The Asics Gel Blast 7 started to come out in August 2016. These are the successors to the Asics Gel Blast 6 and have been given a (nice) facelift.
Update: Word on the street is Asics will be discontinuing the Gel Blast line. They will not make an Asics Gel Blast 8. So if you like the Blast 7s, you might want to stock up now! Thanks to Jim for the tip.
The story so far: Asics Gel Blast 5 and prior were very popular with squash players. When Asics came out with the Gel Blast 6, they made significant changes, and a lot of squash players were sad. Many Blast fans switched to the Asics Gel Fastball.
Enter the Asics Gel Blast 7. According to brownssports.com:
This long awaited shoe is worth waiting for, for those who loved their blast 4″s and blast 5’s the new 7 will surpass your expectations , Asics has gone back to the traditional styling of the previous models will providing superior durability and quicker cuts arouind the court.
Here’s a side-by-side photo from PDH Sports of the Asics Gel Blast 7 versus the Gel Blast 6:
Photo via PDH Sports Instagram ∞
Also see this discussion on Reddit.
Here’s an in-depth look at the shoe. Too bad you don’t speak Spanish.
Asics Gel Blast 7 — Men
Blue and yellow, spotted June 2017:
Black, Silver and Prime Red. Spotted May 2017. Thanks to Darrell for the tip!
Image via volleybaer.de ∞
Sponsored Links ∞
Buy (Canada): sportsvirtuoso.com
Buy (France): amazon.fr
Buy (Germany): amazon.de
Buy (UK): zalando.co.uk
Search: eBay
Spotted
Joel Makin was sporting these at the 2017 World Champs:
Photo via Steve Cubbins ∞
Red:
Image via sportensnetbutik.dk ∞
Sponsored Links ∞
Buy (Canada): controlthet.com | racquetguys.com | sportsvirtuoso.com | squashunlimited.ca
Buy (France): amazon.fr
Buy (Germany): amazon.de
Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk | zalando.co.uk
Search: eBay
Blue:
Sponsored Links ∞
Buy (Canada): racquetguys.com | sportsvirtuoso.com | squashunlimited.ca
Buy (France): amazon.fr
Buy (Germany): amazon.de
Buy (UK): amazon.co.uk | zalando.co.uk
Buy (US): amazon.com
Search: eBay
Spotted
James Willstrop was rocking the Asics Gel Blast 7 at the HK Open:
Photo via @HKsquash ∞
Mohamed El Shorbagy was spotted with this pair in September 2016 at the Al-Ahram tournament. Thanks to D-Man for the tip!
Photo via SquashSite ∞
Asics Gel Blast 7 — Women
Rouge Red, White and Prune. Spotted May 2017. Thanks to Darrell for the tip!
This one’s called blue jewel, white and flash coral. It’s listed as a men’s shoe as Zalando but on other sites as a women’s model. Based on the colors and other shoes from Asics, I think it’s a women’s model.
Image via zalando.co.uk
Sponsored Links ∞
Buy (Canada): squashunlimited.ca
Buy (France): amazon.fr
Buy (Germany): amazon.de
Buy (UK): zalando.co.uk
Search: eBay
Rick says
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Hi Guys,
Can anyone advise which of these is a better shoe, in terms of durability and comfort?
Asics Gel Blast 7 OR Asics Gel Fastball 3 ?
(My current salming kobra are worn out and become a lot slippery)
Nawar says
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Asics Gel Blast 7 is better : double cushioning and more durable.
PRODUCT FEATURES:
A TRUSS
Enhances rearfoot to forefoot transition upon jumping, maximizing power, and acts as a rearfoot stabilizer upon landing.
REARFOOT AND FOREFOOT GEL® CUSHIONING SYSTEM
Attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle.
SPEVA® MIDSOLE MATERIAL
Improves bounce-back characteristics and decreases midsole breakdown.
WET GRIP® OUTSOLE
An outsole made from a special blend of organic and non-organic components, designed to enhance traction even on wet surfaces.
PGUARD
Reinforced rubber/resin compound attached to the forefoot providing increased durability and protection.
AHAR+
New blown AHAR outsole material. Delivers enhanced cushioning, durability and ride to the foot.
OPEN MESH UPPER
Provides excellent comfort and breathability.
ASYMMETRICAL LACING DESIGN
Anatomically correct lacing environment that reduces potential for irritation and provides increased comfort and fit.
P.H.F.® (PERSONALIZED HEEL FIT)
2 layers of memory foam line the collar and mould to the athlete’s heel, creating a personalized fit.
NC RUBBER® OUTSOLE
Compound containing more natural rubber content than traditional solid rubber, resulting in enhanced traction on court systems.
DYNAMIC WRAP
Based on the movements of the foot and the taping technology used by Indoor athletes, this technology supports the midfoot during fast movements and jumping. The strategically placed wraps will guide the foot to a powerful re-supination.
REMOVABLE SOCKLINER
EVA sockliner moulded to the shape of the foot, which can be removed to accommodate a medical orthotic.
FLEXION FIT VAMP
Upper technology which offers stability, comfort and breathability.
CALIFORNIA SLIP LASTING
For stability and comfort. Upper is stitched around a canvas or EVA board and directly attached to the midsole.
DUOMAX® SUPPORT SYSTEM
A dual-density midsole system positioned to enhance support and stability, positioned sport-specifically.
TRUSSTIC SYSTEM®
Reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural integrity of the shoes.
IMPACT GUIDANCE SYSTEM (I.G.S.)
ASICS® design philosophy that employs linked componentry to enhance the foot’s natural gait from heel strike to toe-off.
