Asics Novablast 4: The Surprise Daily Trainer Runners Can’t Ignore

Asics quietly turned the Novablast line into one of the most exciting daily trainers in the US. But is the new Novablast 4 really worth your money over Nike and Hoka? Here’s what the data – and runners – say.

Bottom line: If you want a shoe that feels lightweight and bouncy enough for tempo days but cushioned enough for long runs, the Asics Novablast series – and especially the latest Novablast 4 – is the one daily trainer almost every reviewer is suddenly talking about.

You get legit performance tech that used to be reserved for premium shoes, without paying super-shoe prices, and it’s already easy to find in US running stores and online. The catch? Its energetic ride isn’t for everyone – and that’s exactly what you need to know before you buy.

What users need to know now...

Analysis: What's behind the hype

The Novablast started as Asics’ experimental, bouncy trainer. Over multiple generations, it’s evolved into a legit competitor to the Nike Pegasus, Hoka Mach, On Cloudsurfer, and New Balance Rebel for US runners who want one shoe that can do almost everything.

Recent reviews from US outlets like Running Warehouse, Believe in the Run, and RoadTrailRun all agree on one thing: the Novablast 4 (and its predecessors still on sale) delivers a uniquely springy ride that makes easy miles feel lighter and faster days feel genuinely fun.

On Reddit’s r/running and shoe-focused subs, US runners describe it as a trampoline for your feet but warn that the higher stack and softer foam can feel a bit unstable if you prefer a locked-down, traditional ride.

Key specs at a glance (Novablast 4, US version)

Note: Specs below are compiled from multiple trusted running retailers and review sites in the US market. Always confirm details and pricing with the retailer before you buy, as they can change.

Feature	Novablast 4 (Men)	Novablast 4 (Women)
Approx. weight	~9.0 oz / 255 g (US M9)	~7.9 oz / 225 g (US W7)
Stack height (heel/forefoot)	Approx. high 30s mm / low 20s mm*	Similar high-stack geometry*
Drop	Moderate heel-to-toe drop*	Moderate heel-to-toe drop*
Midsole foam	Asics FF BLAST ECO or latest FF BLAST+ variant (lightweight, energetic foam)
Outsole	AHAR / AHAR+ style high-abrasion rubber in key wear zones
Upper	Engineered mesh with gusseted tongue and padded heel collar
Intended use	Daily training, uptempo runs, long runs on road / light paths
Typical US price range	Commonly listed around mid-tier daily trainer pricing in USD (often seen roughly in the $130$150 band, sales may be lower) **

*Exact stack and drop figures can vary slightly depending on size and source; check the product page of your chosen retailer for the most precise numbers.
**Do not treat this as a fixed price. Always confirm current US pricing with retailers like Asics.com, Running Warehouse, Fleet Feet, or local running shops.

What actually feels different on foot?

Compared with traditional Asics workhorses like the Gel-Nimbus or Gel-Cumulus, the Novablast line leans into a lighter, more responsive foam and a rockered geometry. That means you feel more bounce and roll and a bit less old-school gel squish.

US reviewers consistently call out three things:

• Energy return: The FF BLAST foam has an almost trampoline-like rebound that pops you forward when you pick up the pace.
• Stack height comfort: Theres plenty of cushioning underfoot for long runs, without feeling like a max-cushion marshmallow.
• Versatility: Its built as a daily trainer but fast enough for tempo runs and progression workouts for many runners.

The trade-off? If youre a heel-striker who needs a very stable platform or youre used to posted stability shoes, the Novablast can feel a bit wobbly on sharp turns or uneven sidewalks.

US availability and pricing

For US runners, the Novablast line is not a hard-to-get import. Its widely available through:

• Asics official US site and app
• Major specialty retailers like Running Warehouse, Fleet Feet, JackRabbit, and Road Runner Sports
• Big-box and online platforms including Dicks Sporting Goods, Zappos, and Amazon (via authorized sellers)

Most US retailers position the Novablast at the mid-tier daily trainer price point in USD  usually in that competitive range where it goes head-to-head with Nike Pegasus, Saucony Ride, and Hoka Clifton. Sale colorways, especially of older generations like the Novablast 2 and 3, often drop significantly lower.

