ASICS Superblast 2 Review
By Matthew Klein & David Salas
ASICS Superblast 2Price: $200 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 8.7 oz, 249 g (men's size 9/women's size 10.5)
Stack Height: 45 mm / 37 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Shoe Purpose: Super Trainer
Pros: Lightest Super Trainer, Bouncy Ride, Excellent Durability
Cons: Slightly Heavier than Original Version
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The ASICS Superblast 2 is a super trainer for who want a versatile maximal trainer/racer. A new upper provides more volume than the prior version, providing a normal width fit with great security. A similar but updated sole provides a bouncier ride thanks to a primarily FF Turbo+ midsole. There is also a thin layer of Flytefoam Blast+ Eco underneath. A shoe optimized for daily training, long runs, workouts and races for some, the Superblast 2 continues the best features from the original with mild refinements that carefully move the series forward.
SIMILAR SHOES: Mizuno Wave Neo Vista, On Cloudmonster Hyper
PAST MODEL: ASICS Superblast
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The ASICS Superblast 2 fits me true to size if slightly short in my normal Men's US size 10. The slightly short fit comes from the tapered toebox. Fortunately, the upper is an engineered mesh that does stretch. On the run, the upper has been comfortable and secure. However, those between sizes may want to consider going up a size. Like the original version, this broke in and improved somewhat with more miles. This transitions into a normal-width forefoot. There is some stretch to the upper but the volume is normal to slightly low. The midfoot is normal in width with a well-gusseted moderate. The gusseted tongue does a great job holding the foot and I did not have to tie down the laces. The tongue is extremely wide and did fold in on itself, so I have to spend a little time laying it down flat before each run. The heel features moderate heel collar cushioning and a moderately stiff heel counter. The counter is rounded and padded but I have noticed it. Those who want a stiff counter will love this but those sensitive to counters should approach with caution. The back half of the shoe is comfortable against bare skin but the front half mesh is scratchy. I would highly encourage the use of socks for this shoe because of that front half.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: Saucony Guide 17, ASICS Kayano 30, Hoka Gaviota 5, Saucony Endorphin Elite, Nike Ultrafly
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Saucony Kinvara 14
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Altra Timp 5
David: The ASICS Superblast 2 fits true to size in my men's 9.5. The width throughout is very normal, without being overly narrow or wide in any regions. The upper material is decently comfortable, while still being lightweight and supportive. There is some stretch to the material, but it does hold its structure pretty well with turns and uneven footing. The fit does require a little bit of break in, though I felt it was pretty good after the first run. The tongue is lightly padded, though enough to prevent any biting from the laces when locking down. I do feel the shoe gets a good lockdown all around, and I had no issues with sliding or foot translation. There is a pretty stiff heel counter that is padded pretty well and curved well. The only negative thing I really noticed was that I had one instance of my toe hitting the front of the shoe, and I think that may be in part due to the way the shoe tapers. The upper breaks in well, but initially there was a little bit of pressure distally in the toes. Perhaps a tad more length would do the trick.
David's Typical Size: Men's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit David well: Nike Vomero 17, Saucony Ride 16, Puma Velocity Nitro 3
Shoes that have fit snug: HOKA Arahi 7
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon Aero Glide
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: No
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: No
Is the Forefoot Flexible: No
How Flexible is the Shoe: Not Flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: Somewhat
Recommended for Sockless: Somewhat
Durability Expectation: Above Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The ASICS Superblast 2 is a super trainer that works for easy efforts to longer race paces for some people. The midsole is made of full length FF Turbo + with a bottom layer of FF Blast+ Eco. This provides a bouncier ride than the original. However, the cushioning is not mushy and is slightly firmer than one might expect for so much midsole foam. The underfoot feel is still extremely cushioned but has a snappier feel to it. There is a large amount of foam underfoot with 45 mm in heel. The 8mm drop is still present and that is exactly what it feels like. Despite not having a plate, the transitions are a little stiff. This improves as the shoe breaks in (takes 10-15 miles) but the break in happens far smoother than the original. There is a large heel bevel and a normal to slightly late forefoot rocker. This makes the forefoot snappy, which is fine for easier efforts but begins to shine more at uptempo efforts especially over longer periods. There is not flexibility in the sole at all, however there is some toe spring so those with toe mobility issues should still approach with caution. There is plenty of cushioning and the geometry works for easier efforts after the shoe breaks in.
