ASICS Megablast
Pros
- Outstanding energy return
- Exceptional impact protection
- Durable, grippy outsole rubber
- Astonishingly low weight
- Performs at any pace and distance
- Breathable, lightweight upper
- High-quality materials from heel to toe
- Suitable for all footstrikes
- Top performance without a carbon plate
Cons
- Extremely expensive for a training shoe
- Limited outsole coverage
- Poor toebox durability
Key Features
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Engineered Mesh Upper: A lightweight and breathable mesh material reduces the need for additional overlays, promoting airflow to keep your feet cool.
FF TURBO² Cushioning: This pinnacle foam is designed to deliver the bounciest and most energetic midsole experience, providing advanced cushioning and rebound.
Curved Sole Design: Helps conserve more energy in each step, allowing for a more efficient running style.
ASICSGRIP Outsole Rubber: A proprietary rubber outsole that ensures advanced grip across various terrains.
Sustainable Construction: At least 50% of the shoe's main upper material is made from recycled content, contributing to reduced waste and carbon emissions.
Specifications
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Origin: Imported
Sole Material: Rubber
Outer Material: Faux Leather
Closure Type: Pull-On
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 31 reviews
The ASICS Megablast is an excellent choice for runners seeking a combination of speed and comfort. Its innovative foam technology provides significant energy return, while its lightweight design offers relief during intense speed sessions.
Lab tests confirm the Megablast as a top-performing shock-absorbing tempo running shoe. The cushioning effectively dampens impact, as evidenced by its impressive 160/144 SA score in the heel and forefoot, which indicates a reduction in load on the legs by 24.0% and 35.8% better than average, respectively.
When assessing the midsole’s energy return, the heel registered 73.0% and the forefoot 73.8%, demonstrating notable propulsive takeoffs. This performance ensures that comfort and responsiveness remain consistent even over longer distances, enhancing the overall running experience.
The lightweight construction of 7.8 oz (218g) further contributes to a more enjoyable ride, making it easier to maintain speed. However, the Megablast's advanced features come at a premium price of $225, which may deter some runners from purchasing.
Adidas Adizero Prime X3 STRUNG
Pros
- Excellent shock absorption
- Fantastic bounce from new Lightstrike Pro foam
- Fits better than v2
- Innovative tech and design from heel to toe
- STRUNG upper is just awesome
- Works well on any season
- Skyscraper-like stack height
- A total blast (if it suits you)
- Breathable upper
Cons
- Crazy expensive
- Heavier than all supershoes
- Heel strikers may feel unstable
- Too stiff for easy days
Key Features
- Regular fit for enhanced comfort
- Lace closure for a secure fit
- Synthetic upper for durability and breathability
- Textile sockliner for added comfort
- LightstrikePro midsole for superior cushioning and energy return
Specifications
- Origin: Made in USA and Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Synthetic
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Adidas Adizero Prime X3 Strung is designed for serious runners seeking exceptional performance and cushioning. Its advanced construction includes a substantial stack height, sophisticated plate design, and a durable outsole that enhance its capabilities on the track.
This shoe offers remarkable cushioning, measured at a significant 48.1/35.1 mm, providing one of the highest stack heights observed in running footwear. The experience on foot reveals no ground feel coupled with outstanding responsiveness, supported by shock absorption ratings of 160/125 SA in the heel and forefoot.
The energy return is impressive, showing 73.7% in the heel and an even higher 76.7% in the forefoot. Featuring a full-length carbon plate alongside Energy Rods 2.0, the ride is both springy and stable, while the outsole's grip is validated by a friction score of 0.56 in traction tests.
However, despite its many advantages, the Prime X3's weight of 10.8 oz (305g) may be considered excessive for competitive racing, which could deter some athletes.
ASICS Superblast 2
Pros
- Fantastic new upper
- Improved overall comfort
- Grippier outsole without cutouts
- Durability enhancements
- Excellent weight/cushioning ratio
- Supreme stability
- Works at every pace and distance
Cons
- Slight weight gain
- Fit remains tight
- Minimal tongue padding
- Energy return is not on par with the price
Key Features
- Engineered mesh upper material: Improves airflow to help your feet keep cool.
