Just a note: Sound body sound mind isn't a tag line for this year, it's what ASICS means. ASICS is an anagram for the Latin phrase "Anima sana in corpore sano", which means sound mind sound body.
Nice review and I am looking forward to the release of the Novablast 2. I am on my second pair of the original Novalbasts and have really enjoyed them Just acquired the NB Rebel 2 and took them out for a 7 mile jog today and absolutely love them, super comfortable with excellent cushion and some bounce. I tried the Nike Invincible's and found them to be clumsy and not a lot of fun.
Novablast 2 definitely has my attention. New mesh materials will do wonders for fit it looks like. I had no issue with stability in version 1 as I’m a mid foot striker. However, version 1 ran just a tad big and the upper left a lot to be desired getting a good fit. For some reason, I initially had knee pain from novablast 1. I went with my usual size 10 and there was so much toe space. Perhaps the combination of poor lockdown and larger size didn’t secure my foot strike. I ended up returning the shoe but months down the road came upon another pair and the black and lime green color way and sale price $60 was too hard to pass over. Picked up another pair to give it another shot and I sized down to 9.5 and though just a tad short, the slightly smaller volume work for a better fit. I have to say I enjoyed it more sizing down. Version 2 looks to be a big hit. I know plenty of folks with multiple pairs. Gusseted tongue will be a winner.
I hope that this new model is much better because I bought the Asics Novablast Tokyo five months ago because of the look. After only 250K of light jogging, I found a hole in the upper mesh of one shoe. And, no, it wasn't my nails as I always keep them trimmed. Besides I alternate with my Brooks Adrenaline, that I've been using for two years without problems. This is the first time ever that I have such a bad experience with a running shoe. Also keep in mind that this shoe (at least the model I have) will increase your pronation like no other shoe. I had an extreme pronation problem with my left shoe while walking but not while running. Another big problem is that this shoe makes it very hard to take a turn. On the positive side they are light, bouncy and very soft. Finally, the laces look good but they're short and tend to loosen easily.
I've only run in one pair of asics and that was the Novablast,one of my favorite daily trainers of all time. Hopefully the ride did not change on the Novablast 2. Looking forward to more color releases bc the color that's everyone is reviewing is drab
I keep hearing in first impression of the Novablast 2 that the forefoot is 2mm higher then the og Novablast but looking at older reviews the og Novablast was 22mm in the forefoot and 32mm in the heel where as the Novablast 2 has the same forefoot but 30mm heel.
Excellent review , however i did not see comparison side by side on achilles protector , which has been completely upgraded as well, and looks more rounded with extra cushion
Thank you very much for kind words. The achilles area is more rounded, more padded and not as high. I added an overhead picture and also previously had a heel to heel view. See here in Fit and Upper section: www.roadtrailrun.com/2021/05/asics-novablast-2-multi-tester-review.html
My second pair of Novablast are showing their age now - and smell horrific! I was pretty much decided on a pair of Magic Speed, thinking they'd be Novablast+, but now unsure whether just to wait for the Novablast 2. I don't like having too many pairs of shoes so look for an all-rounder type that I can daily train with, but still use for a race.
Thanks for the review. Problems one NB1: High drop. Awfull thin laces. Slight instability. Positives on NB1: At a faster pace, bouncy and fast, and only slight instability. Perfect and wonderfull toebox, with good hold. Easy to get some fatter laces. Makes the shoe feel so much better. Regarding the new NB2: The lower drop is the best part of it. 10 mm was stupid high. But 8mm is still 2mm to high. The gusseted tounge is a god comfort improvement. Laces still needs to be changed. The improved wrap around the heel, improves stability, together with the lower drop. The marketing-pattern on the outside of the midsole foam, has nothing to do with stability. Sooo... I would really want the NB2 with the fantastic upper from the NB1, the fat (Brooks) laces I put in and a 2mm lower drop... Maybe the NB3 ? Looks like I am going for a couple of Hoka 7 Cliftons - WIDE. They just fullfill more different roles for me, that overlaps the Asics Novablast. And yes, I have run my NovaBlasts so much, that the Orange sole is now totally smooth or worn completly down :-)
Hi Erik, 10mm was too high that's for sure. 8mm better, 6mm not sure as foam is soft but it would drop weight. The midsole pattern is absolutely not marketing. The difference in more gradual compression can be felt in hand and on the run. Glad you liked NB1 upper, quitefew really did but as it seems as you have a wide foot they likely worked well.for you but agree laces on both a bit off. As far as Clifton in wide I can see the advantage for you but for me if Hoka Mach 4 ride but it is narrower than even Clifton 8 regular width
Erik I suggest trying the Hoka Mach 4’s, my experience with the NB1’s was very similar to yours, went back to my Cliftons and Rincons, primarily due to knee pain from switching to NOvaBlasts. Now I’m loving the Mach 4’s super stable super light and versitile(long runs to tempo’s)... got about 165 miles in them after a month.