The foam, despite being truly super, feels tuned to handle easier efforts to faster paces. The volume of the Superblast 2 prevents it from doing extremely fast efforts (5k-10k efforts) well but longer/uptempo efforts (Marathon and beyond) are where it excels. The amount of foam makes it a great long run shoe and the ability to change paces makes it great at marathon pace and tempo efforts. This is a great option as a marathon racer for many people who find plated super shoes too aggressive and need something they can train and race in.
It is also a great investment given how awesome the durability continues to be. I have 35 miles on my pair with no wear on the outsole at all. I expect to get the same incredible durability out of version two as I did out of version one. However, this is only with road use. The outsole does have a large amount of ASICS Grip that does a decent job on smooth road surfaces. On smooth trail this shoe does fine but does not have the lugs for good traction. It does not do well on aggressive terrain so a real trail shoe is a better option for those surfaces.
David: The ASICS Superblast 2 would fall into the super trainer category. The shoe uses the FlyteFoam Turbo+ that you see in the Metaspeed Edge and Sky Paris models. The foam has a lot of bounce to it off of the forefoot, though does not come off super compliant. The shoe certainly feels like a maximum cushioned shoe, it just isn't overly soft. The heel has a decent rounding to it with a long flatter midfoot, and a very gradual toe spring through the forefoot. The shoe gives you a rockered feeling, though with a much less aggressive roll through the forefoot. The shoe does not have a plate, though does have a good amount of stiffness, mainly because of how much foam there is. There is a bottom layer of FlyteFoam Blast+ Eco that gives a small amount of firmness to the base of the platform and seems to do a good job of maintaining the shape and ride. ASICS did update the outsole pattern in this model with ASICSGRIP. The material is still a high abrasion material with an updated shallow lug pattern to allow for a little more versatility when running on dirt or other surfaces.
When looking at the shoe, you may notice some large sidewalls in the rearfoot and midfoot. You can feel these, though they do not create any irritation for me. They do give you a shallow wall sensation and seem to help keep you centered. This creates a bucket sensation through the heel and guide rail like motion through the midfoot. Despite having a super foam, this shoe does feel good at easy paces. The shoe does require a little bit of break in, as the heel at initial contact can feel a tiny bit clunky at first, though I do feel it broke in within the first few miles of my first run. Once I got into rhythm things went smooth.
As I noted earlier, this shoe does have a good amount of bounce through the forefoot. When the shoe is loaded, the foam comes to life and gives you a decent amount of responsiveness. The weight is also very competitive being at 8.7 ounces, men's size 9. This gives it good appeal to workouts, long runs, and even racing for some. I felt the shoe performed quite well at marathon racing pace for myself during a long run workout. ASICS did a good job with this one.
Durability update! See Matt's full review of the Superblast after 100 miles.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The ASICS Superblast 2 is a stable neutral shoe. Although not a traditional stability shoe, there are several elements that add guidance to this shoe. The wide base is the first that adds great guidance. The length of the shoe is wide and the midfoot does not narrow. There is a large amount of sole flare in the heel and forefoot, which help provide a centered ride. There is a little more sole flare at the medial heel which provides a little more medial resistance. The heel and midfoot feature decent sized sidewalls on both sides that keep the foot centered well. Finally, the lack of flexibility and rockered/bouncy ride provide a forward transitioning shoe with resistance to side to side motion. Those looking for a mild guidance-based or stable neutral shoe will do well, particularly in the heel and midfoot. in the Superblast 2.
David: The ASICS Superblast 2 is definitely a stable neutral shoe. The shoe has several components that help give it this designation. The shoe uses a lot of sole flaring through the heel and midfoot that is also accompanied with decently sized sidewalls in the rearfoot and midfoot. The outsole traction update gives more connectivity to the ground for how much foam there is. The implementation of the firmer base layer of Blast+ Eco does help with grounding and stabilizing the Turbo+ above it. The upper has decent security to it as well and I felt the lockdown was sound with absence of foot translation or slippage.
Thoughts as a DPT: Should I Consider a Super Trainer?
By Matthew Klein
Although originally there were only 2-3 true super trainers on the market, now almost every brand has their own version of this new shoe category. Super trainers combine many elements of super racing shoes with daily and uptempo trainers. The majority features super foams of some kind, a stiffening agent (be it the stack height/foam or some kind of plate) and over 40mm of stack height. One of the main questions runners might now ask is why they might consider a super trainer over a normal trainer?
