ASICS MEGABLAST   Review

Review updated Oct 21, 2025 at 02:33 pm
Latest change: Writing modified Oct 27, 2026 at 02:32 pm
Tested using  Methodology v1.0 
ASICS MEGABLAST
8.1
Half/Full Marathon Racing 
7.0
5K/10K Racing 
8.0
Long Run 
8.1
Daily Training 

Track

12

The ASICS MEGABLAST is a lightweight, max-stack super trainer designed for runners who want one lively shoe for everyday miles, long runs, and faster workouts. It sits in ASICS' Blast family alongside the NOVABLAST 6, a more conventional daily trainer, and the SUPERBLAST 3, which is better for long, steady efforts. The advanced foam in the midsole provides outstanding cushioning and a bouncy ride that really comes to life at faster paces. However, the tall, soft platform feels wobbly at times, the tapered toe box can cause significant toe rubbing, and the soft forefoot can feel too mushy to reach top speed.

✅ Buy If:❌ Skip If:
  • You want one shoe for daily miles, long runs, and faster workouts.
  • You want to log lots of miles without your legs feeling beat up.
  • You feel unsteady in soft, tall shoes.
  • You're racing a 5K or 10K and want the lightest, most efficient shoe.

Our Verdict

8.1
Half/Full Marathon Racing

The ASICS MEGABLAST is suitable as a marathon option, although it's primarily designed as a training shoe. Its tall stack of foam ensures incredible cushioning, even at the end of the marathon distance. While it lacks the propulsion of a super shoe, it offers a reliable and comfortable alternative, making it a very good choice for amateur runners who want a durable marathon shoe without a carbon plate.

Pros
  • Great energy return makes maintaining pace efficient.

  • Excellent impact protection, especially in the heel.

  • Outstanding cushioning stays highly protective deep into long runs.

Cons
  • Not the lightest option for racing.

  • Soft, tall platform is harder to control as fatigue builds.

7.0
5K/10K Racing

The ASICS MEGABLAST isn't the best choice for short, fast races. While the foam is responsive, the high stack and softer forefoot limit the snappiness that's usually needed for quick turnover. It can handle strides and tempo sessions very well, but in the context of a 5K or 10K, it feels a little bulky compared to lighter, firmer options. Runners targeting those distances seriously will likely prefer plated shoes with more aggressive geometries.

Pros
  • Great energy return makes maintaining pace efficient.

  • Stiff forefoot provides good leverage at toe-off.

Cons
  • Not the lightest option for racing.

  • Soft forefoot limits snappiness of ride.

8.0
Long Run

The ASICS MEGABLAST is a great long-run shoe. Its midsole can absorb more impact after 40k of continuous pounding than many shoes can in the first 10k, so you don't have to worry about the shoe bottoming out late in the run. The midsole isn't that stable, however, so your stabilizer muscles could get very fatigued over the course of a long run.

Pros
  • Rocker helps maintain consistent turnover.

  • Outstanding cushioning stays highly protective deep into long runs.

  • Great energy return makes progressive efforts lively.

Cons
  • Soft, tall platform is harder to control as fatigue builds.

8.1
Daily Training

The ASICS MEGABLAST works impressively well as a daily trainer. The outstanding cushioning lets you log lots of miles without your legs getting beaten up. The midsole is very responsive, but it doesn't have a plate, so it doesn't feel too harsh for daily use. That said, the tall stack of soft foam won't suit runners who want a more stable shoe for everyday use.

Pros
  • Rocker helps maintain consistent turnover.

  • Outstanding cushioning takes a huge amount of sting out of regular mileage.

  • Great energy return keeps daily runs lively across different paces.

  • Unplated construction makes the ride more approachable for everyday training.

Cons
  • Soft platform can feel wobbly at relaxed paces.

  • 8.1
    Half/Full Marathon Racing
  • 7.0
    5K/10K Racing
  • 8.0
    Long Run
  • 8.1
    Daily Training
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Oct 27, 2026: 

      We've updated this review to include fit guidance for runners with high-volume feet, tweaking the intro and true-to-size box.

    2.  Updated Oct 26, 2026:  We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.0! This update adds Traction and Outsole Durability verdict scores to the review, making it easier to make a buying decision. Read the changelog for a full list of changes.
    3.  Updated Sep 03, 2026: 

      We've updated this review to tweak the Introduction and Popular Comparisons, and add text to some test boxes after updating the shoe's Test Bench.

