
We reviewed the New Balance Rebel v4 last month. If we had to pick another shoe that has challenged the notion of daily trainers, it would be the Asics Novablast. The Novablast is part of the Asics Blast & Beyond line of shoes, which includes the Versa Blast, Dynablast, Novablast, and Super Blast, known for their unique silhouette and sharp-cut edges that make them stand out from regular running shoes. Among them, the Novablast has a cult following because of its high stack and bounce that uses top-of-the-line foam, and yet has a price point comparable to other daily trainers.

The first edition of Novablast  was  launched in 2019, and quickly gained a loyal fan base.  What made that possible was the amazing bounce, added to that are its edgy look and distinct silhouette that made it stood out among the myriad daily trainers.  Ever Since, Asics has been improving it year after year.  I first saw Novablast 4 at the NYC Marathon Expo in Nov 2023, where it was first launched. Finally I got my hands on Novablast 4, thanks to the discounted sale on TataCliq.

What really surprised me when I opened the box is that Novablast 4 is __Made in India__. This is the first time I see a world class shoe manufactured in India. The shoe is manufactured by SSIPL in their Himchal Pradesh facility.  

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    <LightBox src="/images/novablast4_10.jpg" caption="Made in India" alt="" ></LightBox>
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_I have put them to the test over the past 2 weeks and ran over 150 kms and here is my take on this._

<ShoeCard shoeCode="004006004M"></ShoeCard>

## What makes up Novablast 4?

The first thing that catches your attention in Novablast 4 is the mid stack height.  It looks huge, more than any other shoe that I can think of, matches the “super trainers” like Kinvara Pro.  This is due to the 41.5 mm stack height (race illegal as per World Athletics rules) and the raised wall.  With 8mm heel-to-toe offset it is an ideal shoe for midfoot strikers.   

The second standout feature of the Novablast design is the aggressive rocker, both on the front and the back. The extended bevel with a high-cut heel and the diamond-like pattern on the midsole give it a unique character.

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    <LightBox src="/images/novablast4_9.jpg" caption="Quite light for the 41.5mm stack" alt="" ></LightBox>
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At 262g for UK 10, it is quite light for daily trainer. Especially if you consider the stack height, it is super impressive. 

**Midsole**

The midsole uses the FF Blast Plus Eco foam, the same foam used in Asics’ super trainer Super Blast and Magic Speed 3. The foam composition used for Novablast is quite firm.  I think Asics reserved the softer version for the Super Blast. Asics claims this foam is eco friendly and CO2 emissions are 23% less than industry average. 

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    <LightBox src="/images/novablast4_8.jpg" caption="FF Blast Plus Eco is quite firm" alt="" ></LightBox>
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On the HA Durometer, the softness was measured at about 32. This is by no means soft, but in the similar range as classic daily trainers like Pegasus and Boston. 

**Upper**

Woven engineered upper is really well made and seems durable.  One could mistake it for a Knit upper. It doesn't seem very breathable though. Extra perforations have been added for breathability. 

The eyelet design is interesting.  It has 5+1 configuration, with 5 eyelets for regular use, and an extra eyelet for heel lock lacing.  The gusseted tongue is stretchy and nice.

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    <LightBox src="/images/novablast4_7.jpg" caption="High quality upper is durable but not so breathable" alt="" ></LightBox>
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**Heel**

Heel area is very wide and feels very stable.  It has got plenty of padding, and the heel counter is quite supportive. There is a full length pull tab attached to the heel which makes it easy to get in and out of the shoe; very thoughtful design for a daily trainer. The extra bevel and the spring makes it quite nice to ride. 

**Outsole**

The outsole is made from a highly durable AHAR rubber compound. There is plenty of rubber spread through the entire outsole.  The outsole has a huge inset in the middle, which I think contributes to the trampoline effect. This material is known for its exceptional resistance to wear and tear, providing reliable traction and extending the lifespan of the shoe.

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    <LightBox src="/images/novablast4_5.jpg" caption="Plenty of Rubber on the outsole" alt="" ></LightBox>
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## Why did you consider the shoe?

Having missed the first 3 editions, I wanted to try the 4, but the price of ₹15k seemed a bit high for daily trainers. Though most premium daily trainers are priced at that point, I felt it is quite high for a daily trainer. 

