The Novablast as become one of ASICS’ most popular trainers in a very short timeframe. This is because of its modern, futuristic styling, its lightweight build and its affordable price.
Over the years, the Novablast has seen some drastic changes. This comparison will tell you if the Novablast 4 or the Novablast 3 is the better shoe for you.
Novablast 4
Novablast 3
Verdict
The ASICS Novablast 4 is a firm-riding daily trainer which is more suited to faster-paced runs than relaxed runs. It doesn’t quite have the same fun, bouncy ride that the early Novablasts had but it still has a relatively lightweight build.
Version 4 is firmer and more stable than version 3 due to its new FF Blast+ Eco midsole. It’s also a little bit heavier and not as versatile so it can’t be called an improvement. Runners who prefer a firmer, more stable ride will prefer version 4.
The ASICS Novablast 3 is a polished daily trainer which is best suited to relaxed, easy runs. Its midsole has been upgraded to FF Blast+ foam so it loses a bunch of weight and gains some extra cushioning depth.
Version 3 rides smoother than its predecessor but it rides firmer so it doesn’t have the fun, bouncy ride which the Novablast used to be known for.
Recommended for
Speedwork
Daily training
Cushioning type
Responsive
Balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
flexible
Stability
very stable
very stable
Sizing
true to size
buy half size smaller
The Novablast 4 has a firm ride due to its new FF Blast+ Eco midsole. It doesn’t compress much when loaded and it doesn’t have much lateral lean bias. It’s best suited to fast-paced runs and short runs because of its firm midsole.
The Novablast 3 has a softer ride than the Novablast 4. It has an older FF Blast+ midsole which compresses more when its loaded. It’s best suited to slower-paced runs like easy runs or recovery runs due to its softer midsole. It’s also better for long-distance runs because it has a more comfortable ride.
The Novablast 3 has better versatility. It can handle slow runs as well as fast-paced runs whereas the Novablast 4 feels like a speed trainer and doesn’t feel as pleasant during slow runs.
Stability is better in the Novablast 4 compared to the 3. It has a firmer ride so it provides a more stable platform but both versions are relatively stable for neutral trainers.
The outsole of the Novablast 4 uses AHAR Lo which is a softer rubber than the AHAR on the Novablast 3 outsole. The 4th version has better traction but a lower level of durability. The 3rd version has a more abrasion resistant outsole.
The Novablast 4 has a thinner, woven upper compared to a mesh upper on the Novablast 3. The Novablast 4 has the more comfortable upper because it feels more foot conforming. It also has better breathability than the 3 due to the holes on the top of the toe box.
They both have gusseted, flat tongues but they slide downwards during runs. The Novablast 4 has some padding on its tongue but the 3 doesn’t have any. Fit is true to size for the Novablast 4 but you should go a half size down for the Novablast 3. They are both available in wide versions.
If you’re looking for a speed trainer with a firm ride, you should get the Novablast 4. It has more stability and it has better grip. It also has a more comfortable upper.
If you’re looking for a versatile trainer which can handle easy runs as well as fast runs, the Novablast 3 is better for you. It has better durability and it has more long-distance comfort which comes in handy during long runs.