Asics SUPERBLAST 2 review: Comfort, supercharged

The Asics SUPERBLAST 2 is designed to take on long-distance running with comfort and style. During my 30km test run, the shoes performed exceptionally, delivering a comfortable, blister-free experience straight out of the box.

Their standout feature is the thick FF Turbo+ foam midsole, which provides superior energy return and cushioning, making them ideal for endurance races and daily long runs. The high stack height offers a stable, bouncy ride, perfect for neutral runners.

With a stylish design and a snug fit that adapts well to the foot, they are a fantastic choice for runners prioritising comfort and performance. However, the narrow toe box and premium price may not suit everyone, especially those with wider feet.

Is the Asics SUPERBLAST the best women's running shoes for you? Read my review below to find out. Spoiler alert: they might be, especially if you're into soft trainers with enough cushioning for days.

Asics SUPERBLAST 2 review

Price and availability

The Asics Superblast 2 launched in summer of 2024 and cost £200/ $200/ AU$387. They are available to buy now directly from ASICS US, ASICS UK and ASICS AU.

Designed For neutral/underpronation, the shoes are currently available in three colour ways: White and Cool Grey Violet Light and Pure Silver and the Grey and Yellow design, the latter of which I tested.

There is just one standard width on offer with half sizes also on the table. The trainers start at size UK 2.5 or a US size 4 and go all the way up to UK 12.

Design and materials

The shoe stands 45mm tall at the heel and 37mm at the forefoot for an 8mm drop, making it one of the tallest shoes I’ve run in. Did it still feel stable underfoot? You bet it did.

The Asics SUPERBLAST 2’s not only felt soft and grippy in both dry and wet conditions thanks to their ASICSGRIP outsole (the same used on their ASICS GEL-Trabuco 10 and many others) but also bouncy and responsive thanks to a big slab of their newly-released Superfoam, FF Turbo+ placed directly beneath your feet.

This cushioning, which is softer, lighter and bouncier than the previous version of the FF Blast Turbo cushioning not only returns energy like a kinetic spring but also provides a softer, more comfortable feel underfoot.

Despite this high stack and premium cushioning, it’s a lightweight shoe at 250g/8.8 oz in my UK size 5. The shoe fit me well in my normal running shoe size, but I found it slightly narrow in the toe box, thanks to my podgy feet.

A little loosening of the well-designed lacing system was all it needed—and I still got my snug fit without causing any discomfort. 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 breathable, and on those warmer days, I had no problems with my feet getting too hot or swelling.

Performance and comfort

I have been thoroughly impressed at how reliable and accommodating the Asics Superblast 2 feel on my long training runs.

I am drawn to shoes that feel stable and supportive. I loved how the wide platform and supportive midsole created a stable base, reducing the risk of overpronation, especially as fatigue sets in. I was a little worried that they would be too clunky for running and too cushioned to feel stable, but the FF Blast Turbo+ cushioning absorbed the impact beautifully and struck the perfect balance between supportiveness and responsiveness.

The Superblast 2 is an excellent option for those who run at a steady, contestant pace over long distances. Despite not having a carbon plate in its midsole (it instead relies on the springy foams and the geometry of the shoe), I could run for hours without any strain on my legs.

Oh, and when I did feel the strain and started to tire, I took full advantage of the slight rocker in the forefoot, which encouraged a natural forward motion and kept me moving in the right direction.

Who’s the Asics Superblast 2 for?

Consistent runners, who like to run at a consistent pace. I really enjoyed my longer runs in the Asics Superblast 2 where I went through the gears and ticked off the miles.

The highly-cushioned design helped to keep a nice pace throughout each run and the structured upper and grippier outsole felt supportive and reliable - anything from 5 to 30km felt good and they felt good on the roads with some gravel tracks thrown in.

The bounce from the trainers, and the bounce from my home-treadmill made them feel ultra bouncy with a nice transition onto the forefoot as I ran. I managed to get a lot out of them when either ticking off some easy miles on the treadmill or pushing the pace on a long run - they had a few trips to the gym too.

The only caveat to its well-cushioned structure is that the Asics Superblast 2 is a large shoe and even though it's lightweight it did however feel too clunky for speed work and hill sprints. They wouldn't be my top choice for an interval speed session unless on the track where the environment is controlled with no bumps or uneven terrain to worry about.

Should you buy the ASICS Superblast 2?

Sure, it's a premium shoe with a price tag to match, but if you’re serious about your training and want a shoe that looks good, is durable and can handle everything from easy miles to race day, the Superblast 2 is well worth the funds.

Verdict

Personally, I gelled with this mileage shoe instantly. They were roomy and structured and felt supportive under my extremely flat and wide feet. That said, I wouldn’t advise cracking out 30k without giving them a test drive first.

The minor updates to the cushioning technology and ASICSGRIP outsole rubber have paid dividends, as this is the coolest-looking Asics shoe that I’ve covered in this sort of distance in a long time - without getting injured!

I very rarely deviate from my reliable Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 but there’s no doubt about it, I loved the shape, I loved the fit and I loved the slight rocker and the phenomenal bounce that surprised me again and again on every run.

Also consider

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3: Known for its ultra-soft ZoomX foam midsole, this shoe offers a highly cushioned and bouncy ride, making it a great choice for long runs. It’s designed for neutral runners and provides an energetic toe-off, similar to the SUPERBLAST 2.

Hoka Clifton 9: The Clifton series is renowned for its plush cushioning and lightweight feel, much like the SUPERBLAST 2. The Clifton 9 excels in comfort and is ideal for those who prefer a soft, smooth ride over long distances.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13: This shoe combines Fresh Foam X cushioning with a snug-fitting knit upper, offering a balanced mix of comfort and support. Like the SUPERBLAST 2, it’s great for neutral runners and provides a soft, responsive feel during long runs.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3: For runners looking for a shoe with a more responsive and fast-paced feel, the Endorphin Speed 3, with its Speedroll technology and nylon plate, offers a bouncy ride similar to the SUPERBLAST 2 but with added propulsion, ideal for tempo runs or races.