ASICS Superblast 2 vs HOKA Bondi 9
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
The consensus read
Each paragraph is a synthesis across every reviewer in our database for that shoe — what they collectively concluded after wear-testing. Not a quote. Not one person's take. The shape of the room.
HOKA Bondi 9
A modernized max-cushion trainer that trades the Bondi's traditional firmness for a softer, bouncier ride via supercritical EVA, making it genuinely runnable for easy and recovery days while retaining its signature stability—though some testers flag a blockier toe-off feel compared to lighter racers.
ASICS Superblast 2 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , soft_plush feel , neutral stability .
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The Superblast 2 remains a great option for runners wanting a stable and predictable ride, though it lacks the overt toe-off feel of the new version.
Ride:Consistent, resilient underfoot feel with a firmer, less wild sensation; requires break-in time
Fit:Traditional upper with full eyelet usage; no need for a runner's knot
In their words: "a little bit more stable and predictable" · "loved the nice consistent underfoot feel" · "lacking in that avert sort of toe off"
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Steve calls the Superblast 2 the most versatile shoe in the Blast family, combining elements of every other Blast shoe into a balanced, fast, cushioned unisex trainer.
Ride:Combines Novablast-like forefoot launchpad with a wider forefoot fit; not overly bouncy, keeps you moving forward with nice cushion
Fit:Fits wider in the forefoot; true to size
In their words: "the most versatile of all of them" · "balanced, grounded, fast, it's light" · "it fits wide"
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Nathan's pick over the Megablast for proven stability and durability; Klein and Solless find the forefoot taper and heel transition hold it back vs the newer Megablast.
Ride:Firmer, more structured, stable-neutral ride; heel transition feels a little shanky off the back but settles in for long mileage.
Fit:Narrower tapered toe box that can feel short; accommodating stretch in the upper helps once broken in after ~75-80 miles.
In their words: "more accommodating stretch" · "more stable neutral" · "true neutral shoe"
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About as close as you'll get to a one-shoe marathon rotation — handles the full training block and can race the marathon. Expensive but worth it.
Ride:Big stack that doesn't weigh like one. Soft and bouncy without being soggy, wide platform for stability and leg-sparing energy at most paces. Excellent padded heel collars and roomy toe box. Feeds back energy when you put it in; looks after you when intensity dips.
In their words: "one of the most versatile going" · "big cushion comfort that's soft and bouncy" · "surprisingly light for its overall bulkiness"
HOKA Bondi 9 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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An excellent max cushion shoe that nails the balance between cushion and bounce without feeling mushy.
Ride:Max cushioned with a little bit of bounciness — doesn't feel tall for the sake of being tall and isn't mushy. A fantastic update.
In their words: "a little bit of bounciness" · "they got it just right with the Bondi" · "excellent example of a max cushion shoe"
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A genuine surprise: the updated midsole makes the Bondi 9 feel meaningfully better than prior Bondis, and he'd pick it over the Vomero 18.
Ride:Feels noticeably better under step than prior Bondis thanks to updated EVA midsole; softer and more cushioned, and under 10 oz in his size which is very good for a maximalist daily trainer.
Fit:Snug through the midfoot — maybe a touch too snug — and a smidge in the toe box; consider a half size up for wider feet. Love the heel pocket and counter; tongue could be a bit more plush.
In their words: "felt snug through the midfoot" · "Maybe a half size up" · "felt so much better under step"
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A reliable max-cushion cruiser with soft heel and strong natural stability, but a blocky feel and sticky toe-off make it less versatile than the Gel-Nimbus 27 at any pace.
Ride:Softer feel at the heel with a nice bevel, but forefoot rocker can feel a bit stuck/ponderous at toe-off. Super-critical EVA is comfort-focused, not lively; very wide base for natural stability.
Fit:Stick to normal size; a bit narrower than the Gel-Nimbus 27 but not a narrow Hoka overall — wide versions available. Cradles Achilles nicely without aggression; plenty of padding.
In their words: "a bit ponderous" · "a bit cushier" · "really nice heel bevel design"
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A well-updated Bondi that finally modernizes into a bouncier, much more runnable max-cushion option thanks to the super critical EVA, best suited to neutral runners.
Ride:Much more runnable than the Gaviota with noticeable bounce from the super critical EVA; feels lighter than its listed 12 oz; heavier than ideal for a high-cushion runnable shoe but still springy; neutral platform can let some runners drift onto the outside of the foot
Fit:Reviewer notes Bondi 9 is available in 4E width for men and 2E for women; a men's 2E Bondi fits roughly like a 4E in other shoes
In their words: "much more runnable" · "much more bounce" · "heavier than it probably wants to be"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the ASICS Superblast 2 if
- Marathon racing, tempo workouts, or higher-mileage days for runners wanting a premium max-cushion performance trainer — Run Moore
- Long runs and marathon training for fans of firmer rides — FORDY RUNS
- Marathon trainees wanting one shoe to do everything, including race day and very high-mileage durability. — FORDY RUNS
- Long runs and marathon-pace cruising where cushioning, stability, and consistency matter more than bounce. — The Run Testers
- Half-marathon to marathon training and longer miles at moderate-to-fast paces — FORDY RUNS
- Mid-pack marathon runners who want a single shoe for training and racing; long runs and workouts at tempo/threshold — Doctors of Running
Consider the HOKA Bondi 9 if
- Runners wanting a plush, stable max-cushion neutral trainer for easy miles — Doctors of Running
- Maximalist daily training and comfort-focused runners, including those who loved prior Bondis — Seth James DeMoor
- Max stack easy-day running and lifestyle/walking wear for people who love the classic Bondi feel — Believe in the Run
- Max cushion easy and recovery days — Kofuzi
- Easy day and recovery runs, walking, and travel; a plush max cushion comfort shoe — Believe in the Run
- Runners wanting a tall-stack, stable, cushioned shoe for easy and recovery days, or people who found previous Bondis too firm — Kofuzi
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Superblast 2 and the HOKA Bondi 9?
The ASICS Superblast 2 is a daily trainer and the HOKA Bondi 9 is a recovery / easy. By the numbers, the ASICS Superblast 2 weighs 249g, has a 46mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the HOKA Bondi 9 weighs 306g, has a 44mm heel stack and a 5mm drop. MSRP is $200 for the ASICS Superblast 2 and $175 for the HOKA Bondi 9.
Should I buy the ASICS Superblast 2 or the HOKA Bondi 9?
Run Moore on the ASICS Superblast 2: Marathon racing, tempo workouts, or higher-mileage days for runners wanting a premium max-cushion performance trainer. Doctors of Running on the HOKA Bondi 9: Runners wanting a plush, stable max-cushion neutral trainer for easy miles.
Per Run Moore, Doctors of Running.
Which is lighter, the ASICS Superblast 2 or the HOKA Bondi 9?
The ASICS Superblast 2 is lighter, at 249g versus 306g (men's 9) — about 57g less.
Which is more cushioned, the ASICS Superblast 2 or the HOKA Bondi 9?
Measured by stack height, the ASICS Superblast 2 has more underfoot foam — 46mm at the heel versus 44mm.
Which is cheaper, the ASICS Superblast 2 or the HOKA Bondi 9?
The HOKA Bondi 9 is cheaper at $175 versus $200 MSRP — about $25 less.