A rare discount of 30% brought it down to ₹10k, which convinced me to buy it. It would be an excellent trainer for my marathon training block. 

## Ride Experience

I have already put 140 km on it in a couple of weeks. Extremely good for daily runs - speed is there, so is the bounce. I ran a long 8K tempo at a pace faster than my half marathon pace in it. Quite impressive, though it may not match the performance of super shoes. For threshold runs, it works great, and there is noticeable trampoline effect as you get faster.  However, I would have preferred it to be a bit lighter.

It's also very comfortable for long runs; I ran 30K in it.  It is really a fun shoe.  For speed intervals, I definitely would have preferred a lighter shoe. While it works, I would definitely choose a lighter shoe for that purpose.


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    <LightBox src="/images/novablast4_1.jpg" caption="Rocker is quite aggressive" alt="" ></LightBox>
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**Comfort and Fit**

The Fit is super comfortable.  The shoe hugs your feet nicely and gives the confidence to run confidently despite the high stack.  However, the last is tapered a bit too sharply on the lateral side.  If your foot is wide at the  toes that could be a problem as the little toes can feel a bit cramped.

**Stability **

Excellent stability is provided by the wide midsole. The firmness of the midsole contributes to the shoe's stability, and despite the high stack height, it feels secure and handles uneven surfaces with ease.

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    <LightBox src="/images/novablast4_6.jpg" caption="Wide midsole offers very good stability" alt="" ></LightBox>
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**Road Grip**

The road grip is very good on tarred roads.  The monsoon season is on with plenty of rain.  The shoe could handle the rain quite nicely.  Even on roads with loose sand, and wet patches, the grip has been very good. 

**Aesthetics & Ergonomics**

The design is hip and bold, and I really like it.  If you are used to running in classic designs, this design will probably take some time to like it. The shoe upper is quite easy to clean, especially the Blue Teal colorway that takes very little dirt despite running in rains.

#### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="004006004M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
    "Extremely good for daily runs - speed and bounce",
    "Comfortable for long runs",
    "Stable even on uneven surfaces",
    "Good road grip, even in wet conditions",
    "Hip and bold design",
  ]}
/>
<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "A bit heavy for speed intervals",
    "Might be narrow for people with wide feet (at the toe box)",
    "Pricey without a discount",
  ]}
/>


<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
Asics Novablast 4 is a compelling option for runners seeking a versatile and comfortable daily trainer. Its innovative design, high stack height and energetic bounce, sets it apart from the other daily trainers. While it may not be the lightest option for speed intervals, its stability, road grip, and overall comfort make it a reliable companion for both daily runs and long-distance endeavors. 

If you're in the market for a shoe that combines style and performance, the Novablast 4 is certainly worth considering. Just keep in mind that its unique fit might not be ideal for everyone, especially those with wider feet at the toe box.
</InfoCard>

Asics Novablast 4


The last few years have been exciting for neutral daily trainers, with brands working on continuous innovation in an already competitive space. Saucony has been no different, revamping most of its lineup in late 2023, including the Ride series. The Ride 16 ([review here](https://shoegeeks.in/review/saucony-ride16-006009016/)) was one of my favorites in 2023 and my go-to neutral trainer throughout the last marathon season. The complete overhaul of this series caught my attention, and I quickly grabbed them, though the off-season delayed this review. Spoiler alert: it’s a bit of a hit and miss, especially if you have or had the Ride 16. Let’s dive into the detailed review.

_Disclosure: Saucony India provided this pair of Saucony Ride 17s for review. Please be assured that our review is neutral and unbiased. This is not a sponsored post, and Saucony India has no influence over the content of this review._

<ShoeCard shoeCode="006009017M"></ShoeCard>

##### What makes up Ride 17?

I will not be surprised if you confuse the Ride 17 with the Triumph 20/21—the blue colorway looks strikingly similar. The similarity is not just limited to the look but also extends to the midsole and the upper. The primary excitement that drove me to get these months ago was the integration of the PWRRUN+ midsole, borrowed straight from the Triumph series—hands down, my favorite from Saucony. Unlike the Triumph, which is a maximal shoe, the Ride series is a reliable and durable daily trainer in Saucony’s lineup. This modern-day daily trainer is expected to be an all-rounder, suitable for easy runs, tempo runs, recovery runs, and even race day if it's the only shoe you have.

