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ASICS BLAZEBLAST REVIEW

By Nicolas Brun Translated from French · Read the original

Close-up of the ASICS BlazeBlast on a runner's feet during a Recto Verso run

This is the shoe we wore on our Recto Verso runs. We took it out on urban routes from Zoom Trail, like Montmartre Express and Sherparis in the 19th arrondissement, and on a more natural one: the 3 forêts route, including the Meudon forest. A road-and-trail hybrid, but we're banning the word gravel, it's already taken. You get the idea: a shoe that can do it all and likes switching terrain.

Testers: Nico, Aurore
Used for: Recto Verso runs, from Paris tarmac to forest trails

Looks

A shoe with real trail codes, and a look that sends a clear message: it isn't made for the city alone. A tall, dynamic silhouette that works just as well in the forest as at the post-run coffee.

Comfort

Versatile, comfortable and reliable for no-fuss runs. The fairly stiff upper gives a real sense of protection. One thing worth flagging: Aurore found it a little high, so stay alert on corners and cambers.

Performance

Let's be honest, performance isn't really its playground. It's a shoe for discovering trail running, and it does that very well. For Nico, it's a Novablast that wants to take up trail running. You get that signature bounce, thanks to the FF BLAST MAX foam and the forefoot Trampoline Pod. On top of that, there's an ASICSGRIP outsole with 2.5 mm lugs for grip on the trails, and the whole thing stays fairly light.

Our verdict on the ASICS BlazeBlast

The shoe for people who don't want to choose. It's a great way in for your first strides on not-too-technical trails without giving up the tarmac, and to try trail running before deciding whether you really want to go for something more technical. As Aurore puts it, a solid basic to keep in your cupboard. Approved in the city, approved in the forest, and approved by the untalented, for whom elevation gain is still optional.

Specs: ASICS BlazeBlast

  • Type: neutral road-to-trail shoe
  • Weight: 257 g (men's EU 42), 234 g (women's EU 40)
  • Sizing: true to size
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Stack: 43 mm at the heel, 35 mm at the forefoot
  • Technology: FF BLAST MAX foam, forefoot Trampoline Pod, ASICSGRIP outsole with 2.5 mm lugs, woven mesh upper
  • Terrain: road and non-technical trails
  • Price: €160

As with most of our reviews, the product was provided by the brand for testing.

Close-up of the ASICS BlazeBlast on a runner's feet during a Recto Verso run
ASICS BlazeBlast in action on a forest trail, Jolie Foulée review
Running in the ASICS BlazeBlast between tarmac and trail, a road-to-trail shoe
Close-up of the ASICS BlazeBlast ASICSGRIP outsole mid-run
ASICS BlazeBlast pairs worn by runners on the Jolie Foulée x Recto Verso run