Superblast 2 vs Deviate Pure Nitro 1

The Asics Superblast 2 is the rare running shoe that does almost everything, and does it well. It is a super trainer, not a racer, with a towering, springy midsole and no carbon plate, yet it still has the bounce and turnover most runners chase on plated shoes. We rate it as one of the most versatile daily trainers you can buy. At 249g it is not light for a no-plate shoe, but you forget the weight once that big stack starts rolling you forward. Easy miles feel plush, long runs feel protected, and a tempo or a half marathon brings out a genuinely lively ride. The catch is the price: at an RRP of £200 it sits in race-shoe territory, so it asks a lot up front for a do-it-all trainer. If you want one premium shoe for most of your week, this is the one to beat. Those after pure daily value should look at the cheaper Asics Novablast 5.

The Deviate Pure Nitro is Puma's plateless super trainer, and it sits in a clever spot: most of the bounce of a race shoe, without the plate telling your legs what to do. It runs on a full PEBA Nitrofoam midsole with a 38mm heel and 30mm forefoot, an 8mm drop, and a listed 220g, so it is light for how much shoe you get underfoot. This is a fast everyday trainer rather than a marathon racer. It shines on tempo runs, progression runs and honest daily miles where you want a lively, energetic ride but still want your foot to do the steering. Because there is no carbon plate, it feels more natural and forgiving than a plated super trainer like the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4, which makes it easier to run slow in. If you want one bouncy running shoe that covers most of your week, this is a strong pick.