Customer Reviews ASICS Novablast 3

I run 70~80 miles per week (some weeks over 100) and have a lot of shoes in my rotation for various requirements: speed/races, daily training, tempo work, easy/recovery running, and more varieties for different types of trails. Of all these different needs and running situations, the daily trainer definitely gets the most miles so, naturally, I became very interested in the Novablast 3 based on all the hype out on the Internet about it, including reviews claiming it "The Shoe of the Year" and "Best Daily Trainer" ever, etc. And these proclamations were from reviewers I respect and trust, so I just had to get it. I normally like to wear white colorways for road running (always black or something dark for the trails) but decided to opt for the cool Black/Amber one that has been the most visible on the Internet reviews. I must say, this shoe is probably the one I waited for with the most anticipation of all the shoes I've bought and owned, so my expectations were quite high. I wondered, "Will this shoe really live up to the hype?" Well, I can unequivocally say that it does. For me, at least. I know that a single shoe model won't appeal to everyone and I already see that there are some who don't buy into the hype. When I unboxed, I was taken back by the stunning sleek look and also how large it is in person compared to what I've been seeing on the Internet but, at the same time, how light it was. It's a lot of shoe but it felt impossibly light for its imposing size with the massive midsole. The initial step-in feel was very pleasant and the upper wrapped around the feet in a comfortable and cozy manner. This is one of those rare shoes that feels broken-in and that conforms to your feet the minute you step into it for the first time. I thought, "This is definitely off to a good start." After lacing up, I took a few walks and ran in place and immediately liked the feel and the bounce that the midsole provided. It was soft but not in a squishy way. There was just the right amount of bounce and energy return. I started getting excited and couldn't wait to get out a long run. Over the past two days after receiving the Novablast 3, I've put in 25 miles at pace ranging from 7'/mile to 10'/mile and it has given me nothing but smiles with each mile. It's smooth, energetic, bouncy, comfortable, and can definitely keep up with the faster paces. I'm still getting used to the big midsole (especially in the heel area with the wide width) although it hasn't slowed me down. Even though it's lightweight, you still feel the volume and girth of the midsole as you go through your gait cycles. Personally, I probably don't need so much cushioning and such a wide platform. And I agree with another reviewer that I could do with less of a heel-to-toe drop. Around 5mm would have been fine but it's not an issue for me at all. It isn't the most nimble shoe out there but that is expected with the stack height and the wide base. This is for straight ahead running and it's really, really good at it. I don't think I would race with the Novablast 3 or when I'm shooting for my PBs. I have other plated shoes for such endeavors. But, for virtually everything else (which is around 80~90% of my road running time), I'd say that Novablast 3 will now be my main shoe. It seems perfectly well suited for daily training and tempo runs as well as easy slower-pace recovery running. I can easily alternate between the two (daily training and easy/recovery) with this one shoe during the same run. I can't say there is another shoe that can do both very well at the same time. Daily trainers (like most racing shoes) often aren't good for long easy-miles and want you to run fast and feel clunky when running slow. Max-cushioned easy/recovery shoes tend to be heavy (over 10oz), so you don't feel like picking up the pace. The Novablast 3, to me, is somewhere in between but also do both very well. I could probably race or do speed work with it as well but it'll be about an ounce heavier and without the carbon plate, so it's obviously not optimum for such running. Overall, I'm so happy with the Novablast 3 that I have added two more pairs in different colorways and the TR version for the trails - albeit mild smoothened hard-packed dirt trails (definitely not for technical trails). This shoe will get most my miles and time over the next year or so. I may put in 25~30 miles per week with the Novablast 3 including the trails with the TR version) with it so it'll be good for me to rotate with several pairs. Running Shoe of the Year? I'm inclined to agree. This is the very first time that I've bought multiple pairs of a shoe model at the same time. It makes me enjoy my runs more than any other and that's the best complement I can give it. It's not the fastest shoe, it's not the most cushioned or comfortable shoe, but it is the most versatile in that it can do a lot of things really well. But, most of all, it is a very fun shoe that brings a smile to my face as I run and put in the miles. I really can't ask anymore from a shoe.

