Best all-rounder running shoes: ASICS Novablast 3

TLDR;

✔️Comfortable and good daily trainer

✔️Good right off the box

✔️No break-in required

❌Extended heel (challenging to walk down the stairs)

❓Not as bouncy compared to NB2, but has a firmer cushioning

After a great experience with NB2, it was only natural that I was gonna get NB3, and nowhere else better to get NB3, then at the @asicskr Gangnam store! NB3 was retailing in SG for SGD199 then, and I got it in Seoul for around SGD154 (before tax refund). This time, I got the 2E version (wide fit) and IIRC, I never had a blister.

Experience

Good right off the box with no break-in required. Similar to NB2, NB3’s upper is comfortable and it did not feel hot on my long runs of up to 28KM. I’ve used NB3 for a range of paces (between 5 and 7:15min/km) and NB3 did not feel out of place. The soles are quite durable but there were visible signs of deterioration as I approached 350KM. Under heavy rain, the grip was ok for paces between 6 and 6:30min/km on roads and pavements. Personally NB3 is a good daily trainer, and even on days my legs felt heavy, NB3 is still good for my runs.

There are two clear differences I noticed between NB2 and NB3: (1) NB3 is not as bouncy and the cushioning is slightly firmer, but still quite soft. (2) The rocker at the midsole which was very prominent in NB2, did not feel prominent in NB3. This means NB3 may seem like it has less energy return and it doesn’t propel you forward compared to NB2.

In terms of longevity, 500KM in, I haven’t felt any signs of the cushioning weakening. Contrast this to NB2 where I felt that the cushioning was a tad less responsive at around 475KM. IIRC I was averaging around 69KG while using NB2 but I’m averaging around 72KG while using NB3, so perhaps the firmer cushioning of NB3 may have delayed the deterioration. I should get >600KM out of NB3.

If there is one negative for me about NB3, it is the extended sole. Like NB2, the extended soles mean more attention is required when going down the stairs, as the shoes force you to the edge of each step, and you risk tripping.

NB4?

For sure 🤪 If you’re just starting out and want a cheaper NB option, do give the NB3 a try!

Let me know your experience with NB3 😊

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