Ano Neo Vista vs Asics A6 Super Blast: Two of the Best Super Trainers Compared

Introduction

The Ano Neo Vista and the Asics A6 Super Blast are two of the best super trainers on the market by a long shot, not just in terms of weight but responsiveness and overall execution. Both are aimed at runners who want more than a standard daily trainer, and both have proven themselves over serious mileage. This comparison breaks down how they differ so you can pick the one that matches your running.

One thing worth knowing up front: both shoes cost more than a typical trainer, but both have also proven to be worth the extra money thanks to exceptional durability and long-lasting ride feel.

Specs at a Glance

The Neo Vista weighs 9.4 oz for men’s size 9 / women’s size 10.5, about 266 g. The A6 Super Blast comes in at 8.4 oz, roughly 238 to 239 g in the same sizes.

Stack heights are remarkably similar. The Neo Vista measures 44.2 mm in the heel and 36.5 mm in the forefoot, while the newest figures for the Super Blast list 45 mm in the heel and 37 mm in the forefoot. Both use an 8 mm drop, so geometry is nearly identical. Where they truly diverge is in how they ride and feel underfoot.

Ride Feel and Foam

The Neo Vista uses a foam called Energy Next, believed to be a PEBA-EVA mix, and it is one of the bounciest and softest foams around, softer even than other well-known max-cushion options. It feels great at a variety of paces, from recovery runs all the way up to 5K-pace efforts, with a smooth rolling feel and no hint of stiffness. The bounce is so pronounced that other shoes can feel flat by comparison after wearing it.

The Super Blast feels firmer for how much foam is underfoot. It still has bounce, but the ride is more controlled and consistent rather than explosively soft. Its FlyteFoam Turbo midsole handles faster paces very well: it has proven itself in half and full marathon workouts and works as a strong alternative to dedicated super racing shoes, especially for longer efforts like the marathon. Despite the lack of a plate, it is the far stiffer riding shoe of the two, which some runners will prefer for a locked-in, consistent feel.

Stability and Guidance

Both shoes offer excellent guidance rather than traditional stability. The Neo Vista has a filled-in, wide forefoot platform with a central groove that keeps you centered as you roll through, without any sidewalls to irritate runners who dislike them. It is stable in a guidance sense, not a rigid one, and the fiberglass plate adds just a touch of stiffness.

The Super Blast is also a stable neutral shoe, but it uses sidewalls on either side of the foot. Runners who prefer more side-to-side pressure and containment will do better here, since the stiff platform plus sidewalls keep the foot well secured. If you want guidance that stays out of the way, the Neo Vista is the better choice.

Upper Fit and Comfort

The uppers are very different. The Super Blast feels snug out of the box, with a tapered toe box and more of a racing-style fit throughout. It opens up slightly over time but stays narrow and low-volume, suiting runners with narrow or normal-width feet who want a snug feel.

The Neo Vista has a stretchy knit upper that hugs the foot sock-like without excessive compression and accommodates a variety of foot shapes. It suits normal-width feet and can stretch to handle slightly wider or slightly narrower feet. One caveat: there is no real heel counter, though the heel stays secure, and the heel tab can put slight pressure on the calcaneus bone for some. The Super Blast has a flexible, well-padded heel counter, with minor heel slippage reported after miles.

Durability and Value

Both shoes are excellent here. With 200 miles on the Super Blast and 50 miles on the Neo Vista, wear is nearly zero on both. The Super Blast has outlasted multiple shoes in a row and still feels close to how it did fresh. The Neo Vista’s bounce also holds up impressively.

On price, the Super Blast sits at $200 and the Neo Vista at $180. Given the sheer amount of bounce on offer, the Neo Vista is arguably the better value, but both justify their cost far better than many pricier super trainers that wear out quickly.

Which One Should You Buy

If you want maximum bounce and a wildly soft, smooth ride, the Neo Vista is the pick. It works for everything from recovery runs to tempo efforts, and its adaptable knit upper fits a wide range of foot shapes.

If you want a consistent, stiff, do-everything trainer that is lighter, handles long-distance racing, excels at long runs and marathon workouts, and has proven extremely durable, the Super Blast is the better fit, especially for narrow or normal-width feet that like a snug upper.

Conclusion

Both of these are excellent choices, and the deciding factors come down to ride character and fit. Choose the Neo Vista for bounce, softness, and a more accommodating upper at $180. Choose the Super Blast for consistency, stiffness, racing versatility, and proven longevity at $200. Either way, you are getting one of the best super trainers currently available.