@@RoadTrailRun - I actually preferred the 10mm drop due to having high arches and stiffer feet and ankles. The Asics website says the shoe is made for people with high arches which makes you more susceptible to foot and lower leg injuries. I find the higher drop takes pressure off my achilles and calves. Asics should just take the flytefoam blast and make a different shoe for people with lower arches (or flat feet) who pronate.
They would but worry narrow platform and soft bouncy foam may not hold up quite as well at your weight but you would have a "blast" running them if you also don't require some stability in a trainer. Improved here but still due to stack and height not ideal for heavier pronators in my view.
@@RoadTrailRun interesting ! Yes, I asked Kofuzi some similar questions and he talked about the embargo. Thanks ! Love your reviews and read your website all the time
Hard to say as I don't know what else you run in but they are fairly close Here is what I wrote in written review: Sam: Rebel v2 is yet more energetic and bouncier than Novablast 2 but not quite as stable at the heel. With v2, the Nova now leans towards daily trainer for me as a result whereas v1 was more like Rebel v2 in being for many a fast fun shoe rather than an every day all runs trainer. Both are loads of fun.
I got a pair of novablasts 2. they are noisy. you will clearly hear your footsteps! even while walking.... daily trainer class BUT fast trainers. NOT for slower runners
Just a note: Sound body sound mind isn't a tag line for this year, it's what ASICS means. ASICS is an anagram for the Latin phrase "Anima sana in corpore sano", which means sound mind sound body.
Sam, I love your “crowdsource” review style. It’s nice to see you incorporate multiple runner’s opinions into your reviews.
Thanks Eric! We're going to try to do more of this approach
Nice review and I am looking forward to the release of the Novablast 2. I am on my second pair of the original Novalbasts and have really enjoyed them Just acquired the NB Rebel 2 and took them out for a 7 mile jog today and absolutely love them, super comfortable with excellent cushion and some bounce. I tried the Nike Invincible's and found them to be clumsy and not a lot of fun.
Novablast 2 definitely has my attention. New mesh materials will do wonders for fit it looks like. I had no issue with stability in version 1 as I’m a mid foot striker. However, version 1 ran just a tad big and the upper left a lot to be desired getting a good fit. For some reason, I initially had knee pain from novablast 1. I went with my usual size 10 and there was so much toe space. Perhaps the combination of poor lockdown and larger size didn’t secure my foot strike. I ended up returning the shoe but months down the road came upon another pair and the black and lime green color way and sale price $60 was too hard to pass over. Picked up another pair to give it another shot and I sized down to 9.5 and though just a tad short, the slightly smaller volume work for a better fit. I have to say I enjoyed it more sizing down. Version 2 looks to be a big hit. I know plenty of folks with multiple pairs. Gusseted tongue will be a winner.
I hope that this new model is much better because I bought the Asics Novablast Tokyo five months ago because of the look. After only 250K of light jogging, I found a hole in the upper mesh of one shoe. And, no, it wasn't my nails as I always keep them trimmed. Besides I alternate with my Brooks Adrenaline, that I've been using for two years without problems. This is the first time ever that I have such a bad experience with a running shoe. Also keep in mind that this shoe (at least the model I have) will increase your pronation like no other shoe. I had an extreme pronation problem with my left shoe while walking but not while running. Another big problem is that this shoe makes it very hard to take a turn. On the positive side they are light, bouncy and very soft. Finally, the laces look good but they're short and tend to loosen easily.
The stability is much improved but it is still a narrow platform. Also a shoe for me best run faster to avoid that issue
Really appreciate the comparison. Very happy to have watched this overview!
Glad ups enjoyed it!
I've only run in one pair of asics and that was the Novablast,one of my favorite daily trainers of all time. Hopefully the ride did not change on the Novablast 2. Looking forward to more color releases bc the color that's everyone is reviewing is drab
Wouldn’t call that color drab at all lol not like it’s just plain gray or something
Lol yeah who comes up with these colors??
Great review! Thanks for the info and comparisons on the Novablast 2!
Thanks!
I keep hearing in first impression of the Novablast 2 that the forefoot is 2mm higher then the og Novablast but looking at older reviews the og Novablast was 22mm in the forefoot and 32mm in the heel where as the Novablast 2 has the same forefoot but 30mm heel.
Runningwarehouse has it as 39/29 🤔
27/37
ASICS does not provide full stack height only midsole stack height so full stack heights have to be estimated. I took approximate measurements.
Thanks for video I’m going to get this pair of shoes.
Excellent review , however i did not see comparison side by side on achilles protector , which has been completely upgraded as well, and looks more rounded with extra cushion
Thank you very much for kind words. The achilles area is more rounded, more padded and not as high. I added an overhead picture and also previously had a heel to heel view. See here in Fit and Upper section: www.roadtrailrun.com/2021/05/asics-novablast-2-multi-tester-review.html
Think I'll grab V1 at a huge discount as I have no stability issues in any shoes. V2 doesn't seem hugely different.