    4.  Updated Sep 02, 2026: 

      We've added text for all the new usages and boxes, and added a new table to the intro to help you more quickly determine if this shoe fits your needs.

    How We Test Running Shoes
    How We Test Running Shoes

    We've bought and tested more than 300 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs. 

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image

    Design

    4 tests
    7.2
    Weight

    The ASICS MEGABLAST is impressively lightweight for a max-stack training shoe. Despite its imposing height, it comes in lighter than both the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 and ASICS SONICBLAST.

    Internal Shape
    8.3

    Energy Return

    The ASICS MEGABLAST delivers strong energy return, compressing quickly and rebounding with a springy feel. Both the heel and forefoot provide a lively ride, giving the shoe a bounciness that makes it fun at a wide range of paces. While it isn't as explosive as some super shoes, the energy return is still great, and makes faster efforts feel rewarding.

    Pros
    • Ride is very lively across different paces.

    • Forefoot rebound makes faster running efficient.

    • Heel returns plenty of energy for runners who land farther back.

    Cons
    • Very lively ride could be too chaotic for those who prefer a more traditional shoe.

    2 tests
    8.3
    Forefoot Compression Energy Return

    The ASICS MEGABLAST has a lively forefoot that makes the ride feel bouncy and fun, especially during uptempo intervals or long runs of varying intensities. It's not as snappy as the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 (which relies more on its geometry and weight distribution for propulsion). Instead, it offers a more compliant foam that decompresses quickly when pushing off. This makes it better suited for runners who like an energetic toe-off rather than a rigidly propulsive one.

    8.4
    Heel Compression Energy Return

    The ASICS MEGABLAST provides strong energy return in the heel. Landings feel very energetic, but the foam compresses and rebounds quickly enough to avoid a sluggish sensation. For heel strikers, this makes transitions feel smooth and engaging, even though in practice, shoes aren't designed primarily around heel-driven speed.

    6.7

    Stability

    The ASICS MEGABLAST has reasonable stability for its class, though the tall, soft midsole can feel a bit wobbly, especially in the heel. Its wide base and gusseted tongue help offset some of the foam's softness, making it stable enough for most daily runs and long efforts. Forefoot strikers should find the shoe stable because of its contrast with the heel in terms of firmness and width-to-stack ratio. Still, runners with higher stability needs may prefer something firmer or lower to the ground.

    Pros
    • Wide platform provides a secure base underfoot.

    • Fully gusseted tongue helps keep lockdown consistent.

    Cons
    • Very soft heel can feel wobbly on landing.

    • Very soft forefoot makes toe-off less secure.

    4 tests
    5.0
    Forefoot Firmness

    The ASICS MEGABLAST has a soft forefoot that emphasizes plushness over snappiness. This is a major difference from the ASICS SONICBLAST, which uses a partial plate and firmer forefoot to create a sharper, high cadence-friendly toe-off. The MEGABLAST, by contrast, will appeal to runners who enjoy a cushioned, bouncy push-off, while the SONICBLAST remains better for those who prefer a firmer, snappier response underfoot.

    5.0
    Heel Firmness

    This shoe is very soft in the heel, which contributes to its plush feel but reduces stability on lateral movements. The tradeoff is clear: maximum comfort at the expense of a slightly less planted sensation, particularly when cornering or running on uneven surfaces.

    9.3

    Cushioning

    The ASICS MEGABLAST offers outstanding cushioning, with a plush heel that absorbs impact superbly well and a forefoot that's also very protective. The midsole's height and soft foam create a deeply cushioned feel that works especially well for long miles, while maintaining enough structure to keep it from feeling mushy. For runners seeking maximum underfoot protection without sacrificing bounciness, this shoe stands out.

    Pros
    • Excellent impact protection, especially in the heel.

    • Cushioning holds up amazingly over long distances.

    Cons
    3 tests
    9.4
    Forefoot Cushioning

    This model also provides outstanding cushioning up front, with enough softness to stay comfortable at a wide range of paces and footstrike patterns. Unlike many max-cushion shoes, it manages to offer this level of protection without losing its bounce or becoming overly heavy, giving it rare versatility for both easy and faster miles.

    9.3
    Heel Cushioning

    The ASICS MEGABLAST is extremely cushioned in the heel, offering a plush landing zone that absorbs impact exceptionally well. Protection is among the best in its class, making it comfortable for long runs and forgiving on tired legs.