The Ride 17 has a stack height of 35mm at the heel and 27mm at the forefoot, featuring an 8mm drop, which is the same as the Ride 16. Beyond the stack height, the Ride 17 has undergone a complete revamp, with significant changes to the midsole, upper, and outsole. The Ride 17 also sees an increase in price, now priced at ₹14,990, though it is often available at a discount and was available for ₹11,990 when writing this review. The pricing pushes this trainer further into the premium category.

**_Midsole_**

The heart of the shoe—the midsole—was the sole excitement for me behind the Ride 17, as it features PWRRUN+ foam, an upgrade from the PWRRUN foam. While on paper, the upgrade doesn't look huge, it is a significant leap from incorporating the traditional EVA-based PWRRUN foam to a more resilient TPU-based PWRRUN+ foam. The PWRRUN+ midsole is borrowed from the premium maximal daily trainer, the Triumph, my favorite in Saucony's lineup. The change in foam is primarily to enhance the shoe's softness, energy return, and durability. The softness is evident with the durometer score of 21, similar to the Triumph 20. With a 35mm stack height at the heel, the shoe feels more grounded than the newer Nike Pegasus 41 and the Asics Novablast 4. Additionally, there is an additional insole, likely made of TPU-based foam, offering more softness to the run.

<LightBox src="/images/ride-17_4.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>

**_Upper_**


I really loved the upper in the Ride 16 and rate it as one of the best I have ever experienced in the daily trainer segment. Unfortunately, this changes with the Ride 17. While the newly engineered mesh hugs the foot comfortably and is very accommodating, the Ride 17 lags behind in breathability. The generously large ventilation holes fail to improve air circulation, especially at faster paces. In terms of fit, the shoe runs true to size for my UK 7 and has enough room to accommodate someone with a wide forefoot. The lateral side and the heel counter incorporate reflective elements to enhance visibility when running in the dark.


**_Heel_**

The Ride 17 features a rigid heel counter but isn't as generously padded as the Ride 16. I experienced heel slippage from the first stride, my initial complaint about this shoe, forcing me to stop and switch to heel-lock lacing. However, I didn't have any heel sensitivity issues, a positive, especially for someone with a Haglund's deformity. The heel counter has high sidewalls on both sides, making the ride stable at all paces. There's also a heel bevel, intended to aid gait efficiency, but it wasn't as effective as the implementation in Saucony's Shift 3.

<LightBox src="/images/ride-17_7.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>


**_Outsole_**

The outsole is where the Ride 17 outshines the Ride 16. I had concerns about the outsole in the Ride 16, which I mentioned in my review, and thankfully, Saucony has addressed them. The outsole coverage has been increased, and while it doesn't compare to the Nike Pegasus, this upgrade is certainly welcome. The rubber used is hard and durable, ensuring good friction and longevity.

<LightBox src="/images/ride-17_3.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>


##### WHY DID I CONSIDER TO REVIEW?

I was a big fan of Ride 16, and the rumours of PWRRUN+ foam integration in Ride 17 excited me, especially given its impressive performance in the Triumph 20. Since I also loved the breathability of Ride 16, I wanted one for this summer, although it did not quite live up to the expectations.

##### Ride Experience 

I've run over 120 kilometers in the Ride 17, and my experience has been mixed. My first run was terrible, as I had to stop due to heel slippage. Since then, I've used heel-lock lacing, which immediately solved the issue. I've used the shoe for almost all kinds of runs, except long runs. The maximum distance I've run in them is 10K, with a few speed and tempo runs as well, mainly because I was easing through the off-season. Now that the running season is resuming, I'm still unsure if I'll lace up the Ride 17 for any runs exceeding 10K, as I have better options, including the Ride 16. The shoe required a break-in period and was initially difficult to run in.

While they felt soft when walking, they ran firmer and lacked energy return, even with the PWRRUN+ foam. The Ride 17 only comes alive at higher paces, with some energy return; otherwise, it feels clunky due to the added weight. At 282 grams for a UK size 8, it's almost 20 grams heavier than the Ride 16. On the positive side, the Ride 17 feels very stable and secure, thanks to the midsole's wide and flared-out design.

