Nestled in the Sahyadri Hills of Maharashtra, Matheran is a lesser-known gem for trail running. With no vehicles allowed and a network of red-mud trails, stone steps, and shaded forest paths, it’s both a paradise and a proving ground for any running shoe. Enter the ASICS Novablast 4.

This fourth iteration of ASICS’ popular Novablast series promises more cushioning, improved stability, and a redesigned upper. I laced up a fresh pair of Novablast 4s and set out to explore Matheran’s terrain – from the dusty paths of Sunset Point to the more technical ridgelines of Panorama Point.

First Impressions: Sleek Comfort Meets Rugged Readiness

Even before hitting the trails, the Novablast 4 impresses with its engineered mesh upper and plush feel. The semi-gusseted tongue, padded heel collar, and reflective elements give it a premium daily trainer vibe. At 259g (9.1 oz), it’s slightly heavier than the v3, but not enough to raise red flags.

The shoe slips on with ease, and the step-in comfort is immediate. The FF Blast+ ECO foam underfoot feels squishy but not marshmallow-soft. It has a subtle bounce – a kind of restrained energy return that feels more mature compared to the spring-loaded vibe of earlier Novablasts.

Matheran Terrain Test: Where the Rubber (Literally) Meets the Red Earth

Matheran’s terrain is a cocktail of challenges – hard-packed dirt, loose gravel, mossy steps, and the occasional cow or monkey crossing your path. It’s a perfect stress test.

Cushioning & Ride

The Novablast 4 sports a heel stack of 39.2 mm and a forefoot of 30.2 mm. That’s a high-stack setup, and it translates to a plush ride. Downhill on the steep steps near Louisa Point, the shoe absorbed impact beautifully. On flatter sections, it felt mellow yet responsive.

The FF Blast+ ECO midsole is slightly firmer than the previous version, but it still delivers excellent shock absorption. It’s a daily trainer through and through. Long runs at moderate paces felt effortless. However, during a few 200m strides, it lacked the snappy toe-off needed for speed work.

Stability

With a forefoot width of 122.8 mm and heel width of 94.7 mm, the Novablast 4 offers substantial underfoot platform. This added width really came into play on the uneven terrain of Matheran. The shoe never felt like it was about to roll, even on side-sloped trails. ASICS has clearly taken stability seriously.

The torsional rigidity (rated 4/5) and stiff heel counter (3/5) added to the secure feeling. It’s not a motion-control shoe, but for a neutral runner, the Novablast 4 provides confidence on every footplant.

Grip & Traction

ASICS didn’t use the ASICSGRIP compound here, but the updated outsole pattern and AHAR rubber held their own. On dry dirt paths and even the slick stairs leading to Charlotte Lake, the grip was dependable. The 0.47 traction score is average, but the real-world performance felt better than the number suggests.

That said, in the early morning mist, the smoother rocks were a bit dodgy. Wet grip is still a weakness.

Breathability and Fit: Warm But Not Overbearing

The upper is a dual-layer engineered mesh with large perforations in the toebox. While it doesn’t feel airy, it’s not suffocating either. On hot afternoons, I did feel a bit of a heat build-up, particularly during climbs. Breathability scores a 3/5, which is adequate for most conditions but might feel warm during peak summer.

Fit-wise, the shoe is true to size with a toebox width of 77.0 mm. My slightly wide forefoot had no issues. The semi-gusseted tongue stayed in place and the padded tongue (5.8 mm) prevented lace pressure.

Durability: Built to Outlast the Trails

After a good 70 km of running in Matheran, including one rainy day, the Novablast 4 shows minimal wear. The toebox mesh survived occasional toe drags and rock brushes. The heel padding still feels plush, showing no compression or fraying.

The outsole, with its 3.9 mm of rubber, didn’t flinch. Even on the abrasive stone steps, there was barely a scratch. ASICS has nailed the durability aspect here.

Technical Specs Table

To keep things accurate, we use only the official ASICS’s website for technical details.

Feature	Spec
Weight	259g (9.1 oz)
Heel Stack	39.2 mm
Forefoot Stack	30.2 mm
Drop	9.0 mm
Midsole Foam	FF Blast+ ECO
Midsole Softness	16.9 HA
Torsional Rigidity	4/5
Heel Counter Stiffness	3/5
Breathability	3/5
Traction Score	0.47
Forefoot Width	122.8 mm
Heel Width	94.7 mm
Insole Thickness	4.4 mm
Outsole Thickness	3.9 mm
Toebox Width	77.0 mm
Outsole Wear (Dremel)	0.6 mm
Price (India)	₹14,670
Reflective Elements	Yes
Removable Insole	Yes

Final Thoughts: The Novablast Grows Up

The ASICS Novablast 4 is a refined, matured version of a fun daily trainer. It may have lost a bit of its wild bounciness, but what it gained in stability, durability, and all-around comfort makes it a better shoe for more runners.

Running through Matheran’s diverse terrain was the ultimate test – and the Novablast 4 passed with flying colors. It’s not the lightest, fastest, or most breathable shoe out there, but it’s one of the best all-around trainers I’ve used in a long time.

If you’re looking for a dependable daily trainer with premium feel and marathon-ready cushioning, the ASICS Novablast 4 deserves a spot in your rotation.