Thanks for the review Ben! I watched the Novablast 3 review, and decided to go for the TR as my road shoes, since it's basically the same besides the additional grip (and weight), which works perfectly in rainy Singapore! Cheers!
Hi there there bro, SGrean here.....i power walk / jog on "outdoor HDB tiles" and so yeah it gets a wee bit slippery sometimes in the morning or evening and you know it's been rainy so #!@# often of late. Absolutely no issue on the NB3 TR even in the tight corners. Not sure about muddy trails tho. Bonus is the additional thickness of the AHAR outsole. Reckon 500km longevity is no issue. No real discernible difference in weight between NB3 and NB3 TR while A-Bing them left/right hand at the store, 2 persons tried and failed to differentiate bt the 2 shoes, the weight difference I read about probably is psychological. No QC issues too. cheers.
Great review Ben. I've had this shoe for about 3 weeks, running just over 80km and I've been so impressed. Agree it's not a trail shoe, more of a hybrid, or just a good winter road shoe. I also did a Parkrun over mixed surfaces a couple of weeks ago and knocked a minute off my best time of the year. I think I'm going to thoroughly enjoy the winter miles in this shoe.
How are you finding the sizing on the TR version? I am normally a UK 13 (or US 14) in everything but the regular one in a 13 was at least 0.5 size too long so I also got the 12 in the regular one same as you here. However I can't wear a 12 in anything else you have featured - well not with any comfort. TBH in the UK I can't see the point of a "trail" shoe for the winter without a weatherised upper unless by some luck it is dry. I took the regular Novablast off road, 100 metres in hit the first puddle and feet soaked. Not going to be any different with this one is it.
I have both and the TR should stand for TRaction, not TRail. I live in bone-dry Southern California but when it does finally rain during the winter months, the TR version will come in handy. The TR is good for road-to-trail (and light ones at that) but there's just no way you want to take a run with it on real trails that are steep and technical. Very good daily trainer but I have the Deviate Nitro 2 arriving soon and am eager to try it and see how it stacks up against the Novablast 3. As of now, the Endorphin Speed 3 is still my most used and more versatile trainer but the Novablast 3 is more fun with its bounciness.
I want to see you review the Asics Superblast. I have a pair on pre-order since the Nova Blast gets such rave reviews and the Supers seem to be an upgrade. I've never run in the Novas but the reviews across the board seem to be stellar.
after a bit of research think im going with these over the cumulus 25. run on road and cement for about 2km to get to the park which is a mixture of cement, dirt, gravel and really light underbush/soft dirt.
Ben, If I was you I would Quickly return the kilian NNormal shoe. That’s for grandpa not for you yet !! … I rather buy the novablast TR than the novablast 3 for my usual road running. Really lack of grip for road running, and we have lots of raining days in Uk.
What do you think is the best shoe for running in snow? Living in Canada I run in snow for about 5 months-have to use studs but is there a shoe that is good enough without wearing studs
Thanks Ben 👍 I treated myself to Nike Alphafly one was so much smaller I couldn't even get it on my foot! And they were both the same size! Terrible quality for £260!!
Just got some saucony ride with weather shield for winter. Got to put my seal skin socks on too. Cold water/weather really hitting my toes . Raynauds season.
Hello there! I have been using the exact shoe in size 9,5/43,5 for 100km of light running and powerwalking (about 9 times in the last 15 days since buying it)…really great shoe…while it lasted. I am returning it because the inner lining of the heelbox of the left shoe has got a 1cm hole in it 😢. Great foam…build quality issues!😢 For a 150€ RRP shoe…you do the math. Have got pictures of the hole, made them for warranty purposes.
Going to a podiatrist to get custom insoles as I have a left foot that hates all shoes (my arch feels uncomfortable) in most shoes. Anyone else ever experienced unhappy arches or ever gone to a podiatrist.
