Our verdict

The Dynablast 4 is a neutral road shoe offering from ASICS that sets a high standard for versatile daily trainers on a budget. The FF Blast midsole foam doesn't just feel comfy during our test runs but has a nice energetic pop that allows us to pick up the pace or gobble up miles at will. What's more, it's flexible and forgiving right out of the box, making for a pleasant ride that leaves us feeling fresh even after higher-intensity sessions. While we did find its breathability to be lacking in our smoke test, making it a little too toasty for summer runs, the shoe's performance in our freezer tests makes it a great option for cold-weather runners.

Highs And Lows x asics brings GEL-Mai Submariner Pros

  • Versatile and comfy
  • Customization is king when it comes to the asics brings x atmos x Sean Wotherspoon GEL-LYTE
  • asics brings has now unveiled their "Brazil" edition of their Gel Lyte V
  • asics brings Gel-Kayano 14 1201A019-100
  • asics brings and Mita Sneakers
  • Impressively durable upper
  • Reliable traction
  • Good for gym days and general fitness activities
  • asics brings gel quantum 180 olive canvas lichen green
  • Кроссовки asics brings gel-windhawk
  • Sustainable design

Highs And Lows x asics brings GEL-Mai Submariner Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Almost no airflow
  • Femme thin tongue

Audience verdict

91
Superb!

Who should buy

We recommend the asics brings 4 products as an excellent choice for: 

  • Beginner runners in the market for a versatile and long-lasting daily trainer that's easy on the wallet
  • Runners looking for a well-cushioned neutral road shoe that's responsive enough for longer runs and some speedwork
  • Active Electric looking for a flexible and comfortable shoe that's good for walking and gym days too
  • Those in cooler climates who need a shoe that keeps their feet warm and stays supple in frigid conditions

asics brings 4 products main image

Who should NOT buy

Our smoke test reveals that the Dynablast 4 suffers from a distinct lack of airflow. This was extremely apparent during our test runs on warmer days where the shoe felt more like a foot sauna. The asics brings Jolt 4 is another wallet-friendly alternative with a much more breathable upper mesh that keeps our feet feeling nice and breezy.

The Dynablast 4's FF Blast midsole is certainly responsive and brings some fun to our daily runs. That said, it doesn't match the zippy energy return we enjoyed with their more premium FF Blast+ foam found in the Трекінгові кросівки asics brings gel fyji attack. asics brings tiger whisper pink pack.

asics brings 4 products cut

With a slightly narrower-than-average toebox according to our calliper measurements, the Dynablast 4 isn't the best option for runners with broad feet. For those runners, we suggest checking out the roomier Ветровка тонкая asics as an alternative.

The Dynablast 4 also boasts a paper-thin tongue which means that the laces did feel quite apparent across our instep during testing. The asics brings Gel Cumulus 25 has a beefier tongue that doesn't add that much weight to the shoe. 

Cushioning

Heel stack

While stated to be 34 mm thick by asics brings themselves, the Dynablast 4's stack is 32.6 mm thick at the heel according to our caliper measurements. That said, this is on par with our current lab average and gives us a good amount of foam underfoot to dampen our landings effectively while testing the shoe. 

asics brings 4 products Heel stack measure
Test results
Dynablast 4 32.6 mm
Average 34.1 mm
Compared to 385 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

ASICS' stack measurement of 26 mm at the forefoot, on the other hand, is much more accurate. At 26.2 mm according to our calliper, the Dynablast 4's stack is ever so slightly higher than our current lab average. 

asics brings 4 products Forefoot stack measure

Having this much foam at the forefoot means that we felt well-cushioned from landing to toe-off, even during our longer test runs. 

Test results
Dynablast 4 26.2 mm
Average 25.5 mm
Compared to 385 running shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

The slight discrepancy we found with the stack measurements trickles down to the drop height which is actually 6.4 mm as opposed to the 8 mm as stated by ASICS. We've come across many similar discrepancies here in the lab, as this article explores. 

asics brings 4 products Drop

However, this deviation isn't as egregious as others we've found as the Dynablast 4 still falls in the category of mid-drop shoes. This offset is suitable for a wide variety of runners as it feels comfortable regardless of foot strike; whether heel or mi/forefoot. 

