The ASICS Megablast is the newest addition to the ASICS Blast lineup, joining the likes of the Nova Blast and Super Blast. Built with an impressive 45 mm stack height and packed with a brand-new FF Turbo² ATPU foam, this shoe promises an elite combination of bounce, responsiveness, and comfort.
In this ASICS Megablast review, I’ll take you through everything you need to know — from its design and on-road feel to how it stacks up against the Super Blast, Nova Blast, and competitors from Brooks and Nike. Whether you’re a marathon runner, a long-distance enthusiast, or just searching for your next max-cushion trainer, this detailed review will help you decide if the Megablast is worth the $225 price tag.
ASICS Megablast Specs and Design
Let’s begin with the numbers that make the ASICS Megablast stand out. The shoe boasts a 45 mm heel stack height with an 8 mm drop, leaving you with 37 mm in the forefoot. What truly defines this shoe, though, is the use of FF Turbo² ATPU foam — ASICS’ newest midsole technology that delivers a lively, responsive feel.
Weight and Build
The Megablast is stated to weigh 230 grams (8.1 oz) for a US men’s size 9, but in hand, my pair came in slightly lighter at 222 grams (7.8 oz). For a shoe this tall and cushioned, that’s incredibly light — lighter even than Adidas’ Evo SL. This makes the Megablast an appealing choice for runners who want maximum cushioning without the bulk.
Outsole and Grip
The outsole design is minimalistic, featuring less rubber coverage than the Super Blast 2 to reduce weight. ASICS uses its signature ASICSGRIP compound to ensure solid traction across surfaces, whether you’re pounding the pavement or cruising on smoother roads.
Upper Construction
The upper design borrows inspiration from the Super Blast 1, but the Megablast’s version is thinner, lighter, and more breathable. The two-tone engineered mesh keeps air flowing, while the gusseted tongue ensures a secure lockdown. At the heel, a touch of micro-suede and a functional pull tab add both comfort and convenience. Ribbon laces tie everything together, offering a clean and snug fit.
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ASICS Megablast On-Foot Feel and Performance
The Megablast is all about bounce and lightness — and it absolutely delivers on both fronts. The FF Turbo² foam provides a soft yet energetic ride that adapts beautifully to both easy and uptempo paces.
At slower speeds, the shoe feels like a max-cushioned cruiser — soft underfoot, smooth in transition, and comfortable for hours. But when you decide to pick up the pace, that same foam comes alive, delivering snappy responsiveness and a lively rebound. The compression and decompression of the midsole are quick and springy, without the harsh firmness found in many responsive shoes.
The absence of a plate doesn’t limit its speed potential. Instead, the combination of a high stack and lively foam gives a natural rocker-like propulsion that encourages forward momentum.
Versatility for Different Runs
For me, the Megablast shines most during long runs. The blend of cushion and energy return makes it perfect for those weekend sessions where you start easy, build into marathon pace, and finish strong. It’s the kind of shoe that keeps you comfortable during recovery miles but still rewards faster efforts when you want to push the tempo.
Runners who prefer a bit of structure and height will appreciate how the Megablast maintains stability even with its 45 mm stack. The midsole geometry distributes pressure evenly, avoiding the “wobbliness” that can sometimes plague taller shoes.
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Comparing the ASICS Megablast to the Blast Family
The Megablast isn’t an isolated creation — it’s part of the ASICS Blast lineage, which began with the Nova Blast. To understand where it fits, it’s worth seeing how it compares within this evolving family.
Nova Blast: The Origin of Bounce
The Nova Blast set the tone as ASICS’ fun, bouncy daily trainer. It was light, energetic, and a clear departure from traditional ASICS shoes like the Nimbus or Cumulus. The Nova Blast 5 remains a great all-around option for easy runs and daily mileage, but it doesn’t quite have the same high-performance edge as the Megablast.
Super Blast: The Premium Long-Run Trainer
Then came the Super Blast — a hybrid between a daily trainer and a racing shoe. The Super Blast 2 introduced FF Turbo+ foam, which added softness but slightly reduced the punchiness of version 1. For runners who love ultra-soft cushioning, the Super Blast 2 remains a great choice.
The Megablast, however, returns to that peppy and lively character we loved in the Super Blast 1. With its all-ATPU midsole, it’s lighter, bouncier, and snappier — making it more suitable for long runs that mix endurance with speed.
Sonic Blast: The Speed Alternative
ASICS also introduced the Sonic Blast, a shoe that brings plating into the mix. It combines FF Turbo² on the top layer with FF Blast Max below, separated by a partial plastic plate. The Sonic Blast leans toward speed sessions and tempo runs, while the Megablast remains the go-to for long, fast, and cushioned miles.
In short:
- Nova Blast → Daily trainer, balanced cushion
- Super Blast → Long-run comfort, softer ride
- Sonic Blast → Speedwork, plated performance
- Megablast → Long-run power, max cushion + responsiveness
ASICS Megablast for Long Runs and Everyday Use
Long-distance runners will find the ASICS Megablast to be a near-perfect companion for endurance training. Its midsole encourages smooth transitions, and the weight reduction ensures your legs stay fresher during high-mileage days.
