The Asics Novablast 2 Is A Well
The ASICS Novablast 2 is a smooth and responsive neutral running shoe made to help runners hit their training goals. With a soft and lightweight foam along with a more stable and balanced ride, the ASICS Novablast 2 will have all the tools to be an energetic daily training option for any runner.
What You’ll Love
- More balanced and stable ride
The ASICS Novablast 2 gets some well-designed updates making it a great daily training option. ASICS has fine-tuned their innovative FlyteFoam Blast foam which delivers an even softer and more energetic underfoot feel. Also, the addition of a slightly wider midsole, a more stable heel, and a lower heel-to-toe ratio takes the Novablast to a new level and helps to deliver a smoother and more balanced ride. This shoe is finished off with an updated double jacquard mesh with a gusseted tongue and a durable AHARPLUS outsole which creates a better fit with strong durability. Overall, the ASICS Novablast 2 will be a fun daily option that has some much-appreciated updates that cater to every runner.
What’s New
- Heel stabilisation for a smoother ride
- Softer and bouncier FlyteFoam Blast foam
Model Number: 1012B152-960
All-Around
All-around running shoes offer comfort and cushioning for daily runs, jogs, walks, and long mileage. They offer enough versatility for both faster and slower runs and are a great option for those who want one running shoe to do it all.
Uptempo RunsCushioned ComfortRacingGym WorkoutsCasual WearWalkingHikingRoadLow
Men’s Running Shoes By Surface
Road Shoes
Road running shoes feature smooth outsoles that are designed for running on paved surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, and bike paths.
Smooth Trails & Fireroads
Designed to run on a combination of both trails and roads, these shoes prioritize comfort and a smooth ride. These shoes are great for anything from smooth singletrack, park trails, and fireroads making them ideal for those who run from their doorstep on streets before hitting the trail.
Rocky & Technical Trails
These shoes are best used for hard, rugged trails such as shale, granite or sandstone where grip on smooth surfaces and underfoot protection are important.
Soft & Muddy Trails
Designed for use in muddy, soggy conditions, these shoes feature very aggressive outsoles that dig deep into soft ground for exceptional traction.
Snowy & Icy Trails
These shoes feature technical outsoles designed to grip snowy and icy trails making them ideal for winter trail running.
Still Springy More Supportive
For the sequel, Asics reigned in that reckless ride with a more supportive midsole. Designers carved out some foam from the lateral sidewalls, and added more foam to the medial side to help keep the shoe from collapsing inward as you roll through your stride. The shoes platform is now wider, the drop is lower , and more stabilizing TPU overlays bolster the heel. The midsole foam itself has the same chemistry, so the ride feels just as springy and energetic, but is more controlled underfoot. Testers noticed the difference. Whereas the first version was squirrelly on steeply-graded roads and uneven sidewalks, testers in the 2 felt well-supported and securely locked onto the plush cushioning.
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Asics Novablast 2 Upper Unit
Asics Novablast 2 Right Lateral Side+Toe
The double-layer jacquard mesh upper feels a lot more premium than the rough, scratchy mesh of the first version.
It feels a little thicker and less breathable but thats a small price to pay for a softer, more comfortable upper experience.
The tongue of the Novablast 2 is gusseted which ASICS only reserves for its top of the range trainers like the Nimbus and the Kayano which tells us how highly ASICS thinks of the Novablast.
The heel grip is excellent. The heel cup is more sturdy than in the previous version and there are now external heel TPU overlays which also improve stability by supporting the heel.
Asics Novablast 2 Heel
The heel tab and collar of the Novablast 2 are plusher and filled with more foam which pushes your foot further forward in the shoe and creates less space in the forefoot.
It however still has too much room in the forefoot to warrant going true to size and you have to go a half size down to achieve the optimal ride.
The laces are now softer and flatter compared to the rough laces of the Novablast 1 which were also of sub par quality.
The Platinum colourway has a heel pull tab which the Celebration of Sport colourway doesnt have and there are also a lot more reflective elements like the ASICS logo, the TPU heel overlays and the tongue logo on the Platinum version.
Asics Novablast 2 Intro
I dont think anyone could have predicted how successful the was going to be, not even die hard MAGA fans.
The concept of the Novablast was a lightweight trainer with a new, unique ride that felt different from other ASICS running shoes.
The Novablast targeted the faster, younger generation of runners who have never picked up an ASICS classic like the Nimbus, Kayano or Cumulus.
The Novablast was designed to be unrestrained, light, bouncy and fast. And thats exactly what runners thought of the Novablast.
I thought the Novablast was a breath of fresh air and I liked the fact that there was no gel and no Flytefoam or Flytefoam Propel in the midsole. I used it for many easy and steady, short to middle distance runs.
The Novablast is now one of the most popular ASICS shoes on the road. When I go for runs, I see as many Novablasts as Kayanos, Cumulus and Nimbus which is impressive since it was only launched last year.