    7.8

    Traction

    The ASICS MEGABLAST has good traction overall, particularly on paved surfaces. It provides outstanding grip on both dry and wet concrete, giving you a secure footing when pushing off on roads and sidewalks, even in the rain. Its grip on wet aluminum is only adequate, though, so you'll need to be more careful on slippery drain covers or at aid stations if you're racing. It also doesn't perform very well on gravel and mud, so it's not the shoe for unpaved paths or muddy trails.

    Pros
    • Superb dry concrete grip provides secure footing on sidewalks and roads.

    • Fantastic wet concrete grip makes it trustworthy in bad weather.

    Cons
    • Poor mud and gravel grip make it a bad choice for unpaved paths or trails.

    5 tests
    9.1
    Dry Concrete Grip
    5.1
    Mud Grip
    7.8

    Outsole Durability

    The ASICS MEGABLAST has good overall outsole durability. Both the heel and forefoot have great abrasion resistance, so the rubber holds up well against repeated landings and push-offs. There's also relatively little exposed foam beneath the forefoot, keeping most of the midsole protected from road contact. However, the heel has more exposed foam, so heel strikers will notice it wears down much quicker.

    Pros
    • Heel does a great job of resisting wear.

    • Forefoot holds up impressively to repeated push-offs.

    • Great amount of forefoot foam is protected from the road.

    Cons
    • Heel foam is more exposed so more vulnerable to wear.

    2 tests
    8.0
    Outsole Abrasion Wear

    The ASICS MEGABLAST has great abrasion resistance across the outsole. Both the heel and forefoot hold up impressively against repeated wear, so they should last well whether you land farther back or spend more time on your toes.

    7.0
    Exposed Foam

    The ASICS MEGABLAST has decent overall outsole coverage. Most of the foam beneath the forefoot is protected by rubber, keeping it from coming into direct contact with the road. However, there's more exposed foam at the heel, so runners who land farther back will wear through that part of the midsole more quickly.

    7.5

    Wet & Warm Weather

    The ASICS MEGABLAST has good performance in wet and warm weather. Its upper has good breathability, allowing enough airflow to keep your feet comfortable on hot days or longer runs. It also dries in just over a day, so you won't have to wait too long to wear it again after getting caught in the rain. However, it absorbs a fair amount of water relative to its dry weight, so you'll notice the extra heft underfoot when running in wet conditions.

    Pros
    • Good breathability keeps your feet comfortable on hot days.

    • Dries in just over a day.

    Cons
    • Much heavier to run in in the rain.

    3 tests
    7.5
    Breathability

    This shoe has good breathability, and the thin upper allows enough airflow to keep your feet from becoming excessively hot.

    7.8
    Time-To-Dry

    The thin, breathable upper allows the shoe to dry fairly quickly, so even if you get caught out in the rain, your shoes will be dry by the next day.

    7.8

    Bounciness

    The ASICS MEGABLAST is very bouncy, which you can feel almost immediately. The soft foam compresses quite a bit in the heel, so if you land here, you'll feel the shoe springing you onto your toes. The forefoot doesn't compress as deeply, but it springs back with such force that you still get a nice bouncy sensation.

    Pros
    • Deep heel compression creates a very bouncy landing.

    • Forefoot rebound adds plenty of spring through toe-off.

    Cons
    • Forefoot isn't as bouncy as the heel.

    2 tests
    7.4
    Forefoot Compression Depth

    The forefoot compresses to a decent depth, particularly shining as more force is applied, providing plenty of spring through toe-off without sinking excessively under load.

    7.6
    Heel Compression Depth

    The heel compresses deeply underfoot, creating plenty of spring on landing and contributing to the shoe's very bouncy ride.

    7.1

    Snappiness

    The ASICS MEGABLAST has a decent amount of snap. The forefoot resists bending well enough to give you leverage as you push off, but if you apply enough force, it will bend and then quickly snap back. This can help maintain a quick turnover, but the soft foam does mute the response somewhat.

    Pros
    • Forefoot takes plenty of force to bend, providing good leverage at toe-off.

    • Good bending energy return keeps push-off efficient.

    Cons
    • Soft forefoot limits outright snap.

    3 tests
    7.8
    Forefoot Bending Stiffness

    The forefoot takes a lot of force to bend, providing plenty of leverage at toe-off. However, the forefoot itself isn't especially stiff, so it doesn't generate much snap.

