The Asics Superblast 2 is easily the most anticipated running shoe of 2024. Well, at least among running shoe geeks and runners who experienced the fun and versatility of the original Superblast.
The first Superblast was a success despite the shocking initial price point of $220 (which Asics quickly and smartly lowered to $200). In our performance review, we argued the original Superblast was worth it even if you had to pay the higher price. Once Asics lowered the price, it left a high performing shoe with only two negatives: an outsole that didn’t have enough rubber coverage, a lack of durability, and occasional slippage and laces that were too long. Still, the Superblast ended up on our Best Running Shoes list along with a multitude of other lists like Best Long Distance Running Shoes.
Initially, the running public was skeptical (mostly due to the price and outsole) but they came around and the Superblast grabbed cult hero status. Pretty much exactly like a TV show or movie that starts out beloved among a niche group but later goes mainstream. It was complete with people saying they were fans from the beginning even though their Instagram comments clearly show they were originally haters that hopped on the bandwagon late.
When something becomes so beloved, a sequel is always going to be an exciting proposition. But it’s also a risky one. If the sequel doesn’t live up to the hype, it’ll quickly face major criticism and could be a money loser for the company. No Superblast fan wanted that outcome.
So was Asics up to the task? Could the Asics Superblast 2 possibly outperform the Superblast? Let’s find out.
Asics Superblast 2
Release Date: July 5, 2024
Price: $200
Weight: 8.8 oz.
Drop: 8mm
Sizing: True to size
- Rundown: The Asics Superblast 2 is the highly anticipated follow up to the high performing original. It lives up to the lofty expectations.
Performance
I’ll just save everyone some reading by cutting to the main point of this review. The Asics Superblast 2 outperformed the Superblast. Not by much. But a bunch of small improvements made across the board resulted in an improved experience.
The FF Turbo+ that makes up the majority of the midsole was introduced in the Asics Metaspeed Sky and Edge Paris and is softer and more bouncy than the FF Blast Turbo used for the majority of the original Superblast’s midsole. The bottom layer of FF Blast Plus Eco, while different from the FF Blast Plus used in the Superblast, feels pretty similar. The result is a midsole that’s plusher and bouncier but still plenty stable.
Below the midsole, the outsole gets considerable changes. The rubber compound changes from AHAR to ASICSGRIP, the rubber coverage increases in surface area and thickness, and Asics introduced a simple lined-traction pattern with plenty of flex grooves. With those changes, Asics addressed both the slippage and durability issues.
The outsole still shows solid signs of wear after the test period but there’s enough depth of rubber that I don’t anticipate durability issues. The slippage, however, was completely missing from the Superblast 2. The new outsole as a whole is a big win.
Thankfully, Asics didn’t mess with the super comfortable tongue, instead completing reworking the upper around it. I didn’t have any issues with the Superblast’s engineered mesh upper and really enjoyed it, but the engineered woven mesh upper of the Superblast 2 is a solid improvement in fit and breathability. The woven mesh stretches better and molds to the foot, something especially noticeable on the medial and lateral sides of the toebox.
Even though this upper does a better job conforming to the wearer’s feet, the accommodating fit didn’t go anywhere. There’s still plenty of room to wiggle your toes and most wide footers will have plenty of space.
Rarely does everything a brand changes in a shoe result in improvements but that’s the case here. The Asics Superblast 2 is a clear step forward from the original and will be appearing on many of our best lists.
Pros
- Soft, bouncy FF Turbo+/FF Blast Plus Eco midsole
- Form fitting, yet accommodating, engineered woven mesh upper
- Improved outsole and traction
- High end stability and durability
- Breathability
Cons
- Nothing (a rarity in the shoe review business)
Is the Asics Superblast 2 wide foot friendly?
Yes, the Asics Superblast 2 has plenty of room for wide footers throughout the shoe but especially in the toebox.
Is the Asics Superblast 2 worth $200?
Yes, the Asics Superblast 2 is worth the price. Like its predecessor, the Superblast 2 is versatile enough to handle everything a runner needs to do. Easy runs, tempo runs, race day, and even speed days are doable in the Superblast 2. That sort of versatility, along with the build quality, comfort, and cushion, deliver high end value.
Asics Superblast 2 Summary
The Asics Superblast 2 is an all around improvement from last year’s cult classic. Hopefully Asics made a huge quantities in a bunch of colorways. For all the reasons listed above, the Superblast 2 is so good that it will fly off shelves.
Running nerds will be first in line but I imagine local running stores will be recommending the Superblast 2 regularly because it’s the sort of shoe that will work well for both someone deep in marathon training and someone new to running.
The Asics Superblast 2 is so good, it may grab the title of best running shoe of 2024 when all is said and done.
How does the Author Run?
Drew Whitcomb (age 42, 6’6″ 195lbs): Runs daily with a once a week rest day. Runs a lot of miles due to testing needs and a growing affinity for long-distance races. Regularly competes in marathons, half-marathons, 10k, and 5k races.
Disclosure
While Asics did send a pair of the Asics Superblast 2 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.
