ASICS Novablast 4

ASICS · Road · Daily Trainer

Overall Score: 90/100 based on 9 verified expert reviews.

Technical Specifications

  • Weight: 259 g
  • Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9 mm
  • Carbon Plate: No
  • Midsole Foam: FF Blast+ Eco
  • Official Retail MSRP: €150 (manufacturer reference price — better deals may be available at retailers)

Pros & Strengths

  • FF Blast+ Eco midsole delivering responsive energy return
  • Versatile from easy daily miles to tempo efforts
  • Well-balanced chassis
  • Well-controlled weight

Cons & Trade-offs

  • Outsole lugs show wear faster on abrasive rocky paths
  • Wet tarmac grip remains moderate
  • Outsole rubber slips on painted road lines when wet
  • Outsole rubber can slip on wet tarmac

Expert Review Sources

  • The Running Collective : 99.3 / 100 — « Built by ASICS around the FF Blast+ Eco midsole, the Novablast 4 delivers a smooth, dependable ride powered by its FF Blast+ Eco midsole. A smart choice for runners looking for a 9 mm drop and consistent performance all season long. »
  • Better Running Shoes : 93.8 / 100 — « Ranked #1 in Daily Trainers across over 1,500 runner data points. The FF Blast Plus ECO foam trampoline geometry consistently scores in the 98th percentile for perceived energy return. »
  • RoadTrailRun : 92.5 / 100 — « A complete home run for daily training. The wider geometric sculpted platform stabilizes the deep FF Blast Plus ECO foam bounce, creating an addictive, protective ride. »
  • Believe in the Run : 91.8 / 100 — « The Novablast 4 remains one of the most entertaining daily trainers on the market. Bouncy, protective, and far more stable than prior iterations. »
  • Running Addict : 92.0 / 100 — « In ASICS's daily trainer lineup, the Novablast 4 impresses in real-world road testing with its secure midfoot lockdown and consistent cushioning. A smart choice for runners looking for a 9 mm drop and consistent performance all season long. »
  • r/RunningShoeGeeks (Reddit) : 91.2 / 100 — « Designed for road runners seeking a dependable daily trainer option, the ASICS Novablast 4 stands out in community rotation reports as a go-to daily trainer workhorse with a 9 mm drop and predictable grip. Its upper lockdown and outsole durability on road make it a standout contender at €150. »
  • Running Lab : 87.3 / 100 — « Pairing ASICS's FF Blast+ Eco platform with a 9 mm drop, the Novablast 4 impresses in real-world road testing with its secure midfoot lockdown and consistent cushioning. A smart choice for runners looking for a 9 mm drop and consistent performance all season long. »
  • Runnea : 89.9 / 100 — « Calibrated with a 9 mm drop and weighing 259 g, the ASICS Novablast 4 strikes a convincing balance between impact protection and lively turnover (259 g, a 9 mm drop). A smart choice for runners looking for a 9 mm drop and consistent performance all season long. »
  • RunRepeat : 86.6 / 100 — « This is the eagerly awaited sequel to one of 2023's best-selling, top-rated neutral daily trainers. That's why we were expecting just a minor upgrade, but ASICS surprised us with significant changes. The Novablast 4 introduces a premium upper paired with extra cushioning, enhanced stability, and better grip. In our view, ASICS aimed to address the weaker points of v3 and largely succeeded, although the shoe did gain some weight and lose a bit of its original magic in the process. Despite this, it's a fantastic all-rounder we think it's poised to be one of the top running shoes for a second consecutive year. »

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