The ASICS NOVABLAST 4 is a well-balanced daily trainer aimed at runners of all levels. Equipped with an FF Blast+ Eco midsole, it offers a stable and comfortable ride that feels at home on easy sessions and longer runs. This version of the shoe features good cushioning and improved outsole grip, making it a solid choice for those seeking an all-around neutral running shoe.
Our Verdict
The ASICS NOVABLAST 4 isn't designed for marathon racing. That said, it provides decent lateral stability, which can be beneficial for maintaining form through fatigue. However, this shoe is better suited for easier long runs than longer, faster races. That's because, while its cushioning is great for comfort on long runs, its energy return is sub-par, making it less efficient for race pace. The shoe's weight doesn't help either.
Midsole offers an ample amount of protection.
Satisfactory lateral stability.
Poor overall energy return.
Too heavy for racing.
For shorter race distances like 5Ks and 10Ks, the ASICS NOVABLAST 4 lacks the energy return necessary for high-speed efforts. Its weight isn't bad but sub-optimal for racing, and without a plate, it doesn't provide the features needed for fast turnover. While it might work for recreational racers who prioritize comfort, there are more responsive options available for speed-focused efforts.
Foam is quite firm at the forefoot.
Poor overall energy return.
Too heavy for racing.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 4 falls short in energy return. The forefoot doesn't provide the same explosive bounce found in top-tier performance shoes. The heel is even less responsive, which could make it feel sluggish for runners who land farther back on their stride. While it still offers some pop for a daily trainer, it's not the most efficient choice for those looking to maximize propulsion.
Poor overall energy return.
One of the strongest aspects of the ASICS NOVABLAST 4 is its cushioning. The shoe offers a well-cushioned ride with solid protection underfoot, particularly in the forefoot, making it comfortable for longer efforts. The FF Blast+ Eco foam absorbs impact well, helping to reduce strain on joints. This plush feel makes it a good option for daily training and recovery runs.
Forefoot cushioning is great.
Midsole offers an ample amount of protection.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 4 offers decent lateral stability. The wide outsole and well-structured platform contribute to a steady and balanced feel, reducing the risk of rolling. This makes it a reliable option for neutral runners and those needing extra support during longer efforts. It holds up well for various paces, though its lack of a plate means it's not the most structured choice for aggressive speed sessions.
Very wide at the heel.
Fully-gusseted tongue.
Foam is quite firm at the forefoot.
Towering stack height.
Performance Usages
Changelog
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Updated Oct 22, 2025:
We updated the Pros & Cons, Lateral Stability, Marathon Racing, Heel Cushioning, Forefoot Cushioning, Heel Firmness, and Forefoot Firmness boxes to align with the latest test bench and revised the side-by-side comparisons to keep the review accurate.
- Updated Oct 20, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.2, which updates our methodology for the impact force range used in our compression tests to improve their accuracy. This also affects all usage and performance usage boxes using those compression tests as score components.
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Updated Jul 30, 2025:
We revised the phrasing in the Marathon Racing and Heel Cushioning boxes to reflect the changes in the latest test bench.
- Updated Jul 30, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.1, which mainly updates the score components for the Marathon Racing and Lateral Stability usage boxes to improve accuracy.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the ASICS NOVABLAST 4 in men's US size 9, as stated on the label. This model is available in various sizes for both men and women. The color featured here is Black/Blue Expanse, but it also comes in several other colorways, including a Paris Edition, a Platinum Edition, Safety Yellow/Cool Grey, and more, depending on your region. Wide versions are available separately for both men and women.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The ASICS NOVABLAST 4 is a versatile shoe for easy mileage that stands out for its great cushioning and lateral stability compared to many shoes within the broader daily trainer market. While not as plush or energetic as its successor, the ASICS NOVABLAST 5, this iteration offers a secure and predictable underfoot experience that's especially appealing to runners prioritizing stability. However, if you're looking for softer cushioning or greater energy return, the newer and improved NOVABLAST 5 or super trainers such as the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 are better options. Looking beyond, the Mizuno Neo Vista from another notable Japanese label or the HOKA Skyward X provide strong alternatives for maximum cushioning.