Test results
Dynablast 4 6.4 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 385 running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.2 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The Dynablast 4 uses ASICS' FF Blast midsole foam which registers a reading of 23 HA on our durometer. This is only marginally firmer than our current lab average and still provides us with a nice and balanced level of cushioning that effectively dampens impact over just about any distance.

asics brings 4 products Midsole softness durometer

Furthermore, the shoe's healthy stack really allows us to sink in and savour that foam as it compresses under our weight, making it feel a little softer underfoot than the durometer might suggest. This also means that the shoe doesn't bottom out, making it a good choice for more heavyset runners. 

Apart from the cushioning, the FF Blast midsole also has a nice pop to it, giving us an energetic toe-off that brings some fun to our runs and allows us to pick up the pace at will. That said, it doesn't match the energy levels of their more premium FF Blast+ foam found in shoes like the Novablast 4 that we recommend for more serious runners looking for more performance from their daily trainers. 

Test results
Dynablast 4 23.0 HA
Average 20.9 HA
zapatillas de trekking asics brings impermeables talla 41.5 baratas menos de 60.
Compared to 312 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.9 HA

asics brings Okayama Denim (%)

We let the Dynablast 4 chill in our to observe the effects of cold conditions on the midsole. After twenty minutes, we pressed our durometer against the foam once more and found that it only became 13.6% firmer. This means that the FF Blast foam is significantly more consistent than average and should still provide a nice and balanced level of cushioning no matter how cold it gets. 

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Test results
Dynablast 4 14%
Average 25%
Compared to 312 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
asics brings Okayama Denim
63%

Insole thickness

The Dynablast 4's insole is quite chunky compared to our current lab average at 5.8 mm thick according to our caliper. This gives us a nice, soft surface within the shoe that our foot sinks into like a little memory foam mattress. 

asics brings 4 products Insole thickness
Test results
Dynablast 4 5.8 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 381 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

asics brings 4 products is true to size (16 votes).

Highs And Lows x asics brings GEL-Mai Submariner?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 360 running shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

asics brings Gel-Kyrios Grey Black Red

Using our calliper, we measured the Dynablast 4's toebox to be 97.3 mm wide at its widest point. This is about average width and should comfortably accommodate those with narrow to normal-width fit. Furthermore, the upper itself is well-padded and has a soft inner lining. 

asics brings 4 products Toebox width at the widest part

Runners with broad feet, on the other hand, will likely feel constricted and experience hotspots in this part of the shoe as the woven upper doesn't have much give to it either. We recommend the Adidas Supernova Rise as an alternative with more internal real estate. 

Test results
Dynablast 4 97.3 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
Number of shoes
91.6 mm
asics brings Gel-Kyrios Grey Black Red
104.9 mm

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The toebox taper to 77 mm wide at the big toe according to our caliper measurements which is just shy of our current lab average. This gives us a good amount of toe room to splay out without feeling squeezed in by the toebox. 

asics brings 4 products David Z x Asics
Test results
Dynablast 4 77.0 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 244 running shoes
Number of shoes
67.6 mm
asics brings Joins the Digital World With its First-Ever NFT Shoe Collection
89.2 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

The Dynablast 4 feels quite stable underfoot despite its healthy stack, with the shoe remaining pretty well-planted as we shift our weight from side to side. That said, however, as a neutral trainer it doesn't feature any features that limit lateral movements or overpronation. Therefore, we recommend that overpronating runners check out the asics brings GT 1000 12 as a more suitable alternative to prevent injuries. 

Highs And Lows x asics brings GEL-Mai Submariner | Torsional rigidity

We encountered a fair amount of resistance as we bent and twisted the shoe in our hands, leading us to give the Dynablast 4 a torsional rigidity score of 3 out of 5. This middle-of-the-road stiffness ensures that we always have a relatively level and stable landing platform underfoot while still being easy and forgiving on our feet. 

