Asics Superblast 2 — tried, tested & reviewed
Weight: 245g (UK size 8.5, unisex sizing)
Stack height: 45mm (heel), 37mm (forefoot)
Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
Type: Neutral/performance
The shoe
As a gear editor, it’s fair to say I own a lot of running shoes. But if I was forced to whittle my collection down to just the one pair, the Asics Superblast would be a serious contender. Yes, I said it. It’s not just one of the best Asics running shoes the brand has ever made, but one of the best running shoes of all time.
This max-cushioned non-plated super trainer first launched at the end of 2022, and it's gained a huge cult following in that time. Best described as hybrid of the Novablast 3 (daily trainer) and Metaspeed Sky/Edge (racing) models, it provides the perfect balance of comfort, softness, responsiveness and efficiency that lends it to virtually every kind of run – easy, long, tempo and even race day.
Needless to say, then, the Asics Superblast 2 has arguably been the most hotly anticipated shoe release of 2024. As expected, it's got an upgraded midsole foam – this time combining the latest FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning from the Novablast 4 and the FF Blast Turbo Plus from the Metaspeed Sky/Edge Paris. The latest version also has a new engineered woven mesh upper and Asicsgrip outsole.
So, does it live up to the original shoe's success? Or has the king fallen from grace? Let's get into it.
How does the Asics Superblast 2 fit?
Straight out of the box, the Superblast 2 impresses with its lightweight construction despite a generous stack height. There's no break in-period required here either, and it fits true to size, with a moderate amount of room in the toe box.
The overall fit is snug but not constricting, providing a secure lockdown – especially around the midfoot. This is thanks to a new, engineered mesh upper that provides additional structure to the shoe, helping it adapt to the shape of your foot better than the original. The mesh itself is soft and forgiving, and very unlikely to cause irritation or hotspots, even during longer runs.
One standout feature is the stability. While not a stability shoe per se, the wide platform and supportive midsole create a stable base, reducing the risk of overpronation, especially as fatigue sets in.
The heel counter is well-cushioned and structured, too, preventing any heel slippage, with a gusseted and lightly padded tongue striking the correct balance between being comfortable and weight-saving. To complete the upper, a well-designed lacing system allows for a snug fit without causing any pressure points on the top of the foot. Tick, tick, tick.
What’s it like to run in the Asics Superblast 2?
As mentioned, the Superblast 2 has a dual-layer midsole, combining the EVA-based FF Blast Plus Eco foam, used in Asics' cushioned shoes like the Novablast 4 and Gel-Nimbus 26, and the PEBA-based FF Blast Turbo+ from its Metaspeed Paris racing shoes.
The FF Blast Turbo+ is slightly lighter and bouncier than the FF Blast Turbo used in the original Superblast, but I find the FF Blast Plus Eco foam slightly firmer than the older FF Blast Plus foam. As a result, the updates almost balance each other out and I can't tell much difference between the original and the v2 in terms of overall ride. But that's not a negative in the slightest – in fact, it's a relief. The Superblast 2 offers the same soft and responsive ride as its predecessor. Whether you’re cruising through a recovery run or pushing the pace on a long run, the cushioning absorbs impact beautifully without feeling overly squishy.
The ride itself is smooth and consistent, too, with a slight rocker and some rigidity in the forefoot that encourages a natural forward motion. This is particularly noticeable on long runs, where the shoe seems to glide effortlessly through each stride, reducing the strain on your legs as the miles rack up. I actually wore the Superblast 2 to run the Marathon Pour Tous in Paris and it provided the perfect blend of comfort and energy return. In a race with some savage hills, it didn't feel as if the shoe was bottoming out either.
The outsole is another new feature, upgrading from Aharplus rubber on the original Superblast to the softer and grippier Asicsgrip on the Superblast 2 – the same outsole used on some of Asics' trail running shoes. The update pays off, with the latest version capable of venturing onto light trails, as well as navigating urban pavements.
RW verdict
Superblast fans, let's all breathe a collective sigh of relief: all the features that made the original shoe so popular are still here in the latest version. In fact, as far as updates go, this one is hardly revolutionary – but when the first version was so good, there were really only minor tweaks needed to make it even better.
These tweaks come in the form of a more structured upper and grippier outsole, with the midsole providing the same bouncy, soft and versatile ride as ever.
Sure, it's a premium shoe with a price tag to match (£200 — a £5 increase on the original), but if you’re serious about your training and want a shoe that can handle everything from easy miles to race day, the Superblast 2 is well worth the investment.
Alternatively, for £20 less, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is an equally versatile shoe that easily shifts between paces. The midsole combines full-length PWRRUN PB PEBA foam with a nylon winged plate to serve up that bouncy PEBA feel, but like the Superblast 2, it doesn’t ride as harsh or aggressive as all-out racing super shoes.
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