The Superblast 2 stands out as the lightest super trainer on the market whilst maintaining exceptional cushioning and durability, making it a genuine one-shoe solution for many runners. At £200, it’s a serious investment. But with its FF Turbo+ foam, sturdy build, and real versatility, it feels worth the premium for runners who want a shoe that does it all.
What’s especially cool is how Asics managed to keep this shoe feeling quick, even with all that plush cushioning. I’ll dig into the tech, the fit, and how it actually performs at different paces, so you can decide if it deserves a spot in your lineup.
Key Features and Technology
The Asics Superblast 2 packs a surprising amount of tech into a lightweight shell. Its dual-layer midsole features premium foams for both comfort and bounce, and the upper is engineered for breathability while still holding your foot in place.
Stack Height and Heel-to-Toe Drop
The Superblast 2 is tall—45.5mm at the heel, 37.5mm at the forefoot. That’s right up against the racing shoe stack limit.
Even with all that height, I never felt wobbly or unstable. The platform is wide and feels steady underfoot.
The 8mm heel-to-toe drop is a sweet spot for most runners. It gives enough lift to take pressure off your calves during easy days but doesn’t feel awkward or forced.
You get a smooth roll-through from heel to toe, which just works whether you’re shuffling along or picking up the pace. The shoe’s shape and stack keep things nicely cushioned for long runs, but you still feel connected to the ground.
Midsole Foam: FF Turbo+ and FF Blast+ Eco
Here’s where things get interesting. The midsole uses a dual-layer setup: FF Turbo+ foam sits on top (that’s the same stuff in the Metaspeed racers), and FF Blast+ Eco is underneath for a bit more structure and stability.
No carbon plate here, which keeps the ride feeling flexible and adaptable.
The FF Turbo+ gives a lively, springy sensation—easy runs feel peppy. The firmer FF Blast+ Eco keeps things from getting too soft or sloppy.
This combo is fantastic for steady training paces. At all-out 5K effort, though, the softness does mean it’s not quite as snappy as a plated shoe.
Upper Materials and Design
The upper is a woven mesh that breathes well but still feels supportive. It’s not as thin as a racer, but definitely works for warm days.
Fit is dialed in through the midfoot and heel, with enough room up front to let your toes splay, but not so much that things get swimmy.
The mesh has a bit of stretch, which helps when your feet swell on long runs. I didn’t get any hot spots or pressure issues.
The thin, semi-gusseted tongue stays put, with just enough padding up top to keep the laces from digging in.
The heel is locked down nicely, and there’s a solid heel tab with some reflective details to help with visibility.
Outsole and Traction
AHAR+ rubber covers the high-wear zones at the heel and forefoot. It’s proven tough and grippy on a bunch of different surfaces.
There’s some exposed foam through the midfoot to cut weight, but I haven’t noticed any durability issues from that.
AsicsGrip rubber delivers steady traction on roads and even light trails. The tread isn’t so deep that it picks up rocks or mud.
After a lot of miles across roads, tracks, and some trails, the wear is minimal. The rubber seems to hit a good balance between grip and longevity.
The outsole helps make this shoe so versatile. Whether you’re on pavement or packed dirt, it’s got your back.
Fit, Comfort and Durability
The Superblast 2 fits differently from the first version. The upper is looser, giving more room but losing some of the locked-in feel that made the original stand out. Materials are top-notch, but the proportions just feel a bit odd sometimes.
Toe Box and Volume
The toe box is a bit of a head-scratcher. There’s extra space above the toes, but my big toe still touches the top. So it’s roomy and cramped at the same time—strange, honestly.
It fits true to size lengthwise, but the vertical space is just weird. The proportions don’t quite match the original Superblast.
Fit characteristics:
- True to size length
- Extra vertical room above toes
- Big toe still touches upper
- Proportions feel off
This loose fit up front is more noticeable at faster paces, where it’s hard to get that secure feeling between your foot and the shoe.
Heel Counter and Lockdown
The heel, on the other hand, is great. It’s supportive and holds your foot in place. The stiff counter and padded collar keep things comfortable without feeling bulky.
Lockdown here is solid. Even with quick turns or uneven ground, my foot stayed put.
The big heel loop is actually useful—easy to grab after a long run when you just want to get the shoes off.
Heel features:
- Stiff, secure counter
- Padded collar
- Large, easy-to-use heel loop
- Strong lockdown
Still, the secure heel makes the loose forefoot feel even more noticeable. The contrast is hard to ignore.
Breathability and Moisture Management
Ventilation is a win here. The upper’s looseness isn’t great for fit, but it does help air flow around your toes.
The mesh is airy, and I noticed my feet stayed cooler on hot runs compared to the first Superblast.
The tongue and gusset are one piece, so there aren’t any seams to trap sweat. It feels smooth against your foot.
The tongue even has little ventilation holes near the front, which, combined with the roomy upper, makes this a solid pick for summer miles.
Longevity and Material Quality
Durability is still a strong suit. The midsole and outsole stand up to lots of use.
I’d expect at least 450 miles, maybe more depending on your stride. The FF Turbo+ foam resists packing out pretty well.
The outsole has better traction than before, with lugs that grip nicely and don’t wear down too fast.