- Gusseted tongue wing fit system: Enhances midfoot fit while minimizing tongue sliding.
- FF TURBO PLUS technology: This cushioning improves compression for a responsive underfoot feel.
- FF BLAST PLUS ECO technology: Provides lightweight impact absorption and a responsive rebound.
- Trampoline-inspired outsole design: Offers a more responsive bounce back for an improved running experience.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Synthetic Rubber
- Outer material: Mesh
- Inner material: Polyester
The ASICS Superblast 2 is a noteworthy option for runners with supination, as it excels in both performance and lab assessments. Its superior cushioning effectively combines impact protection and responsiveness, while the ASICSGRIP rubber offers an impressive balance of durability and grip. This shoe excelled in our traction test, demonstrating significant effectiveness on various surfaces.
During testing, we felt confident in our stride control, even on wet terrain. The shoe achieved a friction score of 0.83, making it 80.4% grippier than average. Contrary to expectations, the Superblast 2 exhibited 50.0% less damage than average in our Dremel test, reinforcing its durability.
The cushioning platform provided substantial comfort, confirmed by measurements of 42.8/34.6 mm, which surpasses average values. This enhanced cushioning is also reflected in its shock absorption scores—130 SA in the heel and an even higher 138 SA in the forefoot, demonstrating 31.4% greater protection than average.
Despite its considerable cushioning, the shoe maintains a lightweight feel due to its responsive foam. Testing for energy return yielded scores of 65.4% in the heel and 65.5% in the forefoot, contributing to an enjoyable running experience.
However, one drawback is that the fit tends to run tighter, making it less suitable for individuals with wider feet.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
Pros
- Supershoe-like energy return
- Fantastic upper with top-notch ventilation
- Softer PWRRUN PB foam
- Endorphin Speed DNA still present
- Great lockdown
- Versatile for multiple paces
- Smooth SPEEDROLL rocker
- Roomier and taller toebox
- Can be used for racing too
- OG special colorway looks fantastic!
Cons
- Small price hike
- Less agile than predecessors
- Durability downgrade
Key Features
- PWRRUN PB foam that bounces back with each step, providing cushioning without sacrificing responsiveness.
- A winged nylon plate that offers torsional rigidity while maintaining flexibility in the forefoot, ensuring a snappy ride.
- SPEEDROLL technology designed for effortless speed and forward motion, perfect for daily use.
- Increased rubber coverage in the heel for added durability, extending further up the sides of the shoe.
- A full-length longitudinal groove for enhanced flexibility, promoting a smooth transition throughout your gait cycle.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Mesh
- Inner material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a versatile tempo running shoe designed for runners seeking comfort and agility at various paces and distances. Its lightweight and flexible design enhances overall performance, making it suitable for both casual jogs and more intense speed sessions.
Lab tests confirm the shoe's responsive and shock-absorbing midsole, which features SPEEDROLL geometry. This technology improves stride efficiency without introducing stiffness, allowing for smooth transitions with a notable degree of flexibility—15.1% more than average in our bend test.
During our energy test, the Endorphin Speed 5 demonstrated impressive results, achieving scores of 73.2% in the heel and 78.2% in the forefoot, facilitating effective toe-offs. Weighing in at just 8.5 oz (241g), this shoe excels in offering comfort across varying speeds.
For endurance runs, the midsole significantly reduces impact forces on muscles and joints, achieving excellent shock absorption ratings of 132/108 SA. This feature contributes to a more comfortable running experience over longer distances.
While the ES5 provides excellent ventilation, it may compromise durability. Runners seeking a sturdier upper construction might consider alternative options rather than this model.
Mizuno Neo Vista 2
Pros
- Massive stack height
- Super-plush Enerzy NXT foam
- Perfect for long runs
- Lightweight for its huge size
- Good durability
- Breathable knit upper
- Roomy toebox height
- Insanely fun!
