REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Responsive
Versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks traction on slick surfaces
Thick heel might not be universally enjoyed
Asics Novablast 4 - Women's Review
With its blend of performance technology and comfort, this running shoe will be your first choice for all run types
This do-it-all shoe is one we can't get enough of.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Women of 2024
Our Verdict
Step into near-unparalleled comfort and performance with the latest and greatest from Asics – the Novablast 4. This shoe dethroned a long-standing favorite thanks to its comfort, responsiveness, and overall epicness. Elevating the running experience to new heights, the Novablast combines cutting-edge technology and comfort, making it a standout choice for runners of all levels. The Novablast boasts a soft upper that cradles your foot with a gentle embrace, ensuring a snug fit and secure comfort. Its responsive nature propels your legs forward, while the well-cushioned design provides a plush landing. It is no wonder that the Novablast earned high accolades as our new Editor's Choice pick, considering all it offers! Rookie runners, veterans, fitness junkies, and ultra-distance enthusiasts will all find something to love about this innovative running kick by Asics.
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Asics Novablast 4 - Women's | |||||
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| Awards |  |  | |  | |
| Price | $138.54 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $160 List $129.95 at Amazon | $120 List $89.95 at Amazon | Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers |
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| Bottom Line | This running shoe offers the performance technology and comfort needed to be your go-to shoe, no matter your running goals | For epic versatility in a single shoe, we recommend this lightweight superstar | With strong responsive bounce and enough comfort for long runs, this shoe will suit marathon hopefuls and speed demons alike | While not a race-focused shoe, this affordable and bouncy option will keep your legs turning over quickly and easily | The structure and comfort of this shoe make it a highly recommended option for long distance runners who want a reliable road running steed |
| Rating Categories | Asics Novablast 4 -... | Hoka Mach 6 - Women's | Puma Deviate Nitro... | Saucony Kinvara 14... | Brooks Adrenaline G... |
| Cushioning and Landing Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Responsiveness (25%) | |||||
| Stability (20%) | |||||
| Upper Comfort (15%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Asics Novablast 4 -... | Hoka Mach 6 - Women's | Puma Deviate Nitro... | Saucony Kinvara 14... | Brooks Adrenaline G... |
| Sizes Available | 5 - 12 US, regular | 5 - 11 US, regular & wide | 5.5 - 11 US, regular | 5 - 12 US, regular & wide | 5 - 13 US, narrow, medium, wide & extra wide |
| Style | Neutral | Daily | Neutral/race | Neutral | Supportive |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 40 mm | 34 mm | 34 mm | 30 mm | 34 mm |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 9 mm | 2 mm | 8 mm | 5 mm | 12 mm |
| Plate Type | None | None | Carbon | None | None |
| Rocker Angle | 22.0 deg | 24.5 deg | 12.5 deg | 26.0 deg | 26.5 deg |
| Rocker Apex Location | 69.48% | 65.38% | 68.82% | 68.15% | 71.43% |
| Measured Weight | 7.36 oz | 6.27 oz | 7.02 oz | 5.55 oz | 8.21 oz |
| Upper | Engineered knit mesh | Creel jaqquard | Mesh | Mesh | Engineered air mesh |
| Midsole | FF Blast Plus Eco | Supercritical EVA | Nitro/Nitro-Elite | PWRRUN, PWRRUN+ | DNA Loft v2 |
| Outsole | AHAR outsole | Rubber | PumaGrip ATR Rubber | XT-900 rubber | Rubber |
| Heel Tab Type | Finger loop | Extended heel pull | None | Finger loop | None |
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Asics Novablast 4 is an innovative running shoe that marries well-rounded comfort with performance, making it our new Editor's Choice award for runners far and wide.
Downhill coastal cruising in the Novablast 4 feels exceptional thanks to this shoe's underfoot cushion, geometric outsole, and trampoline-inspired midsole.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Cushioning and Landing Comfort
Running can feel punishing when you're in the throes of training, but the Novablast 4 offers a luxurious edge to your endurance efforts. The Asics-specific FF Blast Plus Eco landing comfort of this running shoe is a testament to a true commitment to comfort.
With a total stack of 40 mm at the heel and 31 mm at the forefoot, as measured by our in-house testing team, and a 5.1mm insole, there is plenty of cushion between your feet and the unrelenting pavement. The Novablast features FF Blast Plus Eco cushion technology that seamlessly absorbs impact, delivering noticeably gentle landings. Whether you're embarking on a long-distance run or tackling high-intensity workouts, the underfoot design of the Novablast ensures that your feet are snuggled in a cocoon of comfort, allowing you to focus on reaching that runner's high. The marriage between high-tech running features and comfort on the Novablast is better than we are used to seeing. Read on to see if our new favorite daily runner might be a shoe that is a match for you.