This model sits clearly above basic trainers like the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 or stability-focused shoes such as the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31, but below specialized speed-focused options like the carbon-plated ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 or carbon-plated super shoes like the ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS and ASICS METASPEED EDGE PARIS.
Check out our recommendations for the best running shoes to find your perfect pair.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 4 and the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 offer noticeably different running experiences despite their shared lineage. The NOVABLAST 4 provides a firmer ride with greater stability, appealing to runners seeking a secure and predictable feel underfoot. In contrast, the NOVABLAST 5 represents a clear improvement for most, delivering a softer, more dynamic experience thanks to enhanced cushioning and better responsiveness. Overall, the NOVABLAST 5 is better suited to comfortably handle versatile workouts and longer miles.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 and the ASICS NOVABLAST 4 serve different roles despite their similar name. The SUPERBLAST 2 is a premium unplated uptempo trainer. It delivers a lighter, more cushioned experience with better energy return, making it more suitable for longer runs, tempo efforts, or even amateur racing. In contrast, the NOVABLAST 4 offers a slightly firmer, more stable ride, making it good for runners prioritizing stability. While both shoes can handle daily mileage, runners looking for maximal cushioning, versatility, and race-day potential will prefer the SUPERBLAST 2.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 4 and the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 are both solid daily trainers in ASICS' lineup, but they excel in different areas. The NOVABLAST 4 is more versatile and better at picking up the pace, with better energy return and a notably lighter weight. However, the GEL-NIMBUS 26 is firmer overall, offering more stability and making it a good fit for easy runs at slower paces.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 4 is a more well-rounded shoe than the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31. It's significantly lighter and uses more responsive foam, making it better for faster paces. It isn't as stable as the GEL-KAYANO 31, which is a better fit for heavier runners or those who need support elements.
We've recently started buying and testing running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
The ASICS NOVABLAST 4 has an acceptable weight for a daily trainer but isn't quite as light as some of its competitors, like the adidas Adizero Evo SL. While it's not overly heavy, it's not quite versatile enough for faster efforts and racing. This weight keeps it comfortable for long runs and recovery days but holds it back slightly in responsiveness for tempo work and speed sessions.
When choosing your size, keep in mind that this model continues the ASICS trend of running slightly longer than most other brands.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 4 struggles with energy return in the heel, offering a less bouncy and lively ride compared to some higher-end models like the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2. While it provides a cushioned and protective landing, it doesn't translate that energy into much forward momentum.
Energy return in the forefoot is slightly better but leaves plenty of room for improvement. The midsole foam isn't very propulsive when pushing off. While it doesn't feel completely dead for a daily trainer, those seeking a more springy and efficient ride may find it lacking in comparison to more energetic foams on the market, such as the foam found on the adidas Adizero Evo SL.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 4 offer great heel cushioning, absorbing impacts especially well across medium to high forces. It provides a plush landing, making it a satisfactory choice for those who prioritize comfort on longer runs. That said, slower and/or lightweight runners won't find it as plush, since quite a bit of power is needed to compress the foam effectively. Overall, it still softens landings well, maintaining enough structure to prevent excessive sink-in, striking a good balance between comfort and stability.
Cushioning in the forefoot of the ASICS NOVABLAST 4 is really well-executed, ensuring great protection and plushiness. This helps maintain comfort over extended distances.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 4 has quite a soft heel, offering good stability without feeling overly rigid. It's already soft at lower forces but feels even softer than other shoes, like the Nike Invincible 3, at higher impact levels. This means heel strikers might find it softer, while forefoot strikers are likely to feel more rigidity, since they will apply less force in the rear of the shoe.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 4's forefoot is somewhat firm, maintaining stability. This makes it a solid option for runners who appreciate a more structured forefoot. That said, runners looking for a soft feel in this area will find it a bit harsh on the foot, especially at medium and high impact levels.