The ASICS Superblast 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the original Superblast, a shoe that turned heads last year for its bold design, plush cushioning, and performance-focused features. After getting my hands (and feet) on the new iteration, I can say that the Superblast 2 carries forward the brand's innovation with some key upgrades while maintaining the characteristics that made the first version such a hit.
ASICS continues to impress in the super foam market with the Superblast 2, incorporating its signature FF Blast Turbo foam, which provides a fantastic balance of softness and responsiveness. The foam feels even more refined this time around, offering a plush landing that doesn’t sacrifice energy return, it's more noticeable when you land on the front half of the shoe but can feel a little stiff at a slower jogging pace. The shoe has a slightly more refined feel compared to the original, which had a little more "bounce" but could feel a bit soft underfoot for longer runs. The Superblast 2 seems to hit the sweet spot of cushioning without being too soft or too firm.
The upper on the Superblast 2 has been reworked with a more breathable mesh material, which f improves airflow. The engineered mesh feels more structured, giving the foot a snug, secure fit without feeling restrictive. A slight refinement to the collar and tongue offers an even more locked-in feel around the ankle. It’s a firmer upper which means it lacks a little bit in the comfort department. I found the original more comfortable but much less supportive.
The midfoot is secure, and the heel cup has been slightly redesigned for an even more stable feel.
The Superblast 2 features a durable rubber outsole with a high-abrasion design, ensuring good grip on a variety of surfaces. The tread pattern is aggressive enough for road running, yet it offers enough flexibility for off-road surfaces, However, it’s not recommended for that. ASICS has improved the outsole's durability over the first version, making it more suited for daily training and longer runs.
The Superblast 2's design keeps up its strong, futuristic aesthetic, which distinguishes it from more conventional road runners. Anticipate a variety of striking colour options, with the design remaining streamlined but marginally more sophisticated than its predecessor. The shoe is both aesthetically pleasing and practical because of the dynamic appearance created by the wide, exaggerated midsole and the sleek upper.
The shoe is made to easily manage a variety of activities, including long, short-tempo runs and races. The responsiveness of the shoe will give just enough pop for those faster workouts, and the cushioning is soft without feeling too squishy. There is a slight "rocker" effect to the shoe's additional stack height if you land on the midfoot and beyond, which encourages a more natural stride and efficient turnover.
The ASICS Superblast 2 is an excellent update to an already solid shoe. With a more refined fit, enhanced cushioning, and improved outsole durability, It offers a plush, responsive ride that suits a wide range of runners, from daily trainers to those looking for a shoe that can handle longer miles without compromising on comfort or performance. If you’re a fan of the original Superblast, or you’ve been eyeing a high-performance shoe with premium cushioning, the Superblast 2 will likely impress. Stay tuned for a full review once I get more miles in, but first impressions are overwhelmingly positive