I'd heard a lot of rave reviews on these bad boys, some calling them shoe of the year. Not that I get to try every shoe like some of these review sites, but I can't imagine there is a shoe (in this category) out there that would beat them. Out of the box, the cushion is there, but with just the right amount of pop and push when you need it. If you want to go steady and easy, these suckers are the perfect daily trainer or easy shoe to keep you feeling fresh and lively, just set it (the pace) and forget it. But, if you want to kick it up just a notch, they'll definitely let you push the effort and give back exactly what you put into them. I wear a size 10 in most or all shoes, but at the direction of others, I sized down a half size. My 9.5 fits great, and I'm glad I went down. Upper is snug and comfortable, no rubbing in any part of the heel or achilles, haven't had any issues with hot spots or anything in my arches or toes or anything. I've read some reviews of runners noting or complaining about the drop, but I'm not sure what they're talking about. For the price, these things can do almost everything you'd ask them to. Wouldn't necessarily take them out for the quickest tempo day or speed work. You may want something with a nylon plate, or lighter, or something different for that. And obviously not a race day shoe for someone looking to go faster and harder. But, if you're a recreational runner, not looking for PRs or to go "fast", this thing could carry you steady and easy through anything up to a half marathon or longer. I know some of my most recent easy long days have been in these, and I've enjoyed every minute (hour) of them. Don't hesitate.

As someone suffering from Bursitis/arthritis in my knee these have been a god send. Incredibly cushioned to absorb impact. Love the look, style, colorway and the construction is notch.

Pretty significant pain/swelling after a few miles, maybe go half size up

Love 'em! Soft yet responsive. Lightweight and comfy to run in! Don't love walking in them, but they are a dream to run in.

I have only done around 30 miles in my Novablast 3s. They're ok and I like them, but for me they don't quite live up to all of the "Shoe of the Year" hype that's all over YouTube. Def recommend going a half size down if you're going to purchase these. They aren't as soft/bouncy as I was expecting them to be. I found my Nimbus 24s to be noticeably softer feeling.

Responsive but comfortable. It's a very fun shoe to run short to medium distances.

Thin tongue. Stable heel. True to size. Excellent cushioning.

These shoes have helped me get back to where I needed to be with running. Perfect support and stability for someone with knee pain. Toe box is more comfortable than Hoka. Would recommend

Good fit, toe box has plenty of room and good cushion. Male age 68.

Comfort and stability 10/10, Now i go to buy Superblast Model to Long Runs.

Best trainer I have purchased so far, has handled shorter weekly runs to long runs on Saturday. Have recommended it to two other of my running buddies and they have said the same thing. Would recommend to any runner of all abilities.

Great shoes very light , they are great shoes to wear for running

Super comfortable shoes and are an immediate breakin shows

Pretty nice shoes: wearability is good, cushioning is definitely there, and the overall versatility is okay. Good for nice long runs, but my favorite everyday shoe. Nonetheless, would recommend.

This is my 3rd pair of Novablast 3s. I used them for Marathon training, used them on my marathon, now using for my Ultra training and race.

Very good shoe for beginner heavier muscular or obese runners, very sturdy and duable, and comfortable. Going to get this shoe again, once these shoes wears and tears.

Great shoe at a great price, one of the best daily trainers of all time hands down

Nice show for daily run It will not add speed at least I have not experienced yet

Best fit, support and looks. Terrific shoe for everyday traing or racing.

Nice shoes for running! Very comfortable and lightweight sneakers

Love these shoes. The comfort is next level and the bounce literally makes running FUN!!!

Perfect. Very light and fit great. It is fun running in them.

Great shoe! If you line up the novablast 3, 3LE and 4, you will see the natural progression. I like the comfort of the heel/Achilles area. The 3LE looks like the Achilles area may be more supportive and wear a little better than the novablast 3. Just as bouncy as the novablast 3. I use it for short to medium length runs and speed work.

Well I usually wear a bouncy version of Nike but I heard so much about these I gave it a shot. I like em. I usually wear the Kuyanos but I'm glad I branched out for these. With a Nike Invincable on one foot and this Nova I'd say the Novas have it. Hmmm, I'll have to try new versions of both.