ASICS Novablast 3 Review
The ASICS Novablast's Fun Ride Offers More Stability With Every Stride
Likes
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Excellent underfoot protection
- Highly versatile, well-balanced ride
- Most stable Novablast yet
Dislikes
- Protection could have been better over long runs
- Slightly long in the toe box
What's New
It has been an exciting fall season in the world of running, with a lot of highly anticipated shoe releases, not least of which is the ASICS Novablast 3. This highly cushioned neutral daily trainer is bound to delight those who have been eagerly awaiting its arrival.
The main update is the Novablast's nearly 30 grams weight drop, which can be attributed to the new FLYTEFOAM BLAST PLUS midsole compound. ASICS claims that the new foam is nearly 20% softer and 20% faster than the previously used FLYTEFOAM BLAST material. Even better, the shoe has been updated with a new wider platform in combination with heightened sidewalls, helping to stabilize the Novablast's healthy stack of soft foam. The shoe's stiffer heel counter also helps hold feet securely over the midsole, reinforcing the new, more reliable design.
The Novablast 3 update is topped off with an upgraded monofilament jacquard upper mesh, a thinner tongue design, and a trimmed-down outsole, which all contribute to the shoe's big weight loss. These changes also promise secure comfort and reliable traction, perfect for daily runs.
The Bottom Line
ASICS has had quite the year, releasing a lot of major updates that have performed well at all levels of running, but the most successful update of the year may just be the Novablast 3.
Let's get straight to the good stuff and dive into the new lighter, more responsive FLYTEFOAM BLAST PLUS midsole. This compound is a superstar, providing a near-perfect balance of comfort, protection, and energy return that truly can do it all. Legs feeling a little tired and want to take things slow? Grab the Novablast for excellent protection that will keep your legs fresh. Ready to crush a tempo run or speed intervals? The Novablast's midsole packs enough snap to make those faster paces feel quick and smooth. That said, the Novablast 3 is still not the best racing option for experienced runners. But for beginner runners, this shoe could be ideal for your first half or full marathon effort.
Many runners probably still want an answer to the question, Is the Novablast 3 more stable? Well, with a new wider base, retooled midsole geometry, and raised sidewalls, the Novablast 3 offers runners a much higher level of stability than the first two versions of the shoe, helping give wearers the confidence to take these stars on any run their hearts may desire. Couple this with a secure jacquard mesh upper that wraps comfortably around the foot, and you are flirting with a near-perfect daily trainer.
Okay, so let's not get ahead of ourselves. The Novablast still has room for improvement, as the AHAR rubber outsole does not provide the best traction or durability when compared to other daily trainers on the market. That said, the Novablast 3 has a new counterpart this year, the Novablast 3 TR, and if you do not mind the slight weight increase, then the TR will provide you with the heightened levels of traction and durability you're looking for while delivering an almost identical ride. Bottom-line, the Novablast 3 is an amazing update that is a strong contender for best daily trainer of the year, so get yours while you can.
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Sizing | True to size |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Toe Box | Medium to narrow |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 247 g (size EU 42.5 ) | Women's: 218 g (size EU 39.5) |
| Stack Height | 41 mm (heel), 33 mm (forefoot) |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
Men's ASICS Novablast
Women's ASICS Novablast
Individual Thoughts
The Novablast series has only been around for a few years, but it has quickly grown to become one of the most talked about shoes within the ASICS performance line. Simply put, the Novablast is a fun and versatile trainer that does a fantastic job of creating a protective yet energetic ride perfect for daily training. Though this is a daily trainer, the FF BLAST PLUS midsole is both light and energetic enough for some faster efforts as well.
I enjoyed the original Novablast for its bold design, and I also appreciated version 2 as it improved the shoe's level of stability. Now with version 3, ASICS has dialed up the shoe's performance and has truly defined what the Novablast series means to the brand. I found myself using the shoe in my daily training quiver, and as someone who enjoys a little extra stack, the Novablast has seen plenty of miles.
After talking with many reviewers and teammates, I have found that most people agree that the Novablast 3 is a huge success for the ASICS team, and if you are a runner looking for one shoe that can handle all your training, it is worth giving the Novablast a try!
The Novablast 3 ran true to size and performed as well as I had expected. It always impressed me when I put it on and had the opportunity to go for a run. I was already a fan of this line before testing version 3, but the small tweaks to the outsole and heel collar have greatly improved the shoe's performance and overall comfort. Though sadly, I noticed some hot spots and nerve pain in the forefoot after pushing through a couple of double-digit mileage runs, and this was maybe because the Novablast's forefoot was a touch too narrow for me.