I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with trial-running. Whilst the trails offer me a more relaxed pace (along with gorgeous views) – I struggle to stay upright, I’m useless at hills and I get frustrated that it takes me so long. Send me out on technical trails and I’ll be out there all week!

Finding the Perfect Hybrid Running Shoe

I prefer routes that combine my love of road with a bit of light trail thrown in for good measure. This allows me to get some decent running pace on the road and to take it easier on the trail bits (and stop to admire the views and take pictures!) And now I’ve been introduced to a shoe that fits this style of hybrid running perfectly – The Novablast 3 TR.

Introducing the ASICS Novablast 3 TR

Part of ASICS NATURE BATHING™ Collection, this shoe is inspired by the Japanese phrase, “shirin yoku.” Its colourway draws inspiration from the calming hues found in nature. Meanwhile, its trail-specific outsole is functional for running on off-road surfaces.

The TR is essentially a road Novablast 3 with an outsole, giving it off-road appeal as well as making it more durable. What’s more, the upper has been tweaked to make it a more comfortable shoe and reduce overall weight. While the Novablast 3 TR may not be a fully-fledged trail shoe like the GEL-Trabuco – they do offer something that sits more in that road-to-trail category – which is exactly what I’ve been after.

Tech Specs:

  • Jacquard Mesh Upper: Provides comfort and support while keeping your feet cool.
  • Heel Stabilizer: Supports the foot and promotes a balanced stride.
  • Gusseted Tongue Wing Fit System: Improves midfoot fit and reduces tongue sliding.
  • FF BLAST™ PLUS Cushioning: Offers lightweight impact absorption and a responsive rebound.
  • Trampoline-Inspired Outsole Design: Ensures a more responsive bounce.
  • AHAR™ Outsole: Enhances durability for varied terrains.
  • Sustainable Materials: At least 75% of the main upper material is made from recycled sources, reducing waste and carbon emissions.
  • Eco-Friendly Dyeing Process: The sock liner is produced using a method that reduces water usage by about 33% and carbon emissions by approximately 45%.
  • Reflective Details: Improve visibility in low-light settings.
  • Trail-Specific Outsole: Designed for optimal grip on off-road surfaces.

Testing the Novablast 3 TR

I wore the Novablast 3 TR for my week in Portugal, where I was running on dry, dusty trails, roads, and a track session with no issues at all. On my return, I took them for a spin on my local trails. Smooth and stable, they easily transitioned from mud to gravel paths to the pavement. I loved their ability to mix up road and trail – as long as those trails aren’t too demanding. I will say that these are definitely more road-to-trail shoes – rather than an all-out trail option. They are a very solid, comfortable trainer that has been perfect for my local parkrun which is 2/3 trail to 1/3 road!

Pros and Cons of the Novablast 3 TR

Pros

  • Excellent hybrid shoe for diverse terrain.
  • Good grip for light trails and various surfaces.
  • Comfortable upper, with a better fit than the Novablast 2, which felt a bit loose.
  • Lightweight, responsive, and bouncy.

Cons

  • Slightly heavier than the Novablast 3.
  • Not ideal for technical trails—if you crave challenging terrains, consider the GEL-Trabuco.

Is the Novablast 3 TR right for you?

The ASICS Novablast 3 TR is a fantastic option for those seeking a versatile hybrid shoe that performs well on both road and light trail runs. Whether you’re an experienced runner or just starting your journey, this shoe might just be what you need to enhance your running experience.

*Ambassador – Shoes gifted – ASICS frontrunner