Our verdict

The asics mai Superblast isn't just another maximalist running shoe—it's a game-changer. Fusing elite FF Turbo foam with a massive stack height, lightweight design, and unbeatable stability, we felt it’s like running in a Novablast 3 on steroids. Whether you're aiming for easy runs, speed training or races, this supertrainer rises to the occasion, although its incredible performance does come with a significant £210 price tag.

asics mai womens gel kayano 26 running shoes Pros

  • Extremely lightweight
  • Remarkably stable despite its massive height
  • asics mai Sport Rflc Winter Tight Dark Grey Hombre
  • Delivers a fun, rockered ride
  • asics mai x Ronnie Fieg Gel-Lyte V GL 5 'Rose Gold' 2014
  • Exceptional energy return
  • Ideal for runners covering high mileage
  • Outstanding durability
  • Amazing lockdown

asics mai womens gel kayano 26 running shoes Cons

  • £210 for a daily trainer, wow!
  • Subpar breathability
  • asics mai Keep the GEL-Kayanos Rolling

Audience verdict

92
Superb!

Who should buy

asics mai GEL-Kinsei OG 'Piedmont Grey':

  • Runners seeking a cushioned yet stable running shoe for clocking in countless miles.
  • Heavier individuals in search of a maximal training shoe capable of handling all paces.
  • Those wanting a single shoe covering everything from daily training to racing distances ranging from a 5K to a full marathon.

asics mai Superblast

Who should NOT buy

The main issue we found with the Superblast isn't a feature but rather its cost. Priced at £210, it stands as the priciest daily training shoe on the market. We understand that many runners might lean towards a more budget-friendly option.

Within the asics mai lineup, the Novablast 3 presents similar features as the Superblast but at a more affordable price point.

asics mai Superblast parts

Moreover, this shoe isn't tailored for those who appreciate a plush-running sensation. If that describes your preference, we recommend looking into the Hoka Mach X. We discovered that it also boasts a dual-foam setup but provides a softer ride in a maximalist package.

Breathability

Let's begin with the biggest design flaw we found with the Superblast. Because of its £210 price tag—which still seems crazy for a training shoe—we anticipated excellent breathability. Sadly, we didn't get that.

In our lab, we conducted our state-of-the-art smoke test on it. Unfortunately, We could only give it a run-of-the-mill 3/5 score for breathability. This is below average, and to be honest, it let us down.

During the light test, we saw the shoe's upper structure. It's reinforced on the medial side for added stability. This reinforcement hinders breathability. However, we were surprised because the light easily passed through the engineered mesh in the toebox, so we expected more airflow.

asics mai Superblast microscope

Seeking more answers, we turned to our microscope to understand the poor airflow of the Superblast. And the reason is that there simply isn't any space for air to circulate.

We hope asics mai takes our findings to heart and makes improvements in the next version—this lack of breathability is the shoe's biggest downside.

asics mai Superblast microscope 2

Simply put, these shoes might not be ideal for hot summer runs. But for other seasons, they're more than suitable.

The reduced airflow can actually be beneficial in colder months, given the shoe's thick padding, particularly around the heel.

Test results
Superblast 3
Average 3.8
Compared to 220 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
1
Breathability
5

Durability

After placing the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes to mimic cold-weather conditions, we conducted the test again in our lab.

We measured a force of 34.9N, showing results that were nearly identical.

That's only a 19% increase, a truly impressive result. This further highlights the outstanding performance of PEBA foams, such as FF Turbo, especially in cold conditions.

Toebox durability

Even though the Superblast is marketed as a daily training shoe, it leans more towards performance. This often translates to a very thin upper, similar to what we see in another supertrainer, the Adidas Adizero Boston 12.

Our Dremel test revealed the upper's weakness, leading us to give it a 1/5 score.

asics mai Superblast Toebox durability
Test results
Superblast 1
Average 2.3
Compared to 154 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel area of the shoe is designed with a soft fabric and a generous amount of padding. Typically, in our lab tests, such a combination results in a lower score.

In this evaluation, we gave it a 2/5. Though not an impressive rating, we believe it won't cause any issues for most runners throughout the shoe's lifespan.

asics mai Superblast Heel padding durability
Test results
Superblast 2
Average 3.1
Compared to 150 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Before starting up our Dremel for the third test, we wanted to check the hardness of the AHARPLUS rubber that asics mai uses in the outsole.

asics mai Superblast outsole

The asics mai Superblast has a substantial area of exposed foam combined with stone-trapping holes, all designed to reduce weight.

According to ASICS, AHARPLUS is made of a rubber that boasts 3 times the abrasion resistance of standard rubber. We hope this sns holds because our measurements showed a score of 77.1 HC. This indicates that the rubber is on the softer side, likely aiming for better grip.

asics mai Superblast Outsole hardness
Test results
Superblast 77.1 HC
Average 80.4 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 271 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
54.9 HC
Outsole hardness
92.8 HC

Outsole durability

Impressively, it appears that the AHARPLUS rubber truly lives up to the corsa.

