RAD UFO vs ASICS Mega Blast: Which Mega-Stack Super Trainer Deserves Your Money?

Two Mega-Stack Trainers, One Difficult Choice

The RAD UFO and ASICS Mega Blast are two of the most enjoyable super trainers we have put serious kilometres into. Both are mega-stack shoes with loads of bounce, plenty of versatility and genuinely fun rides. The catch is price: the Mega Blast sits at £210 or £225 depending on version, while the RAD UFO costs £180 or $200. These are expensive shoes either way, so choosing between them matters.

On paper they are closer than you might expect. Both share an 8 mm drop. The Mega Blast is the lighter of the pair at 241 g (8.5 oz) in UK 9 / US 10, despite carrying more foam: 46 mm at the heel and 38 mm at the forefoot. The RAD UFO weighs 267 g (9.4 oz) in the same size, with a 42 mm heel and 34 mm forefoot stack.

RAD UFO: Comfort and Bounce First

The RAD UFO pairs a warp mesh upper with generous, though not excessive, padding around the tongue and collar. The really thick, plush tongue is the standout comfort detail here. Underfoot, a dual-density midsole foam puts a softer layer on top of a firmer base, producing a springy feel, and the shoe carries a very pronounced rocker.

On the run, the UFO is the softer of the two. You sink in a little more, but there is a satisfying rebound so you never feel lost in the foam. That softness holds at easy paces, and when you pick it up the shoe comes alive with extra bounce and a fluid rocker. The trade-off is top-end work: the broad base with exaggerated heel and forefoot flaring makes sharp intervals less natural. Tempo runs, longer workouts and daily mileage are where it shines.

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ASICS Mega Blast: The Performance All-Rounder

The Mega Blast takes a more speed-oriented approach. A lightweight engineered mesh upper with less rear padding gives it a leaner, nimbler feel, and the thin tongue adds to that performance-focused character. The FF Turbo Squared midsole is energetic and lively, with a mild rocker rather than the UFO’s aggressive geometry.

That chemistry shows in the ride. The Mega Blast has a slightly firmer feel, a faster heel-to-toe transition and a whole load of responsive pop off the toes. It comfortably handles fast intervals, parkrun-level efforts and long tempo sessions, yet still feels good at easy paces. Over marathon distance it has proven itself as one of the most comfortable shoes we have raced in, cushioning and protecting the legs while holding a consistent pace for hours. If you want a performance training partner for a carbon-plate race shoe, this is very close to the ideal.

Fit and Sizing

Both shoes fit true to size and neither runs narrow. There is just the right amount of toe-box room, a comfortable midfoot, and it is easy to lock down a secure fit. The main difference is comfort dressing: the UFO feels like the bigger, cushier shoe with more padding around the heel and that plush tongue, while the Mega Blast is trimmed down but still very comfortable over long distances.

Durability and Outsole Wear

The Mega Blast shows plenty of exposed midsole, but the rubber over the forefoot and heel is thick and has held up well over extended use, with the exposed sections barely affected. The UFO also carries a thick rubber layer with good coverage in the key areas, but for a runner who rolls outward noticeably, the outsole has started to wear down in one spot. That makes the UFO the more durable-risk option of the pair on this front.

Which One Should You Buy?

These two shoes overlap more than enough that buying both is hard to justify given the price. Think about where your running sits on the easy-to-performance spectrum.

• Choose the ASICS Mega Blast if you want one shoe that can genuinely do everything, from easy runs to intervals, tempos and marathon training. It is the performance pick and the better value if you can only own one.
• Choose the RAD UFO if you prioritise a softer, bouncier, more cushioned daily ride. It is the fun, easy-going shoe that still handles tempo work, and it is a touch cheaper.

Conclusion

The Mega Blast edges this comparison thanks to its rare combination of top-end speed and easy-pace enjoyment, plus proven marathon comfort. The RAD UFO remains an incredible shoe for comfort, bounce and fun, and if a plusher cushioned ride is your priority it is a slightly better option there. Either way, you are getting one of the finest super trainers currently available; just be ready for the premium price tag.