Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the ASICS Novablast 3 Platinum, a shoe that has been generating a lot of buzz in the running community. If you're anything like me, you're always on the lookout for that perfect blend of comfort, responsiveness, and style. Well, the Novablast 3 Platinum might just be it. In this comprehensive review, we'll break down everything you need to know about this shoe, from its updated design to its performance on the road. Let's get started!

First Impressions: What's New?

When you first lay your eyes on the ASICS Novablast 3 Platinum, you'll immediately notice the sleek, premium aesthetic. The "Platinum" designation isn't just for show; it's reflected in the shoe's shimmering accents and refined design. But it's not just about looks; ASICS has made some significant updates under the hood as well. The Novablast 3 Platinum features a redesigned upper, a tweaked midsole geometry, and an improved outsole. These changes aim to enhance the overall running experience, providing a more comfortable, responsive, and stable ride. One of the standout features is the FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning. This updated foam is lighter and more responsive than its predecessor, offering a bouncier feel that makes every stride feel effortless. The shoe also boasts a wider base, which contributes to increased stability and reduces the risk of ankle roll. The upper is made from a breathable, engineered mesh that keeps your feet cool and dry, even during intense workouts. Overall, the Novablast 3 Platinum feels like a significant step up from previous versions, combining style and performance in a way that's sure to impress. The enhanced cushioning, improved stability, and sleek design make it a strong contender for anyone looking for a versatile running shoe. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting your running journey, the Novablast 3 Platinum offers something for everyone. The attention to detail in the design and construction is evident, and it's clear that ASICS has put a lot of thought into creating a shoe that not only looks great but also performs exceptionally well. So, let's delve deeper into each aspect of the shoe to see how it holds up under different conditions.

The Upper: Comfort and Breathability

The upper of the ASICS Novablast 3 Platinum is crafted from a lightweight, engineered mesh that prioritizes both comfort and breathability. This material is designed to conform to the shape of your foot, providing a snug and secure fit without feeling restrictive. The mesh is highly breathable, allowing air to circulate freely and keeping your feet cool and dry, even during long runs or intense workouts. One of the key improvements in the Novablast 3 Platinum is the gusseted tongue. This design helps to prevent slippage and ensures a more secure fit around the midfoot. The tongue is also lightly padded, adding an extra layer of comfort and reducing the risk of irritation. The heel counter is another area where ASICS has made significant improvements. It's designed to provide a secure and stable fit around the heel, minimizing the risk of heel slippage. The padding around the heel collar is plush and comfortable, further enhancing the overall fit and feel of the shoe. The lacing system is straightforward and effective, allowing you to dial in the perfect fit. The laces are flat and slightly elastic, which helps to distribute pressure evenly across the top of your foot. Overall, the upper of the Novablast 3 Platinum is a testament to ASICS' commitment to comfort and performance. The breathable mesh, gusseted tongue, and secure heel counter work together to provide a comfortable, secure, and supportive fit that will keep your feet happy mile after mile. The attention to detail in the design and construction of the upper is evident, and it's clear that ASICS has prioritized creating a shoe that feels great from the moment you put it on.

The Midsole: Bounce and Responsiveness

The midsole is where the ASICS Novablast 3 Platinum truly shines. It features ASICS' FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning, which is lighter and more responsive than the foam used in previous versions. This updated foam provides a bouncier and more energetic ride, making every stride feel effortless. The FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning is designed to absorb impact and provide a responsive rebound, propelling you forward with each step. This makes the Novablast 3 Platinum a great choice for both daily training and tempo runs. The midsole geometry has also been tweaked to enhance the shoe's overall performance. The wider base provides increased stability, reducing the risk of ankle roll. The sculpted design of the midsole helps to create a smooth and natural transition from heel to toe. One of the standout features of the Novablast 3 Platinum is its ability to provide a cushioned ride without feeling mushy or unstable. The FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning strikes the perfect balance between softness and responsiveness, making it a joy to run in. Whether you're logging long miles or picking up the pace for a speed workout, the midsole will keep your feet feeling fresh and energized. The enhanced cushioning and improved stability make the Novablast 3 Platinum a versatile shoe that can handle a variety of different types of runs. The midsole is also durable and long-lasting, so you can expect it to maintain its performance over many miles. The combination of the FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning and the tweaked midsole geometry makes the Novablast 3 Platinum a standout in its class. The shoe's ability to provide a cushioned, responsive, and stable ride is a testament to ASICS' commitment to innovation and performance. If you're looking for a shoe that will make your runs feel more effortless and enjoyable, the Novablast 3 Platinum is definitely worth considering.

