ASICS Novablast vs. Superblast

The ASICS' Novablast and the Superblast Phenomenon

Here at Frontrunners Victoria, we've witnessed it firsthand: the undeniable craze behind the ASICS Novablast and the ASICS Superblast. Walk into our store, and you'll quickly see runners' eyes light up when they try on these shoes. But then comes the inevitable question: "What's the difference between these two?" It’s a natural query, given their similar names and reputations for an incredibly lively ride.

What's even more interesting, and something we see day in and day out, is that after a runner explores one of these "Blast" models, they often end up coming back for the other. Why? Because ultimately, these shoes aren't competitors; they're partners, perfectly designed to be rotated for different reasons and different runs.

So, let's explore the world of ASICS' most popular bouncy shoes. We'll explore the distinct characteristics of the Novablast and the Superblast, discuss the unique benefits each offers, and ultimately show you why having both in your running shoe arsenal might just be the secret to happier, more efficient miles.

The ASICS Novablast: Your Everyday Energizer with a Smile

Think of the Novablast as your go-to shoe for those runs where you just want to feel good. It's the shoe that puts a spring in your step and makes even the most mundane daily mileage feel fun and effortless.

Under the Hood (and Foot):

• Midsole Magic: The Novablast shines with its generous stack of FF BLAST™ MAX foam. This is ASICS' softer, bouncier compound, and you'll feel it immediately. It's designed to give you that delightful, trampoline-like bounce with every stride. It truly feels like it's absorbing impact and giving energy right back to you.

• The Ride: This shoe isn't about being overtly fast; it's about comfort and a protective, lively feel. It encourages a smooth, rolling transition, making longer, easier runs incredibly enjoyable and reducing fatigue.

• Stack Height & Weight: While still a max-cushioned shoe, its stack is slightly lower than the Superblast (e.g., around 41.5mm in the heel for the Novablast 5). It remains relatively lightweight for the amount of cushioning it offers.

• Comfortable Fit: The upper is typically breathable and accommodating, wrapping your foot comfortably for those consistent daily miles.

When to Reach for Your Novablast:

• Daily Training: Your bread-and-butter miles.

• Easy & Recovery Runs: When your legs need a break, but you still want some bounce.

• Long Runs: For sustained comfort and protection over many kilometers.

• Beginners: A fantastic entry point into the world of maximal cushioning.

The ASICS Superblast: The "Super Trainer" That Does It All

Now, if the Novablast is your everyday smile-maker, the Superblast is the one you pull out when you mean business – but still want comfort and protection. It's aptly named a "super trainer" because it bridges the gap between your daily shoes and those dedicated race-day rockets.

What Makes it Super?

• Dual-Foam Powerhouse: This is where the Superblast truly differentiates itself. It combines FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO (for soft cushioning) with a generous layer of FF TURBO™ PLUS foam. That FF TURBO™ PLUS is key – it's the same lightweight, highly energetic foam found in ASICS' elite METASPEED racing shoes!

• The Ride: The result is a ride that's firmer and noticeably snappier than the Novablast. You still get immense cushioning, but it feels more propulsive, more immediate. It makes you want to pick up the pace, offering an efficient and dynamic feel at everything from steady efforts to true tempo runs.

• Unbelievable Stack & Weight: The Superblast boasts an even higher stack height (e.g., a massive 45mm in the heel for the Superblast 2). Yet, thanks to that incredible FF TURBO™ foam, it manages to remain surprisingly light for its size. It's a testament to modern foam technology!

• Locked-Down Feel: The upper is often designed for a more secure, performance-oriented fit, ensuring good lockdown when you're pushing the pace.

When the Superblast Shines:

• Versatile Training: Capable of handling almost any run in your schedule.

• Long Runs with Purpose: When you need maximum protection but also want to maintain a good pace.

• Tempo Runs & Fartleks: Its responsive nature helps you hit and hold those faster efforts.

• Marathon Training: A fantastic workhorse for high mileage and varied workouts.

• Non-Plated Racing: For those who want a performance edge without a carbon plate.

