Asics Megablast running shoe review
220 Triathlon Verdict
Fast all-rounder for effective training and racing, and most of all, great fun. Score: 96%
Pros
- Feel speedy and light
- Suitable for racing and training
- Secure laces
- Breathable upper
- Propulsive feel
Cons
- Only one width available
Megablast is an apt name for Asics’ new training and workout running shoe, because that’s exactly what I had from the very first steps, writes Ed Pickering.
They’re fast and light, but even more importantly, the predominant sensation of running in the Megablast is one of fun.
They’re so bouncy that my internal monologue through my runs wearing them was: “Boing, boing, boing…”
I adopted these $225 / £210 shoes late in a marathon training phase, in which most of my runs had been done wearing a pair of functional, durable Asics GT2000s, and the long runs especially were starting to get a bit ploddy.
How we tested runnnig shoes
Each running shoe we review gets put through the same level of testing, including numerous runs of varying distances over the period of several weeks at a minimum. This includes long, slow runs, plus faster tempo efforts or interval sessions. We test against a range of criteria including comfort, breathability, support, stability, ride, propulsion and value. For more details, see how we rate and test products.
A spring in my step
However, the Megablast put a spring back into my stride. The FF Turbo Squared midsole is a bouncy foam that delivers a lot of energy return. This combines with a 45mm stack at the heel and an 8mm drop to the front of the foot.
The ‘propulsive’ feel that the drop and bounce adds was especially noticeable running downhill. It felt like the shoes were almost flinging me forward. They feel fast on the flat as well.
Asics has saved weight with the breathable woven upper, where it feels like there’s no excess material at all.
The minimally padded lightweight tongue wraps around the foot comfortably.
I loved the ‘serrated’ laces, which add extra confidence in the knotting.
The Megablast currently comes in two colourways: white/Piedmont grey, and the Edo purple/black that I wore. I liked it very much, though it’s going to clash with my club’s yellow colours.
One thing to be careful of is width. My feet are slightly wide and I felt a bit of pressure and chafing on my little toe. These might not suit those with wider feet, but I was just about fine.
I did a 15-miler in the Megablasts towards the mid-to-top end of zone 2 a week after doing a similar run in my old trainers.
The difference felt tangible. I had a significantly lower pulse for much the same effort, livelier legs, faster splits and a feeling that I could have kept going for a long time yet – possibly as a result of that bounce and comfort.
Asics Megablast bottom line
Asics has marketed the Megablast as an all-round training shoe, but you could easily race in these.
Given the cost, I would probably save these for fast training runs where the workout is a significant one in your training plan, and ‘B’ races or races you’re using for training.
But if you want to put some fun back into your running, you’ll have a blast in the Megablast.
Now head to our guide to the best running watches to find a device to record your training and racing.
Asics Megablast specs
| Price | $225 / £210 |
| Weight | 7.8oz/223g |
| Sizing | US: women’s 5-15.5; men’s 3.5-14 UK: Unisex 2.5-13 |
| Features | Woven upper, FF turbo squared foam, gusseted tongue wing fit system |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Stack | 45mm |
| Pronation | Neutral / underpronation |
Edward Pickering