Given they have "trainer" in the name, most super trainers are designed for runners to use as training shoes. They will have maximal stack heights and mechanisms known sometimes for racing (plates, superfoams). However, all those things are usually designed to handle training paces. The geometries are less aggressive, although still quite rockered due to the taller and stiffer midsoles. So those who want a little more during daily training or who want a maximal shoe that can handle both training and workouts may consider a super trainer. Those who want something to better prepare their bodies for super shoes may also want to consider this shoe type given the similarities.
Those who should not consider a super trainer are those who do not do well in softer/more resilient foams, maximal stack heights, rockered, and stiffer rides. These are all normal components of these shoes and they do tend to shift requirements of shock absorption and propulsion up to the knee and hip (away from the ankle). Although not as light as super shoes, many will also length your stride, which can sometimes be stressful on shortened hip flexors or poorly prepared hamstring muscles. So those either with a history of poor response to these kinds of shoe components or those who have little experience in running should not consider a super trainer and should stick with a normal training shoe.
Agresta, C., Giacomazzi, C., Harrast, M., & Zendler, J. (2022). Running injury paradigms and their influence on footwear design features and runner assessment methods: A focused review to advance evidence-based practice for running medicine clinicians. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 4, 815675.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: The ASICS Superblast 2 is a good, careful update that adds more bounce to the sole while keep true to the Superblast series. The small weight increase is not a big deal given the increased resiliency of the foam with FF Turbo+. My only major recommendation is to change to toebox shape. The taper puts some pressure on the toes which is fine over shorter distances but can be problematic over longer ones. Making this a little rounder may be helpful given the need to toe expansion and appropriate shock absorption over longer efforts, including long runs or marathons.
David: The ASICS Superblast 2 brings in a very well done update to an already successful shoe. The one thing I would recommend is to continue working on the fit. The forefoot might come off as a tad short due to the taper. The width throughout seems to work fine, though I do think many would appreciate a slightly wider forefoot as well.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The ASICS Superblast 2 is for those who enjoyed the first version and want something with slight updates or those who want a super trainer for daily training, longer efforts and potentially for marathon/distance racing. The upper will work best for those with normal width feet who can handle a little toe box taper that breaks ins. The midsole will work best for those who want some bounce from a ride that can handle easier efforts but does best at uptempo longer efforts. Those with guidance needs will do well with the stable neutral ride, making this a solid somewhat-super stable option for racing over marathons distances and above. The small refinements stay true to the series and those who loved the original will continue to like this one. The continued durability is excellent and justifies the price tag, especially in a world where super racing shoes are increasingly becoming low use/mileage shoes. In a world of decreasing durability, the Superblast 2 challenges that well with a solid amount of versatility from easier efforts into marathon racing for some.
David: The ASICS Superblast 2 is a super trainer for someone looking to have a one stop shop shoe. The shoe is lightweight and versatile for daily training all the way up to racing. For someone that may not want a super shoe, though want to use some of the new technology, this could be an option. I think it would work really well for someone who is looking to do daily runs, long runs, workouts, and then their marathon in the same shoe. For those that won't be racing in this, I do think it serves as an excellent long run and training companion for road workouts.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: B+/A- (Normal width fit with slightly tapered toe box that opens up over time and stays secure)
Performance: A- (Rationale for grade)
Stability: A-/A [Stable Neutral)] (Wider sole, excellent sidewalls and slightly firmer ride for how much cushioning there is creates an excellent stable neutral ride)
Value: A-/B+ (Versatility from training to longer racing with extremely high durability)
Personal: A- (A go to training/long run shoe for me and one of the few shoes on the market I can get decent mileage on)
Overall Design: A-
David
Fit: B+ (Decently comfortable with good dimensions, though forefoot could have a tad more length and width.)
Performance: A- (I think I would still like to see the heel worked a tiny bit for a smoother transition, but otherwise great performance ranging from training to marathon pace)
Stability: A (For how much foam is there, great job. Good sidewalls, traction, upper security, sole flaring)
Value: A (It's expensive, but I think it is worth its marbles. This shoe can do a lot and it will last you.)
Personal: A (One of my favorite shoes this year and something I will definitely be using for long runs and workouts.)
Overall Design: A-
SHOP | SUPPORT DORASICS Superblast 2Price: $200 at Running Warehouse
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FURTHER READING
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New ReactX livens up the series.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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