COMFORDRY™ SOCKLINER
Removable sockliner that provides cushioning performance and moisture wicking for a cooler, dryer, healthier environment.
SOLYTE 55 LASTING
ASICS lightest midsole material takes on a new role as a lasting technology.
D-Man says
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I have owned both shoes. The Blast 7 definitely has more cushion but the Fastball 3 is lighter and more nimble. I prefer the Fastball 3 personally as it is cushioned enough for me but has the weight advantage and actually lasts better (the Blast 7 sole wears out in the front). Also note that the Fastball 3 also has “double cushioning” (both rear and forefoot), though it is probably not as much as in the Blast 7.
Tady says
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Since you owned both, can I ask about the fit of the shoes – is it similar in both. I tried the Blast 7 but it felt a bit narrow at the right length, foot felt squeezed…
D-Man says
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Not sure why I can’t reply to your post so replying to mine.
Both shoes are similar in width. Also note that both shoes do stretch when they get worked in. I do recall them feeling tight at first but that changes over time and I find myself tying them tighter over time.
Nawar says
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(Black, Silver and Prime Red)
Good cushioning, Surprisingly light, good padding and excellent gripping. highly recommend those to any pro player… it’s been 2 months am using those pairs playing 4-5 times a week.. no blisters till now! it works perfectly with Karakal X4-Technical Ankle Sock.
Previously used the Adidas Court Stabil shoes versions 10,11,12&13.
Chris says
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Really liked these shoes…while they lasted. Not sure if they called them the Gel-Blast 7 because they only last 7 weeks, but it seems that way. Very bizarre considering that my last pair of Gel Rockets lasted me close to 2 years. I’m not exactly sure what compound they used for their rubber sole, but there’s no grip left on the front, inside portion of either shoe, and my left shoe has an obvious hole where there’s no longer any rubber.
I’m just happy that I got these on sale because I’d be pretty upset if I had paid more money for them. I guess they’re just going to be my backup pair and I’ll be switching companies if this is the best that Asics can do.
I should point out that I’m a runner, but I still expect a pair of shoes that retails for close to $200 Canadian with tax to last a bit longer than 2 months. A more traditional player would definitely have these last longer considering that from the ball of my foot to the heel, they still look brand new. They just clearly weren’t designed to have a player that pushes off of their toes, laterally.
CG says
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I bought a red pair of these in October. They’re stable, and I do like the feel of them even if they are a little heavy and warm. But, I play about 3 times a week and these shoes are basically destroyed by the end of January. Factor that I was gone for three weeks in November and didn’t play for a week over Christmas and I would give these an F in durability. Both shoelaces broke within two months, both soles are worn through, the rubber on the front of my shoe is gone, and the front stitching is coming lose. I don’t play extremely competitively and these should’ve held up much longer. My previous Mizunos lasted 2 years and showed little wear. I even had a pair of Adidas running shoes last longer when I first started playing. With two months left in the season I’m ready to throw them in the trash.
kkc88 says
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Do you think the durability of blast 6 and 7 were affected by the plasticky materials used on the shoes? Older Blast 3,4,5 seemed very durable with more cloth-like materials.
CG says
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The part that failed is the yellow outsole. The hexagon rubber stuff in the vamp held up great for me. I’d understand if just one thing wore out on them but the fact that laces and insoles can’t last half the life of a shoe is a sign of poor quality control or extreme cost cutting measures.
Duncan says
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I got the Gel Blast 7’s back in June before the official release in most countries. They were for an uncle of mine who trusted I’d get him a good shoe. Seeing the pros coming out with GelBlast 7’s at recent tournaments reassures me that I made a good decision.
D-Man says
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Mohamed Elshorbagy is now wearing these. Would ask him why he switched from the Fastball but he doesn’t reply to my DMs.
Pierre says
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Thanks D-Man, I updated the post!
AmrShabanasBeard says
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Hi guys, bought the new blast 7’s last week, will be trying them out this morning.
For reference, I’ve previously used (in order) Asics Rocket, Progressive 2, Fastball (current).
I’ll report back later with a quick review.
John says
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I just bought a pair of these. they seem to look a little weird to me. the front tip of the shoe is not exactly in the middle like most shoes. for the right shoe for example, the middle tip is a little to the left and vise versa for the left shoe. is this on purpose?
John says
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What is the price?
Zeeshapes says
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I got these for Canadian dollar 149 … but they are amazing in all respects….
Duncan W. says
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A squash pro friend of mine says these are not squash shoes. There’s not much info in the Gel Blast 7, most refer to it as a court shoe. Are you (or anyone) able to shed some light or share the experience playing with these?
Pierre says
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It’s technically true — Asics do not make squash shoes, they make shoes for handball, volleyball, and badminton. According to Asics, the Gel Blast range is supposed to a handball shoe, but they are appropriate for squash courts, meaning they are non-marking. Squash players have used them before (e.g. Mathieu Castagnet has worn the Asics Gel Blast 6). I haven’t seen anybody wearing the Gel Blast 7 yet, but it’s pretty new still, so hopefully we’ll see some feedback in due course!
Ghostface says
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The biggest fan of the Gel Blast 5 is Pilley, he has it in almost every colourway : https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_fTtB_2gh1LdmpUUmM0Ukp0cWc
Pierre says
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Ha, that’s great!
D-Man says
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Top and middle left are actually Blast 4, but yeah, he seems to like that shoe design as he was using the Blast 5 even this year, two years after they stopped making them.
Now that the Blast 7 has been shipping for a couple weeks, has anybody actually tried out a pair and is in a position to give a review?
Normally, I’d have been all over the Blast 7’s but having used the Fastball last year, I am not sure I could go back to a heavier shoe.