Durability highlights:
- Should last 450+ miles
- Midsole foam holds up
- Improved outsole traction
- Solid materials all around
The foam actually softens a bit after 30 miles or so, which ups the comfort. Some folks might notice it feels a bit slower once it breaks in, though.
Performance on the Run
The Superblast 2 nails a rare balance: plush cushioning with a surprisingly responsive feel. The dual-foam midsole handles everything from slow recovery days to marathon pace without missing a beat.
Cushioning and Shock Absorption
This shoe is all about impact protection, but it doesn’t go overboard. The two foams—FF Blast Plus Eco and FF Blast Turbo Plus—work together to soak up shocks without that overly squishy vibe.
On long runs, the 45mm heel keeps things comfortable, and I never felt like I was bottoming out, even when picking up the pace or running rougher roads.
Recovery runs are a treat; the foam eats up the impact but stays firm enough that you’re not sinking in with every step.
It’s consistent across different surfaces, too—tarmac, concrete, even some light trails, the cushioning just works.
Energy Return and Responsiveness
The FF Blast Turbo Plus foam gives back some real bounce, but it’s not harsh or jarring. That’s probably why it works so well for daily miles and not just for racing.
I really notice the spring during tempo and marathon pace runs. The shoe just feels like it’s helping you along, step after step.
Whether you’re jogging easy or pushing the pace, the foam responds. It’s not one of those shoes that feels dead at slow speeds or too aggressive when you speed up.
Stability for Various Paces
Even though it’s a neutral shoe, stability is a real strength here. The wide base keeps you steady, and I didn’t feel any risk of rolling an ankle or overpronating.
Pushing the pace feels secure—the upper holds you in, and the platform is broad enough to keep things level.
It’s especially noticeable on long runs, when your form starts to fade. The Superblast 2 stays supportive late into a session.
If you need a bit of extra stability but don’t want a full-blown support shoe, this one is a solid middle ground.
Versatility for Training and Racing
This is where the Superblast 2 really delivers. It’s an all-rounder that can handle training and even racing if you want.
For everyday miles, it’s soft enough to keep your legs fresh. For tempo work, there’s plenty of snap from the foam and a stable ride.
On long runs, the cushioning saves your legs, and the energy return helps you keep going when you’re tired.
I wore these for the Marathon Pour Tous in Paris—hilly course, full 26.2 miles—and they handled it all without beating up my feet.
Key versatility features:
- Handles recovery to marathon pace
- Good for anything from 5K up to marathon
- Works on light trails and roads
- Can double as a race shoe for many
Comparison and Best Use Cases
The Superblast 2 keeps most of what made the original great, while tweaking a few things. It’s got stiff competition among versatile trainers, but it still carves out a spot in a lot of runners’ rotations.
Asics Superblast 2 Versus the Original Superblast
The differences between versions are subtle but important. The midsole feels almost the same—Asics mixed in the updated FF Blast Plus Eco with FF Blast Turbo Plus foam, but honestly, I barely noticed a change underfoot.
The new engineered mesh upper is a nice touch. It’s more structured and lets your feet breathe better. I used to get a bit of looseness around the midfoot in the original, but that’s sorted now.
Key improvements include:
- More secure lockdown without extra weight
- Better grip with Asicsgrip outsole versus Aharplus rubber
- Enhanced durability for light trail use
- £5 price increase to £200
The ride is still bouncy and responsive. If there’s a difference in cushioning or energy return, it’s so minor I couldn’t tell while running.
Both shoes work well for the same paces and distances. Really, these tweaks just polish up what was already a great shoe.
How It Stacks Up Against Competitors
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is probably the closest rival at £180. It’s equally versatile, using PWRRUN PB foam and a nylon plate for a bit of extra pop.
To me, the Superblast 2 feels softer and more cushioned—especially for longer efforts. The Speed 4 is a bit firmer, maybe better if you’re after a snappier tempo run.
The On Cloudmonster Hyper goes after the same crowd, but it’s a different beast. It’s got more bounce, but honestly, it’s less stable than the Superblast 2.
Versus other Asics models:
- Novablast 4: Not as versatile, mostly shines on easy days
- Novablast 5: More affordable, solid pick for daily miles
- Metaspeed series: Built for racing, carbon plates and all
The Superblast 2 stands out with its plate-free design. Most competitors throw in carbon plates for energy return, but honestly, that can feel a bit harsh if you just want a relaxed run.
Ideal Runners and Running Shoe Rotations
This shoe’s a solid pick for runners who just want one do-it-all trainer. It feels good at anything from easy recovery jogs up to marathon pace.
If you’re gearing up for a half or full marathon, I’d put this on your radar. The big stack of cushioning is great if you like your shoes plush and protective.
Perfect for:
- Folks logging 40+ miles a week
- Anyone looking to keep their shoe rotation simple
- Long run enthusiasts
- Runners who aren’t into the whole super shoe thing on race day
In a rotation, it actually pairs nicely with something lighter—think Novablast 4 for everyday miles. You could toss in a carbon-plated racer if you want to mix it up for speedier stuff.
If you’re watching your wallet, maybe start with the Novablast 5. Honestly, it gets you most of the way there for less cash.
At £200, it’s definitely on the pricier side. I’d say it’s only worth it if you’re planning to put in a lot of miles and use it for all sorts of training.
