Introduction to Dynablast 2
The ASICS Dynablast 2 is a footwear launched in 2021 as the younger sibling to the popular Novablast series. Both the Novablast and Dynablast both featured ASICS popular FF Blast midsole foam, providing the trampoline-like characteristics and soft cushioning. The Dynablast 2 is a footwear which can provide great value for the performance it can deliver. An airy upper couple with a straightforward and simple design, the Dynablast 2 will meet the needs of a diverse group of runners. If you like to find out more about Dynablast 2, head over to Daily Running Co’s review of the ASICS Dynablast 2.
What is the problem?
Comfort and cushion is a key focus of the Dynablast 2 with a very comfortable upper using circular-knit design and soft yet energized midsole. This transcend even into the choice of insole for the footwear. Based on ASICS’s product page, the original insole of the Dynablast 2 is the OrthoLite™ X-30 sockliner to provide soft step-in comfort.
However, over my 180km of runs, I often found the comfort of the shoes to flatten out during longer runs and harder efforts. While the OrthoLite X-30 insole no doubt provided good step in comfort, its compression does appear to be an issue.
Change made to the Dynablast 2
The OrthoLite insole is not the only type of insole available in the market. One such alternative would be a single piece of EVA which is present in other ASICS running shoes too. Thus, I swapped out the original insole for my Gel DS-Trainer’s EVA insole to test it out. The compression of the EVA insole is much lesser compared than the OrthoLite insole.
Conclusions
After the swap, I did repeats and longer runs in the Dynablast 2 to test out if it made a difference. The short answer is “Yes”, the performance or ability for the Dynablast 2 to support the 800m repeats I did were better. The lesser compression of the EVA insole resulted in a easier transition with lesser energy usage.
The Dynablast 2 has the FF Blast midsole, a compressive and cushioned material. The swap to a less compressive insole coupled with the FF Blast midsole produced a well-balanced on foot experience. The double compression, one from the FF Blast and the other from the Ortholite insole, might have been too much.
Often we run with the original insole provided and look more primarily on the midsole. But, the insole plays an important part in delivering the overall running experience. Through my product testing, I have learnt about the different materials used in the insole. For example, Bloom for sustainability or Craft’s insole which is made from TPU or TPE beads. Perhaps moving forward, the choice of a personalized insole will be a more affordable option to improve your running footwear instead of buying a entirely new shoes.
We hope you have enjoyed our articles thus far, do check out our other articles on our webpage too. Till next time, just keep running.
