Asics Novablast 3 vs Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2: Which Cushioned Trainer Should You Buy?

Introduction

Max-cushioned trainers are the shoes most of us rack up the bulk of our miles in, and two of the most talked-about options are the Asics Novablast 3 and the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2. On paper they overlap: both are high-stack, comfort-first trainers built for easy miles. In practice they are very different experiences, and picking between them comes down to how soft you want your daily rides to feel.

Here is how they compare on spec, ride, fit, and overall value.

Quick Spec Comparison

The Asics Novablast 3 costs 135 pounds or 150 dollars, weighs 237 grams (8.4 oz) for men in a size 8, and has an 8 mm drop. The Nike Invincible Run Flyknit 2 costs 164 pounds 95 or 180 dollars, weighs 285 grams (10.1 oz) for men in a size 8, and has a 9 mm drop.

That makes the Novablast noticeably lighter and slightly cheaper, while the Invincible goes all-in on a bigger, softer platform.

Asics Novablast 3: The Versatile Cushioned Cruiser

The Novablast 3 is a daily trainer designed to combine plenty of cushioning and comfort with a versatile ride. The latest version adds FF Blast Plus midsole foam to lower the weight and improve responsiveness, along with a thin tongue wing construction for a better fit, a more supportive heel design, a jacquard mesh upper for breathability, and an AHAR outsole for improved durability.

The testers’ verdict was interesting. Out of the box, the shoe feels bouncy and poppy, which explains a lot of the glowing early impressions. But after roughly 20 to 40 km, the midsole deadens somewhat and it settles into a solid, comfortable cruiser. It excels at racking up easy miles, with a high stack comparable to the Invincible and more bounce than most shoes in the category.

The trade-offs: the outsole felt slick on wet pavement during the first few runs before it roughed up, and fast runs are merely okay rather than great. Some runners may also want to size down half a size, though that can feel restrictive for wider feet since the shoe is not the widest to begin with.

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2: Pure Cushioning Enjoyment

The Invincible 2 uses the same incredibly soft ZoomX foam found in the Alphafly and Vaporfly race shoes, but tuned for easy miles and daily sessions rather than racing. The goal is to minimize impact so you can keep going comfortably when your legs get tired. A wide base provides plenty of ground contact for stability, the Flyknit upper offers a soft but secure fit, and a waffle rubber outsole protects the delicate ZoomX midsole while adding grip. New laces also make it easier to tie down than the previous version.

The ride is the standout. The Invincible is about as interesting a cushioned shoe as is on the market right now: high, soft, and genuinely lively, making easy runs something to look forward to. It has also proven surprisingly versatile at times, protecting the legs well even on longer progression runs.

The caveats are real, though. The shoe has little in the way of a rocker and does not move you forward, so it is not a shoe that helps you run faster no matter the effort. When legs are very tired, it is not quite as stable as some runners would like. It is a polarizing shoe: if extreme softness is not your thing, it is probably not for you.

Ride Feel: Bounce, Stack, and Stability

If you classify both as cushioned shoes, the Invincible 2 sits at the far soft end of the spectrum. Some runners sink into that tall ZoomX stack and feel lost in the foam; others get loads of bounce back and never find it sapping. The Novablast 3 is firmer, more responsive, and more applicable to a wider range of runners, even if it no longer feels as exciting as the original version did.

One quirky note: the Novablast is one of those rare shoes that runs a bit heavier than it is, feeling slightly bigger on the foot than expected when picking up the pace. If outright speed matters in a cushioned shoe, it is still the better pick of the two, but only just.

Fit and Sizing

Both shoes run true to size for the testers, with one caveat. The Novablast 3 runs a little long in the toe box, so there is a bit of extra space. Some runners will want to go down half a size, but because the shoe is not especially wide, doing so can make the fit feel restrictive. The Invincible 2 posed no fit issues at all.

Verdict: Which One Wins

For pure cushioning, the Invincible 2 takes it. It is the more enjoyable shoe for easy runs, daily training, and long runs, and if you know you love softness and bounce, it is a clear pick.

The Novablast 3 is the safer, more universal choice. It does not wow in any single area, but more people are likely to get on with it, and it handles slightly faster running better than the Invincible ever will. It is also the easier shoe to live with in a rotation, since it offers a touch more versatility in a cushioned trainer.

If you are a newer runner looking for protection from the roads and some flexibility, the Novablast 3 is the recommendation. If you want the most enjoyable, cloud-like easy-day shoe and accept its limits, the Invincible 2 is worth every penny.

Conclusion

Both shoes are excellent at what they do, but they are not interchangeable. The Novablast 3 is the versatile cushioned daily trainer that works for more people. The Invincible 2 is the specialist: the softest, bounciest ride in the category, best reserved for easy and long runs where comfort is everything. Choose based on which of those runners you actually are.