My second pair of Novablast are showing their age now - and smell horrific! I was pretty much decided on a pair of Magic Speed, thinking they'd be Novablast+, but now unsure whether just to wait for the Novablast 2. I don't like having too many pairs of shoes so look for an all-rounder type that I can daily train with, but still use for a race.
Asics are the kings of uppers
Thanks for the review.
Problems one NB1:
High drop.
Awfull thin laces.
Slight instability.
Positives on NB1:
At a faster pace, bouncy and fast, and only slight instability.
Perfect and wonderfull toebox, with good hold.
Easy to get some fatter laces. Makes the shoe feel so much better.
Regarding the new NB2:
The lower drop is the best part of it. 10 mm was stupid high. But 8mm is still 2mm to high.
The gusseted tounge is a god comfort improvement. Laces still needs to be changed.
The improved wrap around the heel, improves stability, together with the lower drop. The marketing-pattern on the outside of the midsole foam, has nothing to do with stability.
Sooo...
I would really want the NB2 with the fantastic upper from the NB1, the fat (Brooks) laces I put in and a 2mm lower drop...
Maybe the NB3 ?
Looks like I am going for a couple of Hoka 7 Cliftons - WIDE.
They just fullfill more different roles for me, that overlaps the Asics Novablast.
And yes, I have run my NovaBlasts so much, that the Orange sole is now totally smooth or worn completly down :-)
Hi Erik,
10mm was too high that's for sure. 8mm better, 6mm not sure as foam is soft but it would drop weight. The midsole pattern is absolutely not marketing. The difference in more gradual compression can be felt in hand and on the run. Glad you liked NB1 upper, quitefew really did but as it seems as you have a wide foot they likely worked well.for you but agree laces on both a bit off. As far as Clifton in wide I can see the advantage for you but for me if Hoka Mach 4 ride but it is narrower than even Clifton 8 regular width
Erik I suggest trying the Hoka Mach 4’s, my experience with the NB1’s was very similar to yours, went back to my Cliftons and Rincons, primarily due to knee pain from switching to NOvaBlasts. Now I’m loving the Mach 4’s super stable super light and versitile(long runs to tempo’s)... got about 165 miles in them after a month.
@@RoadTrailRun - I actually preferred the 10mm drop due to having high arches and stiffer feet and ankles. The Asics website says the shoe is made for people with high arches which makes you more susceptible to foot and lower leg injuries. I find the higher drop takes pressure off my achilles and calves. Asics should just take the flytefoam blast and make a different shoe for people with lower arches (or flat feet) who pronate.
Pretty shoes
Do they fit for heavier runner >90kg?
There is a lot of interest in these shoes. Thanks for the great review as usual!!
They would but worry narrow platform and soft bouncy foam may not hold up quite as well at your weight but you would have a "blast" running them if you also don't require some stability in a trainer. Improved here but still due to stack and height not ideal for heavier pronators in my view.
@@RoadTrailRun thanks a million!!
Almost looks like they glow :p
Any difference in sizing between 1 and 2?
I went half size down for the originals and the fit was perfect.
Much better fitting upper in 2 might allow you to go TTS?
Is this upper similar to the Tri Noosa 13? Because that upper is incredible.
A bit heavier and bit more easy going in fit but a similar mesh. Amazing these 2020 uppers.
@@RoadTrailRun thanks
One of the best looking shoes. Saucony should take some design notes lol ;p
Agree but kind of like Saucony as well!
Do the running shoe reviewers coordinate the drop? Cause didn’t believe in the run, seth james demore, and Kofuzi drop this initial review too?
We do not. The brands and here ASICS have a very specific date and time when reviews can be posted. Before that not allowed
@@RoadTrailRun interesting ! Yes, I asked Kofuzi some similar questions and he talked about the embargo. Thanks ! Love your reviews and read your website all the time
Odd....do not see them for sale.
June 2021
So just to be clear, you would go with the same size as v1?
Yes, unless you sized down to make v1 work upper and all. Truer to size here.
@@RoadTrailRun thanks
Is it redundant to own this and Rebel v2?
Hard to say as I don't know what else you run in but they are fairly close Here is what I wrote in written review: Sam: Rebel v2 is yet more energetic and bouncier than Novablast 2 but not quite as stable at the heel. With v2, the Nova now leans towards daily trainer for me as a result whereas v1 was more like Rebel v2 in being for many a fast fun shoe rather than an every day all runs trainer. Both are loads of fun.
@@RoadTrailRun Thanks for the detailed reply. Love your channel!
@@ardelparis nova is more versatile shoe. Rebel for the fun shorter runs. If only shoe get nova.
@@munkki2700 Thanks!
I got a pair of novablasts 2. they are noisy. you will clearly hear your footsteps! even while walking.... daily trainer class BUT fast trainers. NOT for slower runners
280 grams is too much.
No différences with adidas ? Really ?!....💩🌈