With a 40mm total stack at the heel, this uniquely-shaped stack provides cushion and energy return, an unlikely balance.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Responsiveness
Asics unveiled a surprising twist with the creation of the Novablast 4. Many supremely comfortable kicks fall flat when it comes to responsiveness, but the Novablast is a rare exception.
The plush comfort of its well-cushioned design seamlessly coexists with an unexpected level of responsiveness. As you hit the pavement, the Novablast responds dynamically to each footfall, providing an energizing push-off that efficiently propels you forward. The geometric heel shape adds to the overall oomph that this shoe has to offer. While the technology of the Novablast isn't as advanced as some of the race-specific shoes in our lineup, its “trampoline-inspired” outsole design provides fun energy return. This may not be a speed demon's go-to racing steed, but it is a great training shoe for runners looking to ratchet up their leg turnover and mileage in comfort. This uncommon harmony between superior cushioning and responsiveness sets the Novablast apart, which helps secure its standing as an all-around great running shoe.
Finding such a comfortable shoe that propels you forward is not typical. We love running in the Novablast 4 because it so seamlessly marries these two elements/
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Stability
The Novablast is a neutral runner, which adds to its universal-ish appeal. The latest iteration put forth by Asics offers a comfortably stable ride without the confines of rigid side walls, perfect for runners who are seeking a middle ground between minimalism and overbuilt stability.
The design of the Novablast seems to embrace flexibility, with all of its eco-minded textiles gently securing feet. The absence of rigid side walls allows for an adaptive-style fit, with the chunkiness of the heel your main source of stability. Because of this, the Novablast is suitable for runners who might mildly overpronate but may not be a good choice for runners needing serious gait corrections. It is worth noting that on wet roads, the Novablast lacks traction. For runners seeking a neutral stability shoe that balances comfort and adaptability, the Novablast stands out as a worthy contender.
While not the most stable shoe, the Novablast holds its own for having a tall 40mm stack at the heel.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Upper Comfort
The flexible upper comfort of the updated Novablast will suit runners who want a snug fit and those who want space for their toes to splay.
This running shoe's upper takes the concept of comfort above and beyond the standard, offering an experience that is nothing short of awesome. The upper is crafted with a pliably strong engineered mesh that gently wraps around your foot, providing a snug and customized-feeling fit. The textile of the upper is breathable and soft enough to prevent hotspots from forming. Our only gripe — and it's a minor one — is that a women's 7 Novablast is a bit shorter than other women's size 7s. We occasionally felt like our toes were pressing against the toe wall of the shoe. This wasn't a deal breaker for us at all, but it is certainly worth considering, especially if you are between sizes. Ultimately, you'll revel in the breezy and soft-to-the-touch upper comfort of the Novablast 4.
The shape and fit of the Novablast's upper feel a bit short, but are otherwise wildly comfortable.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
The weight metric might be the only metric in which the updated Novablast didn't majorly exceed expectations. A women's size 6.5 weighs 7.36 ounces per shoe, slightly above average and just heavy enough to edge the Novablast out of the featherweight category.
For how much cushion the Novablast offers, we think the weight is worth it. It may not be the lightest shoe in our lineup, but the balance between comfort and weight is prime. The entirety of the shoe feels light during runs, making it a great shoe for runners seeking comfort without fully delving into maximalist shoe territory.
Despite being made of comfortable materials, the Novablast is on the lighter end of the weight spectrum.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Should You Buy the Asics Novablast 4?
Even though our recommendations change based on your running style and goals, the Novablast is almost one that we recommend across the board. While runners seeking a carbon-plated speed shoe for Ferrari-fast racing will find the Novablast lacking, those searching for a near-perfect daily running shoe will enjoy what this one has to offer. Its comfort is as close to universal as a shoe can get.
The Novablast doesn't offer the best traction on slick surfaces, it is otherwise an exceptional shoe that many runners will adore.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?
If something about the Novablast doesn't suit your fancy, we consider the Asics Gel Kayano 30 a close cousin, and it might be more your speed. The Kayano is ever-so-slightly lighter than the Novablast and has a slightly less comfortable upper. Either choice would be great for runners who want their miles with a side of comfort. The Novablast is not as responsive as the Puma Deviate Nitro 2, one of our go-to recommendations for runners looking for some speed. The Deviate Nitro isn't as comfortable as the Novablast, so weigh this out as you shop. For an everyday shoe, the Hoka Mach 6 is another one of our top choices. It lacks the softness of the Novablast but scored nearly as well across the board.
—
Ally Arcuri
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