ASICS Novablast vs. Superblast: The Quick Comparison

To make it easy, here's a side-by-side look:

Feature	ASICS Novablast	ASICS Superblast
Primary Use	Daily Trainer, Easy/Recovery Runs, Long Runs	Versatile "Super Trainer," Long Runs, Tempo Runs
Midsole Foam	FF BLAST™ MAX	FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO + FF TURBO™ PLUS
Ride Feel	Softer, Bouncier, Plush, "Trampoline-like"	Firmer, Snappier, Responsive, Propulsive, More "Pop"
Stack Height	High (e.g., ~41.5mm heel on Novablast 5)	Higher (e.g., ~45mm heel on Superblast 2)
Weight	Relatively light for max cushion	Exceptionally light for its stack height
Versatility	Great for daily, can handle some uptempo	Outstanding, handles nearly all paces and distances
Price Point	Mid-range (more accessible)	Premium (reflects advanced tech)
Stability	Good for neutral runners; can feel less stable at high speeds due to softness	Surprisingly stable for its height due to foam firmness and wider base; more confidence at pace

Why ASICS Novablast and Superblast Are Illegal in Ironman Triathlons (and Other Elite Races)

This is where things get really interesting, especially for those looking to compete at the highest levels! You might be surprised to learn that while these shoes are amazing for training and everyday running, the ASICS Novablast and especially the Superblast are not compliant with World Athletics (WA) rules for elite competition, including major marathons and Ironman Triathlons.

The reason? Stack Height.

World Athletics has a rule limiting the thickness of a shoe's midsole for track and road races to 40mm.

• The ASICS Novablast, in its latest iterations (like the Novablast 5), typically clocks in around 41.5mm in the heel.

• The ASICS Superblast is even more extreme, often reaching an astounding 45mm in the heel (for the Superblast 2).

This means they provide more cushioning and potentially more energy return than the rules allow, giving an unfair advantage in sanctioned races. So, while they're fantastic training tools that can help you feel fresh and perform well in non-sanctioned events or your own personal bests, don't expect to see them on the feet of pros crossing the finish line at Kona! This rule primarily impacts elite athletes; for most recreational runners, it's irrelevant, but it's a fascinating insight into the cutting edge of running shoe technology.

What Is Flyte Foam

Why Runners End Up with Both: The Ultimate Rotation Strategy

This is the beautiful synergy we see so often here at Frontrunners Victoria. Instead of choosing between the Novablast and the Superblast, many runners find that these two shoes perfectly complement each other, forming a powerful duo in their running shoe rotation.

• The Novablast for "Leg-Saving" Days: On your easy days, recovery runs, or just when you want to enjoy the scenery, the Novablast is your best friend. Its plush, forgiving cushioning absorbs impact, making your legs feel fresher and less fatigued, preparing you for harder efforts later in the week. It's like a soft hug for your feet after a tough workout.

• The Superblast for "Performance" Days: When it's time to pick up the pace – whether it's a tempo run, intervals, or a long run where you're pushing for consistency – the Superblast steps in. Its firmer, more responsive ride gives you that extra pop and efficiency, helping you hit your targets without feeling over-cushioned or sluggish. It truly feels like it's helping you roll through your stride with less effort.

• Extended Shoe Life: An added bonus? Rotating your shoes allows the foams to decompress and recover between runs, extending the lifespan of both pairs. It's a win-win!

  
  

Finding Your Perfect ASICS 'Blast' Duo

The ASICS Novablast and Superblast are both incredible shoes, each a masterpiece of cushioning and responsiveness. The Novablast brings the joy and comfort to your everyday miles, while the Superblast offers unparalleled versatility and performance for those faster, more demanding efforts.

Ultimately, the "difference" isn't about one being "better" than the other, but about what they excel at. And as we've seen countless times right here at Frontrunners Victoria, the true magic often happens when you embrace the strengths of both, creating a dynamic duo that covers all your running needs.

Ready to feel the "Blast" difference for yourself? Come visit us at Frontrunners Victoria! Our team would love to help you try on these incredible shoes and find the perfect fit for your running journey.