If you bought the shoes direct from ASICS they have an unconditional returns policy for 90 days. If you got them from anywhere else Ben then I'm pretty sure the shop will provide a refund as they will get a refund from ASICS for the quality control issue. It's a genuine fault and even if you should have spotted it most shops would be fine with the return as the shoe would not be fit to sell even if you'd sent it straight back. Without having to resort to citing your consumer rights I'm sure you're a good customer of the supplier so do ask them for a switch. If they don't play ball I'm very sure that ASICS will send you a perfect pair if you contact them and show them your video. 👍
I just received my Novablast 3 TR and immediately did 3 easy miles. Finally!! A shoe that fits me comfortably with a roomy-enough toe box and a snug heel! It feels a little heavy but it provided a decent landing pad and a feeling of security running in the dark on some uneven trails with some misplaced footsteps. The tall stack in the midsole makes it a bit precarious but it’s not too squishy and gives just enough firmness and feedback so it’s not boring. I haven’t tried the regular Novablast so nothing for me to compare with, but I think I’ll be using this shoe a lot.
Hello bud. Great review. Quick question. Im looking at at buying the NB4s and cant decide between the regular or TR version. I like in the UK and my running is 80% road work. As they're really a wet weather road shoe rather than a true TR show, im wondering if i might be better off with the TRs to suit the often wet UK conditions. I can only afford one pair, so has to be one or the other. What are your thoughts?
ASICS are really good for returns. Even if you cleaned the shoes up and told them about the tongue they would replace them. Mine wore away in the heal very quickly (50 miles) and they replaced them as it was a manufacturing fault
Sounds silly. But my novablast3. One of the laces has a weird "fat part" about half way up. Its sort of twice the width for about a centimetre. Not the end of the world. But seems odd that Asics QC would miss this. Hopefully this doesn't become "a thing" with their WC standards slipping
I am very interested in this shoe, but currently run in the Nimbus 23. I have googled "asics tr" and it seems that all Asics "road" models (cumulus, nimbus, gt...) have their TR counterpart. Any idea why there are no news reviews on those shoes? I would like to see a couple of Nimbus 24 TR reviews but there are none.
What a shame AHAR and not Asicsgrip outsole. Asicsgrip imo is far more durable and superior than Vibram Megagrip. Part of having trail shoes is the ability to feel a little of the rocks beneath to react accordingly or they will pose a fall hazard. The only trail shoes that have right amount plush and thickness that enable you to feel the terrain are Hoka Speedgoats.
Hey man, it gave me sheen splints when i tried a fast paced run in them.. Odd thing, when i attempted the same in my Vapourflys, no problem there.. is that the tongue or what ??
Would like to share that the TR version I had totally no issues cornering 90 deg at around 3m radius, perhaps ~10kmh speed. Multiple times, probably more than a hundred (LOL, the usual place i usually run in sucks...can't be helped). Wet outdoor tiles, albeit those ones with friction. Don't do asphalt. Not sure about trails or mud though.
On the left - right shoe discrepancy, I sent back a pair of adidas trail shoes (after wearing them for a long weekend 😀) as the toe box was narrower on the left shoe. Just washed the mud of them and got a full refund!
Just purchased my first pair of Asics Novablast 3 road shoes 2 hours before this video dropped. I cant wait to run in them tomorrow morning here in Cancun, Mexico and see if ALL the HYPE about them is real.
I’ve been leaning toward this one as we have a lot of lighter trails in my area. But now they’ve announced the Nimbus 25 and they also looks similar to the Novablast 3…. Not sure which do go with now
Should be fine Vicky.. so long as it’s not too muddy. If it’s for something like cross country and the usual mud then you’d need much deeper lugs or spikes. All the best!
@@BenParkes thank you. I have my XC spikes, it was just some Parkruns around me have grass sections and tend to avoid these other than when it is really dry.
Your reviews are always awesome Ben! I totally love it. I got my Novablast 3 about three weeks ago and I'm really enjoying it. I like the feeling of ground in this shoe just like a trampoline.I ran a half marathon in it and finished in 1 hour 53 minutes! I already ran 90km in it but I'm really concerned about the grip in the wet days. After watching your review I thought that I should've bought the TR version. Why didn't Asics make a firmer grip in the normal version? And if you have time I would like to see the review of Asics magic speed 2.
Thank you so much for this review! I'm a complete newbie and only just about to finish C25k, but I wanted to treat myself to some really nice shoes as I continue training. I also am planning to do Parkruns, so thought I'd have a look at the TR. The fact you mentioned that specifically these are ideal is music to ears! Thank you! Looking forward to getting them!
