The Superblast is an immensely popular trainer due to its thick midsole, lightweight build and high level of versatility. Version 2 has been 2 years in the making. It has received a new upper, midsole and outsole. This comparison will tell you which version is better suited to you.
Superblast 2
Verdict
The ASICS Superblast 2 is a great versatile daily trainer with a stable and max-cushioned ride. It’s capable of a wide range of paces from recovery to marathon pace and is arguably one of the best long run trainers on the market. Version 2 has a more comfortable, more breathable upper and better outsole traction than v1. It has an almost identical ride to its predecessor and has also picked up some weight.
The ASICS Superblast is a versatile, maximalist trainer without a carbon plate. It’s a pricey option for those wanting a racer but who don’t like carbon plates or for those wanting a speed trainer but find the Magic Speed 2 too firm.
It’s a distant cousin of the Novablast 3 but it’s lighter, more cushioned and has a smoother ride.
Recommended for
Speedwork, daily training
Racing, speedwork, daily training, long distance racing
Cushioning type
Balanced
Balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
medium
Stability
very stable
very stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$200
US$200
The Superblast 2 and the original version both have the same stack heights. The difference is in their composition. The Superblast 2 uses ASICS’ latest super foam, FF Turbo+ while the Superblast uses the older FF Turbo. There isn’t a big difference between the 2 foams but FF Turbo+ is slighty softer.
The Superblast 2 has a thin layer of FF Blast+ Eco at the bottom of its midsole while the Superblast has a thin layer of FF Blast+.
The softer and heavier ride of the Superblast 2 makes it better for slower-paced runs and long runs. It has more long-distance comfort and it doesn’t feel as fast as the Superblast.
The firmer and lighter Superblast is better for faster-paced runs and short runs. It’s easier to pick up the pace in the Superblast.
When it comes to stability, both versions are very stable but version 1 has more stability due to its firmer midsole which has less lean bias.
Small stones used to get stuck in the holes in the outsole of the Superblast but in the Superblast 2, the holes have been closed up to avoid the shoe being a stone vacuum.
The rubber on the outsole of the Superblast 2 has also been improved. It now has ridges on it which help to grip onto surfaces so the Superblast 2 has better traction.
Both uppers come in only one width. The Superblast 2 has a more accommodating upper and fits more true to size. It also has better ventilation on the top of the toe box so it’s better for warm climates.
The Superblast 1 has a longer fit so you might have to go down a half size. It has a warmer upper better suited to cooler climates. Overall, it isn’t as comfortable as version 2.
If you’re looking for a trainer for mostly easy runs and you prefer a softer ride, the Superblast 2 is the better shoe for you. It has a more comfortable upper and a better outsole too.
If you’re looking for a trainer for faster-paced runs and you need a firmer ride, the Superblast is better for you. It has more stability and it is lighter so it has better versatility.
Overall, there is very little difference between the 2 versions so if you can find the original version for cheaper, you should get it.
