ASICS Men’s NOVABLAST 4 Review

Looking for the perfect balance of speed, comfort, and bounce? The ASICS Men’s NOVABLAST 4 is here to redefine your running experience! With its energetic midsole, lightweight design, and breathable upper, this shoe delivers next-level cushioning and responsiveness for both casual runs and intense training sessions. Whether you’re chasing new personal bests or just enjoying daily miles, the NOVABLAST 4 combines style, performance, and durability like never before. Let’s dive in and see why this might just be your next go-to running shoe!”

Table of Contents

  • ASICS NOVABLAST 4

ASICS NOVABLAST 4

If we had to describe the Novablast 4 in one word, it would be “comfy.” Normally, that’s code for slow. Not so with the Novablast. The thick FF Blast + Eco foam insulates your legs from the pavement and is firm enough to get rolling at faster paces easily. Add in the fun geometry, and you have a shoe that can handle workouts or even races for some runners. The ride is also surprisingly stable, with a wider platform and slight sidewalls.

The upper is soft to the touch. Even with the fairly generous toe-box, dialing in a perfect fit is easy. It runs a bit warm, as most knit uppers do, but we aren’t complaining about that during the winter. Our biggest issue with the shoe is the lack of traction. The shoe handles dry pavement and light gravel easily but run in a bit of rain, snow, or ice, and you’ll notice the lack of lugs. To be fair, it’s more barefoot on damp tile than bowling shoes on ice, but it’s not ideal. However, this is still the shoe we grab on most days (when we aren’t testing other shoes).

We think heel-strikers will appreciate the generous amounts of foam towards the rear of the shoe, but mid/forefoot strikers shouldn’t worry. The combination of geometry and generous forefoot stack makes for a smooth ride if you land farther forward.

One of our few complaints about the shoe is about the bulbous heel. The design is visually striking, but it feels a bit clunky when moving fast. We wouldn’t mind seeing it slimmed down a bit. Sure, some shoes are more plushly cushioned. But the Novablast strikes a middle ground that makes it great for most runs.

Pros

  • Lightweight cushioning
  • Fun ride
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Poor traction on wet/slick surfaces
  • Warmer upper

How Long Do Walking Shoes Last?

On average, walking shoes last between 300 to 500 miles (around 480–800 km) of use. For most people, this equals about 6–12 months depending on how often you walk.

If you walk daily (3–5 miles a day): Expect your shoes to last 3–6 months.
If you walk casually (a few times a week): They can last 6–12 months or longer.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Walking Shoes:

  • Worn-out tread (less grip on the bottom).
  • Midsole feels flat, stiff, or less cushioned.
  • Uneven wear patterns on the sole.
  • Foot pain, knee pain, or discomfort while walking.
  • The shoe feels “loose” or doesn’t support your foot properly anymore.

Tip: Rotate between two pairs of walking shoes if you walk daily. It helps them last longer and keeps cushioning fresh.

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