100% agree with this, also running int he UK, i haven't got the normal version, but I went for the TR as the weight is nominal difference, and I run on canal tow paths, roads with no footpath so wet / muddy verges creeping into road, and gravel paths in woods / fields etc. I have a couple of 'proper' trail shoes from Inov8 that are a different league of grip! and even my Adidas Terrex had much deeper lugs etc. but as a grippier every day shoe, i went straight out and matched my 5k PB without feeling like I was trying to, then the next day beat my half marathon time by 7 minutes, so confident they are good shoes! I'm pretty interested in some Superblast for my Ironman in July now! but these are great UK all weather shoes, never worried about wet feet personally!
Email them about the quality control, I'm sure they would be able to sort something out. Love the NovaBlast 3 BTW, definitely my goto easy day shoe (when dry). I'm actually finding the grip is getting better with every use. Certainly, on par with the previous versions.
Hi there, yeah it does get better in grip with more use. It's usually rainy here in Singapore and i run on "outdoor tiles". I got the TR version, no issue even in the corners which are usually very tight and doing like 10-11kmh (2-3 m radius doing 90 deg turn) . Problem solved. Not a pro/marathon runner tho, don't do stuff like tempos. Was looking at the Hoka 5 but afraid of the longevity, and so got the TR version of NB3 at usd 120 including shipping.
Sign up free to OneAsics and a perk is 90 day gear trials, which means you can try and then return, even for your money back if they're not quite right.
Unfortunately though.. I can't afford any new shoes due to the war in my country so if, by any chance, you are able to help it would mean the world to me✊
As I'm in Hong Kong, the MSRP for the a6 Novablast 3 tr is about 93.5 pounds, same for the road version, and 20%off at the moment for a special CNY offers, which is 74.7 pounds!! And the Novablast 2, the highly praised allrounder for 2022 is on sales for about 56 pounds...... what a bargain!!! Almost bought both of them, but wife complaints too many trainers(mostly Hokas) in the house, so I picked the N3tr over the N2,cos they feels more stable,steady,and bouncy, with better outsole grips, and somehow less weight on spec. Will be using them on road and light trails. Happy trails
yeah, thank you saying it out loud. Not a trail one. Cannot imagine running downhill with that one. But I like the idea to use it for wet conditions.
So (haha) due to your advice I just bought it as it was on sale for 79€ (😱) and will use it on all the leaves and in wet conditions ❤️
Thanks for the review Ben! I watched the Novablast 3 review, and decided to go for the TR as my road shoes, since it's basically the same besides the additional grip (and weight), which works perfectly in rainy Singapore! Cheers!
Hi there there bro, SGrean here.....i power walk / jog on "outdoor HDB tiles" and so yeah it gets a wee bit slippery sometimes in the morning or evening and you know it's been rainy so #!@# often of late. Absolutely no issue on the NB3 TR even in the tight corners. Not sure about muddy trails tho. Bonus is the additional thickness of the AHAR outsole. Reckon 500km longevity is no issue. No real discernible difference in weight between NB3 and NB3 TR while A-Bing them left/right hand at the store, 2 persons tried and failed to differentiate bt the 2 shoes, the weight difference I read about probably is psychological. No QC issues too. cheers.
Great review Ben. I've had this shoe for about 3 weeks, running just over 80km and I've been so impressed. Agree it's not a trail shoe, more of a hybrid, or just a good winter road shoe. I also did a Parkrun over mixed surfaces a couple of weeks ago and knocked a minute off my best time of the year. I think I'm going to thoroughly enjoy the winter miles in this shoe.
Well done at Parkrun Jamie!!
How are you finding the sizing on the TR version? I am normally a UK 13 (or US 14) in everything but the regular one in a 13 was at least 0.5 size too long so I also got the 12 in the regular one same as you here. However I can't wear a 12 in anything else you have featured - well not with any comfort. TBH in the UK I can't see the point of a "trail" shoe for the winter without a weatherised upper unless by some luck it is dry. I took the regular Novablast off road, 100 metres in hit the first puddle and feet soaked. Not going to be any different with this one is it.
