ASICS Novablast 3 Review

Upper

Connor: "The jacquard mesh upper is soft and light, and it offers just enough support to handle my daily training needs. It is a really simple design that works well on every run. The Novablast 3 produces more of a performance-like fit with a medium-to-snug feel throughout. The shoe was also true to size for me."

Jon: "The upper wrapped around my feet wonderfully and provided a lot of comfort while running. The jacquard mesh is forgiving yet sturdy, and I had no issues with slippage or spillover when cornering. The heel collar is nicely padded, helping provide a luxurious feel that kept me comfortable throughout my testing runs."

Kaitlin: "The Novablast's upper provided a seamless, lightweight wrap that had an excellent lockdown, which enabled me to stay focused on my run. The improved heel collar design is comfortably plush, keeping my foot locked in place. I also did not experience any irritation while wearing the Novablast 3, and I appreciated that the collar did not rest too high up on the ankle, which has been an issue with other shoes that I have tested. Though it is a mesh material, the Novablast's upper is not very adaptable, and it may not accommodate all foot types in standard width."

Midsole

Connor: "The Novablast 3's new FLYTEFOAM BLAST PLUS midsole offers an improved energy return while retaining the shoe's signature, highly comfortable underfoot feel. The foam is an excellent upgrade, and the additional spring makes picking up the pace fun. Again, the Novablast maintains its ultra-smooth heel-to-toe transition, which is still perfect for cruising on long or recovery runs.

When the Novablast was initially released, one of the main problems was the extremely soft midsole foam, which many runners found to be too unstable. The new FF BLAST PLUS compound does well to create a forgivingly soft underfoot experience that is also not overly mushy. Combine this with the midsole's redesigned geometry, wider base, and higher sidewalls, and you get a Novablast with an uncharacteristically stable ride."

Jon: "From the moment I put on the Novablast 3, I loved how protective and stable it felt. The newly widened platform offers a dependable amount of stability, while the FLYTEFOAM BLAST PLUS foam provides protective landings with a high energy return. Though I would not use the words 'bouncy' or 'springy' to describe the Novablast 3's midsole, I still got plenty of pop from the foam during my runs, and I could tell that the midsole was ready to pick up the pace whenever I needed it to.

This balance of protection and responsiveness leads me to the true reason why I think the Novablast 3 is so great: the shoe's incredibly versatile ride. While I have not used the Novablast for a speed workout or super long run yet, I am more than confident that it can handle any type of run."

Kaitlin: "The underfoot feel is on the softer side, but with the level of bouncy return in each step, the resiliency of the foam prevents it from feeling too unstable. The ride is bouncy and efficient, making long mileage feel easier on the body. The versatility of the Novablast is impressive, and I would recommend these daily trainers to anyone looking for one shoe for every run."

Outsole

Connor: "The outsole is fairly thin and encases the outside perimeter of the base of the Novablast's platform. There is a strategic piece of rubber in the middle of the forefoot to provide additional traction and durability, and I had no issues running dry summer miles on the road while wearing the Novablast 3. After 100 miles/ 160.9 km, the shoe does not raise any major durability concerns, and I expect that the outsole will outlast the midsole's resiliency."

Jon: "I typically would like to get past the 100-mile/ 160.9 km mark before evaluating the durability of a shoe's outsole, but so far, the Novablast's AHAR rubber has shown no signs of wear. Also, I had no problems on the roads with traction, and despite the large stack of soft foam, I always felt secure cornering with the Novablast's sticky traction."

Kaitlin: "With the Novablast 3's sturdy rubber outsole and thick midsole, I do not feel very connected to the ground while running. That said, both of these components work well together to provide excellent shock absorption, keeping my feet and legs feeling fresher for longer. The reinforced rubber section in the middle of the outsole provided traction on slippery surfaces, and it seems like it will help improve version 3's durability. Overall, the Novablast 3's outsole construction seems more durable this time around."

Comparable Shoes

Connor: "The Novablast has become a hugely popular shoe, mostly because it offers a unique underfoot experience that outperforms many of the other daily trainers on the market. The shoe's $229.94 price point also does not hurt its appeal, especially given how versatile and high-performing it is. I would like to note that the Novablast's cushioning-to-weight ratio is simply phenomenal.

Though not exact matches, I would put the HOKA Mach 5 and New Balance FuelCell in a similar category as the Novablast 3. The Mach 5 is a close comparison, as it provides plenty of soft underfoot foam while also feeling snappy at a variety of paces.

The Rebel 3, while lower to the ground and slightly more performance oriented, offers a similar level of responsiveness at a price point that is competitive with the Novablast. I like both options, and I think the best will depend on individual preference.

Kaitlin: "In the performance trainer category, I would include the HOKA Clifton, New Balance 1080, and the On Cloudstratus 2. All of these shoes provide a tremendous amount of cushion in a lightweight package. I would recommend the Novablast blast over the Clifton because the cushioning has a lot more energy return.

I would also recommend the Novablast over the Cloudstratus 2 and 1080, especially if you are a runner looking for something that has a slightly more propulsive feel underfoot. What sets this shoe apart from the others is the responsive cushioning, and every toe-off felt springy while wearing the Novablast."