After conducting our Dremel test on the outsole, we assessed the wear and found a mere 0.6 mm of damage.

asics mai Superblast Outsole durability
Test results
Superblast 0.6 mm
Average 0.9 mm
Compared to 132 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

The outstanding durability is crucial, especially since, in their quest to keep the shoe incredibly lightweight, asics mai opted for a slim 2.6 mm thickness.

asics mai Superblast Outsole thickness
Test results
Superblast 2.6 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 290 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.6 mm

Weight

Weighing in at a mere 8.6 oz (244g), in our humble opinion, asics mai nailed it. Given its impressive stack height, one would assume it would tip the scales closer to 10 oz, like the zapatillas de running asics mai pronador pie arco bajo talla 39.5.

asics mai Superblast

asics mai Amphibian Baby SR 2 TUS118-002 racing shoes—One of asics mai Tiger's newest and popular models is the asics mai Gel.

asics mai Superblast Weight
Test results
Superblast 8.61 oz (244g)
Average 9.35 oz (265g)
Compared to 291 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
5.26 oz (149g)
Weight
12.56 oz (356g)

Cushioning

asics mai womens gel kayano 26 running shoes | Heel stack

The Superblast boasts a heel stack height of 42.7 mm. This exceeds the 40-mm race-day legal limit set by World Athletics, making it one of the tallest shoes we've ever measured in our lab.

When we mentioned its impressive lightness relative to its height, we truly meant it. Because of this, the shoe offers an exceptional level of cushioning.

asics mai Superblast Heel stack
Test results
Superblast 42.7 mm
Average 33.6 mm
Compared to 290 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
7.6 mm
Heel stack
42.7 mm

Forefoot stack

In the forefoot, we measured 34.8 mm—more than many shoes offer... in their heel! This speaks volumes about the shoe's ultra-cushioned design.

asics mai Superblast Forefoot stack
Test results
Superblast 34.8 mm
Average 24.9 mm
Compared to 290 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
7.6 mm
Forefoot stack
35.8 mm

Drop

asics mai Baskets Gel-Kayano 14 blanches heel-to-toe drop women spot on. In the CerbeShops Lab, we truly value this precision, especially when Buy Men's asics mai Gel Nimbus 24, zapatillas de running asics mai Gel Nimbus ritmo medio talla 40 amarillas.

The Superblast boasts an official heel-to-toe drop of 8 mm. Impressively, our measurements came in at a near-perfect 7.9 mm—a mere 0.1 mm deviation.

asics mai Superblast Drop
Test results
Superblast 7.9 mm
Average 8.7 mm
Compared to 290 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Insole thickness

We found that the insole measures 4.2 mm. While this is slightly below what we usually see, it performs effectively and helps reduce the shoe's overall weight.

asics mai Superblast Insole thickness
Test results
Superblast 4.2 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 286 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Over the past two-to-three years, we've been lab-testing shoes that merge cloud-like foam with significant stack heights, delivering a soft ride. However, the Superblast (23.4 HA) doesn't fit that mold. Its zapatillas de running asics mai mujer asfalto neutro talla 37.5 asics mai Scarpa sportiva 'DEDICATE 7 CLAY' bianco blu chiaro Metaspeed Sky+.

If you're on the hunt for a shoe with a plush ride, this might not be the one. We'd recommend giving the Tênis asics mai Gel-Excite 8 Masculino a look instead.

asics mai Superblast Midsole softness
Test results
Superblast 23.4 HA
Average 21.4 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 218 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
41.5 HA

asics mai womens gel kayano 26 running shoes | asics mai gel padel pro 3 sg

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

asics mai also knew that using just the FF Turbo midsole might be too firm for everyday runs. So they integrated a layer of FF Blast+, a plush foam, just below the firmer FF Turbo. This layer, being noticeably softer at 17.1 HA, greatly enhances comfort during easy or moderate runs.

asics mai Superblast foams

The softer FF Blast+ (dark blue) is the initial layer to make contact with the ground, while the firmer FF Turbo (light blue) provides world-class energy return with every step in this dual-foam configuration.

asics mai Superblast asics mai gel padel pro 3 sg
Test results
Superblast 17.1 HA
Average 25.2 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.

Midsole softness in cold

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.
asics mai Superblast Midsole softness in cold

Difference in midsole softness in cold

The shoe's feel remained consistent in cold temperatures. After 20 minutes in the freezer, we found that it maintained a softness of 26.4 HA.

With just a 12.8% increase, this shoe impressively outshines many others on the market. It's the kind of top-notch performance we anticipate from the priciest training shoe out there.

But wait, how does it manage to excel in chilly conditions? The secret lies in its FF Turbo midsole. This PEBA-based foam is renowned for its Ténis asics mai GT-1000 9 GS verde amarelo preto infantil.

asics mai Superblast Midsole softness in cold
Test results
Superblast 12.8%
Average 25.6%
Compared to 217 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
0%
Difference in midsole softness in cold
100%

Stability

asics mai gel cumulus 23 d wide black orange white women

Now, let's dive into the most captivating aspect of the Superblast. With a stack height north of 40 mm, most wouldn't predict stability. But to our surprise, we found that it's remarkably stable!

