In the world of running, the search for the perfect shoe is an endless adventure. Runners are constantly looking for footwear that not only offers comfort and stability, but also improves their performance. In this context, the Asics Novablast 4 bursts onto the scene as an innovative and exciting option for those looking to take their running experience to the next level.
We are facing the fourth installment of a shoe born in 2020 with the aim of offering maximum energy recovery, something in which each model has been surpassing its predecessor. It is also a faster shoe, which favors race pace thanks to, among other things, its weight reduction. In short, the training shoe that we all want in our daily lives, and far from what it may seem due to its radical aesthetics, it is a shoe that adapts to a very wide range of runners.
From the first glance, the Asics Novablast 4 stands out for its advanced and aerodynamic design. The combination of colors and sharp geometric lines not only attracts attention, but also reflects the technological innovation found within.
We are going to take a walk through the main features of the Novablast 4, and we are going to discover what new features Asics offers us on this occasion in order to improve what already seemed to be at the highest level.
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UPPER
Notable change with respect to previous versions, introducing a mesh woven in a single piece, very light and highly breathable, which has an elastic construction that provides the extra comfort required by a shoe intended for daily use in all types of training.
The reinforcements both in the front part, with an inner plastic piece that protects the toes and generous padding in the heel that will prevent the much-feared chafing and blisters and will also protect the Achilles. This padding extends along the ankle, providing the whole with another additional point of comfort.
The finishing touch is the tongue, which in addition to having extraordinary breathability, is made of a soft, light and again very comfortable material, with almost negligible padding and lateral fixations that prevent the dreaded lateral movements and their disastrous consequences. This tongue perfectly isolates the instep from the lacing system, which has slightly elastic laces, which are anchored through a heat-sealing system and offer a firm and secure lacing.
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MIDSOLE
An exclusive element of the Novablast 4 is its midsole, designed in a way that allows both the landing area, our heel, and the area responsible for take-off, our forefoot, to capture and return more energy, generating an energetic rebound in every step. Combined with the FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning foam, the shoe offers a stronger rebound, which helps generate that energy recovery effect.
FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO compound is the lightweight, energetic foam developed by ASICS to help create a bouncy feel and softer ride. The foam is made from approximately 24% bio-based material from renewable sources.
The stability offered by this shoe is especially surprising. With an aggressive design, highly reactive foam, geometric shapes that define a 3D foam weave that favors cushioning and energy recovery, it seems complicated a priori to achieve deviations in the support of the foot, but Asics has mastered how to solve the problem. design with the introduction of stabilizing elements.
As for the drop, the 8mm we have is a product of the difference in stack: 33.5mm in the forefoot and 41.5mm in the heel. This versatile drop results from that maximalist geometry that is what gives rise to the evident sensation of cushioning that we have when running with these shoes.
The basis of this shoe is a noticeably wide sole, which promotes stability. We measure 97 mm in the heel, 80 mm in the bridge and 122 mm in the metatarsal. Therefore we have a generous support surface that provides great support, weighing us down somewhat as a counterpoint but without it becoming relevant.
Rocker: As was the case with the Kayano 30, it is not a distinctive element in this shoe, although it is enough to accompany a not very demanding running dynamic, something that is appreciated in a “training shoe for everyone.”
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SOLE
The Novablast 4 features an AHAR® (Asics High Abrasion Rubber) rubber outsole, which provides optimal traction and exceptional durability. This sole is designed to resist wear in even the most demanding conditions and provides the durability we need in a training shoe.
As a counterpoint, the grip in the wet is not as reliable as we would have liked, and it generates a feeling of loss of traction if, in addition to the weather, the route is not good, so we will have to be attentive when we run on slopes or sharp turns in these conditions. .
The distribution of the material in contact with the ground is distributed in a controlled manner at the base of the shoe as is usual in the latest generation shoes, seeking to optimize material and eliminate weight while still covering the main contact areas. In this case Asics focuses on the periphery of the contact zone and the central area of the forefoot.
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ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS
Until now we have talked about an exceptional training shoe, a daily companion that accompanies us and protects us thanks to extra comfort and cushioning. But we go further, and after experimenting in different situations with this Novablast 4, we can assure that we have a mixed shoe that will not hold us back in our series and that we can wear even on the track without fear of losing performance. Surely we will lose sensations due to that maximalist and highly cushioned design that we have presented, but it is not a “calm” shoe or one that invites us to settle.
On the other hand, the ergonomics and care for comfort in its design generously opens up the biotype of runner who can enjoy it without fear. It is capable of performing at a wide range of paces, and of fearlessly cushioning lighter runners while lighter runners can squeeze it without fear thanks to its reduced weight. And bringing high reactivity and comfort to a 260 gram design (men’s size USA9) is not a simple task. Our sincere congratulations to Asics for these Novablast that undoubtedly make the running experience enjoyable.
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DATASHEET
Upper: Engineered single-layer mesh. Midsole: FF BLAST™ ECO PLUS technology (with 20% more material that improves shock absorption) Sole: AHAR™ outsole. Drop: 8 mm Weight: 260 g (size USA9 -men-)
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More information in www.asics.com
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2024-02-12 10:37:53
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