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Tested using Methodology v0.12
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Asics.com
Heel Stack Height
41.3 mm
Weight
255.4 g (9.01 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
9.1 mm
Plate
None
Heel Stack Height
42.2 mm
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
Half/Full Marathon Racing
Half/Full Marathon Racing
Threshold
Half/Full Marathon Racing
7.1
5.8
Weight
6.2
4.0
Forefoot Compression Energy Return
5.1
1.3
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
5.4
3.7
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
7.2
6.1
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
Forefoot Fit: Width
9.6
8.8
Forefoot Width Photo
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Ball-Of-Foot TTS Deviation
2.5 mm (0.098")
4.5 mm (0.178")
Toe TTS Deviation
0.8 mm (0.033")
3.2 mm (0.126")
Forefoot Fit: Height
5.7
7.9
Forefoot Height Photo
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Toe TTS Deviation
-5.1 mm (-0.201")
-2.6 mm (-0.101")
Arch Fit: Width
10
9.9
Arch Fit Photo
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Arch Width TTS Deviation
0.5 mm (0.019")
1.1 mm (0.042")
Length Fit
10
10
Toe Clearance Photo
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Heel Rocker Geometry
8.0
6.7
Heel Rocker Photo
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Heel Spring
20 mm (0.8")
17 mm (0.7")
Heel Apex Position
19.8%
15.3%
Heel Rocker Angle
26.8°
20.7°
Forefoot Rocker Geometry
7.6
6.8
Forefoot Rocker Photo
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Toe Spring
53 mm (2.1")
47 mm (1.9")
Toe Apex Position
64.2%
66.1%
Forefoot Rocker Angle
26.8°
25.2°
Foam
Primary Foam Picture
Secondary Foam Picture
Primary Foam Name
FF BLAST+ ECO
Primary Foam Type
Unknown
Secondary Foam Name
No Secondary Foam
Secondary Foam Type
No Secondary Foam
Other Features
Other Features Photo
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Tongue Gusset Type
Fully-gusseted
Fully-gusseted
Plate
None
None
Performance
Heel Compression Energy Return
2.4
1.6
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Heel Energy Return
68.7%
66.8%
Forefoot Compression 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
8.2
8.5
Heel Firmness Graph
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 550N
49.2 N/mm
49.7 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
55.8 N/mm
58.9 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
74.8 N/mm
79.4 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
7.8
9.5
Forefoot Firmness Graph
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 800N
57.3 N/mm
80.3 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
72.4 N/mm
98.1 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
99 N/mm
131 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
Rocker Stiffness
7.0
6.1
Forefoot Rocker Stiffness Video
Forefoot Rocker Stiffness Graph
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Force To Flatten The Rocker
86 N
63 N
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
5.4
3.7
Forefoot Bending Video
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
58.2%
52.3%
Forefoot Bending Stiffness
7.6
7.2
Forefoot Bending Resistance Picture
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Forefoot Bending Resistance
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Forefoot Bending Stiffness
14.1 N/mm
10.5 N/mm
Forefoot Bending Force
324 N
348 N
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ASICS NOVABLAST 4
ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31
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ASICS NOVABLAST 4 vs ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31: Main Discussion
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