The Outsole: Grip and Durability

The outsole of the ASICS Novablast 3 Platinum is designed to provide reliable grip and durability on a variety of surfaces. It's made from ASICS' AHAR™ (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber), which is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear. The outsole features a strategically placed lug pattern that provides excellent traction on both dry and wet surfaces. The lugs are designed to grip the road without feeling too aggressive, making the Novablast 3 Platinum a comfortable choice for everyday running. One of the key improvements in the Novablast 3 Platinum is the increased coverage of the AHAR™ rubber. This provides enhanced durability and extends the life of the shoe. The outsole is also designed to be flexible, allowing your foot to move naturally and comfortably. This flexibility contributes to the shoe's overall smooth and natural ride. The AHAR™ rubber is incredibly durable and can withstand the wear and tear of daily running. You can expect the outsole to hold up well over many miles, even on rough surfaces. The grip provided by the outsole is reliable and consistent, giving you confidence on every run. Whether you're running on pavement, gravel, or light trails, the Novablast 3 Platinum will keep you grounded and secure. The combination of the AHAR™ rubber and the strategically placed lug pattern makes the outsole of the Novablast 3 Platinum a standout feature. The shoe's ability to provide reliable grip and durability is a testament to ASICS' commitment to quality and performance. If you're looking for a shoe that will hold up well over time and provide excellent traction, the Novablast 3 Platinum is an excellent choice.

Performance: On the Road

When it comes to performance on the road, the ASICS Novablast 3 Platinum truly shines. The combination of the FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning, the redesigned midsole geometry, and the durable outsole makes it a versatile shoe that can handle a variety of different types of runs. Whether you're logging long miles, picking up the pace for a tempo run, or just going for a casual jog, the Novablast 3 Platinum will provide a comfortable, responsive, and stable ride. One of the standout features of the Novablast 3 Platinum is its ability to provide a cushioned ride without feeling mushy or unstable. The FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning strikes the perfect balance between softness and responsiveness, making it a joy to run in. The wider base provides increased stability, reducing the risk of ankle roll, while the sculpted design of the midsole helps to create a smooth and natural transition from heel to toe. The upper is also incredibly comfortable, thanks to its breathable mesh and secure fit. The gusseted tongue and padded heel collar help to prevent slippage and irritation, ensuring a comfortable fit mile after mile. The outsole provides reliable grip on a variety of surfaces, giving you confidence on every run. The AHAR™ rubber is durable and long-lasting, so you can expect the outsole to hold up well over time. Overall, the ASICS Novablast 3 Platinum is a high-performing shoe that will help you get the most out of your runs. Its combination of comfort, responsiveness, and stability makes it a great choice for runners of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting your running journey, the Novablast 3 Platinum is definitely worth considering.

Pros and Cons

To give you a clear picture, let's break down the pros and cons of the ASICS Novablast 3 Platinum:

Pros:

• Responsive Cushioning: The FF BLAST™ PLUS midsole provides a bouncy and energetic ride.
• Comfortable Upper: The engineered mesh upper is breathable and provides a secure fit.
• Stable Ride: The wider base and redesigned midsole geometry enhance stability.
• Durable Outsole: The AHAR™ rubber outsole provides reliable grip and long-lasting durability.
• Stylish Design: The "Platinum" designation gives the shoe a sleek and premium look.

Cons:

• Price: The Novablast 3 Platinum is slightly more expensive than some other running shoes on the market.
• Not Ideal for Track Work: While versatile, it's not the best choice for dedicated track workouts due to its cushioning.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

So, is the ASICS Novablast 3 Platinum worth the investment? Absolutely! This shoe offers a winning combination of comfort, responsiveness, and style. The FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning provides a bouncy and energetic ride, while the redesigned upper and outsole enhance the overall performance. The Novablast 3 Platinum is a versatile shoe that can handle a variety of different types of runs, making it a great choice for runners of all levels. While it may be slightly more expensive than some other running shoes on the market, the enhanced features and performance make it well worth the price. If you're looking for a shoe that will make your runs feel more effortless and enjoyable, the ASICS Novablast 3 Platinum is definitely worth considering. It's a top-notch running shoe that will help you reach your goals and stay comfortable mile after mile. So, lace up a pair and experience the difference for yourself!