Comfort Over the Long Haul
After several test runs exceeding 15 miles, I noticed minimal fatigue. The foam’s rebound helps maintain energy return throughout the session, reducing muscle strain on longer efforts. The breathable upper also contributes to lasting comfort — even on warm days, the ventilation keeps hot spots at bay.
Stability and Ride Feel
Despite its towering stack, the Megablast feels surprisingly stable. ASICS achieved this by widening the base and designing a rocker geometry that guides your stride naturally. The shoe moves with you, not against you, allowing an efficient heel-to-toe transition.
Whether you’re logging easy recovery runs, tempo segments, or long efforts with mixed pacing, the Megablast adapts effortlessly.
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ASICS Megablast vs the Competition
When compared to other top-tier long-run shoes on the market, the ASICS Megablast competes head-to-head with models from Brooks and Nike — two of the most recognized brands in the max-cushion category.
Brooks Hyperion Max 3
Brooks’ Hyperion Max 3 is a natural competitor. It’s tall, features a PEBAX-based foam, and includes a plastic plate for extra propulsion. However, it weighs more and feels a bit delayed in response compared to the quick-reacting Megablast.
While the Hyperion Max 3 excels in stability and rocker transition, the Megablast wins on liveliness and agility, making it more fun to run in, especially for those who like to pick up the pace.
Nike Invincible 3
The Nike Invincible 3 used to dominate the max-cushion space. However, compared side by side, the difference in technology is clear. The Invincible 3 feels flatter, firmer, and less dynamic. The Megablast provides a modern, lively feel that compresses and rebounds faster.
The Invincible 3 is cheaper — around $144 on sale — but if you’re after a premium, high-energy ride, the Megablast justifies its $225 price.
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Who Should Buy the ASICS Megablast?
The ASICS Megablast caters to a wide range of runners. Here’s who will benefit most:
- Marathon runners seeking a dependable long-run trainer with speed potential.
- Neutral runners who prefer lightweight max-cushion shoes without a plate.
- Daily trainers who enjoy a bouncy, energetic feel in their mileage shoe.
- Tempo runners wanting a lively, non-plated shoe that performs at various paces.
It’s less suited for:
- Runners who need motion control or firm stability.
- Those who prefer a softer, plush ride like the Super Blast 2.
- Budget-conscious runners, as the premium materials come at a cost.
Price, Availability, and Value
The ASICS Megablast will retail at $225, positioning it in the premium category. That price may raise eyebrows, but considering the innovation behind the FF Turbo² foam, the lightweight design, and its exceptional versatility, it’s a fair investment for serious runners.
While cheaper options exist — like the Brooks Hyperion Max 3 ($200) and Nike Invincible 3 (discounted to around $144) — neither matches the combination of bounce, comfort, and efficiency that the Megablast delivers.
Final Verdict on the ASICS Megablast Review
The ASICS Megablast embodies the next step in ASICS’ evolution of performance running shoes. It brings together everything runners love about the Blast series — bounce, cushion, and energy — and amplifies it with lighter weight and more dynamic foam.
For me, it’s the best long-run shoe ASICS has ever made, and possibly one of the top contenders for 2025’s best all-around running shoe. It’s fun at easy paces, thrilling when you push the tempo, and comfortable enough to go the distance.
If you’re searching for a shoe that delivers comfort without compromise and speed without stiffness, the Megablast should be at the top of your list.
ASICS Megablast Review: the Conclusion
To sum up this ASICS Megablast review, this shoe is a triumph in design, performance, and innovation. It bridges the gap between daily training comfort and racing-style responsiveness — an incredibly rare balance in modern running footwear.
While it’s not cheap, it’s absolutely worth it for runners who value lightweight bounce, versatile performance, and long-lasting comfort. ASICS has truly gone mega with this one — and for many, it could easily become the go-to choice for long runs in 2025.
Michael Turner is a dedicated running shoe reviewer and performance footwear specialist with years of hands-on testing experience. His passion for running and attention to technical detail make his reviews a go-to resource for runners seeking honest, data-driven insights. Michael covers every aspect that matters to athletes — from cushioning and stability to traction, responsiveness, and long-distance comfort.
Having tested hundreds of models from leading brands like Nike, Asics, Hoka, Brooks, Saucony, and New Balance, Michael provides readers with well-balanced comparisons and clear recommendations tailored to different running styles and goals. Whether you’re a marathoner, a casual jogger, or a trail enthusiast, his expertise helps you find the perfect pair to enhance your performance and protect your stride.
Beyond testing shoes, Michael follows the latest innovations in running technology, biomechanics, and sustainable materials, ensuring his reviews stay ahead of industry trends. His mission is simple — to help every runner choose shoes that combine comfort, performance, and endurance on any terrain.
