
ASICS
SUPERBLAST 2
Marathon workhorse, but loud and clunky at slow paces.
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I’m still using my OG Magic Speeds for speed work (intervals, surges) and I’ll be sad when they finally poop out. From what I’ve read, all the recent versions have gotten away from the “a racing flat with a bit of cushion” design.
I own the Megablasts, but don't own the SB3. Megablast is a very fast shoe with not the most comfortable upper. In my opinion, it should be viewed as a plateless racer rather than a do-it-all training shoe like the Superblast. The slowest I can comfortably take it is a marathon paced run. Most comfortable pace is HM to 10km pace. I've taken it all the way to 3km pace, and it's surprisingly stable enough to handle even that. But on easy runs, I struggle a lot with it. It's super duper energetic. The ride experience reminds me a lot of the EVO SL in such a way that it is very energetic and will push you to run fast. Only difference is the Megablast is built like a tank.
magic speed is specifically designed for tempo. unless they hurt, go for the magic
Asics for sure! Magablast for the do it all, Nimbus for long runs, Metaspeeed for races, Sonic Speed for tempo work
Probably Saucony endorphins speed, Asics Magic Speed or NB fuell cell rebel. Fast plated trainers that are quite stable
Same thing with magic speed. Carbon plate and narrow heel. Those shoes are designed for people who run fast and thus their heel never touches the ground. Most slower paced runners heel strike. It’s just how gravity works. If you heel strike at all, any carbon plated race shoe outside of maybe Saucony Endorphin Pro is not a good choice. Not to say the ASIC race line aren’t great shoes, they are, but you have to be a fast, experienced runner to reap the benefits. I’m not sure if you golf, but pro golfers use a type of irons called “blades”, they’re thinner, lighter, harder, and have a much smaller sweet spot in the face of the club, but if you know you can hit the ball dead center every time, they will give you the best performance and control over the spin and flight of the ball. However, if you put those clubs in the hands of a newbie, they’re going to rarely hit a good shot. That’s why beginner/intermediate golfers use heavier, more forgiving irons with a larger sweet spot. Yes they won’t get the same distance, but their odds of accuracy and consistency are much higher. Sonicblast is absolutely fine but your feet may hurt after a mile or two from the pebax. And they’re still inferior for a beginner to Megablast and EVO SL for a 5k/10k.

ASICS
SUPERBLAST 2
Marathon workhorse, but loud and clunky at slow paces.

Nike
Vomero Plus
Ultra-comfortable for long runs, but too bulky for speed.

Saucony
Endorphin Pro 4
Stable race shoe, versatile, but narrow fit, lacks bounce.

ASICS
Megablast
Very durable and versatile, but narrow toe box, causes blisters.

Mizuno
Neo Zen
Plush and versatile, but can be too soft and unstable.

Ranked #1
Brooks - Glycerin GTS 22

Ranked #1
Puma - Velocity NITRO™ 4

Ranked #1
ASICS - SUPERBLAST 2

Ranked #1
ASICS - SUPERBLAST 2

Ranked #1
ASICS - SUPERBLAST 2

Ranked #1
Nike - Vomero Plus