Couldn’t be more excited than to be diving into the all Asics Superblast 2, one of the most eagerly anticipated shoes of 2024. For those who loved the original Superblast, this sequel promises to take things up a notch. And yes, we did end up loving the Superblast, but it took us a little getting used to and some wearing in, but after that we were all in. Pumped to see if the Superblast 2 can live up to its hype. Slight teaser, it’s even better than the original.
Technical Specs
- Weight – 8.8oz or 249g for a US Men’s 9, oz or 0g for a US Women’s 7
- Cushion – 45mm of cushion and a 8mm heel/toe drop
- Pricing – $199.95 USD
- Colors – 1 color (so far)
Upper: A Comfortable and Secure Fit
The upper of the Superblast 2 has undergone some noteworthy changes. Where the first edition featured an engineered mesh, the Superblast 2 uses an engineered woven mesh. This new material not only offers a better fit but also enhances breathability. It stretches nicely and molds to the foot, especially noticeable on the medial and lateral sides of the toebox. Despite the snug fit, there is still plenty of space for toe wiggling, this is especially important as the miles tick up and your foot starts to expand. Having soom room is always a plus. From a breathability standpoint, the engineered woven mesh upper does a fantastic job. During the runs, the feet stayed cool and dry, which can be a lifesaver during those hot summer workouts. This is a testament to the thoughtful design changes.
Midsole: Cushioning and Bounce with Stability
Let’s talk about the midsole. Made mostly of FF Turbo+, this material was initially introduced in shoes like the Asics Metaspeed Paris. Compared to its predecessor, this midsole is softer and bouncier while maintaining a decent level of stability. Below this layer, we have FF Blast Plus Eco, which is not much different from the FF Blast Plus used in the original just an Eco recycled version. Together, these materials form a cushioning system that’s plush and responsive, making our runs feel smooth and energetic. So yes, it is better!
Outsole: Traction and Durability Improvements
The outsole has seen big upgrades in this version. Asics swapped out the AHAR rubber with ASICSGRIP. This change, along with increased rubber coverage and thickness, significantly enhances durability and grip. A simple lined-traction pattern complete with ample flex grooves addresses earlier slippage issues we encountered with the original Superblast which even then were limited.
Performance: Versatile for All Runs
From easy runs to high-tempo sessions and even speed days, the Superblast 2 is versatile enough to handle it all. Thanks to its well-rounded design, this shoe’s performance stands out, offering comfort and efficiency across various running activities. The combination of the plush midsole and improved outsole results in a shoe that’s not just functional but a joy to run in. It also makes for an excellent distance trainer and even a race day shoe for everyday runners. The midsole provides enough cushioning and responsive to let you more quickly while also providing plenty of leg recovery.
Also, while the earlier version faced some durability issues, the Superblast 2 seems to address these concerns head-on. Changes in both the midsole and outsole materials contribute significantly to this improved durability. We wouldn’t expect this shoe to fall apart after a season of heavy use, making it a reliable choice for those logging miles regularly.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, the Asics Superblast 2 is a significant improvement over its predecessor. From the softer, bouncier midsole to the more durable and grippy outsole, every aspect of this shoe has seen thought-out upgrades. The engineered woven mesh upper enhances fit and breathability, and the overall design provides a versatile running experience suited to various terrains and speeds. Whether you’re deep into marathon training or just starting your running journey, the Superblast 2 should definitely be on your radar. We are going to put just a ton of miles on these and bonus, they look fantastic as well!
Learn more on the Asics website
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Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