    7.2
    Forefoot Rocker Geometry

    The forefoot rocker does a decent job of rolling you through toe-off.

    7.6

    Roll

    The ASICS MEGABLAST rolls fairly smoothly through each stride, thanks to a rocker that is assistive without being aggressive. It holds its shape fairly well when force is applied, though if you are a heavy runner pushing the pace, the roll-through will feel less smooth.

    Pros
    • Rocker helps maintain consistent turnover.

    • Rocker maintains its shape well under force.

    Cons
    • Forefoot rocker starts relatively late, limiting assistance through toe-off.

    3 tests
    7.5
    Rocker Stiffness

    The rocker has good stiffness, resisting flattening under load. It holds its shape well through the stride, helping the shoe roll smoothly from landing through toe-off.

    Stack Heights

    The ASICS MEGABLAST has a massive stack under both the heel and forefoot, providing an enormous amount of buffer between your feet and the road. Its moderate drop keeps the shoe balanced across all foot strikes.

    8.9

    True To Size

    The ASICS MEGABLAST fits very close to true to size overall, with a length that doesn't leave excess space or feel short. The forefoot is close to standard but leans just a bit snug in both width and height, which can cause significant rubbing of your toes. The arch also runs a touch on the tight side, but is still relatively close to being perfectly true to size.

    Pros
    • Length is spot-on.

    • Forefoot width is close to our reference fit.

    • Arch width is roomy enough for most runners.

    Cons
    • Toe box can cause significant rubbing for high volume toes.

    4 tests
    10
    Length Fit
    7.9
    Forefoot Fit: Width

    Popular Running Shoe Comparisons

    The ASICS MEGABLAST is a lightweight, max-stack, unplated super trainer that combines outstanding cushioning with a lively, bouncy ride. Its deep protection, great energy return, and relatively low weight make it exceptionally versatile for daily training, progressive long runs, and faster workouts. The Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra offers similarly outstanding cushioning for considerably less, though it's less stable, while the HOKA Mach X 3 is another great option for long runs with pace changes, but is heavier and has a harsher plated ride.

    For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, the best marathon running shoes, and the best ASICS running shoes.

    ASICS SUPERBLAST 3

    The ASICS MEGABLAST and ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 are similarly versatile super trainers, but the MEGABLAST is the better option for faster running. Its livelier ride makes it better suited to workouts and racing. The SUPERBLAST 3 provides better protection over long distances, and its less aggressive ride makes it more accessible for recreational runners.

    ASICS NOVABLAST 6

    The ASICS MEGABLAST is a better performance shoe than the ASICS NOVABLAST 6. Its lighter build and softer, bouncier foam help it shine at faster paces and on long runs. Runners who just want a comfortable shoe for everyday runs, and those with wider feet, should look at the NOVABLAST 6 instead: it feels more stable, and it comes in wide versions.

    ASICS SONICBLAST

    The ASICS SONICBLAST and ASICS MEGABLAST are both versatile performance trainers, but the MEGABLAST is the better all-rounder for most runners. It's lighter, more cushioned, and bouncier, making it better suited to daily training and long runs while still handling faster efforts well. The SONICBLAST has a firmer forefoot and partial plate that provides more structure and leverage at toe-off, so it's the better pick if you specifically want a plated ride for workouts.

    Nike Vomero Premium

    The ASICS MEGABLAST and the Nike Vomero Premium are two shoes surrounded by hype and packed full of cushioning. They are a great study in the contrasting innovation strategies of their respective brands: ASICS has been at the forefront in developing Aliphatic-TPU-based foams, and the FF Turbo² in the MEGABLAST is one of the lightest and bounciest of any training shoe. Nike, meanwhile, has been experimenting with incorporating multiple technologies into its midsoles, and the Vomero Premium's combination of PEBA-based ZoomX foam and Air Zoom capsules feels fun and wildly different from almost any other shoe. But by keeping it simple, the MEGABLAST can deliver better energy return and almost as good cushioning in a significantly lighter shoe. The Vomero Premium's edge in cushioning is achieved by having a significantly taller stack underfoot, which also makes it less stable.

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We bought and tested the ASICS MEGABLAST in men's U.S. size 9, as noted on the label for our pair. The pair we purchased is the White/Piedmont Grey colorway, but you can also buy the shoe in Edo Purple/Black. Unlike some other ASICS models, the MEGABLAST isn't sold in wide or narrow fits. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other sizes and gender variants to perform similarly.