Even Elite marathon runners like Sara Hall use the Novablast for easy runs. She calls it a game-changer because of how they dont beat up her legs during high mileage weeks as other trainers do.
The Novablast wasnt perfect though. Many runners found it to be unstable and its upper didnt feel like a $130 running shoe upper: the mesh had a cheap, scratchy feel, there was tongue slide and it fit a half size too big.
In other words, ASICS had to design the Novablast 2 completely blind but that didnt stop them from making wholesale changes.
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Asics Novablast 2 Review
- More cushioned forefoot than v1
- More stable heel than v1
- Premium-feeling upper
- Must size down to hit the cushioning sweet spot
- Heavier than v1
OUR VERDICT
Previous modelIf youve stayed away from ASICS running shoes in the past because youve found them too heavy, slow or bland, you should try the Novablast 2. Although its slightly unstable, Novablast 2 has a ride unlike any other ASICS trainer and can be best described as fun, bouncy and unrestrained.
Asics Novablast 2 Review: Energy Return At A Bargain
The Asics NovaBlast 2 is a pair of running shoes designed to offer you an energetic rebound with good support for your daily runs.
Running shoes in this particular category, such as the adidas Ultraboost and Nikes ZoomX series, tend to have less support and cushion in favour of better energy rebound. So, it will be interesting to see how the NovaBlast 2 fares.
SPECSPRICE: S$199, available in Asics Online StoreMATERIAL: Asics Flytefoam Blast midsole and AHAR Plus outside with double-engineered jacquard mesh upperHEEL DROP: 8mmWEIGHT: 275g
DESIGNThe review unit is part of Asics Celebration of Sport collection that features bright and bold confetti styling.
This particular NovaBlast 2 comes in a colour combination of glacier grey and thunder blue with orange stripes on the midsole and confetti details on the outsole. It looks a tad too bright and cheerful to my liking. But I guess some might prefer it this way.
The NovaBlast 2 looks a bit unconventional for its genre that tends to be much thinner cushion. The cushioning looks really thick but this Flytefoam Blast midsole foam is said to have highly responsive cushioning and bounce for an efficient ride.
In addition, the shoes utilise an AHAR Plus outside that is supposedly to be very durable and 50 per cent more durable than standard Asics high-abrasion rubber. The outsole also features a trampoline-inspired design for a more responsive bounce.
RATINGS
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Even Laces Are Plushy
One other update that I want to mention, ASICS updated the lace from a round lace to a flat lace, which works better.
I know its a small detail, but replacing laces on a brand new shoe is a bummer.
The lace follows suit to the rest of the shoe, its plush, and at 2mm thick, its a pretty thick flat lace, which can make it harder to keep tight, so I recommend still using a double knot.
Whats It Like On The Run
Still, the Novablast is not a stability shoe by any means, and we dont prefer it for night runs on shifting gravel or when hopping curbs in the city. Take the Novablast out for long runs at a steady clip, when you want to simply zone out and set the cruise control. Why? Because the midsole truly does feel trampoline-like. Upon landing, you sink into the foam slightly before reboundinga sensation that reminded one tester of loping across a birthday party bounce house. An isolated pod of rubber beneath the forefoot adds a final unexpected pop on toe-off. Once you hit your stride and lock into a consistent cadence, the shoe feels propulsive and carries you forward smoothly. The drawback is that if you want to speed up, youll notice a bit of a lag when switching gears during speed intervals or minute-on, minute-off fartleks.
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Men’s Shoes By Stability Level
Neutral
Neutral shoes support the foot through a normal range of arch collapse and generally do not have a built-in technology to correct movement.
Minimum Stability
Minimum stability shoes help correct slight pronation during the gait cycle.
Moderate Stability
Moderate stability shoes have design features to stabilize during footstrike and keep the arch from collapsing.
Max Stability
Asicsnovablast 2 Women Running
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MANUFACTURER’S NOTICE
For more information on this product, please visit the ASICS stores or contact ASICS customer service on: +44 1925 5997 84. If you want to test this product, please refer to your closest ASICS store. If you have questions regarding your order with us, please contact Keller Sports customer care.
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Manufacturer’s description
The NOVABLAST 2 shoe is a great way to meet your training goals while moving towards a clear mindset. For the second version of this series, ASICS wanted to create a smoother and more responsive feel underfoot. The heel stabilizer is designed to improve support while producing a smoother stride. By fine-tuning the FF BLAST cushioning, the shoe offers a softer landing and a more energetic rebound. The outsole’s wider basenet create a more balanced landing while propelling your foot forward.
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Asics Novablast 2 Has A Questionable Grip
The outsole on the Novablast 2 is thin at just 2.55mm , and although its a cool tie-dye design, its not overly textured.
I ran after large snowmelt, so trails and roads were wet, and there were times I was untrusting of the outsole.
If the outsole wears down at all, because its so thin, youd have some issue for sure with grip once that softer midsole becomes exposed.
