Nestled in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, India, Kalsubai Peak stands tall at 1,646 meters, earning its place as the state’s highest point. It’s a terrain that’s equal parts punishing and glorious, steep rock patches, gravel-laden trails, slushy soil, and unpredictable weather. Most runners wouldn’t dream of taking a road shoe up here, but I decided to do just that with the ASICS Superblast 2, a shoe that ASICS confidently markets as a versatile supertrainer.

I’ve logged over 150 kilometers in these shoes, but nothing tested them quite like Kalsubai. This review dives deep into the specs, features, and real-world performance of the Superblast 2, all backed by data, but driven by experience.

First Impressions and Design Aesthetics

Unboxing the ASICS Superblast 2, I was immediately struck by the refined upper. Gone is the plasticky mesh of v1; in its place is a breathable woven material that feels premium to the touch and far more structured. The shoe screams performance, yet it doesn’t look overly aggressive. It’s the kind of shoe that makes you want to go fast, or go far, or both.

At 252 grams (8.9 oz), it’s surprisingly light for a shoe with this much stack (42.8 mm heel, 34.6 mm forefoot). Still, you can feel the mass underfoot, which isn’t a bad thing, it gives it presence and stability. The FF Turbo+ and FF Blast+ ECO midsole combo looks thick and plush, and spoiler alert: it runs even better than it looks.

Tech Specs Table

Technical info is taken directly from ASICS’s official website to ensure it’s correct.

Feature	Specification
Weight	252g / 8.9 oz
Stack Height (Heel)	42.8 mm
Stack Height (Forefoot)	34.6 mm
Drop	8.2 mm
Midsole Foam (Top Layer)	FF Turbo+ (PEBA-based)
Midsole Foam (Bottom)	FF Blast+ ECO (EVA + Olefin blend)
Outsole Rubber	ASICSGRIP
Upper Material	Engineered Woven Knit
Fit	True to size, medium width
Breathability Score	5/5
Torsional Rigidity	5/5
Heel Counter Stiffness	Moderate
Insole	EVA, 4.4 mm, removable
Outsole Thickness	3.1 mm
Price	₹21,520 (~$200)

Midsole Magic: FF Turbo+ and FF Blast+ ECO in Action

The real star of this shoe is its midsole, and Kalsubai confirmed that. The FF Turbo+ foam is incredibly responsive, delivering a springboard-like feel with every step. I expected it to be bouncy on tarmac, but what surprised me was how well it adapted to uneven terrain. The lower layer of FF Blast+ ECO adds firmness and stability, which was a godsend during steep descents and lateral movements on rocky ledges.

I felt minimal ground impact even when landing heavily on jagged stones. The softness rating of 18.3 HA for FF Turbo+ and 20.6 HA for the secondary foam strikes a perfect balance between comfort and control. And thanks to the foam’s minimal variance in cold temperatures (only 8% hardening), the Superblast 2 maintained its plush ride even during the early morning chill at the summit.

Upper and Fit: A Huge Step Forward

One of my biggest gripes with the original Superblast was its scratchy, hot upper. Not anymore. The Superblast 2 sports a beautifully engineered knit that’s breathable, secure, and surprisingly durable. During my 9-hour trek up and down Kalsubai, the upper never once felt uncomfortable.

The semi-gusseted tongue contributed to a locked-in feel without excess pressure. At 1.7 mm, the tongue is thin, but it’s cleverly designed with foam pads to relieve lace pressure. For a high-cushion shoe, the Superblast 2 fits more like a racer. Narrow-footed runners will love this. Wide feet? You might struggle.

Toebox width measured at 94.7 mm (forefoot) and 72.3 mm (tip), which means it’s snug but not restrictive unless you’re on the wider side. Women will find the fit roomier due to the unisex last.

Real-World Performance: Road Meets Trail

Let’s be clear: the ASICS Superblast 2 is not a trail shoe. But on Kalsubai, it held its own. The ASICSGRIP outsole (0.83 traction score) impressed me the most. From wet rocks to dusty switchbacks, the grip was unwavering. It’s way better than the original’s pebble-catching design, the cutouts are gone, and the new rubber compound is both grippier and more durable.

On the descent, I was expecting some instability due to the 42.8 mm heel height. I was wrong. The wide base (97.6 mm heel, 118.8 mm forefoot) gave me confidence, and the structured upper kept my foot secure even on tricky switchbacks.

Whether I was running on flat trail stretches or power-hiking steep slabs, the Superblast 2 felt composed and efficient. It transitions smoothly thanks to the late-stage rocker and beveled heel, making uphill efforts less fatiguing.

Durability and Breathability: Built to Last

After the Kalsubai test, the shoes looked barely worn, a testament to their robust construction. The upper scored 4/5 in durability tests, and the heel collar matched that. Even the outsole, despite being softer than the previous version, showed only a 0.5 mm dent in our lab’s Dremel test.

Breathability was phenomenal. I ran sockless for part of the climb (yes, risky), and while the toebox is slightly rough, I didn’t experience any hot spots or overheating, even during mid-afternoon heat.

ASICS Superblast 2: Pros and Cons

Pros: – Exceptional midsole offering high energy return – Improved upper with top-tier breathability and comfort – Outstanding grip with ASICSGRIP outsole – Durable build quality across all components – Versatile for tempo, long runs, and even light trail use

Cons: – Pricey at ₹21,520 – Tight fit for wide-footed runners – Tongue padding may be too minimal for some – Slightly heavier than v1 (but justified by upgrades)

Final Verdict: The Best Supertrainer, Now Even Better

The ASICS Superblast 2 isn’t just an iteration, it’s a masterclass in refinement. It takes everything good about version 1 and makes it better: more comfortable, more breathable, more stable, and surprisingly, even more capable across diverse terrain.

Taking it up Kalsubai was a gamble that paid off. Despite being designed for road, it handled the climb and descent like a champ, proving its real-world versatility. While not perfect, wide-footed runners and budget-conscious buyers may pass, it’s easily one of the most exciting running shoes of 2024.

If a single shoe could replace your daily trainer, tempo shoe, and long-run companion, this might just be it.