**Fit and Comfort**

Ride 17 fits true to size, and I have no complaints in that regard. Like the Ride 16, the forefoot is generously spacious, which is great for runners with wide feet. Since I use heel-lock lacing, the fit isn't as snug as the Ride 16 or Pegasus, but that's a personal preference. My main concern is breathability. Coming from the highly breathable Ride 16, I was disappointed. On a hot, humid day, I'd definitely choose the Ride 16 over the Ride 17. To be fair, the breathability isn't terrible; certainly not like the Asics Gel Nimbus; but it doesn't meet my expectations for the Ride series. On the plus side, the Ride 17 performed well on a heavy thunderstorm day, effectively wicking away water. I wasn't a fan of the semi-gusseted asymmetrical tongue, but it wasn't a deal-breaker.

<LightBox src="/images/ride-17_8.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>

**Stability**

Like its predecessor, the Ride 17 is a neutral trainer, but it offers an exceptionally stable ride. The addition of side walls on both the lateral and medial sides, along with a wider midsole, which flares out at the forefoot, contributes significantly to this stability. I’ll put Ride 17 in the neutral stable category, providing the necessary support for mild pronators.

**Road Grip**

The monsoon season has kicked-in for a month now, and I have been reaching for the Ride 17 for all my rainy runs, even during heavy thunderstorms. The shoe offers excellent traction, thanks to the increased rubber coverage. I have not taken them on any trails, and honestly, I would not recommend it. This is where the Ride 17 will fall slightly behind the likes of the Nike Pegasus, but this is not a deal-breaker. Thanks to the increased rubber coverage, the Ride series is more durable than ever. With over 120KMs on them, the rubber has softened only in the medial side of the heel, while they remain intact in forefoot as it was on day one.

##### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="006009017M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
"Stability: The Ride 17 offers exceptional stability, thanks to side walls on both sides of the heel counter and a wider midsole that flares out at the forefoot. It provides necessary support even for mild pronators.",
"Accommodates wide feet: The shoe runs true to size and has a generously spacious forefoot, making it a great option for runners with wide feet.",
"Comfortable: Despite some issues with breathability, the Ride 17 is generally comfortable, with a soft feel when walking and adequate cushioning for most runs.",
"Durable: The outsole has increased rubber coverage compared to the Ride 16, offering good traction and durability. After over 120km of running, the rubber shows minimal wear, primarily on the medial side of the heel."
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "Heavier than the previous version: The Ride 17 weighs 282 grams (UK size 8), making it almost 20 grams heavier than the Ride 16. This added weight is noticeable during runs and contributes to a clunkier feel, especially at slower paces.",
"Lacks breathability: Despite having large ventilation holes, the Ride 17's upper doesn't provide the same level of breathability as its predecessor. This can lead to discomfort during runs in hot and humid conditions.",
"More expensive than the Ride 16: The Ride 17 is priced at ₹14,990, pushing it further into the premium daily trainer category. While discounts are often available, the higher price point might deter some runners, especially considering the mixed performance compared to the Ride 16.",
"Heel slippage: Some users might experience heel slippage, requiring adjustments like heel-lock lacing to ensure a secure fit."
  ]}
/>


<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
The Saucony Ride 17 won't be an easy choice like its predecessor, as the upgrade seems largely hit-and-miss. I'd recommend the Ride 16 over the Ride 17 any day, with the only area where the Ride 17 scores well being durability. Undoubtedly, it's still a reliable trainer with more energy return than its predecessor, but there are better shoes out there, especially if you're a one-shoe person like I was a few years ago. If I could only afford and manage one shoe, I'd be more inclined towards Saucony's Shift 3, which is amazing. It excels in everything and can even be your race-day shoe, including for marathons.

For me, the Ride 17 would be a short-distance, medium-pace companion. I'd pair it with the Triumph series for long runs, the Shift 3 for speed runs, and the Speed 3 for race day. If you're looking for a worthy daily trainer, the New Balance Rebel V4 ([review here](https://shoegeeks.in/review/newbalance-rebelv4-009001004/)) is an excellent choice. It's extremely versatile and lightweight for its category, offering a more responsive and stable ride than the Ride 17. If you have the Ride 16, I'd recommend skipping the Ride 17. If not, this is still a good option.
</InfoCard>

Reviews

Asics Novablast 4

Saucony Ride 17 Review