Asics Novablast 2 Hugs Your Feet
What I appreciated most about the fit of the Novablast 2 is the wide toe box that has ample room for my fat feet and a really well-done gusseted tongue. The gussets are made from a buttery soft, stretchy nylon thats non-intrusive and hugs your foot without being constricting.
Shoes in this category are meant for long runs and daily efforts, which means it needs to be comfortable.
The Novablast 2 is no different and nails the comfort aspect. The plush but breathable upper hugs your foot and fits like a glove.
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Write Your Own Review
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Asics Novablast 2 Conclusion
Asics Novablast 2 Heel Pair
The Novablast 2 has a ride unlike any other ASICS model and it belongs to a new generation of running shoes that doesnt fit into any one single category.
Its ride is cushioned enough for long runs, versatile enough for daily training, and light/efficient enough for faster efforts like threshold runs.
The Novablast 2 has fixed most of the flaws that were present in the first version such as a very unstable heel, a cheap-feeling upper and a forefoot that didnt have enough cushioning.
It still however fits a half size too big so you need to size down to get the perfect fit and ride.
I thought that the Novablast 1 was a good shoe but the Novablast 2 is now a great shoe. It feels more consistent, more premium and more polished.
The Novablast 2 will definitely be staying in my rotation for a very long time and as far as versatile trainers go, its right up there with the Hoka Mach 4, New Balance Rebel v2 and the Nike Invincible as one of the best releases of 2021.
We purchased a pair of Asics Novablast 2 from runningwarehouse using our own money. This did not influence the outcome of this review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.
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Asics Novablast 2 Is Too Tall
The heel feels too tall in my opinion, giving this shoe a steeper drop than Id like. ASICS claims this shoes offset is just 8mm , but our lab tests show this to be almost double the stated value at 13.7mm. The average heel drop measured in our lab is 7.6mm.
According to ASICS, they dont include outsole/sockliner in stack measurements, but in our opinion you have to, its still material underfoot, and at 39.3mm in the heel the Novablast 2 is tall.
We havent had such a tall running shoe in our lab ever. The 2nd tallest is Nike Invincible Run and the average heel stack height is 32.3mm.
Thoughts From Our Newest Wear
Holly B. | Tester since: 2021Arch: High | Gait: Neutral | Footstrike: Midfoot
Its been a long time since Ive worn a pair of Asics and the Novablast 2 is a dream for runners wanting a soft, plush ride. I wore it right out of the box for a 10-miler and enjoyed every mile. I found myself reaching for the Novablast for easy recovery runs and two-hour-plus long runs. The foam is springy and responsive, yet durable and hardymeaning, I could reach for this shoe day after day and get the same great ride and cushion. This allowed me to run my longer days feeling less wear and tear on my legs. While the Novablast is a more cushioned shoe than Id typically go for, I LOVED the generously plush and soft cushioning. The foam was responsive enough to provide a bit of feedback when toeing off during faster efforts however, the midsole really shines for slower long-distance jaunts. The only feature I didnt love was the heavier knit upper. Its soft and supple, but the layers of knit really held in the heat during the summer.
Molly S. | Tester since 2021Arch: High | Gait: Underpronator | Footstrike: Heel
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Cool Cushioning With The Asics Novablast
You know that ASICS shoes provide out-of-this-world comfort and cushioning that help power your runs and everyday activities. But when you want to take things to the next level, you need something a little bit cooler like ice cold. Thats where the ASICS novablast running shoes come into play. With the crazy advanced technology that youve come to expect from ASICS, as well as tons of fun colorways, this is a shoe that will have you looking good and feeling cool. Thats the power of ASICS shoes.
Asics Novablast 2 Sole Unit
Asics Novablast 2 Closeup Right Heel
The ride of the Novablast 2 is a big improvement over the previous version. It feels smoother, more stable and more versatile because of the extra forefoot cushioning.
I couldnt do distances over 15 kilometres in the Novablast 1 because I felt like its forefoot was bottoming out but in the Novablast 2 I did 42 kilometres easily.
The Novablast 2 has the deep cushioning of a max-cushioned trainer but with a more nimble feel and more energy return.
The Flytefoam Blast in the Novablast 2 feels worlds apart from the same foam thats featured in the ASICS Magic Speed.
The Novablast 2 midsole feels soft and bouncy whereas the Magic Speed midsole feels firm but responsive.
This is down to the midsole geometry. The Novablast 2 has a thick midsole which allows your foot to sink down into the foam like a piston.
The deep channel underneath the midsole allows the foam to compress downwards and creates the Novablasts signature trampoline effect.
I found to Novablast 2 to be most comfortable at easy or relaxed paces however it shifts gears very easily and picking up the pace requires very little effort. This high level of versatility makes the Novablast 2 a perfect daily trainer.
ASICS made 3 important changes to the midsole of the Novablast 2 to improve stability:
Asics Novablast 2 Heel Sole
There are now raised midfoot sidewalls which act like rails to help keep your foot centred, similar to the Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 and Adrenaline GTS 21.
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