ASICS Super Blast vs ASICS Nova Blast 4: Two Trainers, Two Very Different Missions

Introduction

ASICS currently offers two trainers that look similar on paper but behave very differently on the road. The Super Blast is a daily training shoe that leans toward faster and longer efforts, stacking race-day foam on top of daily-trainer foam. The Nova Blast 4, meanwhile, is the most well-rounded version yet of a line that has steadily matured over four generations.

This comparison looks at how the two differ in fit, ride, and overall value, and which shoe makes more sense for your rotation.

ASICS Super Blast: The Performance Trainer With Two Foams

The Super Blast costs $200 and weighs 248g for men in a size 8, with an 8mm heel-to-toe drop. Its midsole combines FF Blast Turbo, the speed-focused foam ASICS uses in its performance racing models, with FF Blast Plus, the daily cushioning foam. The idea is simple: keep the cushioned, relaxed feel of a trainer while adding the bounce and responsiveness of a faster shoe.

The shoe also has a thin, asymmetric mesh upper for breathability, a heel stabilizer for a secure ride, AHAR outsole rubber for grip, and a trampoline-inspired outsole design that adds a more responsive bounce at toe-off.

On the run, the Super Blast feels surprisingly firm and structured for such a big, cushioned shoe. It rolls forward with a pronounced rocker shape and holds pace well, making it a strong partner for long runs with tempo sections and even for longer reps on the track. It is light for the amount of foam it carries, and the outsole has held up well over high mileage without notable wear issues.

If your training is built around marathon prep and long, steady efforts with pace work mixed in, this is the shoe that makes those sessions feel smooth and lively.

ASICS Nova Blast 4: The Well-Rounded Daily Trainer

The Nova Blast 4 costs $140 and weighs 256g for men in a size 8, also with an 8mm drop. The big change from the previous version is the updated FF Blast Plus Eco foam, which aims for a softer ride with more energy return when you pick up the pace. The updated geometry pairs a trampoline-inspired midsole with a higher stack of foam, and the shoe sits on a wider, more stable base than earlier versions.

The upper is an engineered woven mesh that feels plush, breathable, and flexible, with a gusseted tongue to prevent slipping. The AHAR outsole covers the shoe generously and is very similar in design to the Super Blast’s, with good grip and durability.

Across four generations, the Nova Blast line has evolved from a bouncy but wobbly first version, to a duller third iteration, to this: the most balanced and responsive Nova Blast yet. It handles easy runs, daily mileage, and even moderate pace work, though it is not as fast or as exciting as the Super Blast. For the price, it covers a lot of bases.

Fit and Sizing Notes

Both shoes run true to a normal running shoe size and are fairly roomy. Some testers found the Super Blast slightly long, so sizing down half a size is worth considering if you prefer a snugger fit. A few people have described the Nova Blast 4 as slightly narrow, but the updated stretchier upper has proven forgiving for runners with wider feet. In both cases, sticking with your usual size is a safe bet.

Head-to-Head: How They Differ

The core difference comes down to foam. The Super Blast’s FF Blast Turbo layer gives it a livelier, more rigid, more propulsive ride than anything in the Nova Blast 4, and it does similar jobs better: it is lighter, more responsive at speed, and more comfortable over long distances. It can even handle 800m track reps despite its size.

The Nova Blast 4, by contrast, is a genuine daily trainer. It is comfortable, reasonably responsive, and pleasant for easy runs, long runs, and effort-based sessions, but it does not have the top-end pop of the Super Blast. On pure performance, the Super Blast is the better shoe.

Buying Advice: Performance or Value?

Here is where the price gap matters. The Super Blast costs significantly more, and that difference is the deciding factor for most runners.

If budget is no concern, the Super Blast is the stronger pick: one shoe that covers speed days, long runs, and easy mileage, potentially reducing how many shoes you need in your rotation. If value matters, the Nova Blast 4 does much of the same work for a lot less money, and if you never ran in the Super Blast, you would likely be perfectly happy with it. A smart alternative is to build a small rotation around the Nova Blast 4 plus a faster tempo shoe, which can cover the same bases at a similar overall cost.

Conclusion

Both shoes are genuinely good, and they serve overlapping purposes. The Super Blast is the more impressive performer, especially for fast long efforts and marathon training, while the Nova Blast 4 is the better value and one of the most complete daily trainers ASICS has made. Choose the Super Blast if you want the best ride and will pay for it; choose the Nova Blast 4 if you want a solid, versatile trainer and a healthy amount of change back.