Asics Novablast Review: The Trampoline-Like Daily Trainer Runners Can’t Stop Talking About

You know that run. The one where your legs feel like cinder blocks, every step lands with a thud, and your shoes might as well be bricks strapped to your feet. You glance at your watch, swear it has stopped counting seconds, and start bargaining with yourself: just one more mile… then I’m done.

If that sounds familiar, youre not alone. A lot of daily trainers are protective, sure, but theyre also flat, dull, and lifeless. Great for logging miles, terrible for actually wanting to lace up again tomorrow.

This is exactly the problem the Asics Novablast set out to fix.

Instead of another boring mileage mule, Asics built a super-cushioned, springy trainer that feels closer to a trampoline than a traditional running shoe. And judging by the flood of Reddit threads, YouTube reviews, and forum posts, runners are very much here for it.

Meet the Asics Novablast: Your Anti-Burnout Daily Trainer

The Asics Novablast is a neutral, max-cushioned daily trainer designed to do two things exceptionally well: protect your legs and make running actually feel fun. Think easy miles, long runs, and those days when you dont feel fresh but still need to get the work done.

Unlike more traditional Asics stalwarts like the Gel-Kayano or GT-2000, the Novablast doesnt lean on heavy stability features. Instead, it uses a high stack of Asics energetic midsole foam (currently FF Blast+/FF Blast+ ECO, depending on version) and a subtly trampoline-like geometry to give you a soft landing and a lively rebound.

In plain English: its cushy, bouncy, and surprisingly fast when you decide to pick up the pace.

Why this specific model?

On paper, the Novablast looks like a modern super-cushioned trainer. In practice, it feels like someone blended a daily trainer with a tempo shoe and gave it just enough structure to stay stable.

Heres what matters in real-world running, based on specs from Asics and consistent themes from recent reviews and Reddit discussions:

• Big stack of foam, low fatigue: The Novablast line is known for its generous midsole height (high 20s to mid 30s mm in the forefoot, higher in the heel, depending on version). That means loads of underfoot protection, especially on long runs. Runners report noticeably fresher legs the next day compared with firmer classics.
• FF Blast+/FF Blast+ ECO midsole foam: This is the star. Its softer than the old-school EVA you might be used to, but with a much better rebound. Users frequently describe the ride as "trampoliny" or "like a mini super shoe without a plate." You get energy back with every stride, which mentally makes miles feel easier.
• Geometry that wants you to roll forward: The rocker and sculpted midsole help guide you through your stride. Its not as aggressive as a carbon-plated racer, but you can feel the shoe nudging you forward just enough on uptempo days.
• Surprisingly stable for such a high shoe: Early Novablast versions were criticized for being a bit wobbly. In later iterations Asics widened the base and tweaked the geometry. Recent owners on Reddit often mention that it feels much more planted than it looks, especially through corners and on tired legs.
• Breathable, performance-oriented upper: A engineered mesh upper delivers a secure midfoot hold and enough volume in the toe box for most neutral-foot runners. Heel lockdown is generally praised across reviews, especially once the laces are dialed in.
• Durable outsole for lots of miles: Asics typically uses AHAR or AHAR+ rubber in strategic zones on the Novablast. Translation: better-than-average durability and grip on road and light paths. Many runners report going well past 300 miles before noticing major breakdown.

Put together, the Novablast is that rare shoe that can feel soft and forgiving at slow paces but doesnt turn into a mushy mess when you sneak in a tempo session.

At a Glance: The Facts

Feature	User Benefit
High-stack FF Blast+/FF Blast+ ECO midsole	Plush cushioning and energetic rebound to reduce leg fatigue on long or frequent runs.
Neutral geometry with mild rocker	Smooth heel-to-toe transitions that feel natural at easy, moderate, and tempo paces.
Wider base vs. early generations	Improved stability for a high, bouncy shoe; less wobble on corners and tired legs.
Breathable engineered mesh upper	Comfortable lockdown and ventilation for daily training and warm-weather runs.
Durable rubber outsole (AHAR/AHAR+ zones)	Reliable grip and mileage, often exceeding 300+ miles before significant wear.
Moderate heel-to-toe drop (varies by version, ~8 mm)	Comfortable for heel and midfoot strikers, reducing calf strain for most runners.
Versatile weight for a max-cushioned trainer	Light enough for tempo work, cushioned enough for recovery and long runs.

