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The RW Takeaway: A max-cushioned, but not squishy-soft, training companion for long runs, threshold workouts, and marathon-pace efforts.
Also great for: Runners seeking a carbon-fiber/nylon plate alternative that still feels responsive.
Preceded by: Novablast, Novablast 2, Novablast 3, Novablast 3 LE
Key tech: Two premium midsole foams (nylon-based Flytefoam Turbo and softer Flytefoam Blast+)
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Ride: Fairly firm and very stiff; wide base delivers stable landings, springy yet controlled at toe-off
Pros
- Stable despite tall stack height
- Responds smoothly and quickly to pace changes
- Lightweight and very durable
- Grippier outsole than the Novablast
Cons
- Expensive for a non-plated shoe
- Female testers experienced slight heel slip
- Feels better after short break-in period
Key Specs
| Type | Neutral Road |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.6 oz (M9), 7.2 oz (W7) |
| Heel Stack | 45.5 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 37.5 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm |
World Athletics caps a shoe’s stack height at 40mm for it to be considered race-legal. But there’s no limit on the shoes you wear for training and daily miles. The Superblast stands 45.5mm in the heel, making it Asics’s tallest and most cushioned shoe ever.
Of course, when you add more foam, you add more weight. New Balance’s SuperComp Trainer, though $40 cheaper, has an even higher heel stack of 47mm and comes in 1.7 ounces heavier. The Superblast doesn’t match the SuperComp’s bouncy-house softness, but feels lighter on foot, making it more versatile and quicker to rebound than the SC Trainer at tempo paces.
Asics does it by combining its two most responsive midsole foams. The majority of the midsole is the “Turbo” version of Flytefoam Blast, used in the brand’s fastest racing models like the MetaSpeed Sky+ and MetaSpeed Edge+.
Underneath is a thinner layer of “Plus” formula, a softer and more forgiving cushion that soaks up the sting of hard landings. However, since that squishy-soft layer is closer to the ground than to your foot, the Superblast has a firmer ride than you might expect from looking at it.
“As I ran more tempo and long runs in the Superblast, I was reminded of those Moon Shoe toys from the ’90s. There’s a good amount of spring to them,” said one tester, who typically trains in the Nike Pegasus or Brooks Ghost.
“Given the amount of foam, I was also expecting the shoe to be a lot bouncier and more flexible; however, it was surprisingly rigid. This made the shoe feel more responsive, so I could wear it for speedwork but still get the benefits of a lot of cushion.”
Testers’ Feedback
C.J. R. | Collegiate Mid-Distance Runner
Arch height: Average | Pronation: Neutral
“This shoe felt good at almost every pace. It was comfortable, though not ideal, for shorter track workouts (150-meter and 300-meter repeats) because the thick cushioning could feel a little clunky. Fartleks felt great because of the shoe’s responsiveness when accelerating and decelerating. During 11-mile long runs, the cushioning minimized impact well. My legs didn’t feel like they were taking as much of a beating at the end of high-mileage weeks. The rockered sole still felt natural enough that it did not change my running form.
“The shoe did feel a bit narrow and stiff until it loosened up after about a week of training. My feet sat very comfortably in the shoes once they molded into the foam and upper a bit. The shoe was a little slippery on inclined wet cement and asphalt, but I had no problems on dry surfaces.”
Amy B. | Tester since 2019
Arch height: High | Pronation: Underpronator | Footstrike: Forefoot
“Asics really nailed the upper. The heel cup sits lower on my foot than most shoes, which is a big plus for comfort. The super flexible and soft tongue stays right in place on the top of my foot. While the upper mesh is thinner and a bit rough, it didn’t rub. Walking around in these shoes, I thought they were going to be very soft. However, when actually running in them, they had a firm yet well-cushioned feel. I also thought the overall stack height and wide heel would be awkward or catch on sidewalks, but neither has been the case. They don’t have that ‘cloppy’ feeling with all the foam, and I still felt connected with the ground. After 100 miles, the foam and rubber feel really strong and sturdy with no signs of breakdown.”
