ASICS Novablast 2 Shoe Review
September 1, 2021
Refined Upgrades Takes to New Heights
The ASICS Novablast 2 has launched to the top of the ASICS daily training lineup
Likes
- Refined upper fit
- Bouncy and responsive ride
- Improved stability
Dislikes
- Could be too spacious for narrow feet
What's New
The Novablast 2 is almost an entirely new shoe, sporting an upgraded Flytefoam Blast midsole with a higher stack height, updated heel-toe drop, as well as an improved heel design to eliminate irritation and enhance the shoe's overall efficiency through your stride. ASICS has definitely elevated these unique daily trainers, and they are once again ready for blastoff.
The Bottom Line
The ASICS Novablast was a surprise hit when it first launched, and although version 1 was good, the sequel is even better. Updates to the midsole, a remodeled heel cup, and new upper material all work together to elevate these daily trainers to the next level. With their unique and versatile ride, the Novablast 2 is beyond fun to run in. Newly raised side walls have been combined with an overall improved heel cup configuration to make the Novablast more stable in version 2, while the Flytefoam Blast midsole delivers a naturally smooth feel that packs an energetic punch at toe-off. Better suited for long training runs, the Novablast 2 also has the protection runners need to keep their legs fresh deep into their training runs. Finally, the new double jacquard mesh rounds out this list of impressive improvements, leaving the simple engineered mesh design of old in the dust, by delivering a premium design that offers comfort and breathability. The fit was commended by our team of testers for its highly improved lockdown (a common complaint in the original Novablast) and its comfortably spacious feel, although the fit may not meet the needs of runners with narrower feet. When push comes to shove, the Novablast 2 is another high-performing daily trainer from ASICS, and do not be surprised if these shoes outpace their ASICS' siblings in the daily training category.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium to narrow | Height: Medium Width: Medium to narrow | Height: Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 9.7 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.3 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 42 mm (Heel), 34 mm (Forefoot) - includes removable sock liner |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
The ASICS Novablast has a whopping 42mm of Flyetfoam Blast midsole, and these shoes are definitely on the softer side. Our testers had more than enough softness underfoot to remain comfortable for even their longest training runs and were happy to report that, although soft, the midsole retains a lively bounce as well.
Justin: "The ASICS NovaBlast 2 edges towards soft experience (without being too mushy). To me, it feels softest in the heel and a touch firmer in the forefoot. I found it to be plenty comfortable for long runs."
Kaitlin: "The cushioning feels resilient and bouncy. I would say the softness is borderline squishy, but it is still slightly more stable than the previous model."
Ride/Energy Returni
The Flytefoam Blast foam midsole is lively and delivers an energy return that is well-paired with any daily training run. The highly stacked heel is noticeably more snappy than the forefoot, which leaves a little something to be desired if you are a runner looking for speed. That said, the comfortable and efficient ride of the Novablast 2 will leave you fresh and excited to hit the roads again and again.
Justin: "I like the bouncy feel of the Novablast, but I want more of it. Specifically, I’d love to get the same fantastic underfoot experience in the forefoot that I get from the heel."
Kaitlin: "The ride is springy, and the improved structure made it feel more efficient than the previous version, which was also springy, but it felt like there was excess foot movement through the stride. I think there is enough energy return from the Flytefoam Blast midsole to make for a great daily trainer that keeps you feeling fresh throughout your runs."
Underfoot Protectioni
With 42mm of foam underfoot, quality protection should be a given, and the Novablast 2 does not disappoint. The midsole is absorptive and disperses the impact of the road without carrying the excessively bulky feeling of a more traditional max-stacked shoe. Long daily runs definitely won't beat up your legs while you're wearing the Novablast 2.
Justin: "The Novablast 2 has enough cushioning to feel comfortable on longer runs. It doesn’t have the same feel as other max cushioned shoes by any means, but it definitely has plenty of protection."
Kaitlin: "The stack is very high on the Novablast 2 and it absorbs the impact of the roads without difficulty. The midsole felt like landing on a thick springy pad and kept my joints happy after longer runs."
Flexibilityi
The high heel stack is paired with a fairly elastic forefoot in the Novablast, making for a smooth heel-to-toe transition that is also exceptionally efficient as well. The more rigid heel design adds stability and further protects runners from discomfort while running.
Justin: "The Novablast 2 flexes well in the forefoot, however, the midfoot to the heel is stiff (which is normal). Regardless, it feels smooth during the run, so no complaints here!"
Kaitlin: "The ride provides a smooth and efficient forward motion while running. The foam feels pliable but remains semi-structured for your protection."
Upper Supporti
The double jacquard mesh upper is moderately adaptable and receives big props from our testers here at Running Warehouse. The heel collar delivers an improved lockdown that eliminates irritations present in version 1. The upper is also highly breathable and offers an abundant amount of space in the forefoot. Runners with narrow feet may find the fit too roomy, but our testers more than appreciated the spacious feel.
Justin: "I love the upper materials on the Novablast 2, and overall, the upper is very well made. It fits my foot really well too. I will note that some may find the toebox a bit wide. It worked well for me, but I could definitely see it being a bit too much for someone with a more narrow foot."
Kaitlin: "The upper felt adaptable, but still had a solid lockdown. The upper knit design felt a little more forgiving than the previous version. Additionally, the heel collar is much improved. The last version didn’t feel secure and it created a lot of friction that caused some bad blisters."
Men's ASICS Novablast Running Shoes
The ASICS Novablast is a highly cushioned everyday running shoe with a lightweight, yet springy ride.
Women's ASICS Novablast Running Shoes
The ASICS Novablast is a highly cushioned everyday running shoe with a lightweight, yet springy ride.
Individual Thoughts
JustinOverall Score: 8.5/10
The ASICS Novablast 2 is a favorite trainer in my line-up. I didn’t have the Novablast v1, so I can’t compare it other than the spec changes, however, those changes got me interested in trying the v2, and it hasn’t disappointed me. The Novablast has a bit of softness and good bounce. My favorite part of the shoe, which does surprise me, is the upper. The materials are really nice, and the shoe fits my foot very well. I don’t have a complaint with the Novablast 2. It is an excellent shoe. The only thing I think could be an issue for some is the fit in the toe box, because it is a bit large. For me, that works well, however, if you want something snugger through the forefoot, I would consider another shoe.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
KaitlinOverall Score: 8/10
The Novablast 2 fits true to size and has an amazingly energetic ride for a daily trainer. This was a huge improvement from the previous model. I wanted to like version 1 more, but issues with the heel collar limited the distances I could run in version 1. I have really appreciated the responsiveness of the Flytefoam Blast midsole, as well as the improved heel design, which is much better suited for long mileage runs. The platform feels a little wider in the Novablast 2, which is why it felt more stable this time around. It feels like a larger, more substantial shoe than the original Novablast. I think this shoe will check a lot of boxes for those looking for a new daily trainer.
