Asics Superblast 2 - Women's Review

Runners seeking a shoe that combines lightweight materials, comfort, and responsive energy return should consider the lively and plush Asics Superblast 2. At 7.04 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe, the Superblast is primed for long runs and quick leg turnover.

Side View Cut in Half

Cushioning

The Asics Superblast 2 is a well-cushioned machine that seamlessly balances function and underfoot comfort. This shoe features a dual-layer midsole that combines FF Blast Plus and FF Blast Turbo foams. The FF Blast Plus layer provides a soft, forgiving base, while the FF Blast Turbo layer offers a firmer, more responsive feel.

The magic lies in the combination of these two textiles. This comfortable cushioning system absorbs impact without feeling overly soft or mushy. It also isn't quite as rigid-feeling as typical racing shoes feel underfoot. The substantial heel stack height of 38 mm provides comfortable underfoot protection for long-distance runs. I enjoyed the underfoot cushioning and comfort of the Superblast both on short, speedy runs and long-distance endeavors. Despite the high stack, the Superblast maintains a relatively firm ride, which contributes to its versatility and energetic feel. The balanced elements underfoot make this one of my prime recommendations for runners who want a distance training shoe.

Upper Comfort

The Asics Superblast upper is constructed from an “engineered mesh” that offers a pretty solid support for a mega-responsive shoe. The toebox feels slightly narrower than some runners may prefer, but I never had any actual issues aside from simply noticing this sensation.

A gusseted tongue wing fit system enhances the midfoot lock and reduces tongue movement, contributing to a secure, comfortable, and reliable upper fit. The toebox of the Superblast is fairly average in shape — it isn't especially wide, but it is wide enough for average feet to feel relatively unrestricted. The upper design of the Superblast ensures a comfortable and easy fit that feels designed for long training sessions.

Stability

Despite its high stack, the Superblast 2 offers notable stability. It isn't often that I come across a shoe that feels secure and powerful, so the Superblast is an exciting exception. In fact, this is a standout shoe for runners who want the levity and performance of a super shoe but also want some thickness to the lateral walls.

The Superblast's stability is achieved through a few specific design elements. For one, the wide 4.5-inch platform is broad enough to enhance lateral stability. This wide platform and solid construction combine to offer a bit less in-motion torsion than many speed-focused shoes, making it feel more supportive. The denseness of the heel counter, combined with its tapered fit, creates a strong rear foot feel, further upping its stability ranking. Runners who want to push their paces in a shoe that doesn't feel like it's going to pitch them off the platform will likely enjoy the balance of functional elements of the Superblast.

Responsiveness

The Asics Superblast 2 delivers a responsive ride in a unique-feeling way, thanks to its midsole composition and epic geometry. The FF Blast Turbo foam provides a snappiness while the shoe's rocker geometry facilitates smooth transitions.

The culmination of metrics of the Superblast is… muah, chef's kiss, in terms of how they encourage comfortable and natural leg turnover. We measured the rocker angle at 25.0 degrees, with the apex located 70.5% of the way forward from the heel. This positioning promotes an efficient toe-off, enhancing the shoe's responsiveness during faster-paced runs while still feeling totally at home during slower strides. Although the Superblast lacks a carbon plate, its design compensates by delivering a lively ride suitable for tempo runs and long-distance training. If a balance of responsiveness and comfort sounds like it might be perfect for your running needs, this is a shoe that I don't hesitate to recommend.

Weight

Weighing in at 7.04 ounces or a women's size 6.5, the Asics Superblast is impressively light for a shoe with such a substantial stack height.

The Superblast is not the lightest shoe overall, but for one with such strong comfort features, 7.04 ounces is pretty light. The reduced weight does not compromise cushioning or stability, making the Superblast a well-rounded option for runners seeking a high-performance road shoe for all occasions. The lightweight construction contributes to the Superblast's versatility, allowing runners to use it for various training sessions without feeling weighed down.

Traction

The outsole of the Superblast features high-abrasion (AHARPLUS) rubber in key areas, providing durable and semi-reliable traction on various road-related surfaces. The rubber placement helps provide grip on dry surfaces, but it isn't the best for slick pavement or grass.

The outsole design does contribute to the shoe's overall durability, making it suitable for high-mileage training. The durability helps offset the blandness of the Superblast's traction.

Should You Buy the Asics Superblast 2?

Perhaps the biggest gripe the GearLab running team has with the Asics Superblast 2 is its steep price tag. There's no denying this shoe delivers. The Superblast is a powerhouse of performance, offering a remarkable blend of responsiveness and stable comfort that makes it a standout for marathon training. For many runners, the juice is absolutely worth the squeeze, so long as it doesn't squeeze your wallet dry. The Superblast 2 truly rocks for runners who want an energetic shoe that still scores high in terms of comfort. Still, we have to acknowledge that some more budget-friendly shoes can offer a comparable level of versatility. We say that to be fair, but the truth is, the Superblast shoe is awesome because of how much it delivers across the board; it's just prohibitively priced.

What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?

Up until the Superblast 2 crossed our paths, we were recommending the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 for the same reasons. And while we do still love the Hyperion, the Superblast is better, but the Hyperion costs a little less. The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is another shoe that offers prime versatility and, much like the Hyperion, the Adizero Evo SL does so without standing on such a towering platform. The Asics Novablast 5 is a dialed-back version of the Superblast. Also outfitted with fantastic geometry and a comfortable overall fit, the Novablast places a bit less emphasis on the speedy side of things. The Mizuno Neo Vista is another max-cushioned yet responsive shoe that offers a similar balance of features when compared to the Superblast. The Neo Vista is only slightly less pricey, which is something to consider as you search for your next training partner.