ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 Review: High Propulsion, High Stability

The ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 delivers near-carbon propulsion without the carbon plate — making it one of the most compelling tempo trainers in ASICS’s lineup. Demand has been so high that it sold out shortly after its initial release.

On February 6, new colorways were released on the official ASICS online store, with third-party retailers and physical stores also beginning to stock them in late February.

I had been keeping an eye on the SUPERBLAST 2 for a while. When new stock appeared on February 6, I grabbed a pair immediately. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience after running in them extensively.

My expectations were high going in, and a few things surprised me — but overall, this is an impressive shoe. By the end of this review, you’ll know whether the SUPERBLAST 2 is right for you.

Product Specs

Item	Details
Product Name	SUPERBLAST 2
Brand	ASICS
Retail Price	¥24,200
Stack Height	Forefoot: 37mm / Heel: 45mm / Drop: 8mm
Weight	256g / US M9.5 (measured)

Why I Bought the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2

For moderate-pace runs, I had been rotating between the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 and the Nike Pegasus Plus. With the FuelCell Rebel v4 nearing the end of its lifespan, I needed a new daily trainer.

For quality long runs, I had been using worn-down pairs of the METASPEED SKY and Nike Vaporfly 3.

Racing shoes push your training pace up noticeably — but they also drive up muscle fatigue and mechanical load, which can eventually lead to injury.

I was looking for a trainer that could deliver quality workouts without the full demands of a race shoe — something versatile enough for moderate runs and quality long runs alike.

That’s when I started looking seriously at the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2.

The SUPERBLAST 2 uses the same midsole foam and outsole material as the METASPEED series — just without the carbon plate.

The ASICSGRIP outsole rubber is outstanding for traction.

The SUPERBLAST has been highly regarded, with stock running out quickly in Japan. When new colorways restocked on February 6, I ordered right away.

Running Test: Performance Across All Paces

I tested the SUPERBLAST 2 across a full range of paces — from an easy 8:03/mile (5:00/km) all the way to under 4:50/mile (sub-3:00/km) strides.

At easy pace — roughly 8:03 to 6:58/mile (4:20/km) — the SUPERBLAST 2 is very comfortable. It has more propulsion than you’d expect from a jogging shoe, paired with solid cushioning.

Ground feel is firmer than soft, and stability stands out immediately. At jogging pace, the shoe doesn’t push you forward with a springy rebound — it rolls you through, almost like a rocker sole.

Moving into the moderate zone — roughly 6:58 to 6:02/mile (3:45/km) — this is just below marathon race pace.

Below 6:58/mile, I started noticing the turnover. At US M9.5, the SUPERBLAST 2 weighs 256g — not heavy, but far from light.

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4, by comparison, weighs in the 220g range with noticeably quicker turnover. Against lightweight shoes like that, you can feel the SUPERBLAST 2’s extra weight — it takes a bit more effort to maintain fast turnover.

That said, propulsion per stride is exceptional — close to what you’d expect from a carbon plate shoe. Every hard push gets a strong, confident rebound.

Below 6:02/mile, I found it demanding to maintain turnover. At marathon pace or faster, keeping your cadence up requires real effort. You can run at half marathon pace in this shoe, but it doesn’t feel like the right tool for the job.

On the other hand, short strides under 4:50/mile felt surprisingly comfortable. Hard push-offs are rewarded with strong rebound, and the traction is excellent at high speeds. For strides, this shoe performs very well.

Propulsion, Stability, and Fit

My first impression of the SUPERBLAST 2 was how planted it feels. Ground feel is firm, with virtually no lateral sway on landing.

But it also has a nice bounce and impressive propulsion. Compared to the ASICS NOVABLAST, the SUPERBLAST 2 has less outsole flex and higher midsole rebound — which translates to a longer stride per step.

Turnover is harder to sustain, but if you find your rhythm and let the shoe do its work, your stride naturally extends — so you hit your target pace without forcing it.

The high stability makes this a great option for frequent training use. Fit is unremarkable — neither exceptional nor poor, just solid.

One note: I noticed some plantar fatigue after longer runs. The reduced midsole flex may be a factor. Runners dealing with plantar fasciitis or other foot sole issues may want to consider this.

Traction: Reliable in All Conditions

The SUPERBLAST 2 uses ASICSGRIP on the outsole — a debut for this model. ASICSGRIP is also featured on the METASPEED series, delivering outstanding traction and durability.

I tested it on wet roads at under 4:50/mile for strides, and there was zero slippage — even on surfaces I’d normally consider slippery.

Traction is something I take seriously. Being able to run confidently in rain or on wet pavement is a real advantage for consistent training.

Best Uses for the SUPERBLAST 2

Here are the workouts I’d recommend the SUPERBLAST 2 for:

The SUPERBLAST 2 feels slightly overbuilt for easy jogs, but it handles them comfortably. The stable, rolling ride makes it a relaxed and reliable option at any easy pace.

In my experience, anything above marathon race pace starts to feel effortful. For faster sessions, I’d recommend switching to a lighter shoe, a carbon plate model, or a dedicated racing shoe.

Where the SUPERBLAST 2 truly excels is the moderate zone — especially moderate-pace runs and long runs at a controlled, steady effort. It keeps you efficient without demanding too much.

It also handles strides well. The traction holds firm at high speeds, and the wet-road grip means weather won’t stop your training.

Overall, it’s a remarkably versatile shoe.

Sizing

I normally wear US M9.5 in most running shoes, and the SUPERBLAST 2 fits true to size.

Even with thick winter socks, there’s no tightness — so it should feel roomier with thinner summer socks. I’d recommend ordering your usual size.

Weight

When I weighed the SUPERBLAST 2, it came in at 256g in US M9.5 — lighter than its visual bulk suggests.

That said, racing shoes still feel lighter underfoot, and the SUPERBLAST 2’s turnover does suffer by comparison.

Durability

I’ll update this section as mileage accumulates.

Initial Condition (After Purchase)

Based on the METASPEED series’ track record for durability, I’d expect the SUPERBLAST 2 to hold up well.

The ASICSGRIP outsole rubber also looks built to last.

At 135 km (84 miles)

The midsole shows no sign of compression. Cushion durability looks excellent.

Outsole wear is minimal as well.