The ASICS NOVABLAST 4 is a neutral road running shoe built around a lively, cushioned feel for everyday training and varied paces. Its full-length FF BLAST PLUS ECO midsole uses a partly bio-based foam, and the sculpted, trampoline-inspired outsole geometry is intended to provide a springy transition through each stride. ASICS also specifies a breathable engineered woven upper, a tongue-wing fit system and durable AHAR rubber in key outsole areas. The men's model is listed with an 8 mm heel-to-toe drop.
This design may suit runners who enjoy substantial cushioning but still want some energy in steady runs or faster sections. The relatively tall midsole can feel less connected to the ground than a lower-profile shoe, especially around sharp turns or uneven surfaces. It is intended primarily for roads rather than muddy trails, and runners who need dedicated stability guidance should check alternatives. Try the correct size with your usual running socks and allow sufficient space at the toes.
The US$140 price is the original United States launch price published by ASICS. This is an earlier generation, so check seller availability and make sure listings say NOVABLAST 4 rather than 5 or 6.
What do people say about the ASICS NOVABLAST 4?
Most runners in the selected customer and editorial reviews appreciate the NOVABLAST 4 as a cushioned, versatile road trainer. Comfortable upper materials, an accommodating everyday ride and enough response for steady running are recurring positives. Some customers use it for longer runs, while others like its lighter feel for ordinary training. The revised platform is generally described as more stable than earlier Novablast versions.
There are important disagreements. Several runners find the foam firmer and less playful than expected, especially at faster paces. One customer found it uncomfortable early in a short easy run; another felt it dragged underfoot. Greek customers reported upper fabric tearing after sustained use, although others praise comfort and mileage. Fit can vary between a narrow-feeling midfoot and a roomy forefoot, while expert testers disagree on how lively the ride is. The NOVABLAST 4 may be a strong all-rounder for neutral runners, but it is not a dedicated stability shoe or a guaranteed match for every foot.
Selected reviews: 4.21/5 (16 reviews) · Wider customer sample: 4.74/5 (251 ratings).
Research checked 24 October 2026. Sixteen selected scored reviews from seven websites, in English, French and Greek: 13 customer and three independent expert assessments. All selected texts are paraphrased; French and Greek reviews are translated into English. Selected average: 67.4 ÷ 16 = 4.2125/5. Expert original scores: RunRepeat 86/100 → 4.3/5; OutdoorGearLab 72/100 → 3.6/5; Running Shoes Guru 7/10 → 3.5/5. The review API omits original editorial-score details from individual attribution fields.
The wider customer-only sample comprises Skroutz Greece 126 ratings (5★ 106, 4★ 11, 3★ 4, 2★ 3, 1★ 2 = 594 points), i-Run France men's listing 83 (63, 18, 1, 0, 1 = 391 points) and women's listing 42 (37, 5, 0, 0, 0 = 205 points). Count-weighted total: 1,190 ÷ 251 = 4.7410/5. Distinct listings were counted once; colour variants on Skroutz are included in its single reported distribution, not added separately. Zappos reviews marked as originating at ASICS were excluded from the wider score to avoid syndication duplication. Selected reviews overlapping the wider sample were not added to its count. Cross-site reviewer overlap cannot be fully verified. These 251 ratings are source-reported ratings, not 251 review texts read, and imported reviews are not ARC-collected feedback.
Main sources include: Running Warehouse customer reviews, Skroutz Greece reviews, i-Run France reviews and Running Shoes Guru expert assessment.
Reviews
“The firmer midsole improves stability and can work for quicker runs, but it loses some of the playful bounce of older Novablast versions. The extra weight and average grip reduce its appeal.”
“This is a versatile and comfortable trainer for many paces, with smooth transitions and a welcoming upper. Its bulky heel and modest grip are less convincing.”
“The fourth Novablast has better upper comfort, grip and stability than the previous version, but added weight and a less energetic feel take away some of its earlier character.”
“A good running shoe overall, although its lively cushioning seemed to fade after about 200 miles.”
“Comfortable and flexible over a twelve-mile run, but a little wide and less suited to outright speed sessions.”
“Very soft and springy underfoot, especially for walking, though the sides feel slightly tight. The comfort is a major reason to recommend them.”
“These trainers feel excellent even for short track sessions, not just ordinary road running.”
“Very comfortable underfoot, with a lively feel suitable for a range of running sessions.”
“Lightweight and comfortable, these shoes suit ordinary running sessions well.”
“Excellent comfort and impact protection for long runs. The shoes feel easy on the feet and helped make training feel more efficient.”
“The cushioning feels extremely comfortable for running, but after a year of daily wear the fabric tore above both big toes and around the heels.”
“The shoes feel light and comfortable, but the upper began tearing after relatively little use. The holes made their durability disappointing for the price.”
“The lightweight cushioning and responsiveness made running feel easier than in previous shoes. There was some heel slip, but thicker socks and tighter lacing helped.”
“A comfortable, secure daily trainer with good protection and stability for road running. It initially felt slightly stiff but became responsive, with enough toe space even for a narrow-footed runner.”
“The shoe felt surprisingly firm for a daily trainer. Foot discomfort started early in an easy four-mile run, although it had some potential when picking up the pace.”
“At relaxed paces the shoe feels helpful, but trying to run fast felt difficult and the sole seemed to scrape the ground. The cushioning only became springier after roughly 50 miles.”
