By Paul Freary
ASICS, first, and perhaps still the most popular shoe to use the BLAST name, is the Novablast. This lightweight and well-cushioned shoe is now in its 5th generation and has become synonymous with shoes offering this energized type of cushioning.
Now, ASICS has four shoes following a similar theme: the Novablast, Superblast, Sonicblast and Megablast.
Here I’ll look at these lightweight, high-stack, performance family of running shoes, explain the differences and let you know which I think is best for you.
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1. ASICS NOVABLAST 5
On launching the original Novablast, ASICS instantly had a success on their hands. It marked somewhat of a transition from the brand’s more established, traditional models into a new family of lightweight shoes with a much broader appeal.
Perhaps ASICS were looking towards the social media generation of runner, with a wide palette of colours available and vivid, vibrant designs, but ultimately it was the lightweight performance feel of the shoe that won over many admirers.
The current, 5th generation model is available in around 16 different colours for men and women, perhaps an indicator of its nod towards the more fashion-conscious runner.
Tech
The original of the ASICS ‘Blast’ line of shoes, the Novablast, is now in its 5th generation, such has been its popularity since launch.
The Novablast 5 is the most cushioned update to date and features a high, 41.5mm stack of the brand’s FF BLAST MAX midsole foam. The foam is light, soft and has a good degree of ‘bounce’, which, when combined with a trampoline-inspired outsole design, gives even more of an energised feel.
Fit
The shoe feels incredibly light on the foot. Even lighter than the 255g weight suggests, thanks to the soft, breathable upper and neat wraparound fit. The bulk of the deep midsole disappears, and after a couple of runs, the shoe feels ‘at one’ with the feet.
The upper is probably the most ‘training shoe-like’ of those featured here. The other models feature lighter, thinner uppers, but that said, the Novablast upper is absolutely fine.
Performance
I have tried each version of the Novablast but will readily admit that it’s not a shoe that suits me. I know many running friends who love the shoe and can appreciate their praise of it, but I find it a little too unstable.
The deep stack and soft feel of the shoe, especially in the heel, can allow it to ‘wobble’ a little, so it is best suited to truly neutral runners.
The cushioning, again, while very popular and many find it incredibly bouncy, can feel a little too much. I had a feeling of the midsole sinking too much and feeling like I was running in sand. Cushioning feel can be such a personal thing, and as a speciality running store owner am only too aware of it. So while many like the bounce of the shoe, I just didn’t deliver for me in the same way the other shoes in this lineup do.
The fit of the Novablast 5 is true to size in terms of length and width and has a relatively high volume upper, able to accommodate those with slightly broader feet easily (particularly in the forefoot region).
Verdict
2. ASICS SUPERBLAST 2
Having tried the original Superblast from ASICS, I was left wondering what all the fuss was about. Despite trying a few days of running in the shoe and then revisiting it several times again and again, I just didn’t click with the model.
Fortunately, with the Superblast 2, things were different from the word go. The new combination of foams, perhaps, was the answer for me, and I’ve enjoyed the shoe so much and put so many miles on it, each one bringing a smile to my face and an energised feel to my stride!
Design
The midsole of the Superblast 2 is a dual-layer construction of FF BLAST PLUS ECO and FF TURBO PLUS cushioning foams, which are sandwiched together. Lighter, softer and more responsive than the previous combination of the overall feel is one of incredible cushioning but highly responsive.
The FF BLAST TURBO PLUS midsole is lighter, softer and bouncier than before, while the bottom layer of FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam adds to both the cushioning and energy return while helping to keep the shoe stable. The midsole geometry is broader than the Novablast, and this makes it noticeably more stable and even able to control my mild overpronation with ease.
Feel
The Superblast 2 is a relatively ‘big’ shoe on the foot. Its deep midsole and extended shape make the shoe appear much bigger than your feet sitting within it. Yet even with this bulk, it’s light and manages to disappear around the feet once you are on the move. The cushioning manages to sit in a magical zone; soft but not too soft, responsive and not saggy and light enough to feel substantial enough to tackle any run at any pace.
Performance
I’ve really enjoyed the Superblast 2, reaching for it for a wide range of training runs; this alone serves as a great testament to its capability and versatility.
