Asics Novablast 3 First Run Review: A Lighter, Bouncier Daily Trainer

Introduction

The Novablast 3 is a significant update over the Novablast 2, and the change comes down to one thing: the midsole foam. Asics has moved from FF Blast to FF Blast+, a foam that is lighter, bouncier, and generally more impressive. FF Blast was already good, but this upgrade has the potential to elevate the shoe to another level.

The result is a daily trainer that feels more dynamic than its predecessor while also being easier to control. After an easy 10k in the shoe, both testers came away impressed, and the early verdict is a very positive one.

First Impressions and Fit

Fit is genuinely good. In a UK size 9, one tester found the fit spot on, with nice space up front in the toe box, a good hold in the midfoot, and comfortable padding around the heel. The top of the upper feels more snug than the previous version, but the laces caused no horrible pressure on the top of the foot.

The tongue has been thinned out to reduce weight, yet it did not budge during the run. A second tester, also in a normal size, reported plenty of room in a fairly long toe box and the potential to go half a size down, but was very happy in the usual size with no slippage in the heel or midfoot. Overall, the shoe reads as true to size.

Weight, Stack Height and Value

The weight savings are real. The Novablast 3 weighs 250 grams, or 257 grams in a UK size 9, which is just under 8 ounces. The Novablast 2 came in at 289 grams in the same size, so the new shoe is noticeably lighter.

You get a 31 millimeter stack height at the heel dropping to 21 millimeters at the forefoot, for a 10 millimeter drop. Note that Asics does not include the insole in its stack measurements, so with another brand this shoe would probably sit in the upper 30s. The big foam stack is visible at a glance, and there is extra foam underfoot compared with the previous model, which adds a softer feeling while keeping the bounce.

At £135 in the UK and $140 in the US, it is not cheap, but it is solid value within Asics’s range and beyond.

The upper is a lightweight mesh with generous padding around the heel, which is surprising given how light the shoe is. The outsole is fairly sparing with its rubber, using a thin foam layer to keep weight down, but Asics AHAR rubber covers the key impact areas. To address stability concerns that come with a big foam stack, there are plastic bits at the back of the shoe to lock the heel in, plus sidewalls on the midsole that your foot sits within for added control.

How It Feels on the Run

On an easy 10k, the shoe delivered exactly what was hoped for. It feels bouncy, lighter, more dynamic and more energetic than the Novablast 2. The older shoe could sometimes feel sappy, with that big soft foam giving less back, but the FF Blast+ midsole returns more energy with every stride.

The second tester’s experience was equally strong. Where the Novablast 2 felt excitable and a bit too wild, not stable or balanced enough, the Novablast 3 keeps the bounce but feels more controlled. It was described as one of the best first runs in a new shoe in a while: smooth, comfortable, and easy to coast along in.

Even on tired legs the run felt good, and there were moments where the tester was itching to pick up the pace just to feel the bounce in the midsole. It ticked the box for easy base runs, and it looks like a versatile shoe that should handle faster work and longer distances as well. As a daily trainer, it has all the hallmarks of a real upgrade: you can run quick in it or log a lot of distance, and it should hold up either way.

Things to Consider Before Buying

There is one caveat worth watching. After heavy overnight rain, both testers found the grip less than fantastic on slick pavements and slightly slippery park paths. Neither noticed this as a problem with Asics shoes before, and on dry roads the outsole felt absolutely fine, so it is something to keep an eye on in wetter conditions rather than a dealbreaker.

Otherwise, the trade-offs are minor. The thin tongue is a weight-saving choice that worked fine in practice, and the exposed foam on the outsole is a deliberate design decision to keep the shoe light.

Buying Advice

If you want a well-cushioned daily trainer that stays comfortable over lots of mileage while keeping an energetic, peppy ride, the Novablast 3 should be near the top of your list. It is not the most expensive shoe in the world, and while not cheap, it should represent pretty good value.

The daily trainer market is competitive right now, but the Novablast 3 looks set to stand up against the best options in the category. A full comparison with shoes like the Endorphin Speed, Hoka Mach 5 and Puma Velocity Nitro 2 will show exactly where it lands, but based on first impressions, the hype around this shoe seems justified.

Conclusion

The Asics Novablast 3 takes everything good about its predecessor and makes it better: lighter, bouncier, higher stacked, and noticeably more controlled. The grip on wet surfaces is the only early question mark, but for easy base runs, faster sessions and everything between, this looks like one of the most exciting daily trainers released this year.