Asics Mega Blast vs Super Blast: Which Max-Stack Super Trainer Should You Buy?

Introduction

The AS6 lineup has had a bit of a shakeup recently with the arrival of two brand new trainers, and the one generating the most buzz is the Asics Mega Blast: the lighter, bouncier, possibly faster take on the Super Blast, one of the most beloved max-stack super trainers on the market. The big question is whether the Mega Blast makes the Super Blast redundant, or whether the two shoes simply serve different purposes in a rotation.

The short answer from our time with both: they are closer than ever, but they are not the same shoe. Here is how they compare.

Asics Mega Blast: Lighter, Bouncier, Faster

The Mega Blast is a max-stack super trainer aimed at long runs, long run workouts, longer races in comfort, speed sessions, and thresholds. It may be one of the most versatile shoes ever made. Stack height is 45 mm at the heel with an 8 mm drop, exactly the same as the Super Blast, but the weight comes in at around 275 g in a UK 11.5, slightly lighter than its sibling despite the bulk.

The upper is a fine woven material that is translucent in places, letting air flow into the shoe. It is very thin and race-like, with no obvious early durability concerns. The tongue is a thin suede-type material that holds the foot down well. The midsole is the headline act: the all-new FF Turbo Squared foam, a new ATPU compound from Asics, with no plate in the shoe. The outsole uses Asics Grip, the same material as the Super Blast, but with a different placement pattern and slightly less of it, which is likely one reason for the lower weight.

Sizing is true to size, matching other Asics trainers, and it launched in a purple-pink colorway plus an all-white option.

What We Liked About the Mega Blast

The first thing you notice is the weight. Despite the max-stack silhouette, the shoe feels genuinely light on the foot thanks to the racy upper, and the lockdown was spot-on with no irritation. A few runners have reported mild heel slip that a heel-lock lacing technique fixed, though we experienced none.

The second word for this shoe is fun. The FF Turbo Squared foam is extremely bouncy, and combined with the geometry it pushes you forward with every foot strike. It wants to go fast, and it really can: for a runner targeting a marathon around 3:30 or slower, it is a genuinely strong race option. It is also remarkably smooth over the ground, tipping you forward slightly, and it works for heel, midfoot, and forefoot strikers alike.

It is arguably one of the fastest non-plated shoes available for longer race distances. You could race a half marathon or full marathon in it without wishing you had brought your plated super shoe, getting most of the speed without sacrificing comfort. You can even do proper workouts in it, something rarely said of the Super Blast. The sheer versatility is the fifth big plus: easy runs, tempo, threshold, faster long runs, and racing are all covered.

Things to Consider Before Buying

A few honest caveats. The shoe is noisier than expected out of the box; the sparse outsole grip makes a distinct sound while running, though it quiets down over time. The soft foam and max-stack design bring inherent stability concerns: it is a little soft underfoot, and you could potentially turn an ankle, something less of a worry in the firmer Super Blast. It also runs slightly narrow, definitely narrower than the Super Blast, so wider-footed runners should try it in store first.

Then there is the price. At £210 in the UK and €240 in Europe, it sits in the awkward territory of premium daily trainers, £10 more than the Super Blast. Durability is the open question: the Super Blast was famously a tank that could soak up a thousand kilometers, and with the amount of exposed foam on the Mega Blast’s outsole, longevity remains to be seen. Many runners would also be perfectly well served by something like the cheaper Asics Evo SL, which costs roughly half as much.

Asics Super Blast: The Proven Mileage Monster

The Super Blast remains the classic long-run mileage monster. Its FF Turbo Plus midsole, with a small strip of FF Blast Eco at the bottom for extra stability and durability, delivers a firmer, stiffer ride with more of a responsive pop. Its woven upper is slightly thicker with more of an open weave. It is the shoe you reach for when you want to go easy for a long period of time and rack up the kilometers in comfort, and its proven durability is a genuine part of the value case at £200.

If you prefer a firmer, more durable shoe for daily mileage, the Super Blast is still the one.

Head-to-Head: Key Differences

Both shoes share the same 45 mm heel stack and 8 mm drop, and the Mega Blast is just £10 more. The Mega Blast is slightly lighter thanks to the new foam, the thinner race-style upper, and less outsole rubber. The real difference is feel: the Mega Blast is a lot more bouncy with a springy, soft ride, while the Super Blast foam is stiffer and firmer with a responsive pop. The Mega Blast also has more rocker at the front, getting you up on your toes sooner, and is naturally a touch less stable due to the softer foam.

Think of the Mega Blast as the racing version of the Super Blast: lighter, more responsive, bouncier, great for long-run workouts and plate-free racing. The Super Blast is the daily mileage workhorse. If you tried the Super Blast and found it too firm, the Mega Blast is absolutely worth a look.

Buying Advice

If you like a softer, bouncier ride and want one shoe that can handle easy runs through to half marathon and marathon racing, get the Mega Blast. If you prefer a slightly firmer, likely more durable shoe for daily mileage and long cruisy runs, go for the Super Blast. For many runners, owning both with distinct roles is the honest answer: the Super Blast for everyday kilometers, the Mega Blast for marathon-pace workouts, speed sessions, and plate-free racing days.

Conclusion

The Mega Blast does not replace the Super Blast so much as sit alongside it. One is a versatile, fun, bouncier trainer that flirts with racing performance; the other is a durable, firmer mileage monster. Choose based on how soft you like your ride and how much of your budget a daily trainer deserves, and you will not go far wrong with either.