I have both and the TR should stand for TRaction, not TRail. I live in bone-dry Southern California but when it does finally rain during the winter months, the TR version will come in handy. The TR is good for road-to-trail (and light ones at that) but there's just no way you want to take a run with it on real trails that are steep and technical. Very good daily trainer but I have the Deviate Nitro 2 arriving soon and am eager to try it and see how it stacks up against the Novablast 3. As of now, the Endorphin Speed 3 is still my most used and more versatile trainer but the Novablast 3 is more fun with its bounciness.
Hi, totally no issue with traction with the TR version. Tested on wet outdoor tiles here in Singapore. 2-3m 90 deg radius in the corners? 10-11kmh.
I only ever bought one pair of Asics, but when they arrived one shoe had 7 rows of eyelets and the other one had 8.
4:20 I would say Asics should have called this shoe the 'Novablast 3' and left the version with the crappy outsole on the drawing board.
I want to see you review the Asics Superblast. I have a pair on pre-order since the Nova Blast gets such rave reviews and the Supers seem to be an upgrade. I've never run in the Novas but the reviews across the board seem to be stellar.
I’ll get it as soon as I can. No one is selling it in the Uk yet!
My first choices is Novablast 3 TR, however still no on sales yet, I am able to get Nike zoon x invincible 2 during 11:11 sales for USD 80
Great video! I think this is the perfect shoe for the Greek climate (where I live) as we don't have so many rainy days/mud 😊
after a bit of research think im going with these over the cumulus 25. run on road and cement for about 2km to get to the park which is a mixture of cement, dirt, gravel and really light underbush/soft dirt.
Ben, If I was you I would Quickly return the kilian NNormal shoe. That’s for grandpa not for you yet !! … I rather buy the novablast TR than the novablast 3 for my usual road running. Really lack of grip for road running, and we have lots of raining days in Uk.
What do you think is the best shoe for running in snow? Living in Canada I run in snow for about 5 months-have to use studs but is there a shoe that is good enough without wearing studs
Hey Ben, really appreciate the reviews. Have you had a chance to look at the Novablast 4 TR?
Thanks Ben 👍 I treated myself to Nike Alphafly one was so much smaller I couldn't even get it on my foot! And they were both the same size! Terrible quality for £260!!
Hope you got a refund!!
Is this TR a good option for a 50k ultra with 75% light trail / 25% tarmac at the beginning of May (so hopefully not wintery weather)?
Just got some saucony ride with weather shield for winter. Got to put my seal skin socks on too. Cold water/weather really hitting my toes . Raynauds season.
So basically living in the UK I might aswel buy the trail version even though I mainly run on roads seeing as it rains most the time here
Hello there! I have been using the exact shoe in size 9,5/43,5 for 100km of light running and powerwalking (about 9 times in the last 15 days since buying it)…really great shoe…while it lasted. I am returning it because the inner lining of the heelbox of the left shoe has got a 1cm hole in it 😢. Great foam…build quality issues!😢 For a 150€ RRP shoe…you do the math. Have got pictures of the hole, made them for warranty purposes.
Going to a podiatrist to get custom insoles as I have a left foot that hates all shoes (my arch feels uncomfortable) in most shoes. Anyone else ever experienced unhappy arches or ever gone to a podiatrist.
If you bought the shoes direct from ASICS they have an unconditional returns policy for 90 days. If you got them from anywhere else Ben then I'm pretty sure the shop will provide a refund as they will get a refund from ASICS for the quality control issue. It's a genuine fault and even if you should have spotted it most shops would be fine with the return as the shoe would not be fit to sell even if you'd sent it straight back.
Without having to resort to citing your consumer rights I'm sure you're a good customer of the supplier so do ask them for a switch.
If they don't play ball I'm very sure that ASICS will send you a perfect pair if you contact them and show them your video. 👍
This one or the Saucony Ride 17 for light trails that requires more stability?
Cool review!
