| Asics Novablast 3 | Nike Invincible 3 |
 |
 |
| £135 | £169.95 |
 |
|
There are a range of things that you need to think about when you spend a lot of time in your easy mileage trainers.
In this guide we compare the Nike Invincible 3 and the Asics Novablast 3.
What Is the Difference Between Nike Invincible 3 and the Asics Novablast 3?
The trainers you put on your feet should be able to handle both the daily pace that you put into it and any further running you choose to do.
Both trainers have a different approach when it comes to both impact absorption and softness, but both offer so much more than this.
To learn about the differences, learn more below:
The heel difference
The padding around the Novablast differs from the Invincible. The Novablast has a moderate amount of padding just around the heel collar but it’s enough for this particular trainer.
Most people report comfort as they move and no blister rub or hot spots on their heels. It’s got a pillow-like feel given the level of padding is fairly moderate and you won’t have any heel slippage. This leads us to conclude that the Novablast has a lot more stability in the heel with the help of the TPU clip along the sides.
The Invincible 3 is a little different with a lot more padding. The padding sits well around the collar of the shoe as well as around the heel compared to the Novablast.
There is some padding that comes up around the back, too, and there is a lot of structure in the heel which helps to create the perfect pocket for the heel to sit into. The only downside is that it doesn't do too much when it comes to pronation control.
Uppers difference
The one thing that Nike does right is choose materials well. The Flyknit material is used in the uppers of the Nike Invincible, and yet it doesn't have the same stretch on offer in the Novablast. If you’ve spent time using other Flyknit trainers, the Invincible is going to feel different but not necessarily in a bad way!
The knit material is designed for breathability and comfort but it’s been voted as not as comfortable as you could expect. The Novablast, on the other hand, uses a double jacquard mesh.
This material is softer, stretchier and has a toe box that offers more than enough room for your feet and toes to splay out. The mesh may be double layered, but it’s still breathable - more so than the Invincible. This is due to there being much wider perforations on the toe box than previously.
As you move to the back of the Novablast, you gain more padding, too, especially in the area that touches the Achilles tendon. The upper is deemed to be more comfortable and breathable in the Asics Novablast 3 when compared with the Nike Invincible 3.
Outsole difference
The outsole of the Asics Novablast 3 is done well, protecting all of the midsole foam with an amazing high abrasion rubber. We’ll get into the midsole difference a little later on, but the Asics have a FlyteFoam Blast foam wherever there would be impact into the ground.
The Asics also uses the same AHAR+ formulation used in the original Novablast, too, so you can expect the most amazing durability, making it fit to last.
At the bottom of the trainer, the Novablast isn't as wide as the Nike Invincible 3. There’s still a decent landing platform though, despite being narrower in the forefoot and that also leads to a narrowing in the heel. There is a pod and a deep groove in the bottom of the Asics Novablast, and it maximizes that bouncy, trampoline effect that can make you feel like you’re flying when you run.
You want trainers that give you a good ride and if you’re landing on the Novablast you can feel the compression. That bounce is going to give the Novablast the edge!
The midsole difference
Earlier, we mentioned the use of FlyteFoam Blast in the Novablast shoe and here’s where we’re going to expand on that - literally. The Asics Novablast favors the foam to give that tall, stacked height. We’ve seen the foam in the original Novablast and the Novablast 2, and there’s also a range of shapes cut into the foam to maximize movement and bounce.
You want to feel comfort when you move and the foam can make all the difference. Asics have done really well to ensure that the shoe is structured in a way that offers a bigger spring, better cushion and it’s all built into the shoe! Asics uses the foam in a way to ensure that it stays soft but no structural integrity is lost.
Along with all of this amazing comfort, the Novablast also has added sculpting around the outer portion of the foot. This allows even more comfort and stability and when we move into the forefoot, there is a great rocker design. This has a little more flexibility and softness. If you’re midfoot or forefoot striking, you need that bounce and it’s soft and cushioned enough to be comfortable.
The midsole also feels more dense compared to the Nike Invincible, but it’s not overly firm. The foam is soft but you get a more airy feel with the Invincible compared to the Novablast. It’s just that much more compressive! As we finish up on Novablast, let’s take a deeper look at the Nike Invincible. It’s got a slab of ZoomX foam and this goodness sits in the midsole. It’s a much softer feel for the foot and you can feel your feet sink into the squishiness of the ZoomX midsole. It’s bouncy in the best way with the Zoom X but they can’t really be compared with the FlyteFoam Blast because both have their benefits. When you compress both together, the Invincible feels more comfortable and squashy. If you’re looking for trainers with the right support bounce, then the Zoom X Invincible is the way to go.
When it comes to the rocker, the Novablast offers a better, smoother transition through the toe off. In terms of smoothness, the Novablast feels so much smoother to run in and you get a much shorter drop (8mm!), which when combined with the geometry of the midsole, you get a little less bounce. This makes it more enjoyable to wear the Novablast for a daily run! It feels a little smoother and you can get into a better rhythm much faster than the Invincible.
The Last thing to consider for the midsole is whether you feel fresh after using your trainers. Midsole freshness matters, especially when you’re exercising. After a long run, you want to feel fresher and with Asics, you’ll get the Novablast that works for neutral runners. The Novablast really does take the crown when it comes to stability and it’s all in that midsole.
The weight difference
There’s not too much of a difference between the weight of the Asics Novablast 3 and the Nike Invincible 3.
In fact, the difference between a men’s size 9 in each shoe is only 0.1oz.
This makes both trainers pretty well balanced when it comes to weight, so both trainer brands are pretty lightweight and durable for both men and women.
| Asics Novablast 3 | Nike Invincible 3 |
|
|
|
| £135 | £169.95 |
|
|
How Long Do They Last?
You should expect to get your standard 500 miles in both pairs of trainers.
Are They Difficult to Get On?
Both the Asics Novablast 3 and Nike Invincible 3 are easy to get on. The laces are on the Invincibles are a little short if I am being really picky.
Is the Price Worth It?
The Asics Novablast 3 are great value at £135 and the Nike Invincible 3 are a little more expensive at £169.95.
I am not sure I would buy the Invincible's again at that price point but would in the sale.
Conclusion
The one thing that I can 100% conclude in this comparison is that the Novablast 3 wins compared to the Nike Invincible.
When you are a long distance runner, the comfort that comes with the Novablast is second to none. You can get a lot of miles in with the trainers and you will feel much fresher after a workout, too.
Considering that the original Novblast was quite unstable and the Novablast 2 was a good change on the first, the Novablast 3 is a surprising trainer and yet not one that you should discount when you want to be more comfortable.
You want your run to be fun, and the Novablast 3 offers the versatility you’re looking for along with the support that will see you on the road and running in no time at all.
The Invincible 3 are a great option but they are a lot firmer in comparison to the Novablast 3.
Where To Buy
| Asics Novablast 3 | Nike Invincible 3 |
|
|
|
| £135 | £169.95 |
|
|
Questions
If you have any questions you would like to ask about the Nike Invincible 3 or Asics Novablast 3 trainers, please ask below in the comments.
Share
If you found this blog post useful, please share it using the social media buttons below