Because pricing can shift weekly due to promotions, its smart to:

• Compare the current price on Asics.com with at least one specialty and one big-box retailer.
• Look for last-season colorways or previous versions if you want maximum value.
• Check return policies, as the bouncy feel is polarizing and you may want an easy way to swap sizes or models.

How it stacks up against rivals in the US

Based on recent head-to-head comparisons from US reviewers:

• Vs. Nike Pegasus: Novablast is generally softer and bouncier, less traditional-feeling, and more fun for tempo, but Pegasus usually wins on lockdown and predictable stability.
• Vs. Hoka Clifton: Clifton is more pillowy and stable; Novablast feels more energetic and better for faster paces, but not as inherently steady for newer or heavier runners.
• Vs. On Cloudsurfer: Both are modern, rocker-style trainers. Reviewers say Novablast provides more cushion and bounce, while the Cloudsurfer is firmer and more precise, with a sleeker fit but a higher price in many cases.
• Vs. New Balance Rebel / FuelCell trainers: Rebel is lighter and more performance-focused; Novablast tends to be more durable and forgiving for daily mileage.

Who in the US should actually buy this shoe?

The Novablast line is best suited for US runners who:

• Want one main shoe for easy runs, long runs, and the occasional workout.
• Prefer a soft, springy ride that feels lively, not flat.
• Run mostly on roads, bike paths, and smooth sidewalks.
• Dont need motion-control features or heavy medial posting.

You might want to skip it or try in-store first if:

• You have a history of ankle issues or need serious stability.
• You mainly run on broken sidewalks, trails, or rough city streets.
• You strongly prefer a low-stack, ground-connected feel.

Fit, sizing, and comfort (US feedback)

Across US review sites and Reddit threads, the fit consensus looks like this:

• Length: Most runners go true-to-size in their usual US running shoe size.
• Width: The forefoot isnt extremely narrow, but its not ultra-wide either. Wide-footed runners may want to try them on or look for wide versions when available.
• Heel & tongue: The padded heel collar and gusseted tongue get high marks for comfort, with fewer hotspot complaints than earlier generations.

Break-in time is generally short. Many reviewers say the shoe feels ready out of the box, but the foam softens slightly over the first few runs.

Durability and mileage expectations

The combination of FF BLAST foam and AHAR outsole tends to hold up well for a high-stack trainer. US runners frequently report:

• Midsole: Bounce and cushioning are maintained for several hundred miles, depending on body weight and running style.
• Outsole: The rubber placement in high-wear zones (heel and forefoot) helps prevent early bald spots, though heavy heel-strikers may see faster wear.
• Upper: Engineered mesh seems resilient, with relatively few reports of tearing or blown-out eyelets compared with some competitors.

If youre pushing higher weekly mileage or training for a marathon, the Novablast can realistically serve as a main trainer for a complete training block for many runners, provided you rotate occasionally or monitor wear closely.

What the experts say (Verdict)

Across the board, recent English-language reviews converge on a clear verdict: the Asics Novablast is one of the most fun, versatile daily trainers available to US runners right now, especially in its latest generation.

Strengths that experts consistently highlight:

• Ride quality: A rare mix of soft cushioning and snappy rebound that works for both easy miles and tempo runs.
• Comfort: Plush upper, padded heel, and a generally forgiving fit that many runners can wear for hours.
• Value: Competes with or beats many rival daily trainers on performance while staying at a mid-tier price point in USD.
• Versatility: Sits in that sweet spot where you can use it as your only shoe for most road training.

Common expert and user complaints:

• Stability: The tall, soft stack can feel unstable for some heel-strikers or runners with pronation issues.
• Not a racer: Despite the bounce, it doesnt replace a plated super shoe for your fastest race-day goals.
• Fit nuances: A minority of runners report heel slippage or midfoot tightness, depending on foot shape; careful lacing or trying half-size options can help.

If youre in the US and looking for a modern, energetic daily trainer that can handle pretty much everything from 5K training to marathon prep, the Asics Novablast line deserves a serious look. Just make sure youre comfortable with a slightly higher, bouncier platform  and, ideally, buy from a retailer with a flexible return or run trial policy so you can see how that trademark Novablast bounce feels on your own roads.