ASICS SuperBlast 2 vs Novablast 4: Which One Deserves Your Money?

Introduction

ASICS has two trainers that look similar on paper but serve slightly different runners: the SuperBlast 2 and the Novablast 4. Both are comfortable, versatile daily options, and both are easy to like. The tricky part is that they overlap in the kinds of runs they handle well, so choosing between them comes down to budget, ride feel, and how much protection you want over long distances.

We have put meaningful mileage into both shoes, and this comparison breaks down the key differences, the running experience in each, and which one we would pick in different situations.

Key Differences at a Glance

The SuperBlast 2 is the significantly pricier of the two, carrying something closer to a carbon racing shoe price tag. Weight-wise, the Novablast 4 comes in slightly lighter, by just a couple of grams in a UK men’s size 8, so the scales alone won’t decide this for you.

Both shoes share an 8 mm drop, though the stack heights differ noticeably, with the SuperBlast 2 offering a much bigger stack at the heel. The uppers are similar woven constructions with gusseted tongues and comparable heel collar padding.

At the midsole, the Novablast 4 uses FF Blast Plus Eco for a lively but cushioned ride suited to regular runouts. The SuperBlast 2 also includes FF Blast Plus Eco but adds a top layer of FF Blast Turbo Plus, delivering the kind of bounce and responsiveness found in ASICS’ racing shoes like the Metaspeed Sky and Edge. The SuperBlast 2 uses a hybrid ASICS Grip outsole with strong durability and even some scope for light off-road use, while the Novablast 4 features an ASICS outsole built to absorb plenty of running time.

Fit and Sizing

Both shoes fit true to size in a UK 8, and testers found the length nearly identical between them. The SuperBlast 2 offers plenty of toe room and forefoot wiggle space, with generous padding and no major changes from the original SuperBlast in terms of comfort. Some testers did play with the lacing to get a slightly better midfoot lockdown, but once adjusted, the fit proved very good.

The Novablast 4 feels a touch more accommodating and snug through the midfoot, with a slightly narrower feel at the Achilles. The SuperBlast 2 narrows a little more in the midfoot, giving a speedier, locked-in sensation without losing overall comfort. For most runners, sticking with your usual size should work fine in either shoe.

Ride and Running Experience

The Novablast 4 benefits from lessons ASICS learned while developing the SuperBlast line. Its FF Blast Plus Eco midsole is responsive and comfortable, and this version has returned to being a genuinely versatile shoe after a less impressive third generation. It’s a comfortable easy-day shoe that you can also pick up the pace in. It isn’t as fast as something like the Saucony Speed 4, but as a single-shoe solution for all your running, it’s a strong pick at a good price.

The SuperBlast 2 keeps the magic of the original with a small, careful progression. The updated FF Blast Turbo Plus foam makes it a little poppier and faster on the feet without dramatically changing the character. It’s a performance-focused allrounder: you can do easy runs in it, interval sessions, and it especially excels at longer tempo efforts, settling into a consistent cruising groove over 20-30K sessions. Neither shoe is overly soft; both offer a nice bit of pop and a lightweight feeling rather than maximal bounce.

Outsoles and Durability

The outsoles are similar in character. The SuperBlast 2 has slightly less rubber than the original, presumably to keep weight down, but testers noticed no issues across their runs. The Novablast 4 carries more rubber on its outsole, so expect it to survive more of your running time overall. The Novablast 4 has also proven reliable in wet conditions, while the SuperBlast 2’s grip has felt secure across testing so far.

Which One Should You Buy?

If money were no object, the SuperBlast 2 is the better shoe. It suits almost any runner: easy miles, faster sessions, or sub-3 marathon training, and its bigger heel stack gives more protection over long distances. It also has a slightly firmer, bouncier edge with a faster feel, though neither shoe has a plate, so neither is the pick for all-out speed work.

If budget matters, the Novablast 4 is a very capable daily trainer at a friendlier price. It’s softer underfoot, slightly more accommodating, and its extra outsole rubber should extend its lifespan. It skews toward comfortable daily miles rather than pure speed, and while something like the Saucony Speed 4 is sharper for dedicated speedwork, the Novablast 4 is more comfortable doing a bit of everything.

Conclusion

Both of these ASICS trainers are excellent, and you won’t go far wrong with either. Choose the SuperBlast 2 if you want the livelier, faster-feeling shoe with more protection for long sessions and budget isn’t a concern. Choose the Novablast 4 if you want a comfortable, versatile daily trainer that handles most runs well at a lower price. It ultimately comes down to what you want from a daily trainer and how much you’re willing to spend.