]

It’s the same stack but they’ve re classified how they measure stack

[@oisin_o_boyle]

I am still in love with my Glideride 3 but I am gonna need a replacement soon and am struggling what to buy. Should I go for the NB3 TR or NB4 or even the Superblast?

[@FordyRuns]

Ghost Max is closest

[@oisin_o_boyle]

@@FordyRuns foam doesn’t seem responsive in the same way

[@wozandnic]

I've been a huge Glideride fan, went through 2 pairs of v1 and 2 pairs of v2, sadly missed the V3 cause I was still wearing out the v2. I heard the V3 glideride was the best yet 👌 I bought the Superblast recently and they are a levels above the glideride, super impressed. I'll still get the Glideride 4 coming out at the end of the year 👍🏾

[@oisin_o_boyle]

@@wozandnic wasn’t aware about a Glideride 4 coming out. I should wait then. I do like the Glideride 3 so much because it’s comfortable for my 95kg plus also lets me picking up the pace a bit if I want. Haven’t been happy with my Brooks so far, Ghost too firm and Glycerin lost the comfort soon after 200km of use. And both are slow and kinda boring to run. Guess, I should wait for ASICS coming with a Version 4 hopefully.

[@singechamberlain2967]

Do they come with free Sunglasses?

[@samlr9083]

Does the NB4 fit in to a rotation of Boston 12, Triumph 20 and Adios Pro 3?

[@FordyRuns]

No not really

[@παναγιωτηςκουρελης-π2τ]

Do you think novablast4 is more protective for my knees than Boston 12 ????????

[@FordyRuns]

Yep

[@13lars]

Superblast was to hard for me. Like novablast better. (45 min 10K) Favorite Prime x v1

[@stubestrong]

Superblast 2.0 incoming with better upper helping fit.

[@FordyRuns]

Yep

[@jamesfinneran9039]

Any idea of realise date I’m guessing Mar/Apr ???

[@PeterRichards-f2e]

Would you recommend the TR version in the v4?

[@chrislayton4213]

I’m looking at getting the TR now as the normal ones are sold out

[@craigjackson848]

Would you say the NB 4 is closer to the NB 2 which I loved orthe NB 3 which doesn't work as well for me?

[@FordyRuns]

No I’d say it’s not like the others at all because of how unexciting it is

[@markesteban407]

Joe Nimble and Altra for me and my clients. Joe Nimble and Altra are in a very small group that design with the function of the foot front and centre of their end product. All the big brands pay zero consideration to how the foot works particularly the big toe.

[@rafalnowak197]

I am an asics fan boy. I have glideride 1,2,and 3 Cumulus 22,23,24 Magicspeed 1,2,3. Now it's time to buy novablas. 4:01 t

[@Bassgesicht]

Will there be a Novablast 4 TR?

[@FordyRuns]

Hope so

[@garethmorgan7474]

Are these better than the Hoka Clifton 9

[@1angelrunner]

Yes

[@TomCantu-q2x]

Yes there’s a huge difference. The Clifton’s go flat after 100 miles and become useless.

[@elliotendures]

I know I’m an outlier, but I had the Novablast 3 and didn’t like it at all. Retired super early and moved on.

[@Milk-Soda]

Me as well

[@FordyRuns]

I know a few as well who did the same

[@93siguy]

It didn’t feel good to me at all

[@theripper5269]

Can you tell us why ? And what is your favourite now ?

[@Milk-Soda]

@@theripper5269 they just hurt my feet. I prefer the endorphin speed

[@ryannelson8619]

4 is awesome better than 3!

[@Gerlfcbobby]

just picked up the puma deviate nitro elite 2 for 100 euro

[@FordyRuns]

Boom

[@ruffeyx]

I bought a f*ke superblast for USD 30. Better than my novablast 3 lol

[@briantimson1397]

I have the 2s, I hated them at first but now have 400+ miles in them which says they grew on me😂. I have got the 3 just into the rotation and it feels flat (hope it gets better). The 3 is affecting my Achilles slightly. Do I take a punt on the 4? Hmm

[@FordyRuns]

It’s defo better but a bit boring

[@tgarcia615]

Alright

[@FordyRuns]

Tks

[@mattpeters6224]

Manaiacal

[@ds77777]

Can't understand this. "Very good shoe. But dull and boring. But very good shoe." You like give a warning but still have to advertise? How can you even compare NB4 and Superblast? "They got so close, so close". That is ridiculous! These shoes are definitely not close. There is something very wrong with this review.

