Dynablast 4

This is my first impression after unboxing and a 10 km run. I chose it because it has sold for about ₹5,000 on the ASICS website for a long time and uses FF Blast, the foam ASICS used in its premium shoes up to the Novablast 2. On step-in it is softer than I expected, with manageable bounce, not like the Novablast 3. I ran paces from 4:30/km to 9:00 or even 10:00/km and got the same softness, bounce and a stable ride throughout. Having done 100 km in the Novablast 5, I would say the Dynablast 4 gives 60 to 80 percent of that feel, which is exactly what the Dynablast line is for. ASICS lists 34 mm at the heel, 26 mm at the forefoot and an 8 mm drop, but it felt like a 5 to 6 mm drop to me. The knitted mesh upper had no breathability problems over 10 km. The tongue is gusseted but very thin. I expected lace pressure, but there was none, and the tongue did not slip. The heel padding is thick, the heel counter is stiff, and I had no Achilles issues, heel slip or wobble. My US 9 weighs 260 g. Traction was fine on the track, road and marble. The outsole is ASICS high-abrasion rubber, about 5 mm thick against the usual 3 to 4 mm, so I expect high durability. I have not tested it in the wet yet. The one issue is the low-feeling drop. If you are a beginner who heel strikes and your calves and ankles are not strong, it pushes you onto the forefoot and midfoot, and your calves can fatigue. Otherwise it is lightweight, picks up pace easily, works for slow and fast running, and suits both heavy and light runners. At ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 it is amazing value.