ASICS Superblast 2 Review: No Plate, 45/37mm Super Trainer

ASICS Superblast 2 Review: No Plate, 45/37mm Super Trainer

Disclosure: TrainingPlan has not hands-on tested this exact model. This research-based review uses ASICS exact-model materials and independent exact-model testing. No Amazon US listing is currently verified.

Quick Verdict

ASICS Superblast 2 is a superseded high-stack super trainer with 45mm at the heel, 37mm at the forefoot, an 8mm drop, and an approximately 8.8-ounce unisex reference. Its midsole layers responsive FF TURBO PLUS over FF BLAST PLUS ECO. Crucially, it has no plate. It launched July 5, 2024 for MSRP: $200.

That foam-to-weight ratio makes Superblast 2 effective for steady long runs, marathon-pace work, progression runs, and some daily training. Its broad platform and rocker create structure without carbon. The tradeoffs are a very tall ride, standard unisex fit, premium price, and stack height that matters for formal racing rules.

Key Specifications

What Changed

The previous catalog called Superblast 2 a carbon-plated shoe and listed a 7.5-ounce women's value. Both claims were unsupported. ASICS's launch material describes the two foams, outsole, upper, 250-gram approximate weight, price, and launch date—but no plate. Doctors of Running and RunRepeat also explicitly identify it as unplated.

Superblast 2 is a unisex product. The catalog's paired weight structure cannot represent a single reference field, so it now duplicates 8.8 ounces for men and women rather than fabricating a smaller “women's” number. The article labels this convention plainly. The prior Amazon URL was removed because no dated exact-model listing title and ASIN match was documented.

Ride and Intended Use

FF TURBO PLUS forms the main responsive layer, while a thinner FF BLAST PLUS ECO section helps create a stable base. The tall stack compresses and rebounds, and the curved geometry moves the shoe forward without the rigid lever of a plate. This makes transition less mechanically prescriptive than a carbon racer.

Independent testing found the ride energetic enough for workouts while protective enough for long running. The sweet spot spans steady efforts, uptempo long runs, progression runs, and marathon-oriented sessions. Easy pace is possible, but the height and premium foam can be unnecessary for short recovery outings. It is not a trail or lateral gym shoe.

Fit and Sizing

The engineered woven upper and gusseted tongue create a secure, breathable wrap. As a unisex model, sizing is commonly presented in men's units with a conversion to women's sizing. Independent reviewers generally found length true, forefoot room moderate, and the heel secure.

Only standard width is documented. Confirm the retailer's sizing scale before ordering, then check toe clearance, instep pressure, heel hold, and lateral security. The very tall base makes precise upper fit important on corners. Consult the running-shoe fit guide, especially if converting between gendered size labels.

What Works Well

Superblast 2 provides an uncommon combination of high cushioning, low relative mass, outsole grip, and pace range without a plate. The broad base and dual-density construction keep it more controlled than its 45mm heel suggests. It can reduce the need to switch shoes between a long easy segment and faster blocks.

Tradeoffs

The platform is exceptionally tall, reducing ground feel and increasing leverage if a landing is off-center. It costs MSRP: $200, offers no documented wide option, and may feel excessive for ordinary easy runs. The single unisex last will not work for every foot. Its 45mm heel also exceeds the general World Athletics road-shoe limit, so sanctioned-race eligibility must be checked rather than assumed.

Condition, not a generic mileage promise, should guide retirement. Track outsole wear, uneven foam compression, upper movement, and changes in transition with the shoe replacement guide.

Who Should Consider This Shoe

Consider Superblast 2 if you want one unplated shoe for long runs with pace changes, steady workouts, and high-cushion daily training. It best suits runners comfortable with tall platforms and a standard unisex fit.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Look elsewhere for low stack, strong ground feel, a wide-specific fit, budget value, or a legal elite road racer. The ASICS Novablast 4 is cheaper and still lively. The New Balance SC Elite v4 adds a carbon plate for racing, while the Nike Pegasus 41 is a conventional lower daily trainer.

Cross-Brand Comparison

SC Elite v4 is softer, lower-drop, plated, and race-specific. The HOKA Skyward X is heavier and uses a carbon plate inside an even more maximal training construction. Superblast 2 is lighter and simpler than Skyward X and more flexible in role than SC Elite, but it is not their unplated equivalent in race legality.

Same-Brand Comparison

Novablast 4 uses only FF BLAST PLUS ECO, costs MSRP: $60 less, and is the clearer daily trainer. The ASICS Magic Speed 4 is plated and workout-oriented. Superblast 3 directly succeeds version 2 and must be evaluated from its own foam, fit, stack, and release evidence.

Value

At MSRP: $200, Superblast 2 was expensive but could replace separate long-run and workout trainers for the right runner. That versatility is the value argument—not a nonexistent carbon plate. Clearance purchases still require exact model, size conversion, storage, condition, and return verification.

Final Verdict

ASICS Superblast 2 is a superseded 45/37mm, 8mm-drop, 8.8-ounce unisex super trainer with FF TURBO PLUS and no plate. Correcting the false carbon claim materially changes how buyers should understand it: this is a foam-and-geometry performance trainer, not a carbon racer. Its range is excellent, while height, fit, rules, and price remain meaningful constraints.