[@FordyRuns]

Or maybe you didn’t understand me??? It’s a good shoe and good shoes can be boring as it’s v functional and versatile which fundamentally is a good shoe for me I just like the NB when they were a bit more responsive. Tbh it’s a KZbin video who really cares life’s too short to even care

[@PlatinumState]

So its a more "domesticated" novablast 3? 😂

[@giovanbattistafichera8439]

so it's now a dull shoe :D

[@FordyRuns]

Grown up shoe

[@adsmiles]

A lovely sock and shoe combo there Fordy 🤌

[@FordyRuns]

Thank you

[@pj8645]

I bought the 3 about a month ago, previously ran hoka Mach 4. The Novablast 3 is easily the best daily trainer I have ever bought! For speed it’s great for long runs it’s great, super comfortable and stable… however not the best in wet conditions buy the TR version

[@shorty1786]

Just bought my first novablasts…went for the 4…kind of wish i went for the 3 now everyone says the speed benefit the 3 had

[@ryanmosney550]

How does this shoe compare to cumulus 25?

[@timtrenholm3698]

Ran in the NB V1, and struggled a bit with the stability, until I transitioned to a standing desk at work, which greatly increased the strength of my lower leg chain, and solved all the issues I had with the NB V1. I think I now have it at 550km, and still taking it out for a spin once in awhile. I haven't gone back to the newer Novablasts. Was very tempted to try the Superblast, but just had enough shoes in my rotation. I think Asics now has the NB V4 slotted in exactly where THEY want it to be. And I think you are right, it's a Superblast for the average runner, skewed towards the daily/longrun/strides type runs, which is OK.

[@FordyRuns]

Yeah superblast all day

[@willwilling4728]

I like the original Novablast and the 3rd version hated the 2nd one I sold V2. I'd say keep the V3 and maybe buy another V3 on sale Then get a Superblast when they go on sale.

[@Fozzee.1970]

How does the foam compare to GT2000 12?

[@FordyRuns]

That’s a mild stability shoe this is not

[@Fozzee.1970]

@@FordyRuns I know I meant the density and return you get from it.

[@jollyroger1009]

Probably a bit of a weird question in 2024 but how do you think the Novablast 4 compares to Novablast 2? Are they kind of similar or is Novablast 4 a step up?

[@Asd12370]

I have the Novablast 3 LE. Love the explosive effect but doesn’t feel stable. Going to grab the 4’s when they’re released here is Australia.

[@i.p2088]

I have bad foot slapping in the Novablast 3 and I found the midsole in the forefoot lacing.. Novablast 4?

[@boogieuhuh]

My question about this pair is that is it race legal? Stack height is 40.5mm.

[@striot]

Novablast is the shoe that the Pegasus should already be… and the 41 doesn’t look any better i think… let’s see…

[@runmyworld]

Big novablast fan here. Got the 2 and TR and road in the 3. As I don’t like the nimbus I’m a bit nervous about this new update and like you i love how NB3 shows it’s rebellious side!! It’s one of the things that makes it so special. I will obv buy the NB4 just for that colour way 😂 the girl that I am!!

[@edwinpepito1498]

Wish i have a decent running shoe 😢

[@JC-tm4cj]

Where can I find those socks

[@isacv2182]

How it compare to the NB-1080 V13 in therms of stability and rebounce of the foam after it’s mature as such. is there some more pop compared to to the GN25 do to the different shape of the midsole foam.

[@FordyRuns]

The NB is a lot softer

[@Phampham453]

Question about sizing: I wear most running shoes (including Nimbus 25) at size 11.5, but the novablast 3 I had to go size 11. Do the Novablast 4 fit same as the 3 length-wise or should I stick with my usual 11.5? Thanks!

