ASICS Megablast vs ASICS Novablast 4
On paper, compared with the ASICS Megablast, the ASICS Novablast 4 is 46 g heavier, 1.9 mm less drop, 2.1 mm less heel stack, ₹15,000 cheaper, Ride −1.
 ASICSMegablast |  ASICSNovablast 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 8.33 | 8.00 |
| Ride | 9.0 | 8.0 |
| Design & Comfort | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Value | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹23,000 | ₹8,000 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Versatile trainer | Versatile trainer |
| Weight | 220 g | 266 g |
| Heel stack | 45.1 mm | 43 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 35.2 mm | 35 mm |
| Drop | 9.9 mm | 8 mm |
| Foam | FF Turbo Squared | FF Blast Plus Eco |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | – | neutral |
| Fit | narrow | wide |
| Sizing | – | – |
| Recommended runner weight | 60 kg up to 110–120 kg; better above 70 kg | Up to about 90 kg |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Long runsTempoRace dayRunners 90 kg+ | Easy runsLong runsTempoBeginners |
| Pros | Explosive, springy FF Turbo Squared ride · Fastest and easiest 10K in months · Light at 220 g for its stack · Soft, breathable, durable woven upper · Gusseted tongue and secure heel · Heel padding works well · ASICSGRIP outsole rated for 1,000 km · One shoe for training, long runs and races | Smooth, stable ride with a moderate bounce · Works from 8:00 to 4:30/km · Perfect heel lockdown and snug midfoot · Wide, stable forefoot (about 120 mm) · Foam should last about 800 km · Strong value even at ₹10,000 |
| Cons | ₹23,000–24,000 price · Narrower than the Superblast 2 and 3 · Not for beginners · Not for sprinting · Overkill for slower runners | Poor breathability, feet got hot after about 18 km · Average traction in the wet · Feels flatter above 7:30/km · Limited availability in India, hard to identify authorised resellers |
| Avoid if | Avoid it if you are a beginner, run slower than about 5:00/km, or cannot comfortably spend ₹24,000. | Avoid it if you want the very bouncy trampoline feel of the Novablast 3 or Novablast 5, or you run long in hot, humid conditions and need a very breathable upper. |
My verdicts
ASICS
Megablast
The Megablast is one of the best running shoes ever, with an explosive, springy FF Turbo Squared ride I have never felt before. It is only worth ₹23,000–24,000 if you run 2:30–5:00/km and can spare the money.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you are a beginner, run slower than about 5:00/km, or cannot comfortably spend ₹24,000.
Read reviewASICS
Novablast 4
After 100 km, the Novablast 4 is one of the best-value lightweight daily trainers, with a smooth, stable, moderately bouncy ride across all my paces. I rate it 7.75 out of 10.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you want the very bouncy trampoline feel of the Novablast 3 or Novablast 5, or you run long in hot, humid conditions and need a very breathable upper.
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