How to Choose Running Shoes

Looking for softer landings and springy toe-offs for your training? The women's ASICS Novablast 4 road-running shoes have an updated midsole and outsole geometry for the most energized ride yet.
Imported.
View all ASICS Women's Road-Running ShoesBest Use | Running |
---|---|
Running Shoe Support | Neutral |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 8 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 40.5 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 32.5 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Synthetic textile/polyester mesh |
Lining | Polyester |
Midsole | FF BLAST PLUS ECO |
Outsole | AHAR rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 15.8 ounces |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria |
5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | |
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U.S. Women's | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 |
UK | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
EU | 36 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5 |
Foot Length (in.) | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 9.9 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.1 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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Love the shoes. But REIs stock on this at sale price seems to include a large volume of used shoes. I was sent used shoes twice. I ordered from REI on a slight sale. They came used with insoles covered in dog hair. They sent a replacement pair, and again used, this time insoles had short pet hair on it. The chat offered an insulting 10% discount. 2 chances to get it right, 70 min across both chats and 2 weeks in and 10%. back and forth with marginal push to 20%. Which is 10% of other sales b/c int he 2 weeks other places dropped prices. So they did not offer a good resolution. Incredibly disappointing in REI service on this one.
Soft, bouncy, comfortable, beautiful, no pain, love
I've been running in the Duomax style for the last 8 years - simply for the low-profile and have truly been loving them. I'm hitting 45 this year (running since I was 12), so thought I'd give the Novablast a whirl – and wow, I really didn't know what I was missing. So much more spring in my runs! And the upper fit is the exact same breathable feeling as the Duomax. And just as light weight. I really like the new stretchy tongue on these too which stays in place.
I'm using these for easy to temp runs and really happy with them. They have a lot of foam, but the foam is more springy feeling that soft. These feel firmer than max cushion runners. They were easy to go for a long run right out of the box and didn't need a break-in period. The upper is a sock-like material that is very conformable. The flip-side of that is they don't give a tight lock down like some shoes, especially trail runners, give. Likewise, the shoes have zero hotspots for me and I could wear them all day if these weren't my dedicated runners. I really hope they don't change the design next year!
Very comfortable sports boot. Suitable for long distances and daily exercises. I have both versions. Very practical.
Great run, but started shedding around the ankle after a month
I love almost everything about these shoes. They manage to be both cushiony and supportive. My stride feels light and unencumbered, while the fit is secure without feeling restrictive. I have fairly flat feet, and have a Morton's neuroma in my right foot. Amazingly, in these shoes, there is NO PAIN. My ONLY COMPLAINT is that no matter how I lace the shoes, the tongue - in both shoes - slides sideways. Every time I wear them. Not a deal breaker, but it bugs me.
I got the Nova blast in the lilac color to train for my half. This is my first pair of asics shoes. I love the color, very neutral. Definitely more lilac than gray. I didn't think I needed to break them in so my first run with them was a 3 mile run. They didn't hurt my feet but felt some friction. The second time was better and the shoes has been great since then. Very bouncy, which is what I was looking for. It is true size. I am a true 7.5, decided to go for this and the shoe fits perfectly. Loving it so far.
I’m shocked how big a difference an amazing running shoe makes! I recently upgraded from some regular tennis shoes to the novablast based on recommendation from my partner who has around 8 pairs of running shoes. These are the best for me - I run 3-6 miles twice a week. Cushiony without being overly bouncy. Supportive without being heavy or stiff. Laces don’t slip and great grip for running in the rain and on slick leaves here in Seattle. Recommend same size or size down - quite roomy especially if you usually size up for athletic shoes to allow your toes to expand, no need with these.
I love the stability of the shoes and how well made they are. However, I live in a place where it's warm all year long and they get overheat due to the woven upper. The shoes are also long (great for those with wide feet at the top) and the insoles are too slippery for me.