The fit is true to size in terms of length and width, and there is perhaps a little extra wiggle room in the toe box for me, but overall it’s a good fit.
The upper is a lightweight, breathable, single-layer type construction and serves the purpose of the shoe well. There is no need for anything else here. The thinner construction of the upper helps reduce weight, but it can bunch a little at the bottom of the laces for those with slimmer feet.
On long runs, I find the shoe to be a great workhorse model, and I particularly enjoy the versatility of the shoe. It works well for me at easy run pace as well as intervals and longer tempo efforts.
The shoe offers a very stable ride, and, so far, my shoes have held up very well with around 300 miles on the clock. There is little sign of compression, and wear is evenly distributed across the outsole.
Verdict
3. ASICS SONICBLAST
Also Available at
ASICS
While the Novablast is now in its 5th generation and Superblast its 2nd, this is a new model and gives the ‘Blast’ family an exciting injection of speed and performance. Using a new foam and plate, the shoe is being referred to by some as a ‘Novablast with a plate.
Tech
The new, FF TURBO SQUARED foam is combined here in a dual-layer construction with FF BLAST MAX, sandwiching an ASTRO plate.
Of course, the addition of a plate, albeit a nylon plate, gives us the intended impression of the intention of this shoe; to go fast, but it’s the new foam combination that’s doing the work here. The FF TURBO SQUARED is a soft, springy and oh so smooth foam that simply oozes energy return and feels incredible. It’s a lively, spring feel and adds bounce as well as a smile to every stride.
Feel
From the word go, I found the SONICBLAST a great fun shoe to run in. The cushioning is soft and welcoming, with a high level of energy return.
I didn’t notice the presence of the ASTRO plate if I am being totally honest. Yes, it is visible, so it is there, and perhaps the way it works without being noticeable is a testament to its function. What is noticeable is the bounce and lively, energised feel of the shoe, and it’s this that I wanted from the NOVABLAST, something I feel I was missing but others felt in that shoe. Regardless, for me, the SONICBLAST delivers and feels great.
On The Run
I am enjoying running in the SONICBLAST and have been since my first run out in them. But I have now reserved them for my faster treadmill sessions. I feel the shoe does feel a little unstable for me when running a little slower and heel striking more. At 6 minutes 30 seconds a mile and quicker, the shoe feels great.
The fit is good and for me the best of this selection. I prefer the slightly more padded upper, and I prefer the plusher fit and feel.
For me, the SONICBLAST is perhaps the best value BLAST shoe too, combining that great energy return to money ratio at the best level.
Verdict
4. ASICS MEGABLAST
Also Available at
ASICS
Stepping into the range as the top model, the MEGABLAST delivers what, for now, is probably the most exciting feeling daily trainer ride on the market!
The new high stack of FF TURBO SQUARED provides an incredible ride in a deep stack that simply provides endless energy return mile after mile.
Tech
The MEGABLAST has a super-high, 45mm stack of the brand’s new FF TURBO SQUARED midsole foam, the same as used in the SONICBLAST, only here it makes up the full depth of the midsole. I think it’s the depth of the FF TURBO SQUARED foam that proves to be the magic formula here. With no other material or plate required it provides endless energy return!
Feel
You may have already guessed that I really like this shoe and have enjoyed running in it. It felt incredible from the first run in it, giving that feeling of some road racing shoes of wanting to go faster every time you pull them on. And that really is the case, so much so in fact, that I have been holding back from running in them too often, as I know I’ll overcook things and run too fast too often.
The fit is true to size, and the upper is super-light. It is a single-layer type construction, and this helps keep the weight down, but once again, it can bunch a little, especially at the bottom of the laces for those with slimmer feet.
On The Run
I think I have already covered my thoughts about running in the MEGABLAST, and there really isn’t too much more to say. This is simply because the shoe is a rather simple shoe, just the single midsole unit, and it performs exceptionally well.
The shoe, at least for me, hits the nail on the head as an up-tempo trainer that offers great cushioning and endless energy return.
It is a little bit expensive and sits squarely in ‘super-shoe’ pricing, but for pound-for-pound performance, it’s a knockout!
Verdict
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