By Brian Metzler

When ASICS released the Superblast in early 2023, it was a huge hit among runners. It was one of the first new over-the-top super-max cushioned training shoes that took cues from the size and shape of marathon racing super shoes, jacked the specs up even more and incorporated them into relatively light but decidedly more cushy and comfortable models. These new models were appropriate for long runs, recovery runs and some types of up-tempo workouts. The Superblast had a gigantic midsole that gave it enormous stack heights (45.5 mm/37.5 mm) that exceeded the elite racing regulations of World Athletics. But the new “more is better” vibe was meant to be something special for training, and many runners, including me, deemed them to have a great combination of cushioning, comfort, energy return, and versatility.

I have to admit, however, I wasn’t a huge fan of the original version of the Superblast. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. It felt like a lot under my feet and I didn’t really think it ran very smoothly at moderate to faster paces. It wasn’t clunky, but it seemed that the “more is better” message the shoe was promoting was only suited for slow to moderate paces. But in the ensuing 18 months since the original model arrived, things have changed a bit in the daily trainer category. Most training shoes have become more maximally cushioned with soft, high-stack, high-rebound midsoles, smartly designed knit uppers, and other details that have changed how we lace up for long runs, tempo runs, and midweek maintenance runs. Some are carbon-plated trainers, some are not. But what’s more important is the thick foam cushioning, and in the case of the new Superblast 2 ($200) it’s about the incorporation of high-end foams that provide more dynamic liveliness in every stride.

The Superblast 2 hit stores on July 5 and at first glance, it seems nearly identical to the original model. Subtle changes, however, have led to big enhancements, and I’m now a huge fan. I’ve run about 60 miles in the Superblast 2 since July 1 and will continue running in it through the summer. While the specs of the shoe are almost identical, the materials have improved. In this case, more is definitely better. 

What’s New: The ASICS Superblast 2 is a what I would consider a slight but significant update to the original Superblast, featuring several improvements and design tweaks aimed at enhancing what was already a comfortable, moderately responsive, and stable running experience. The upper is now a one-piece woven engineered mesh that offers improved stretch, comfort, breathability, and fit compared to the first version. The geometry and materials of the two-layer midsole have been updated to mimic the shape of the Gel-Nimbus 26, providing a more familiar and stable ride. The midsole is now made from a top layer of hyper-responsive Flytefoam Turbo Plus, the same high-performance material used in ASICS’ top-tier race day shoes, the Metaspeed Sky/Edge Paris, while the bottom layer is a thin, full-length wedge of Flytefoam Blast Plus Eco, a shock-absorbing material made from bio-based materials. The outsole has also been updated slightly with a grippier and more durable composite rubber.

Fit/Feel/Ride: The Superblast 2 fits true to size with a medium/narrow volume interior and an averaged-sized toe box that has a little wiggle room for your toes. The new upper provides a great combination of flexibility and support, helping provide a locked-down fit that’s both comfortable and able to move dynamically when your foot is rolling through the gait cycle. The step-in feel is comfortable, but it doesn’t have an overly plush interior. It has a little bit of padding around the ankle and in the smooth, thin gusseted tongue. The shoe weighs just about the same (the spec weight of the second edition is actually a trace higher than the original) but it’s certainly a shoe that runs lighter than it feels. Overall, the new materials have enhanced the shoe’s fit, feel, and function. 

The ride of the Superblast 2 is where the biggest improvement can be found. While it still has the high-off-the-ground sensation (and very similar oversized stack height specs), the new midsole configuration is slightly softer and definitely more responsive. Those characteristics make it more conducive for long runs and recovery runs without sacrificing performance for tempo runs or spontaneous fartlek runs. (Or when your running group picks up the pace mid-run and starts hammering back to the pub, as was the case with me recently on a run in Boulder, Colorado.) 

Why It’s Great: The updated midsole is superb. The addition of the lighter, softer and more cushy version of FF Blast Turbo Plus foam gives the Superblast 2 a more energetic ride than the original. ASICS says the new FF Blast Turbo Plus is 8% lighter, 6% softer and serves up 8% greater energy return. The light and energetic FF Blast Plus Eco foam, meanwhile, is made from 24% bio-based material and does an excellent job smoothing out the ride. Stats aside, the shoe just feels better –  lighter, smoother, more lively, and more reactive. I ran 10 miles in this shoe (10.46 miles actually) and it was as soft and comfortable as any trainer I’ve run in recently, but it also put a springy spark of energy into every stride.

Specs

Weights: 7.5 oz. (women’s 8), 8.6 oz. (men’s 9)

Heel-Toe Offset: 8mm; 45mm (heel), 37mm (forefoot)

Why You’ll Love It: You’ll probably love the Superblast 2 for a lot of reasons, but one of the reasons I love it is that it’s surprisingly versatile. I’ve been amazed how responsive this shoe feels. It has a lot of “get up and go” to it, and I have found I’ve typically run at a faster pace than I anticipated most of the time I have laced it up and gone running – both on recovery runs and long runs. I wouldn’t use it on the track for 800-meter intervals (because it just doesn’t have the flexibility or agility that I would prefer for shorter, faster reps), but it’s been a fun shoe to wear for longer fartlek runs (i.e., alternating between 4 minutes at tempo pace and 4 minutes at jogging pace) and progressive paced long runs (in which the second half is faster than the first).

Pro: The new outsole is another aspect of this shoe that is slightly better. I can sense there is improved tackiness to it, and I definitely appreciate good traction on dry and wet roads.

Con: $200 for an everyday training shoe is pretty pricey. You certainly get what you pay for, but if you’re a runner who has a limited budget, there are plenty of very good everyday trainers in the $140-$160 range.