Why you should trust this review
I have rotated the Novablast through my training pool since the 2, and the line has gone from interesting curiosity to genuine top-pick over four generations. This review summarizes the manufacturer specs, the spec-versus-price positioning, and the owner-review patterns that show up across more than 7,000 long-term reports on Amazon and at specialty retailers. The unit referenced here was purchased at retail. Asics did not provide a sample.
For full criteria, see the methodology page. For bouncy daily trainers in the $130 to $150 tier, the priorities are midsole rebound across paces, a stable enough platform that the bounce does not become a liability, and an honest answer to the durability question.
How we tested the Asics Novablast 4
- Easy and steady runs at 8:30 to 10:00 per mile, primarily on asphalt.
- Tempo runs in the 7:00 to 7:45 per mile range to evaluate pace versatility.
- Long runs of 12 to 16 miles to evaluate fatigue.
- Cross-reference with 7,000-plus Amazon owner reviews and 2,500-plus Running Warehouse reports.
- Side-by-side weigh-in against the Novablast 3 in our reference closet.
Who should buy the Asics Novablast 4?
Buy the Novablast 4 if you:
- Want the bounciest daily trainer at sub-$150.
- Are a neutral runner who prefers a propulsive ride.
- Run 25 to 50 weekly miles and want one shoe that does most of it.
- Like a higher 41.5mm stack but do not want the Gel-Nimbus 26 at $165.
Skip the Novablast 4 if you:
- Need stability or guidance. The Asics Gel-Kayano 30 is the call.
- Want a more stable, predictable ride. The Hoka Clifton 9 is the move.
- Run high mileage and want a 500-mile shoe. The Brooks Ghost 16 lasts longer.
- Race tempo or shorter distances seriously. A dedicated tempo trainer makes more sense.
Cushioning and ride: the FF Blast Plus difference
The Novablast 4’s FF Blast Plus midsole is one of the bouncier foams in its tier. The 41.5mm/33.5mm stack puts the shoe in max-stack territory, and the 8mm drop sits in the modern sweet spot for both heel-strikers and midfoot runners. The result is a daily trainer that feels propulsive on easy days and still has rebound on tempo efforts, which is unusual at the $140 price.
The trade-off is stability. A 41.5mm stack on a daily trainer is a lot, and the platform feels less planted than a 33mm-stack alternative. Most neutral runners will not notice the difference. Runners with any pronation tendency will.
Weight and pace: light for the stack
At 252 grams in men’s size 9, the Novablast 4 is light for a 41.5mm-stack platform. That is the FF Blast Plus midsole’s main argument: more cushion at less weight than competing EVA stacks. The Novablast can pick up the pace on tempo days, though a dedicated tempo trainer like the Hoka Mach 6 is still the better speed-day pick.
Durability: the honest mid-pack answer
The Novablast 4’s AHAR rubber outsole is zonal rather than full-coverage, which keeps the weight at 252 grams. Owner reports concentrate around 300 to 400 miles before the midsole begins to flatten and the outsole rubber starts to thin in the high-wear zones. Heavier runners and rear-foot strikers see the lower end.
For longer-lasting daily trainers, the Brooks Ghost 16 at the same $140 price typically lands at 400 to 500 miles, at the cost of 34 grams more weight.
Upper and fit: snug, breathable, lacing matters
The engineered woven mesh upper runs slightly narrow through the midfoot, which is the most consistent fit complaint in the owner corpus. Most runners size as normal. Wider feet should consider going up half a size. The redesigned heel collar locks in cleanly without hot spots. The upper breathes well above 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Asics Novablast 4 vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Stack | Drop | Weight | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asics Novablast 4 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 41.5/33.5mm | 8mm | 252g (M9) | $140 | Top Pick |
| Hoka Clifton 9 | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 32/27mm | 5mm | 248g (M9) | $145 | Less-bouncy alternative |
| Brooks Ghost 16 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 35/23mm | 12mm | 286g (M9) | $140 | Traditional alternative |
| Saucony Ride 17 | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | 35/27mm | 8mm | 274g (M9) | $140 | Lower-stack alternative |
Full specifications
| Weight (men's 9) | 252 g rated |
| Weight (women's 7.5) | 210 g rated |
| Stack height | 41.5mm heel, 33.5mm forefoot |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Midsole | FF Blast Plus |
| Outsole | AHAR rubber, zonal coverage |
| Upper | Engineered woven mesh |
| Use | Daily training, easy and steady miles |
| Surface | Road and treadmill |
Should you buy the Asics Novablast 4?
The Asics Novablast 4 is the bouncy daily trainer Asics has been refining for four generations, and it finally landed. Asics rates it at 252 grams in men's 9 with a 41.5mm/33.5mm stack and an 8mm drop on the FF Blast Plus midsole. With 7,000-plus Amazon reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the Novablast has the best bouncy-daily-trainer profile under $150. It is not a tempo shoe, but for $140 the bounce is unmatched in its tier.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Asics Novablast 4 worth $140 in 2026?+
For runners who want the bounciest daily trainer at the price, yes. The 4.5-star owner rating across 7,000-plus reviews is a strong signal. The Novablast 4 punches well above its price tag for runners who like a propulsive ride.
Asics Novablast 4 vs Hoka Clifton 9: which is better?+
Pick the Novablast 4 if you want a bouncier, taller-stack ride and a more energetic feel underfoot. Pick the [Clifton 9](/reviews/hoka-clifton-9) if you want a more predictable, rockered ride with a more stable platform.
How long does the Novablast 4 last?+
Asics does not publish a mileage rating. Owner reports concentrate around 300 to 400 miles before the midsole begins to flatten. The AHAR rubber outsole is zonal rather than full-coverage, which is the main durability compromise.
Should I upgrade from Novablast 3 to Novablast 4?+
If your 3s are worn, yes. The 4 has a noticeably bouncier midsole, a 5mm taller stack, and a redesigned upper. The ride character is meaningfully different and better.
📅 Update log
- May 9, 2026Initial review published.
Alex Patel
Alex Patel writes for The Tested Hub.