ASICS Novablast 4 vs ASICS Superblast: Which Max-Cushion Trainer Fits Your Running?

Introduction

The ASICS Novablast 4 and the ASICS Superblast have always been related, but with this generation the gap between them has narrowed dramatically. The Novablast 4 now feels much closer to the Superblast in geometry and transition than the previous Novablast did, and that makes this comparison genuinely interesting rather than a formality.

Both shoes share an 8 mm drop, near-identical weight, similar sole flaring, and a trampoline-style outsole design. The main differences come down to midsole foam and price: the Novablast 4 sells for $140, while the Superblast comes in at $200.

Specs and Stack Heights

The Novablast 4 offers 41.5 mm of stack in the heel and 33.5 mm in the forefoot for men, with an 8 mm drop. The women’s version sits 1 mm lower at 40.5 mm heel and 32.5 mm forefoot. Its midsole uses FF Blast+ Eco, which is now 20% biobased but still delivers that signature bouncy cushioning. Weight comes in at 9.1 oz for men’s size 9 and 7.9 oz for women.

The Superblast steps up to 45.5 mm of heel stack and 37.5 mm in the forefoot, with the same 8 mm drop. The big technical difference sits underfoot: FF Turbo foam makes up the large majority of the midsole, with a layer of FF Blast+ on the underside. That foam combination is what drives the Superblast’s extra liveliness.

Fit and Upper

The overall fit is very similar across the two models, with plush heel collars in both. The Novablast 4 uses a softer mesh that feels a bit more training friendly, and its lockdown is smoother overall.

The Superblast’s synthetic mesh feels a touch more performance oriented, with a slightly tighter lockdown, though you may need to cinch it down a little more to get the same secure feel.

Ride and Geometry

Outsoles are nearly identical, with a little trampoline design in the heel and forefoot. The cutouts are larger on the Novablast 4 than on the Superblast, but the initial landing feels similar, with the Novablast 4 running just slightly softer on first contact.

Forefoot splay, midfoot shape, and heel geometry are all very close, making the two shoes almost mirror images of each other. ASICS added more toe spring to the Novablast 4 than its predecessor, and the heel sole flaring makes it feel noticeably more stable than earlier versions of the shoe.

The Superblast has slightly less toe spring but a bouncier forefoot thanks to FF Turbo. Even with 45 mm of foam, it stays more stable than the numbers suggest. Overall, if you like the Superblast, you will very likely like the Novablast 4. It just feels a bit flatter: still bouncy and lively, but without quite the same pop.

Which One Should You Buy?

For daily miles and simply getting your runs in, the Novablast 4 is a solid choice. It leans toward the daily training side, with a smooth ride, a pleasant rocker, and a nice bounce off the forefoot.

If you want to go a bit faster or prefer extra cushioning underfoot for long runs, the Superblast justifies its higher price with that extra liveliness from FF Turbo. Honestly, the experiences are very similar; the Superblast simply has a bit more energy in every stride.

Conclusion

The Novablast 4 and Superblast are closer than ever, and both are strong additions to a rotation. Pick the Novablast 4 for a dependable, slightly softer daily trainer at $140. Pick the Superblast at $200 if you want a touch more bounce and cushioning for faster days and long runs.