Superblast 2

Yes, the Superblast 2 fits true to size for most runners, so your usual Asics size should be right. The toe box is a little roomier than a racer, which suits long runs, but it is not a wide shoe and broad feet may find the forefoot snug. Midfoot and heel lockdown are secure. If you are between sizes or want extra room for long efforts, going half a size up is a safe choice, though most people will not need to.

You can, and plenty of runners do. It has the cushioning to protect your legs over 26.2 miles and enough bounce to keep a strong rhythm, all without a plate to manage. It is a popular choice for runners who want one shoe for both training and racing. That said, a dedicated carbon racer like the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris will be lighter and faster on the day, so the Superblast 2 is best for runners who value comfort and versatility over an outright PB.

It can be, thanks to the forgiving, deeply cushioned ride that protects new runners building up mileage. The main catch is the price: at £200 it is a big outlay for someone just starting out. The tall stack also takes a little getting used to and offers no stability help, so heavier or unsteady beginners may prefer something lower and more supportive first. If budget is no object and you have neutral mechanics, it is a comfortable, do-everything first proper trainer.

Both are premium do-it-all trainers, but they ride differently. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 uses a nylon plate for a snappier, more propulsive feel and is lighter, which suits faster sessions. The Superblast 2 is plateless, taller and more cushioned, so it feels smoother and more protective on long, easy miles. Choose the Endorphin Speed for sharper tempo work and the Superblast 2 if you want maximum comfort and versatility from one shoe.

Yes, it holds up well for a premium trainer. The midsole keeps its bounce over a long life, and the outsole rubber covers the high-wear zones, so most runners get a solid stretch of training miles before it fades. Rotating it with another shoe will stretch that further. Given the £200 price, treating it as your main long-run and tempo trainer rather than an everyday beater is the smart way to get value from it.

No, the Superblast 2 has no carbon plate. Its lively ride comes entirely from the tall, springy midsole rather than a stiff plate, which is a big part of its appeal. You get much of the bounce and turnover of a plated shoe with a more natural, forgiving feel underfoot. That makes it more flexible for everyday training than a rigid racer, and it is one of the reasons so many runners use it as their single do-everything shoe.