Our verdict

89
Great!
Now, this is what we call fun! The ASICS Novablast is really springy (trampoline-like) and comfortable, we'd take it anytime for our long-distance runs and tempo sessions. Where it runs to a problem is that the cushioned midsole renders the ride unstable. But in other news, it's a true and solid ASICS when it comes to the durability department - it lasts long! This is not a usual ASICS shoe by any means!

Pros

  • Remarkably bouncy
  • Energetic and smooth ride
  • Perfect for long and tempo runs
  • Good airflow
  • Feels lightweight
  • No wear-and-tear 60 miles in

Cons

  • For even and flat terrain only
  • Adaptation period needed

Who should buy ASICS Novablast

We highly recommend the shoe to runners looking for an exciting and cushioned shoe with a really bouncy ride. It’s better for more experienced runners, especially those in search of a shoe for long distances and tempo runs.

Without exception, it’s for runners with neutral pronation and those who run on even and flat surfaces.

Who should NOT buy the shoe

Look away if you are: 

  • A heel striker 
  • A beginner 
  • Running on grass, track, mud, uphills and downhills
  • Need stability (arch support) in running shoes
  • Looking for a more budget-friendly shoe
  • Looking for a shoe for sprints or races.

Good alternatives: 

Almost a trampoline: this is THE reason to buy it

The cushioning in ASICS Novablast midsole offers a truly trampoline-like experience. This is the shining star of the shoe and we consider it the primary reason for getting the Novablast.

It is exceptionally bouncy, springy, and energetic. We might even suggest that it's got the highest among all ASICS shoes to date!

asics-novablast-urban-shot.jpg

Horrible stability

Be warmed however, this is not a stable shoe. There is a lot of lateral movement that you don’t want in a running shoe, especially if you have flat feet or experience overpronation.

Apart from that, this ASICS shoe is likely to feel wobbly in the following scenarios:

  • when heel striking
  • when turning
  • on uneven or, God forbid, soft terrain

Size: Runs too long and wide (forget foot-hugging fit)

For our medium-width feet, it felt like there was too much room in the Novablast, especially in the toebox.

All this led to a poor lockdown and even in-shoe foot slippage!

Expert advice: 

  • If you buy a regular size, try different lacing techniques, or
  • Try half a size smaller shoe.

ASICS Novablast runs too long

Smooth & energetic ride in the Novablast

Even though it looks weird, the new midsole provides a smooth and deeply cushioned ride. It offers incredibly soft landings complemented by energized toe-offs. And in between these two, we also experienced wonderfully smooth heel-to-toe transitions. We clearly felt like the shoe was propelling us forward.

But for the record, it is not the same pronounced rocker that the ASICS EvoRide and the ASICS GlideRide are famous for.

You need to get used to it

Since it’s unstable and cushioned like hell, you may need some time to learn how to run in this shoe. It is... something else. 

So, if your initial impression goes like this "OMG, this is not going to work!," do give the Novablast a chance. The shoe takes its time to impress you.

Novablast outsole design closeup

Works on flat AND even surfaces only

Due to its unstable design, we do not recommend running in Novablast outside of asphalt and concrete. Grass, track, mud, and dirt are out of the question. 

Never once did we have a positive experience running uphill and downhill in the ASICS Novablast. 

Perfect for long distances and tempo runs

We have thrown everything at this shoe, from fast runs to easy runs, from middle to long distances. The verdict: ASICS Novablast performs the best when used for long slow distances and tempo runs. 

It might work for easy runs, but won’t for sprints. 

Thick, yet breathable

Given the amount of materials used in the upper, we were pleasantly surprised to find that breathability was still sufficient! 

ASICS Novablast upper closeup

Familiar ASICS durability

We anticipate that this shoe will last for at least 300-450 miles. That's because, after 100 miles, we did not see any serious signs of wear! ASICS shoes are always exceptionally durable. 

Durable outsole of ASICS Novablast

Heel drop you can’t ignore

10mm. We felt it immediately and it felt substantial. 

High heel drop in ASICS Novablast

Novablast feels lighter than it looks

Considering how much stack there is in the shoe midsole (32 mm/22 mm), the Novablast didn't feel heavy at all! For a cushioned long-distance trainer, it never dragged us down and felt lighter than expected.

In a men’s size 9, it weighs 9.2 oz (261g). Given the average of 9.8 oz for all road running shoes in the RunRepeat database, it’s not a super lightweight running shoe, but still, a good result given the amount of cushioning.

Running in light Novablasts during winter

Also worth mentioning 

  • We found the laces to be too thin and not elastic enough.
  • The visual aspect or the shoe ma not be for everyone
Table of contents VerdictProsConsWho should buy ASICS NovablastWho should NOT buy the shoeAlmost a trampoline: this is THE reason to buy itHorrible stabilitySize: Runs too long and wide (forget foot-hugging fit)Smooth & energetic ride in the NovablastYou need to get used to itWorks on flat AND even surfaces onlyPerfect for long distances and tempo runsThick, yet breathableFamiliar ASICS durabilityHeel drop you can’t ignoreNovablast feels lighter than it looksAlso worth mentioning
Overview