Somewhere in this vast world of running shoes, it must be written that every once in a while, a model comes along that defies our expectations and makes us rethink everything we've seen before. The ASICS Novablast 4 is, in my opinion, that kind of shoe. They changed the course of the Japanese brand with their launch. They went from sober designs to a much more modern and futuristic approach which was the rebirth of the brand. Without making too much noise, they have come to stay in my weekly workouts, those at quiet and medium paces no faster than 4:40 m/km. And, in this world, it is usually customary to focus more on the supposed defects than on the virtues, but today I come to talk to you about 5 reasons why I loved the Novablast 4 and something I miss about the Asics Novablast 3
1. Improved stability: confidence in every stride.
The first editions of the Novablast earned the reputation of being somewhat unstable, and they really were, especially version 1 and 2, where an excessively soft foam did not provide enough support for certain types of runners. But with the third version, ASICS already gave a blow on the table and with the fourth version they polished only small deficits. The shoe gained in corpulence, with a heel that protrudes from the midsole and a wider base that provides remarkable stability from the very first moment.
In fact, it is a shoe that I highly recommended for police or firefighter competitors who need a fast, yet stable shoe for the agility course, with lots of changes of direction and direction. The Novablast 4 behave with a firmness that will allow you to focus on your pace and enjoy the course, whatever it is.
2. Balanced cushioning with FlyteFoam Blast+ ECO
Comfort is essential when you're putting in the miles week after week. The addition of FlyteFoam Blast+ ECO foam has been a great choice. It offers cushioning with sufficient travel for light paces, with a friendly feel that is appreciated on long runs. But what will really surprise you is that, as the pace increases, the shoe does not become unstable or excessively soft. It maintains an adequate response, without that sinking feeling that sometimes occurs with too soft foams.
We are not talking about a pure racing shoe, of course, for that we have other options. But you will be able to compete with them even in marathon distances if your pace is around 4:45 m/km or slower. Of course, Novablast 4 are ideal for daily training, for those days when you go out to run with no other pretension than to enjoy the way, but knowing that if you want to squeeze a little, they respond.
3. Versatility in paces and workouts
If there's one thing I value in a shoes, it's its ability to adapt to different types of training. And here, Novablast 4 shine with their own light. From quiet outings to moderate paced runs and even some more intense sessions, these shoes have been faithful companions in the more than 500 kilometers that I've been wearing them.
They don't have the explosive spark of a pure mixed shoe, but they hold their own when you take them out of their comfort zone. At livelier paces, they may feel a little less reactive, but for most of us, they more than deliver.
4. Revamped upper: comfort and quality in every detail
The new Woven upper is another of the strong points of this shoe. More elastic and seamless, it fits the foot like a glove. The inside is so soft that you could consider running without socks, although personally I do not recommend it. The heel in this new version, goes up a little more and wraps the Achilles tendon better, offering additional support that is appreciated in long runs.
It is true that the ventilation has perhaps lost a little, and that on rainy days it can take a while to dry, but the finishes and comfort more than compensate. The tongue, wider and more elastic, stays in place without causing discomfort. It's those little details that make the difference and show the care ASICS has put into this version.
5. Outsole with better grip and durability
Grip has always been a sore point in Novablast, but in this fourth edition, ASICS has taken matters into its own hands. The new outsole, with an improved pattern and low-density AHAR rubber, offers noticeably better grip. Although it is true that I still miss some more grip in the rain. Possibly in this aspect there is room for improvement. And even so, there is some progress in this aspect compared to the Novablast 3.
Also, the design of the sole, with that space in the metatarsal that acts as a springboard, provides a smoother transition and helps in the take-off.
As in previous versions, ASICS has released a model for running on trails or dirt tracks with an outsole with a shortened tread pattern for this terrain. I personally think it's a fantastic option if you run on these types of trails and are looking for an agile, comfortable and cushioned shoe.
One point to improve: it has lost some sparkle at faster paces.
Not everything was going to be perfect. Although the Novablast 4 gained in stability and comfort for long distances, it is true that they lost some of that "plus" that characterized the previous versions at faster paces. ASICS has sacrificed some of the explosiveness it used to offer in fast workouts in order to appeal to a wider audience and offer a more controlled shoe.
For those runners who are looking for a more aggressive response in series or competitions, you may feel that this version falls a little short. It's not that the shoe is unresponsive, but that feeling of propulsion and lightness has diminished slightly, probably due to the increased weight and less compressible midsole.
The ASICS Novablast 4 earned a prominent place in my shoes rotation. They improved in key aspects such as stability, grip and adaptability over long distances, without losing that comfortable cushioning that is so appreciated in daily workouts. It is true that they lost some sparkle in faster paces and gained a little weight, but they offer a balance that, for runners like me, is simply perfect.
If you're looking for a faithful companion for your runs and long distances, I encourage you to give the ASICS Novablast 4 a chance. In the end, believing in what we wear on our feet is an essential part of this passion we share.
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