I just received my Novablast 3 TR and immediately did 3 easy miles. Finally!! A shoe that fits me comfortably with a roomy-enough toe box and a snug heel! It feels a little heavy but it provided a decent landing pad and a feeling of security running in the dark on some uneven trails with some misplaced footsteps. The tall stack in the midsole makes it a bit precarious but it’s not too squishy and gives just enough firmness and feedback so it’s not boring. I haven’t tried the regular Novablast so nothing for me to compare with, but I think I’ll be using this shoe a lot.
What do you think of the shoes now, 4 months later? Just ordered the TRs and cant wait to try them out.
This trail version means it has basically the same amount of outsole tread as a Nike Pegasus
Love mine
I use the velocity nitro 2 in light trails and the nova 3 for long runs really happy that the 3 is lighter did my first long run last week
Hello bud. Great review.
Quick question. Im looking at at buying the NB4s and cant decide between the regular or TR version.
I like in the UK and my running is 80% road work.
As they're really a wet weather road shoe rather than a true TR show, im wondering if i might be better off with the TRs to suit the often wet UK conditions.
I can only afford one pair, so has to be one or the other. What are your thoughts?
Would recommend the TR just for the extra grip. But not sure if this is well suited for very rainy terrains..
HI Ben, thank you for the review. I am curious to hear your review of the Asics Superblast, are you going to review it?
Yes. As soon as it’s available in the Uk I’ll get a pair!
“Winter shoe” 😅
Excellent review and validating that the Novablast 3 slip when running on wet surfaces.
Glad it was helpful!
ASICS are really good for returns. Even if you cleaned the shoes up and told them about the tongue they would replace them. Mine wore away in the heal very quickly (50 miles) and they replaced them as it was a manufacturing fault
Sounds silly. But my novablast3. One of the laces has a weird "fat part" about half way up.
Its sort of twice the width for about a centimetre. Not the end of the world. But seems odd that Asics QC would miss this. Hopefully this doesn't become "a thing" with their WC standards slipping
I am very interested in this shoe, but currently run in the Nimbus 23. I have googled "asics tr" and it seems that all Asics "road" models (cumulus, nimbus, gt...) have their TR counterpart. Any idea why there are no news reviews on those shoes? I would like to see a couple of Nimbus 24 TR reviews but there are none.
What a shame AHAR and not Asicsgrip outsole. Asicsgrip imo is far more durable and superior than Vibram Megagrip. Part of having trail shoes is the ability to feel a little of the rocks beneath to react accordingly or they will pose a fall hazard. The only trail shoes that have right amount plush and thickness that enable you to feel the terrain are Hoka Speedgoats.
Great review!!! Where are the socks from?
Stance
This is just a normal novablast 3 with slightly better outsole grip...not really suitable for trail.
Hey man, it gave me sheen splints when i tried a fast paced run in them..
Odd thing, when i attempted the same in my Vapourflys, no problem there.. is that the tongue or what ??
How many runners have damaged the heel material in a Novoblast 3 or 3TR?
I think you can still send them back even if you have used them if there’s a manufacturing Fault or issue
The asics novablast 3 trail is good for the road and some trail ?
Maybe Asics meant this to be a 'Traction" shoe. Nothing about it indicates it is a trail shoe.
Would like to share that the TR version I had totally no issues cornering 90 deg at around 3m radius, perhaps ~10kmh speed. Multiple times, probably more than a hundred (LOL, the usual place i usually run in sucks...can't be helped). Wet outdoor tiles, albeit those ones with friction. Don't do asphalt. Not sure about trails or mud though.
On the left - right shoe discrepancy, I sent back a pair of adidas trail shoes (after wearing them for a long weekend 😀) as the toe box was narrower on the left shoe. Just washed the mud of them and got a full refund!
It rubs me wrong that they make a version that is slightly different to get you to buy another. I have the Nova3 and that is all I need.
You should absolutely still send those back! Look like a decent winter trainer
Just purchased my first pair of Asics Novablast 3 road shoes 2 hours before this video dropped. I cant wait to run in them tomorrow morning here in Cancun, Mexico and see if ALL the HYPE about them is real.
@@gustavogo2915 you have a great day wherever you are, smile.
