Products
Tested using Methodology v0.9
Updated Apr 13, 2026 02:49 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Tested using Methodology v0.9
Updated Apr 13, 2026 02:55 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Weight
255.4 g (9.01 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
9.1 mm
Plate
None
Weight
308.4 g (10.88 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
10.9 mm
Plate
None
Our Verdict
ASICS NOVABLAST 4
ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31
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.
Variants
- NOVABLAST 4 (Black/Blue Expanse - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 4 (Black/Blue Expanse - (Women - US 7))
- GEL-KAYANO 31 (Birch/Energy Aqua - (Women - US 7))
- GEL-KAYANO 31 (Black/Black - (Men - US 9))
Main Differences for
Marathon Racing
Marathon Racing
Threshold
Marathon Racing
6.5
5.2
Forefoot Energy Return
5.1
1.3
Weight
6.2
4.0
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
6.2
4.0
Right Shoe Weight Photo
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Left Shoe Weight Photo
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Weight
255.4 g (9.01 oz)
308.4 g (10.88 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
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Heel Stack Height
41.3 mm
42.2 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
32.2 mm
31.3 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
9.1 mm
10.9 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.0 mm
10.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Outsole Heel Width
89 mm (3.5")
95 mm (3.7")
Outsole Arch Width
72 mm (2.8")
84 mm (3.3")
Outsole Forefoot Width
116 mm (4.6")
117 mm (4.6")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
2.15
2.25
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.60
3.73
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Internal Length
280 mm (11.0")
279 mm (11.0")
Internal Heel Width
61 mm (2.4")
66 mm (2.6")
Internal Forefoot Width
96 mm (3.8")
96 mm (3.8")
Wide Sizing Available
Yes
Yes
Other Features
Other Features Photo
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Tongue Gusset Type
Fully-gusseted
Fully-gusseted
Plate
None
None
Performance
Heel Energy Return
2.4
1.6
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Heel Energy Return
68.7%
66.8%
Forefoot Energy Return
5.1
1.3
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Forefoot Energy Return
71.9%
65.7%
Heel Cushioning
8.0
7.6
Heel Cushioning Picture
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Heel Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 550N
3.23 J
3.20 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
10.05 J
9.25 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
18.25 J
16.85 J
Forefoot Cushioning
8.3
6.6
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
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Forefoot Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 800N
4.99 J
3.74 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
9.06 J
7.11 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
13.50 J
11.05 J
Heel Firmness
4.7
5.1
Heel Firmness
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 550N
51.2 N/mm
53.0 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
92.7 N/mm
103.6 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
191.7 N/mm
198.1 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
7.3
8.0
Forefoot Firmness
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 800N
87.3 N/mm
113.7 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
178.3 N/mm
209.5 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
367.0 N/mm
392.1 N/mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
7.2
6.1
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 10km
8.05 J
6.67 J
Energy Absorbed At 20km
7.77 J
6.52 J
Energy Absorbed At 30km
7.53 J
6.44 J
Energy Absorbed At 40km
7.36 J
6.39 J
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ASICS NOVABLAST 4
ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31
Comments
ASICS NOVABLAST 4 vs ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31: Main Discussion
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