[@philipppuchner1115]

I have Novablast 2, Novablast 4 TR, Noose Try 15, GT-2000 9, 10, 11 all in EU 46 / US 11,5 / (290mm), but Superblast + Nimbus 26 in EU 45 / US 11 / (285mm) (which feel shorter of course). Mybe I should try the others a half size down as well. BUT: GT-2000 6 is definately too small (short) in EU 45 and i sold it for a EU 46!

[@Just_running_]

I'll definitely be buying version 4 but I think I'll buy another pair of novablast 3 first...just to be safe 😛

[@FordyRuns]

Go for it

[@Dizzywind]

I have a pair of the 3's. I picked them up on sale. No complaints. Its easy on the legs. Not really interested in the v4's with so many other shoes being released for 2024. Besides I have tons of miles left in my 3's.

[@Dizzywind]

Nine months later now and I just ordered a pair off the V4's. Novablast has been a good daily trainer.

[@philfox55]

Great review Chris! I love the NB3 and love LOVE the Superblast…. For sure I’m waiting for the Superblast 2,

[@FordyRuns]

Thank you

[@drbikeshorts]

Cool, so its evolution is now complete: it’s just a regular daily trainer?

[@FordyRuns]

Yep

[@markhill8590]

Hows the sizing heard most people saying go down half a size

[@FordyRuns]

For me TTS

[@briankerr2989]

Where did you get the pink superblast Chris 😮

[@FordyRuns]

New York expo

[@Manuel_712]

A good description about the new novablast 4. Like to Fordy. A nice monday for everyone.

[@FordyRuns]

Thank you

[@DeeDeeDanone]

If I was going to buy 1 ASICS shoe, what you recommend Novablast or Nimbus 25? Are your thoughts on the new 1080 still the same? It has awful reviews on the NB site. 1 star I believe.

[@FordyRuns]

I really like the NB1080 but is very soft

[@DeeDeeDanone]

@@FordyRuns yeah, sounds like it could be too soft (and too narrow). I think I’ll go Novablast (3 as they’re on sale). Nimbus 25 is pretty expensive.

[@Fozzee.1970]

Love that colourway but its winter!

[@FordyRuns]

I know launch colours always make me laugh

[@laszlokovacs9596]

👌

[@FordyRuns]

Thanks

[@tomrichardson5433]

I have 500 miles on Novablast 3. I agree with comments on stability and grip. I would usually pick a different shoe for trails with NB because of stability. I think of NB as a modern daily trainer, but much much better cushioning, and a little bouncier than old school, not mushy like old school shoes with this much cushion. Superblast is a much different shoe. Very stable, noticeably lighter than NB, great for long runs and some faster workouts. Its also a reasonable choice for racing a marathon.

[@FordyRuns]

Agree

[@matthewlaw]

Is it more enjoyable to run in when comparing with endorphin speed 3? Thanks.

[@FordyRuns]

No

[@tkwasik]

New year, new version of novablast, and new hype coming from all shoe tubers brewing 😂.. this shoe is not even close to amount of hype it gets !!! And at the same time so many good shoes no one talks about 🤔 Bought v3 and chucked it in to bin after about 70km - mushy and unusable, thats all i can say about it. In the same category as recent 1080v3 ... stay clear if you dont like too soft and if you bigger runner. If your weight is 40-60kg then maybe you will see responsivnes and "pop" but if you 90+ kg stay clear.. really do not see why people might hype it so much other than paid relationship lol

[@FordyRuns]

No hype here if you’ve watched the video so I think you are mistaken

[@macfin4862]

Im near 90kg and get really, really good energy return from my Novablast 2s

[@msandiford93]

That Superblast colourway is absolutely awesome!

[@FordyRuns]

It’s banging

[@xf0a78aa]

Dear Chris, great review. Really like your channel. I've got one question: My all time favourite daily trainer is the Glideride 3 (top long run and comfort shoe, outstanding durability, even slightly uptempo capable), but no more available in my size in Germany. Could you advise, what would be an appropriate successor, which comes most close ? Could it be the Novablast 4 or anything else ? Thanks a lot and best runner's wishes, Lothar

[@FordyRuns]

Brooks ghost max

[@xf0a78aa]

👍Thanks a lot@@FordyRuns

[@imaXkillXya]

Bring back the pixel noise version from the V1.