I’ve been leaning toward this one as we have a lot of lighter trails in my area. But now they’ve announced the Nimbus 25 and they also looks similar to the Novablast 3…. Not sure which do go with now
🥇
Great shoe but that upper looks far too absorbent to fall into the trail category
Different tongue length? Interesting 😊
Do you think the trail version is any good for running on grass ?
Should be fine Vicky.. so long as it’s not too muddy. If it’s for something like cross country and the usual mud then you’d need much deeper lugs or spikes. All the best!
@@BenParkes thank you. I have my XC spikes, it was just some Parkruns around me have grass sections and tend to avoid these other than when it is really dry.
Are these types of shoes any good as a normal daily wear?
Seems like a perfect daily trainer
Is the upper meshing water repellent?
Ben are you training for Valencia?
Yes, will be there in just over 2 weeks!
@@BenParkes Youre nota strava Thays why i ask. See you there
Your reviews are always awesome Ben! I totally love it. I got my Novablast 3 about three weeks ago and I'm really enjoying it. I like the feeling of ground in this shoe just like a trampoline.I ran a half marathon in it and finished in 1 hour 53 minutes! I already ran 90km in it but I'm really concerned about the grip in the wet days. After watching your review I thought that I should've bought the TR version. Why didn't Asics make a firmer grip in the normal version?
And if you have time I would like to see the review of Asics magic speed 2.
Stones stuck in the outsole
Thank you so much for this review! I'm a complete newbie and only just about to finish C25k, but I wanted to treat myself to some really nice shoes as I continue training. I also am planning to do Parkruns, so thought I'd have a look at the TR. The fact you mentioned that specifically these are ideal is music to ears! Thank you! Looking forward to getting them!
I'm wondering, considering the grip, it seems the Tr version would last longer?
It indeed will last longer since the rubber is thicker
100% agree with this, also running int he UK, i haven't got the normal version, but I went for the TR as the weight is nominal difference, and I run on canal tow paths, roads with no footpath so wet / muddy verges creeping into road, and gravel paths in woods / fields etc. I have a couple of 'proper' trail shoes from Inov8 that are a different league of grip! and even my Adidas Terrex had much deeper lugs etc. but as a grippier every day shoe, i went straight out and matched my 5k PB without feeling like I was trying to, then the next day beat my half marathon time by 7 minutes, so confident they are good shoes! I'm pretty interested in some Superblast for my Ironman in July now! but these are great UK all weather shoes, never worried about wet feet personally!
Email them about the quality control, I'm sure they would be able to sort something out. Love the NovaBlast 3 BTW, definitely my goto easy day shoe (when dry). I'm actually finding the grip is getting better with every use. Certainly, on par with the previous versions.
Hi there, yeah it does get better in grip with more use. It's usually rainy here in Singapore and i run on "outdoor tiles". I got the TR version, no issue even in the corners which are usually very tight and doing like 10-11kmh (2-3 m radius doing 90 deg turn) . Problem solved. Not a pro/marathon runner tho, don't do stuff like tempos. Was looking at the Hoka 5 but afraid of the longevity, and so got the TR version of NB3 at usd 120 including shipping.
This shoe is sooooo cheap compare to others with similar offerings.
around 100€ yeah
this vs puma deviate nitro 2??
If you can only have one I'd go with the Puma
Love running in my Novablast 3. Sooo comfy!! 👍
Not a trail shoe! Can you do another review with a ‘real’ trail shoe for winter?
Sign up free to OneAsics and a perk is 90 day gear trials, which means you can try and then return, even for your money back if they're not quite right.
Unfortunately though.. I can't afford any new shoes due to the war in my country so if, by any chance, you are able to help it would mean the world to me✊
This is indeed a fantastic shoe 👏
As I'm in Hong Kong, the MSRP for the a6 Novablast 3 tr is about 93.5 pounds, same for the road version, and 20%off at the moment for a special CNY offers, which is 74.7 pounds!!
And the Novablast 2, the highly praised allrounder for 2022 is on sales for about 56 pounds...... what a bargain!!!
Almost bought both of them, but wife complaints too many trainers(mostly Hokas) in the house, so I picked the N3tr over the N2,cos they feels more stable,steady,and bouncy, with better outsole grips, and somehow less weight on spec.
Will be using them on road and light trails.
Happy trails