What Users Are Saying

Scroll through recent Reddit posts and running forums and a clear pattern emerges: the Asics Novablast polarized some early adopters, but the current versions have won over a huge chunk of the running community.

Common pros mentioned by real runners:

• "Bouncy" and "fun" ride: This is the recurring theme. People keep calling it a shoe that makes them actually want to go run, especially on easy days that usually feel like a chore.
• Excellent for easy and long runs: Many users report that it shines on recovery days, long slow distance, and medium-long runs where you want to save your legs.
• Surprisingly capable at faster paces: While its not a racing flat, plenty of runners use it for fartlek, steady-state, or marathon-pace workouts.
• Comfort straight out of the box: Break-in seems minimal. Several Redditors mention doing 10+ mile first runs with no hotspots or blisters.

Common cons and caveats:

• Too soft or unstable for some: If youre used to firm, traditional shoes (like some classic stability models), the Novablast may feel a bit wild or wobbly at first.
• Fit can be tricky for wide feet: While the toe box is reasonably accommodating for a neutral shoe, very wide-footed runners sometimes prefer alternatives that come in wide sizes more consistently.
• Not a pure race shoe: Some runners expecting carbon-plate-level speed are disappointed; this is a fun daily trainer, not a Vaporfly killer.

Overall, the sentiment skews strongly positive. People who click with the Novablast often call it their do-everything trainer and buy multiple pairs. Those who dont usually prefer either more stability or a much firmer, more traditional feel.

Behind the product is Asics Corp., a Japanese company listed under ISIN: JP3118000003, long known for obsessively detailed running footwear engineering and biomechanics research. The Novablast is their more playful, progressive side fully unleashed.

Alternatives vs. Asics Novablast

The max-cushioned daily trainer space is crowded right now, and thats good news for you. Heres how the Asics Novablast stacks up against a few big names:

• Hoka Clifton: The Clifton is softer and more marshmallow-like, with a strong rocker. It usually feels more stable and mellow, but lacks the trampoline bounce and pop the Novablast is known for. If you want ultra-gentle cushioning, Clifton. If you want energy and fun, Novablast.
• Nike Pegasus: The Peg is a classic, moderately cushioned daily trainer. Firmer, more traditional, with a versatile ride but not nearly as exciting underfoot. Many runners pair Pegasus for structured workouts and Novablast for easy and long days.
• New Balance 1080: Another premium cushioned option, the 1080 leans softer and plusher with a focus on comfort. The Novablast tends to feel lighter and springier, better suited for runners who like to push the pace now and then.
• Asics Gel-Cumulus or Gel-Kayano: If you like Asics but need more guidance or a traditional feel, the Cumulus and Kayano are safer bets. Theyre more structured, with classic Gel integration and noticeable stability features. The Novablast is for neutral runners who want that extra spark.

In other words, the Novablast isnt trying to be the most stable or the softest shoe on the market. Its aiming to be the most fun daily trainer that still protects your legs and lasts for hundreds of miles.

Who the Asics Novablast Is (and Isnt) For

Youll probably love the Novablast if:

• Youre a neutral runner looking for one main shoe for easy, long, and some tempo runs.
• Youre bored of dead-feeling shoes and want something that feels alive and springy.
• You value cushioning and leg protection but dont want to be weighed down.
• You run mostly on roads or light gravel paths.

You may want to look elsewhere if:

• You need significant stability or pronation control due to injury history or gait mechanics.
• You prefer firm, traditional-feeling shoes with minimal stack height.
• Youre only looking for a pure racing shoe with maximum speed and a carbon plate.

Final Verdict

The Asics Novablast doesnt just log miles, it changes how those miles feel. Instead of grinding through dead-flat cushioning, you get a light, bouncy platform that makes your daily run feel closer to play than punishment.

In a market full of safe, forgettable trainers, the Novablast stands out because it dares to be different. Its energetic without being unstable, cushioned without turning to mush, and versatile enough to cover most of your weekly trainingespecially if youre a neutral runner who likes a bit of flair underfoot.

If your current shoes make every run feel like hard work, the Asics Novablast might be the upgrade that reminds you why you started running in the first place. Lace them up, hit your usual loop, and see how it feels when your shoes finally start giving something back.

For full model details, colorways, and sizing options, you can explore the official Novablast lineup directly on Asics site.