The Novablast series has rounded out 3 prior versions and the Novablast 4 continues to offer Max cushion with a snappy ride. The upper features an engineered stretch-mesh with a soft gusseted tongue, variable lacing, and just enough structure to suggest the best route for your gait. Oh, no GPS, you will have to determine the route, but the fit and contouring of the upper, midsole, and outersole are designed for comfort and performance. The ride is well cushioned, and engineered for the lasting performance of a shoe of this level, here featuring full-length FF Blast+ as well as the often under-appreciated contoured insole and EVA Strobel board. The outersole is a full length perimeter and a forefoot pod of AHAR Lo, a lighter version of ASICS’ standby outersole compound. The grip and durability are what you hope from a shoe, and especially a high mileage trainer of this caliber. The light weight (9.8 oz. in a men’s 12!), conforming stretch and support of the upper, as well as the ride of the aforementioned midsole, makes the Novablast 4 an update worthy of both the ASICS, as well as the Novablast name. Run often and run long.
Testers: “I was slow to get on the Tall Stack Shoe Express, but ASICS has made it an easy transition to comfort and performance.”
Price: $140
Sizes: Men 7–13, 14; Women 5–11, 12
Weight: 9.9 oz. (men’s 12); 6.3 oz. (women’s 8)
Shape: semi-curved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
Geometry: Full Contact