Asics Novablast 4 vs New Balance Rebel v4: Two Daily Trainers, Two Very Different Personalities

Introduction

The Asics Novablast 4 and the New Balance Rebel v4 are both versatile daily training shoes, but they are built with slightly different priorities in mind. The Rebel is pitched a bit more as a speed-focused shoe, while the Novablast sits close to max-cushion territory while staying surprisingly light. Both are genuinely enjoyable to run in, and this comparison breaks down where each one shines and which type of runner each suits best.

Specs and First Impressions

On paper, the differences start with weight and stack. The Rebel v4 is the lighter shoe at around 219g (7.7oz) in a UK 9.5, while the Novablast 4 tested here, in a UK 9, weighs about 270g (9.5oz). The Rebel runs a 6mm drop against the Novablast’s 8mm, and the Rebel is the lower-stack shoe: 30mm at the heel and 24mm at the forefoot, versus 41.5mm and 33.5mm on the Novablast.

The Novablast 4 features a woven mesh upper with generous padding around the heel, an internal heel counter for structure, and an FF Blast Plus Eco foam midsole with sidewalls that add stability to that very high stack. A hard-wearing AHAR rubber outsole covers the key impact areas for durability and grip. The Rebel v4 instead focuses on lightness: a thin mesh upper with a notably wide forefoot, a new version of FuelCell foam blending PEBA and EVA that is wider and higher than past Rebel midsoles, and solid rubber coverage up front with a couple of strips at the back and some exposed foam in the middle.

Fit and Sizing

Fit opinions across multiple testers were broadly consistent: the Novablast 4 fits true to size and is the more comfortable, hugging option, with more padding in the upper and around the heel collar. The Rebel v4 is a much thinner, lighter-feeling shoe, and the strongest recommendation was to consider going half a size up, since the shoe can run a touch short and snug, especially in the toe box. One tester with narrow feet found the Rebel’s wide upper roomy around the forefoot, so if you have a narrow foot it is worth trying before committing.

lockdown, tongue and lacing were reported as very similar on both shoes, with no heel rub or lockdown issues on either. If you want a snug, cushioned upper, the Novablast 4 wins; if you want a light, airy fit, the Rebel v4 delivers.

Ride Feel: Bounce Versus Versatility

The Rebel v4 feels very light on foot with a lovely turnover. It is a subtle shoe rather than a bouncy one, easy to pick up the pace in, and yet comfortable enough for slower efforts and longer runs thanks to the wider, more supportive base of this fourth version. It feels higher-stack than its numbers suggest, and there is no plate, just a natural, nimble feel that makes faster tempo work effortless.

The Novablast 4 is a bigger, more substantial shoe with a more pronounced rocker and a slightly firmer, smoother ride than past Novablasts. The bounce has been toned down, and the result is a shoe that works beautifully for easy and long runs while still having enough energy return to pick up the pace. It is not as fast as a dedicated speed day shoe, and it skews toward slower efforts, but it is far more versatile than the Novablast 3.

Outsole and Durability

Grip is solid on both shoes, with the Rebel v4 edging ahead slightly thanks to a tackier, stickier rubber that held up confidently in heavy rain on uneven ground. The Novablast 4 has had no grip complaints at all, an improvement over earlier versions.

From a durability standpoint, the Novablast 4 carries more rubber overall and should offer more life, while the Rebel’s rubber coverage is more strategic, with some exposed foam in the midfoot. Neither shows worrying wear, but if longevity is your priority, the Asics has the edge.

Which One Should You Buy?

Both are excellent daily trainers, and you could almost pair them in a rotation. The Novablast 4 is the more accommodating, versatile shoe, comfortable at a wide range of paces, protective enough that you could comfortably run a marathon in it, and better built for pure cushioning and easy miles. Heavier runners or those with a more impactful, loping stride may unlock more bounce from its big stack of foam.

The Rebel v4 is the lighter, nimbler shoe with more of a fast edge. It is the better pick for tempo runs, intervals, and even marathon racing if you prefer an un-plated shoe. It has been taken comfortably up to 150 miles with no complaints, and the wider base of the v4 fixes the thin-underfoot feeling of past Rebels on long runs.

If you want a faster daily trainer, go Rebel v4. If you want a shoe that can do everything, lets you ease off comfortably, and gives you a bit more durability, the Novablast 4 is the safer all-round choice.

Conclusion

There is real overlap between these two shoes, but they skew toward different ends of the daily-trainer spectrum. The Asics Novablast 4 is a comfortable, high-cushion all-rounder that most runners would be happy to use for everything. The New Balance Rebel v4 is the more versatile, more enjoyable shoe across a range of runs for lighter, speed-oriented runners, and the stronger pick for faster sessions. You cannot really go wrong with either; it comes down to whether you prize cushioned versatility or lightweight speed.