ASICS MEGABLAST
Shoe review
This may be one of Asics most exciting new additions to their already impressive line-up of shoes on offer. The Megablast is a completely new model, a one-of-a-kind non-plated, max stacked super trainer/racer. This may be your new do-it-all shoe, and it's a fun one. Dropping in a striking purple and red colourway, it's hard to miss on the shelf, and after putting some miles in it myself, it'll be hard to miss your goals in this shoe too.
FIT
The MEGABLAST features a lightweight, breathable mesh upper with a race-inspired design. Although the forefoot and midfoot are quite small, the length of the shoe generally fits true to size. Wider-footed runners may experience some compression, particularly during longer runs. The heel lockdown and heel collar are excellent. The heel's surrounding cushioning reduces slippage and improves comfort. The laces tend to stay tied with the ribbed construction utilized in several high-end Asics models, and the tongue is gusseted (connected on the sides) to assist in preventing shifting.
Feel
The FF TURBO™ SQUARED (or FF Turbo²) full-length midsole foam is the main attraction here. It provides a "bouncy" ride without being mushy because it is extremely springy and has a high energy return. With an 8mm drop, the stack height is high, measuring about 45mm in the heel and 37mm in the forefoot. That feels nice underfoot, especially when you're running lengthy distances. At about 230g, the weight is relatively light for a maximally cushioned shoe. ASICSGRIP rubber is used in strategic places on the outsole to provide respectable traction. It's not completely bombproof, though, because there is a lot of exposed foam.
Function
The MEGABLAST is marketed as a fast, everyday shoe with maximum cushioning and super-training capabilities. It can handle long, steady miles, gentle runs, and even uptempo/threshold workouts. Unlike the Sonicblast sibling, the Megablast does not have a carbon or TPU plate, making it a non-plated racing shoe. Therefore, there may be faster solutions if you want something for 5Ks or extremely fast racing. Smoother transitions from heel-strike to toe-off are made possible by the rocker/curved sole design. The shoe is fast, the Turbo squared midsole is very responsive, and it's jam-packed under your foot. This makes traveling long distances a lot more efficient. The foam appears to be robust, but the running surface and landing force will determine how much the outsole wears, particularly where the foam is exposed.
The ASICS MEGABLAST is a compelling choice if you want a high-cushion shoe that also delivers liveliness. If your priorities are comfort and response over long distances, and being able to pick up the pace, then it does a great job.