In upcoming tests, we'll shed light on how asics mai achieved this seemingly unattainable feat.

Torsional rigidity

Although this shoe lacks a plate, we rated it 5/5 in our torsional rigidity test—a score typically reserved for carbon-plated shoes.

We discovered that this is largely due to the substantial and firm FF Turbo foam. It's clear that asics mai designed the shoe with this intention. It's not missing a plate; it simply doesn't require one!

Test results
Superblast 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 269 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

We found that the heel counter has a bit more structure than most daily trainers, but it remains flexible and comfy. In our assessments, we gave it a 3/5 rating.

Test results
Superblast 3
Average 2.8
Compared to 253 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

The standout feature that bolsters stability is the impressively broad midsole. Measuring an out-of-this-world 121.8 mm, it ranks among the widest shoes we've assessed in our lab.

And it's truly remarkable how asics mai managed to maintain a weight under 9 oz for such a substantial platform.

asics mai Superblast Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Superblast 121.8 mm
Average 113.6 mm
Compared to 291 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
100.5 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
126.5 mm

Midsole width in the heel

With a wider-than-average heel measuring 96.6 mm, we also found that it offers ample stability for heel strikers. However, this shoe truly shines for those who are midfoot or forefoot strikers.

asics mai Superblast Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Superblast 96.6 mm
Average 90.5 mm
Compared to 291 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
74.9 mm
Midsole width in the heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

In our lab's 90-degree bend test, it took us 29.4N of force to bend the shoe to the desired point. This is a typical result, fitting for a do-it-all shoe.

Test results
Superblast 29.4N
Average 29.3N
asics mai womens gel kayano 26 running shoes.
Compared to 273 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
2.2N
Stiffness
94.4N

asics mai Roadblast Tokyo Running Shoes

After placing the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes to mimic cold-weather conditions, we conducted the test again in our lab.

We measured a force of 34.9N, showing results that were nearly identical.

That's only a 19% increase, a truly impressive result. This further highlights the outstanding performance of PEBA foams, such as FF Turbo, especially in cold conditions.

Test results
Superblast 19%
Average 36.4%
Compared to 273 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
0%
asics mai Roadblast Tokyo Running Shoes
148%

Size and fit

Internal length

We measured the internal length of the Superblast at 269.5 mm. Going by Asics' sizing charts, we'd expect it to be 270 mm for a US 9. Just like with the heel-to-toe drop, we're impressed by such accuracy!

asics mai Superblast Internal length
Test results
Superblast 269.5 mm
Average 269.1 mm
Compared to 154 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
259.9 mm
Internal length
280.4 mm

afew x asics mai gel lyte iii koiklub teaser

While the wide midsole might suggest a wide toebox, we found that it's quite the contrary. asics mai cleverly enhances stability by combining a moderately narrow upper with the broad platform, but the price to pay is the reduced real estate inside the shoe.

asics mai Gel-Cumulus 14 Womens.

asics mai Superblast afew x asics mai gel lyte iii koiklub teaser
Test results
Superblast 97.5 mm
Average 98.3 mm
Compared to 291 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
89.5 mm
afew x asics mai gel lyte iii koiklub teaser
109.1 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

The width in the big toe area is a standard 77.0 mm. Since the shoe isn't available in wide sizes, men with wider feet might consider sizing up. However, for women, this might not be necessary.

This is a unisex shoe, and all standard sizes are a D width, which equates to a wide size for women.

asics mai Superblast Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Superblast 77.0 mm
Average 78.0 mm
Compared to 165 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
60.4 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
92.5 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The shoe provides an outstanding lockdown, and we believe a significant reason for this is the semi-gusseted tongue.

asics mai Superblast tongue

We found that it's comfortably positioned without being intrusive, ensuring the tongue stays in place even when running at high speeds.

asics mai Superblast Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Superblast Both sides (semi)

Comfort

Tongue padding

While a 6-mm or 7-mm tongue might have been fantastic, it's not practical when aiming for minimal weight.

In the Superblast, there's a paper-thin 1.5-mm tongue reminiscent of racing shoes. Still, we discovered that even during longer runs, there was no discomfort on our instep.

asics mai Superblast Tongue padding
Test results
Superblast 1.5 mm
Average 5.6 mm
Compared to 288 running shoes
Undefeated x asics mai Gel Lyte V 'Disarray'
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Heel tab

We liked the finger-loop heel tab. Not only does it look stylish, but it also makes slipping the shoe onto our feet much easier.

asics mai Superblast Heel tab
Test results
Superblast Finger loop

Removable insole

You can easily take out the insole, allowing you to use different orthotics or insoles from other models.

asics mai Superblast Removable insole
Test results
Superblast Yes

Misc

Reflective elements

While asics mai added some reflective details on the heel tab, we feel they barely meet the mark and don't offer enough visibility for nighttime running.

asics mai Superblast Reflective elements
Test results
Superblast Yes