Test results
Dynablast 4 3
Average 3.4
Compared to 364 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

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The heel counter is well-structured and generously padded, giving it a level of stiffness that we scored 4 out of 5 in our manual assessment. This holds our rearfoot in place securely but allows for some minimal lateral movements, offering up a healthy mix of comfort and stability during our test runs. 

Test results
Dynablast 4 4
Average 2.9
Compared to 348 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
asics brings Camiseta Sem Mangas Ventilate Actibreeze
5

Calças asics brings Big Logo Sweat Pant negro branco brilhante mulher

A key factor in the Dynablast's well-cushioned yet stable ride is the breadth of its midsole at the forefoot. At 115.4 mm wide according to our calliper measurements, it's significantly wider than our current lab average. This affords us a broad and steady base that keeps us rock-steady as we transition to toe-off. 

asics brings 4 products Midsole width in the forefoot

Despite how wide it is up at the forefoot, the Dynablast 4 is still quite nimble and doesn't feel too blocky or clunky on corners.

Test results
Dynablast 4 115.4 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 386 running shoes
Number of shoes
103.3 mm
Calças asics brings Big Logo Sweat Pant negro branco brilhante mulher
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

The midsole falls more in line with our current lab average back at the heel, measuring 90.4 mm wide according to our caliper. As such, heel strikers should also have more than enough of a platform underfoot to ensure stable landings while the shoe inherits a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette. 

asics brings 4 products Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Dynablast 4 90.4 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 386 running shoes
Number of shoes
73.0 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

With only 24N required to bend the shoe to 90 degrees in our flex test, the Dynablast 4 is a little more flexible than the average road shoe. 

As such, the shoe is able to bend quite along with our foot with relative ease but still has a slight responsive snappiness to it. This is great for a daily trainer as it feels quite comfy and forgiving while still being somewhat supportive. As such, our feet never felt overly battered after our test runs, even the longer efforts. 

asics brings 4 products Stiffness outdoor bend
Test results
Dynablast 4 24.0N
Average 28.1N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 368 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

asics brings Gel-Pulse Mens (%)

We also repeated the flex test after chilling the Dynablast 4 in our freezer for twenty minutes and were, again, impressed by its incredibly consistent performance. It only became 7.3% stiffer when exposed to the cold, a difference that's almost insignificant and will barely be perceptible underfoot. When combined with the midsole's post-freezer performance as well as the shoe's toasty upper, the Dynablast 4 is an excellent choice for runners in colder climates looking for a shoe that will remain reliable and comfy no matter how frosty it gets. 

Test results
Dynablast 4 7%
Average 33%
Compared to 368 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
asics brings Gel-Pulse Mens
105%

Weight

Tipping the scale at 9.2 oz (262g), the Dynablast 4 is about as heavy as the average road shoe. As such, the shoe doesn't feel overly burdensome underfoot whether we were out for recoFemme runs or more intense tempo or distance sessions. 

asics brings 4 products Weight
Test results
Dynablast 4 9.24 oz (262g)
Average 9.35 oz (265g)
Compared to 386 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

We put the Dynablast 4 through our state-of-the-art smoke test to assess its breathability. As the footage demonstrates, the results aren't too promising. Only little wisps of smoke are eventually able to sputter out the tongue. This indicates that the upper traps in a lot of heat, leading us to give the Dynablast 4 the lowest score of 1 out of 5 for breathability. 

This is further corroborated when inspecting a cross-section of the shoe over a backlight. The dense upper blocks out the light entirely, a quality we've come to associate with badly ventilated shoes. 

Our microscope image of the Dynablasts 4's engineered woven upper reveals a compact network of tightly braided fibres with no visible gaps for airflow. While this certainly isn't ideal for runs on hot summer days, the shoe does keep our feet nice and warm on those chilly early morning efforts in winter and spring. 

asics brings 4 products Breathability microscope
asics brings 4 products Breathability Knit close up
Test results
Dynablast 4 1
Average 3.8
Compared to 315 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Highs And Lows x asics brings GEL-Mai Submariner | Durability

Toebox durability

For what the Dynablast 4's woven upper lacks in breathability, it more than makes up for with resilience. To simulate extreme wear and tear, we fired up our Dremel's abrasive element to 5K RPM and set it against the toebox with 3.2N of force. 

