Patient Presentation

Whilst we cannot categorically determine the ideal shoe for a runner based on a few clinical tests in isolation, I think some of these findings may point you towards this being a shoe worth considering:

• Runners with a heavy strike who may be noisy when assessed on a treadmill, and most likely exhibit a large degree of ankle dorsiflexion at strike.
• Runners who are new to the off-road environment and typically running on well-groomed, non-technical terrain OR regular trail runners, looking for a softer option to mix up the impact on their legs
• Anyone who enjoys running in the NOVABLAST™ road shoe.

NOVABLAST™ 4 TR is a neutral trail shoe with a level of cushioning which far exceeds what is typically found in trail options. This model is versatile and suitable for a broad range of runners. The ASICS NOVABLAST™ 4 TR introduces trail-specific enhancements to its the NOVABLAST™ 4. While both boast dynamic cushioning for energy return and biomechanical efficiency, the TR variant distinguishes itself with rugged materials and aggressive lug patterns tailored for off-road running. This modification ensures superior traction on diverse terrain, which is likely to enhance stability may improve proprioceptive feedback.

Key Features

• Upper: Lightweight jacquard woven upper material offering improved breathability and a lightweight, fast feel.
• Midsole: Flytefoam Blast Plus Eco midsole foam that helps keep the shoe lightweight, creating a more energised rebound. Updated midsole geometry and enhanced toe spring, wider basenet for improved stability.
• General: Womens, 225g. Mens 245g. 8mm offset.

Clinical Relevance

The shoe's midsole geometry promotes efficient gait mechanics, enhancing stability and aiming to reduce the risk of overuse injuries. There is compelling evidence to suggest that running in softer shoes is protective of injuries for runners, particularly those pathologies that relate to impact. Whilst this evidence is typically referring to road running it could be expected that this phenomenon is true on trail/mixed terrain runs as well, particularly those where the surfaces are firm and include sections on the road. The softness of this shoe is novel within the trail running market.

Beyond the direct relationship of softness leading altered loading characteristics, we must also consider comfort of the runner. Research has linked comfort to both injury prevention and running economy. Although comfort is unique to the individual and can be hard to predict, cushioning, upper width/fit and forefoot stiffness are thought to have an impact. With these in mind, NOVABLAST™ 4 TR  may be more comfortable than other ‘technical trail’ options, particularly for longer runs and those which include sections on firm surfaces.

Clinically, I recommend this shoe to runners who:

• Present with loading related injuries (for example metatarsalgia, shin pain or anterior knee pain).
• Are looking for a shoe to do a bit of everything, road and trail.
• Have a stable ankle and reasonable balance.

"NOVABLAST™ 4 TR may be more comfortable than other ‘technical trail’ options, particularly for longer runs and those which include sections on firm surfaces."