Built for Big Miles, Brighter Days
Emily: The ASICS Superblast 2 did not surprise me—in fact, I expected this version to be just as good if not better than the previous version and it was, in the best way. I liked the first version, but the update feels smoother, more balanced, and more fun. It’s a shoe that begs to go long, but can also pick it up when it’s time to. Whether I’m climbing rollers on the Towpath or cruising through easy miles or a double, this shoe delivers comfort without feeling sluggish. It’s quickly earned its spot in my weekly rotation as the go-to for steady mileage and easy recovery days.
Matt: The ASICS Superblast 2 is an update to a shoe that seemingly came out of nowhere a few years ago. ASICS previously had introduced the Novablast as a modern daily trainer to add to its heritage neutral shoe line of the Cumulus and Nimbus. Then came the sister Superblast. There was little pre-release publicity and hype. The shoe had this large stack of ASICS racing foam and was not plated. It was a very unique entry into the running shoe market. The results have been a shoe that is regularly sold out and hard to find even though it is priced at $200. In this review, we will share with you the reasons why this shoe is in such high demand and a favorite of many runners.
Upper and Fit
Emily: The upper on the Superblast 2 is good-looking, breathable, and light — but it has ample room in the toe box. I think that those with wider feet will be pleasantly surprised by the fit of the shoe. I would also say this shoe seems to work well for a narrower foot like mine as well. I guess it’s the best of both worlds! The engineered mesh wraps my foot well without any pressure points. It doesn’t scream “let’s go fast” at step-in, but once I’m moving, it delivers that locked-in feel you crave when you’re cruising. While I wouldn’t call it plush, it’s comfortable enough that I don’t think about it while running—and that’s exactly what I want in a high-mileage, daily trainer.
Matt: The upper of the Superblast 2 is made of an engineered woven mesh. While I would not call the feel plush or soft, the fit is very accommodating, and I have experienced no hot spots or points of irritation on any of my runs. The fit is actually similar to its sister shoe, the Novablast 5, in that it offers a good hold in the heel and midfoot with a roomy forefoot. I must also point out something ASICS is doing especially well in their recent shoes. ASICS knows how to make a great running shoe tongue. This may not seem like an important fact, but you would be amazed how many running shoe companies make tongues that are too short or overly padded and detract from the fit of the shoe. The gusseted, winged tongue on the Superblast lays perfectly on the top of the foot and just adds to its excellent fit. The upper is also quite breathable and light, which I have really appreciated in the recent hot weather we have seen in Ohio.
Midsole and Ride
Emily: The Superblast 2 uses ASICS’ FF Turbo Plus foam, and I could feel the upgrade, but I wouldn’t say it’s noticeably different from the first version in my opinion. It’s soft but firm, with a bit more bounce than the original. The ride is generally smooth and consistent, especially on longer runs when you’re settling into a rhythm. While there isn’t a plate, the rocker geometry helps create an easy roll-through from landing to toe-off. It definitely offers a stable, cruisy ride that keeps your legs feeling fresh deeper into your mileage.
Matt: The midsole of the Superblast 2 is the secret sauce of the shoe. The shoe has a thick stack of Flytefoam Turbo Plus directly under your foot. This is the proprietary racing foam also found in the ASICS METASPEED racing shoes. Sitting below that is a thin layer of Flytefoam Blast Plus Eco, which helps to provide some overall stability, protection, and cushioning to the shoe. Now with all the tech speak out of the way, let us get down to how this shoe feels on the run. Even with the thick midsole, this shoe feels light and responsive. It makes you want to pick up the pace and responds when you do. Saying that, this shoe also has the unique quality to feel good when you are going at more easy, daily paces. It is one of the few shoes where I would not have a problem going for a normal daily run while also feeling confident if it was on as I toed the line for a race.
Outsole and Durability
Emily: The outsole coverage is minimal but it’s done well. I’ve run in wet conditions, on trails (I would not recommend this shoe for off-roading due to its higher stack height), and smooth pavement, and it’s held up great. The rubber grips well and the midsole hasn’t shown much wear at all. After 250+ miles, mine still looks fresh, and I expect it to go 400+. It’s solid.
Matt: The outsole of the Superblast 2 has been updated with ASICSGRIP rubber. This has proved to be grippier than the outsole found on the previous Superblast, which could result in a bit of slipping in wet conditions. As is the case with ASICS running shoes in general, this outsole is holding up extremely well after a large number of miles. The Superblast is a very durable shoe. I expect it to last past the normal mileage I get on a large number of my running shoes.
Conclusion
Emily: The ASICS Superblast 2 is a smooth, reliable trainer built for the long haul. It’s not what I would call flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a shoe that supports your mileage, day after day. If you’re looking for a long-run workhorse or a recovery option that still feels lively, this is a great pick, especially if you want max cushion without the mush. It won’t replace your tempo shoe or your super shoes, but it fills a critical role in the rotation with comfort and consistency.
Matt: The ASICS Superblast 2 is truly a unique shoe. It is versatile enough to run daily miles while also being an excellent race day option for distances up to the marathon. It has a breathable upper with an accommodating fit for many foot shapes. It is light, cushioned, and fast and also offers excellent durability. While it is not cheap at $200, this price does seem more reasonable when you are getting a shoe that can meet all your running needs and do that at an extremely elite level.
Stop by Vertical Runner in Hudson or Brecksville to try the ASICS Superblast 2 — perfect for chasing big miles this season and beyond.
ASICS Superblast 2 specs:
Stability: Neutral
Cushioning: Maximum
Drop: 8mm
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About Matt:
Matt has run several marathons and half marathons, but his proudest accomplishment was running from Ft. Wayne, Indiana to Medina, Ohio in a week as part of the MS Run the US Relay. He covered the 180 miles by running a marathon a day for a week all in the effort to raise money to support his daughter Hannah, and all those living with MS and to ultimately, find a cure for this disease. He is a proud dad of Jessi, Hannah, and Joey and loving husband to Rhoda. He is a sports addict who loves rooting on all of his favorite Chicago sports teams, but he is most passionate about cheering on his alma mater, the University of Notre Dame. Go Irish!
Shoe Size: 10
Favorite Distance: Marathon and Half Marathon
PRs:
Marathon: 3:48
Half Marathon: 1:43
About Emily:
Emily ran a 50 miler before she ever raced a marathon. She ran track and cross country in high school and has been a prodigy of the sport ever since. She’s run a 50 miler, a few 50ks, a handful of half marathons and four marathons (and, counting). She is a certified running coach with certifications from VDOT & UESCA, and loves helping her clients chase their dreams. She enjoys reading anything related to running, training as much as possible, copious amounts of cold brew coffee, walking with her three dogs, traveling whenever possible and spending time with her best friend in the entire world and husband, Brian.
Shoe Size: 10
Favorite Distance: Marathon
PRs:
50k: 3:58
Marathon: 2:47
Half Marathon: 1:21