ASICS SuperBlast vs Magic Speed 4: Which Premium Trainer Fits Your Running?

Introduction

The ASICS SuperBlast and the ASICS Magic Speed 4 look like close relatives on paper: the same FF Turbo foam, very similar stack heights, similar weights, and both now living firmly in the training realm. Yet on the road they feel clearly different, and that difference is exactly what makes choosing between them worthwhile.

The short version: the SuperBlast is the better long-distance shoe, while the Magic Speed 4 brings more versatility into uptempo and 10K to half marathon efforts. This comparison breaks down where each one wins.

At a Glance: Specs and Pricing

The original ASICS SuperBlast retails for $200, with a 45mm heel and 37mm forefoot stack. The Magic Speed 4 comes in at $170, roughly $30 less, with a slightly lower 43.5mm heel and 35.5mm forefoot. Both carry an 8mm drop and share the same FF Turbo midsole foam. Weight is nearly identical too, with the two pairs sitting within about three grams of each other.

On paper the gap looks small. In practice, how each shoe creates its stiffness changes the ride dramatically.

Ride Character: Cushion vs Snap

Despite similar stack heights and the same foam, the SuperBlast is the more cushioned trainer of the two. It can still handle uptempo running, but it is clearly geared toward longer efforts. Its slightly later forefoot rocker initially makes the shoe feel surprisingly stiff, especially given that it has no plate, and that stiffness holds up across long runs.

The Magic Speed 4 has a noticeably narrower sole and does not feel as stable. It rides snappier, with a stiffer midfoot transition, which suits moderate efforts and faster work. Once broken in, its forefoot transition is smoother and quicker than the SuperBlast. It has already been used for faster runs, though not for the fastest efforts like 5K races; the sweet spot sits above 10K, including half marathon and possibly marathon paces. Long runs are less ideal because of the narrower, less stable platform.

Stability and Footprint

The defining feature of the SuperBlast is its wide base and aggressive sole flaring, especially through the heel and midfoot. That places it firmly in the stable neutral category, making it a strong candidate for very long days on the road.

The Magic Speed 4, despite having some sidewalls, offers far less flare and a narrower midfoot, with slightly more lateral than medial material there. That geometry can push runners medially, which may be a concern for those with a medial bias, especially with such a tall midsole. What the narrower sole does bring is nimbleness: despite its tall stack, the lower-volume sole turns over more easily and keeps a racer-like character.

Fit and Upper: Which One Fits Better

The SuperBlast runs with a narrower upper and a toe box that tapers noticeably. It is lower volume, though it breaks in nicely over time. The Magic Speed 4 has a higher volume relative to that, still slim-fitting with some taper, but with considerably more room. Runners who found the SuperBlast too cramped should find more space in the Magic Speed 4.

The Magic Speed 4 also adds a moderately flexible heel counter, while the SuperBlast remains the more restrictive but secure of the two. If you want a little extra trainer-friendly volume around a plated turbo-foam ride, the Magic Speed 4 also resembles a higher-stack, slightly heavier version of the ASICS MetaSpeed Edge Plus, making that a useful reference point.

Durability and Availability

One standout data point: the SuperBlast has carried a hard-running tester past 200 miles, which is remarkable for anyone who tends to tear through outsoles. The Magic Speed 4 has shown zero outsole wear in its first 30 miles, and the expectation is similar durability, though it is still being tested to confirm.

Availability is also worth noting. The SuperBlast 2 is on the way and has not been tested yet, so this comparison may shift once it lands, and the current SuperBlast has had limited availability lately. For now it remains obtainable, and the Magic Speed 4 works as a genuine alternative for anyone who cannot find one in their size.

Conclusion

Both shoes share FF Turbo foam, an 8mm drop, tall stacks and near-identical weights, but they serve different runners. The SuperBlast is the pick for long runs, marathon training and anyone who values a wide, stable platform. The Magic Speed 4 is the more versatile option for uptempo work from 10K up, with a snappier, nimbler ride and a roomier upper at a $30 lower price. Choosing between them comes down to how far, and how fast, you plan to run.