ASICS

Novablast 4

Novablast 4
Daily trainer · Neutral · Road
Exceptional (99/100)

Shoe details

Weight
9 oz
Release
2023 Q4
MSRP
$140
Stack Height
42mm heel - 34mm toe
Drop Height
8mm

Ratings & Reviews

Exceptional (99/100)

Better than about 99% of shoes

Based on product-line history, external ratings, and runner reviews.
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This score rates better than 99% of shoes.

Our ratings use detailed reviews from knowledgeable runners, ratings for shoes in the same product line, and reliable product information from trusted retailers.

Rating breakdown

Better Shoes score out of 100. Shading shows the expected rating range.
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Rankings combine runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, direct comparisons to other shoes, related product-line performance, and trusted external ratings.

The darker band shows the central score range. The lighter band shows a wider range of reasonable outcomes. More reviews for this shoe usually narrow both bands.

Overall

Exceptional (99/100)

Overall ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Exceptional (99/100)

Rank

Ranks above 99% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

Value

Exceptional (98/100)

Value ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Exceptional (98/100)

Rank

Ranks above 98% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

Cushioning

Exceptional (98/100)

Cushioning ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Exceptional (98/100)

Rank

Ranks above 97% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

Comfort

Exceptional (97/100)

Comfort ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Exceptional (97/100)

Rank

Ranks above 96% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

Durability

Excellent (92/100)

Durability ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Excellent (92/100)

Rank

Ranks above 92% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

Appearance

Above average (82/100)

Appearance ranking

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Estimate

Above average (82/100)

Rank

Ranks above 71% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the score range we think is most likely.

63%

12/19

Prefer this shoe over another.

Reviewers said this shoe was better than another shoe they ran in.

All Running Shoes

Better than 99% of 2,541 running shoes ranked.

Exceptional (99/100)

Daily Trainers

Better than 99% of 1,841 daily trainers ranked.

99%

ASICS

Better than 99% of 260 ASICS shoes ranked.

99%

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • A majority of reviewers like this shoe more than their last shoe.
  • One of the most popular shoes among LetsRun.com readers.
  • Rated among the top 5% of shoes overall.
  • Rated among the top 10% of shoes on comfort.
  • Rated among the top 10% of shoes on cushioning.

Cons

Compared to other shoes

See how this shoe compares to others like it.

Current shoe
Best value
Lightest / Lowest price
Newest / Best overall / Best comfort
Shoe properties
Type
Daily trainer
Daily trainer
Daily trainer
Pronation
Neutral
Neutral
Neutral
Weight
9 oz M
7.8 oz M Lightest
Stack
42/34mm
41/33mm
Drop
8mm
8mm
7mm
Release
2023 Q4
2023 Q4
2024 Q2 Newest
MSRP
$140
$150
$200
Best price
$129.96 Lowest price
$149.99
Ratings
Overall
Exceptional (99%)
Excellent (96%)
Exceptional (>99%) Best overall
Comfort
Excellent (96%)
Very good (89%)
Exceptional (99%) Best comfort
Cushioning
Exceptional (97%)
Excellent (92%)
Exceptional (99%) Best cushioning
Durability
Excellent (92%)
Average (60%)
Exceptional (99%) Best durability
Appearance
Good (71%)
Above average (64%)
Excellent (96%) Best appearance
Value
Exceptional (98%) Best value
Excellent (91%)
Very good (85%)
Specific shoe

Search for the exact model to add to this comparison.

Where to buy

No offers available

Better alternatives

Higher-rated shoes similar to this one

More from ASICS

Reader Ratings

46 reader ratings

Review a shoe

Showing 1–5 of 19 written reviews

Solid Daily Trainer

Anonymous runner · Dec 3, 2024

4/5

Overall

I'll use this shoe for most runs/workouts that dont involve a track.  Solid/firm cushioning with a wide platform provides some stability.  I would like a bit more arch support, and the cush could be a bit springier.  The cush isnt dead...it just doesnt give you any pop/spring.

Comfort
4/5
Cushioning
4/5
Durability
4/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
3/5

Best Value for a Trainer, Can do almost anything

Anonymous runner · Dec 2, 2024

5/5

Overall

I've had 3 pairs of novablasts, and they are amazing. Responsive enough to use for some workouts and cushioned enough for easy too. They are durable. Fit: narrower than average in width, average in volume. Cushion: firmer and responsive than average. The lining of the shoe is more plush and padded than most. 

Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
4/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
5/5

ASICS Novablast 4

Anonymous runner · Nov 20, 2024

5/5

Overall

Overall good shoe, the foam is a bit firm but it works decent

Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
4/5
Durability
4/5
Appearance
5/5
Value
5/5

I won't shut up about the Novablast 4

Anonymous runner · Nov 8, 2024

5/5

Overall

I love the Novablast 4, it is bouncy but stable, durable enough for slow work, and quick enough for fast work. Workhorse. I rave about this shoe to anyone that will listen.

Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
5/5

Best Shoe I've Run in as a Highschooler (It cost a lot)

JonathanDoty · Nov 8, 2024

4/5

Overall

I love the Asics Nova Blast 4 but they cost a ton.  There are a lot budget friendly shoes that are nearly as good but I just cant get away from the Nova Blast.  The Blast are so soft and fast.  I use them for everything including workouts and easy runs.  Therefore, if you want one overall great par of shoes to do everything in I think these are great.

Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
4/5
Durability
4/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
4/5