When I set out to buy new running shoes, I had no idea there was a model called the ASICS Versablast 4 – and even if I’d known, I probably wouldn’t have considered it. After two pairs of the Hoka Clifton 8, with which I was extremely satisfied, I wanted to replace them with the Clifton 10. But how I felt in that model had nothing to do with what I was used to. A completely different feel in the forefoot, somehow much more “tilted” forward, and after just a few minutes of trying them on in the store it was clear this purchase would not be as quick and easy as I’d planned.
Visually, the ASICS Versablast 4 caught my eye. They look serious and comfortable. But I was quite puzzled by the price, which was under €70. My previous experience with models priced below €100 hadn’t been great.
However – I thought – considering the current circumstances (a two-year-old child, an apartment renovation) and the fact that I’ve significantly reduced my weekly mileage, buying a cheaper model might not be a bad idea.
Sizing issue
I tried size 42, because I had worn ASICS shoes in that size previously. At first glance it seemed OK, but when I got home and wore them a bit longer, I realized I needed the next size up. I swapped for size 42.5 and that was spot on.
Impressions of the ASICS Versablast 4 after the first 300 km
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the comfort of this model so far. I don’t feel like I’ve taken a big step backwards from the Clifton, though I can’t say it’s exactly the same level. But for my 30-40 kilometres per week, it’s entirely fine.
I even used them for trail running, when at a local backyard ultra my trail shoes were torturing me because they were too stiff for a long gravel section – I felt like I was wearing football boots. After about thirty kilometres, despite the mud in some sections, I switched to the Versablast 4 and felt a huge relief.
So far there are also no visible changes to the outsole or upper – they literally look the same as new. Apart from being much, much dirtier. The only thing that bothers me so far is that they are “louder”. Since I mostly run in the evening, when the streets are quite empty and silent, sometimes the sound of the footsteps bothers me, whereas the Clifton was incomparably quieter.
In my humble opinion, the ASICS Versablast 4 is an exceptional budget running-shoe option. I believe in terms of quality it can compete with much more expensive models. I’d recommend it to recreational runners who don’t cover massive mileage and don’t want to “tie up” a lot of money in something they only use occasionally.