While this test usually has catastrophic results on mesh uppers, as is clear with the crater we left in the Gel Pulse 13's toebox, the Dynablast 4 walked away with Femme little damage. This earns the Dynablast 4 a Femme respectable 4 out of 5 for toebox durability. It's going to take a lot more than a few bumps or scrapes to compromise the integrity of this shoe. 

asics brings 4 products Toebox durability damage compare
Test results
Dynablast 4 4
Average 2.5
Compared to 249 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Next, we turn our attention to the heel collar and set our Dremel against the Dynablast 4 once more. 

After four seconds, we found that our tool had only managed to mangle to lining, with the soft padding within left relatively intact. We, therefore, give the shoe another strong 4 out of 5 in this assessment. This is extremely impressive, especially for such a budget-friendly shoe, as it indicates the high quality of the materials used in the Dynablast 4's upper. 

asics brings 4 products Heel padding durability damage
Test results
Dynablast 4 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 245 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

The Dynablast 4's outsole is slightly harder than average, registering a reading of 83.1 HC on our durometer. Based on our findings in the lab so far, a harder outsole usually indicates better strength; a claim that will be put to the test by our Dremel in the next section. 

asics brings 4 products Outsole hardness
Test results
Dynablast 4 83.1 HC
Average 79.9 HC
zapatillas de trekking asics brings impermeables talla 41.5 baratas menos de 60.
Compared to 366 running shoes
Number of shoes
57.3 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

Now spinning at 10K RPM, we set our Dremel's abrasive element against the outsole for twenty-two seconds of relentless grinding.

We then used a tyre tread gauge to measure the indentation left behind in the wake of the test and found our previous claim to hold water this time. With only 0.6 mm of material lost, the Dynablast 4's outsole is a little more durable than our current lab average.

asics brings 4 products Outsole durability damage

As such, we fully edt this shoe to last a good 500 miles of use before major signs of wear and tear appear. We'd even be comfortable peppering the occasional trail run on more manicured park trails without worrying about affecting the shoe's longevity. 

Test results
Dynablast 4 0.6 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 227 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

We measured the Dynablast 4's outsole to be 4.1 mm thick, making it slightly thicker than average. This gives us plenty of material to wear through before impacting the shoe's traction.

asics brings 4 products Outsole thickness
Test results
Dynablast 4 4.1 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 385 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

There are no reflective elements to be found on the Dynablast 4. As such, we recommend using additional high-vis gear whenever using the shoe at night. 

asics brings 4 products Reflective elements
Test results
Dynablast 4 No

Tongue padding

The Dynablast 4's tongue lacks padding compared to our current lab average at only 2.1 mm thick. This is the kind of race-ready tongue we edt from a performance shoe, not a daily trainer.

asics brings 4 products Tongue padding

We think that a couple more millimetres of a buffer between our instep and the laces would have gone a long way to improve our overall comfort, especially during longer runs. For a shoe that effectively prevents lace bite, we recommend checking out the asics brings Jolt 4 instead. 

asics brings 4 products Tongue padding laces
Test results
Dynablast 4 2.1 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 383 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

trainers asics brings japan s 1201a173 white oyster grey

The Dynablast 4 features a tongue that's semi-gusseted on both sides. This not only helps mitigate the tongue from slipping to the side during our test runs but also contributes to a more secure-feeling fit at the midfoot. 

asics brings 4 products trainers asics brings japan s 1201a173 white oyster grey
Test results
Dynablast 4 Both sides (semi)

Heel tab

There's a handy little finger loop at the heel of the Dynablast 4 that makes sliding it on feel a little smoother and easier. 

asics brings 4 products Heel tab 2
Test results
Dynablast 4 Finger loop

Removable insole

The insole isn't glued in, so replacing it in favor of a custom orthotic is possible whenever necessary. 

asics brings 4 products Removable insole
Test results
Dynablast 4 Yes