Cons
- Not enough energy return
- Price hike feels unjustified
- Not stable for heel strikers
Key Features
- MIZUNO ENERZY NXT: This next-generation midsole material maximizes energy return and cushioning, ensuring optimum performance and responsiveness.
- Knit Upper: The completely knit upper offers a sleek design while providing a natural fit suitable for all foot types.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Made from recycled materials, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
- MIZUNO WAVE: The innovative MIZUNO WAVE plate disperses impact energy across a broader area, resulting in superior cushioning and stability.
- Smooth Speed Assist: Features a significant heel bevel for efficient midfoot landing, supporting the calf, with an aggressive forefoot rocker for smooth transitions.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Nylon
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 is a unique running shoe designed for individuals who seek comfort and energy efficiency during their runs. It features a supersized stack that effectively absorbs impact, helping to keep legs feeling fresh over extended distances. Our lab tests confirm this model provides the best shock absorption among supination running shoes.
This shoe incorporates foam that scored **170 SA** in shock absorption—**32.8%** above average—which contributes significantly to reduced strain on the legs. With a **46.0/37.5 mm** stack height, the cushioning is generous regardless of landing position, with the forefoot being taller than most competitors’ heels.
Despite its thick platform, the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 offers a lively ride, characterized by a springy return confirmed by energy tests showing rebound scores of **60.3%** in the heel and **59.8%** in the forefoot. The flexible midsole further enhances the ride quality, demonstrating **10.0%** more pliability than average in our bend test, which promotes both comfort and adaptability.
However, these premium features come at a price point of **$200**, which may not suit all budgets. For runners seeking more affordable training options, alternatives are available.
Adidas Adizero EVO SL
Pros
- 100% Lightstrike Pro superfoam
- Exceptional value-to-performance ratio
- Low weight
- Ultra-breathable upper
- Unmatched versatility
- Agile and fun ride
- Handles short and long runs with ease
- Striking Evo 1-inspired aesthetics
Cons
- Poor-quality laces
- Short, non-gusseted tongue
- Toebox durability
Key Features
- LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam in the midsole offers exceptional cushioning and energy return.
- Regular fit with lace closure for a secure and comfortable fit.
- Forefoot patch made from Continental Rubber (Conti Winter) for superior traction.
- Rear foot patch features CL rubber for added durability.
- Average weight of 252.3 g per shoe (for size 9.5).
- Midsole drop of 0.25 inches (6.5 mm); heel height: 1.3 inches (32 mm), forefoot height: 1.5 inches (38.5 mm).
- Available in sizes ranging from 25.0-28.5 cm.
- Constructed from over 20% recycled materials.
Specifications
- Closure type: Lace-Up
- Upper Material: Synthetic Fiber
- Sole Material: Rubber sole
- Width: 2E
- Country of Origin: China
- Model Year: 2025
The Adidas Adizero EVO SL is an exceptional tempo trainer designed for runners seeking a lightweight and responsive experience. Its Lightstrike Pro midsole provides significant energy return, making it suitable for various running training sessions. Lab results indicate that the EVO SL combines speed with comfort, thanks to its non-plated design.
The high-performance trainer sustains speed without introducing stiffness, achieving impressive energy return scores of 74.3% in the heel and 70.3% in the forefoot. Each stride benefits from a gentle cushion, supported by shock absorption scores of 147 SA in the heel and 126 SA in the forefoot. This combination ensures effective performance during intense runs.
With a weight of only 7.9 oz (223g), the EVO SL is significantly lighter than average at 12.9% below the typical weight for similar shoes. The shoe's flexibility is notable, as confirmed by a 30-degree test showing a 34.7% higher flexibility score than average. This feature allows for natural foot movement while running.
It is important to note, however, that the tongue of the EVO SL is not gusseted. While this may not pose a major concern, it could be a minor annoyance for some runners during their training sessions.