Updated with a full-length layer of the brand’s FF Turbo Plus foam as used in the Metaspeed range of shoes, the ASICS Superblast 2 Paris is a training shoe with an incredibly responsive feel.
It’s a high-stack, max-cushioned shoe, yet despite its bulk, it remains light for a shoe with this level of cushioning.
The Paris element of the name signifies the shoe forming part of a collection of models launched just in time for the Paris Olympic Summer Games this year and the colour is inspired by the City of Lights and the tones of the sky at sunrise and sunset.
If you click, or buy from, links on this page, we may receive compensation. Learn more
Fit / Tech
The fit of the Superblast 2 is true to size for both width and length and I found the nature of the new upper design to be an improvement on the previous model.
There is a nice element of stretch to the upper and it wraps around the foot well. The mesh is engineered very well and I particularly liked how the tongue sat very neatly across the instep of my foot as I pulled the laces securely.
The upper is a newly engineered mesh and it is very impressive how ASICS have managed to put this shoe together. There are elements of closely knitted yarn to provide shape and structure and other areas that are highly breathable. It works very well and allows good airflow around the foot.
The gusseted tongue wraps the foot well and reduces movement and also features small, padded elements at the top of the instep to reduce pressure when tying the shoe.
Stats
ASICS | Superblast 2 |
|---|---|
Best for | Plush comfort, daily training, support and cushioning |
Support | Neutral |
Cushion | Lightweight Maximum Cushioning |
Stack Height | 45mm forefoot /37mm heel |
Drop | 8mm |
Weight | Unisex sizing 250g / 8.8oz |
Suggested Retail Price | $200 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 9/ 10 |
FF Turbo Plus Foam
This full-length layer of cushioning is the same midsole foam as found on the Metaspeed Sky and Edge racing models. It’s light and highly responsive to the point of being ‘springy’.
Used in an everyday training shoe it adds a great element to the ride of the shoe and makes for an engaging and entertaining ride.
FF Blast Plus Foam
This midsole foam material makes up the bottom layer of cushioning in the Superblast 2 and creates a stable platform for the shoe.
With a wider base to the shoe, it is very stable and from my first few runs in the Superblast 2, I find it as stable as many mild support models.
Trampoline-inspired Outsole Design
The outsole has a slightly concave shape to it across the base of the shoe. This allows for what ASICS are referring to as a ‘trampoline’ design. The cut-away segments of the sole are not as deep as the previous model, so there’s now no danger of stones becoming wedged into the shoe.
Performance
Despite the apparent bulk of the shoe thanks to that super-deep midsole, it feels incredibly light.
A neat fit around the foot helps it disappear once you pull the shoe on and it feels less bulky.
My first run in the Superblast 2 was a recovery day 4-mile run. Even though I was a little tired, the Superblast 2 is one of those shoes that just seems to want to go faster.
The softness of the cushioning helped make my legs feel a little fresher than they actually were and the level of ‘energy return’ did seem to add a little spring to my stride.
I never really got to grips fully with the first version of the Superblast. I found it a reasonable enough shoe, but for me, the FF Turbo foam just didn’t feel as responsive as I’d like.
The use of the FF Turbo Plus really makes a difference. Of course, it’s bound to. It’s the same midsole foam as on the Metaspeed Sky and Edge Paris editions, so it is a good improvement on the initial version.
ASICS Superblast 2
Shop Now at
Putting in the Miles
I’ve now covered around 50 miles in the Superblast 2 and enjoyed every one of them. But here’s the thing. I find the shoe too good, too nice, almost too engaging for everyday miles.
I’m finding the shoe very light, soft and responsive and I’d love to wear it all the time. Yet I’ve decided it’s a shoe that I need to include in my weekly rotation of shoes and wear a little more sparingly.
Maybe as I get a little older and am still trying to include speed sessions into my weekly schedules I just need to focus more on easy recovery days. The Superblast wants to make my easy days too quick!
Shoes Similar to Superblast 2
So, the ASICS Superblast 2 is a super-trainer. One of the newer breeds of shoes that take the best elements of racing shoes and incorporate them into a shoe versatile and capable enough for daily training.
It’s a great concept; some very good shoes have been created recently. So what are the competitors?
Brooks Hyperion Max 2
Recently released and a great improvement over the previous model, the Hyperion Max 2 uses a Nitrogen-infused foam in a deep stack for its propulsive feel. Like the ASICS, it’s recently launched, so I’ve only run in the shoe about four times, but with a couple of fast 5k’s in it I am enjoying it immensely and know it will become a favourite of mine.
The Brooks is a little more race-like than the ASICS, but thanks to the high stack and durable cushioning I’d have no hesitation in recommending it for more regular use.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
The Endorphin Speed 4 is perhaps a little more geared towards faster workouts rather than everyday use, but it does have many loyal fans who use it as an everyday runner.
Saucony Kinvara Pro
The Kinvara Pro is one of my favourite shoes and similar to the Superblast with a deep stack, responsive PWRRUN PB foam and a three-quarter length carbon plate. Okay, there’s no plate in the ASICS, but the shoes are the same price, so one could argue you’re getting a little bit more for your money with the Saucony.
Mizuno Neo Vista
Almost identical in terms of cushioning stack, the Neo Vista from Mizuno is a new venture for the brand. It’s their first shoe that features the ingredients of the high stack, soft responsive foam and a full-length rocker.
The Neo Vista also features a full-length plate to further add to its highly responsive feel and great heel-to-toe ride.
The Neo Vista is a real, fun shoe to wear and versatile to use as a daily training model. Costing around 25% less than the price of the ASICS, it’s also very competitively priced.
My Verdict
The ASICS Superblast 2 is a shoe that can be worn daily and suits running at anything from easy recovery pace to race day speeds. The issue is that it feels like it wants to go quicker all the time!
It’s a fast-feeling shoe and offers such a responsive ride that the faster the pace, the better it feels. That’s great, but I think most runners should take things a little easier on some of their runs.
We’ve come to a place with running shoes where speed, technology and soft springy feels are marketed as the ultimate running shoes. That they may be, but not every day can be full-on.
Instagrammers and influencers rave about such shoes and perhaps some spend more time online than they do on the roads. Ideally, the Superblast 2 would sit in a line-up of models and play a great part in your weekly training schedule.
The price of the shoe is also a little punchy for a daily trainer and although brands have now conditioned us somewhat to $200+ shoes, should daily training models really be priced up there?
The Superblast 2 is a great shoe and it’s bound for take-off!
Leave a Reply