ASICS Novablast 3 | Sneakers & Athletic Shoes

7 reviews for ASICS Novablast 3 | Sneakers & Athletic Shoes

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   RoadTrail R – January 20, 1970

   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.

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   WillieGee – September 19, 2022

   Light, comfy, what an awesome shoe!!! Home Run by Asics!

3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Vaagtron9 – September 21, 2022

   I had seen a lot of good reviews for this shoe, but trying out the Novablast 3 for myself has blown me away. The safety yellow colorway looked cool in pictures, but I was shocked at how bright and beautiful they looked out of the box. I put them on and was amazed at how soft and cushioned (and stable) they felt while also being very light for a daily trainer (8.4 oz in my size 9). I went out for a couple of runs and loved how bouncy and responsive the midsole was without being too mushy or unstable. The ride felt so great that when I looked down at my watch I was going 30 seconds faster than my race pace without even realizing it! I’m really looking forward to putting in the miles in these shoes!

4. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Humanjet – September 22, 2022

   This shoe is amazing! True to size. The feel and fit is perfect. The laces are right. The winged gusseted tongue is right. The jacquard mesh upper is breathable. The ff blast + cushion is incredible! The stability in the heel is amazing- spot on! The only thing I would love if they changed is the 8mm (31mm heel/23mm forefoot)- I wish they made 5mm (30mm/25mm)- more cushion in the forefoot and less in the heel.

5. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   1Yonger – September 22, 2022

   Ran in Novablast 1 and 2. Asics made improvements on each, with Novablast 3 (better tongue, lighter mid-sole, better overall fit) as the best so far and worth the wait. I’ve been running for years. This is the best running shoe that I have experienced.

6. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Kirk – October 16, 2022

   Fit and size were perfect. Price was good and delivery was very quick.

7. 

   Rated 3 out of 5

   Pedro – October 20, 2022

   Boy, Im not sure if Im doing something wrong because at least 6 of the 10 reviews I have read speak well of this shoe. These shoes squeek like crazy.
   When I’m jogging especially if I step in a puddle then this annoying squeeek-squeeek,squeeek noise starts. When the shoe is dry its perfectly fine so maybe its just avoiding water and thankfully I live in a dry heat area so avoiding puddles is not a big deal. The other issue that is a bit of a bother but I can live with is that their is the slightest sensation that my feet are leaning to the outer left side of each shoe when jogging. If I stand upright without moving or even regular walking I dont feel it as much. Over all a shoe is a shoe. Each one has its ups and downs. I guess Im just a bit finicky now because this is the most I paid for gym shoes.