ASICS Superblast 3 — FF LEAP on top, FF BLAST+ underneath

I’ve been running in the Megablast and Superblast 2 for the past several months. The Megablast is fun but too fast-biased for easy days — I kept drifting above Z2 without meaning to. When the Superblast 3 came out with a new foam setup and more stack, I wanted to see if it could handle more of my training volume without that problem.

After a threshold run and a 2.5-hour progression long run, I think it can. The Superblast 3 is softer, more cushioned, and more versatile than both the Superblast 2 and the Megablast. It’s not the most exciting shoe in the ASICS lineup, but it’s the most practical one.

That’s the short version. Here’s everything else.

Specs and Comparison

ASICS lists the weight at around 239 g in US9. My pair came in at 233 g right and 231 g left. 10 g lighter than the Superblast 2 despite more stack — and it feels that way on foot.

Before even running, one thing was obvious: the Superblast 3 feels soft just walking around in it. The 1.5 mm stack increase is real, and you notice it immediately.

Fit and Sizing

True to size for me. Same size across all my ASICS shoes except the S4, where I go half up.

The fit is more trainer than race shoe. Lockdown is solid, no heel slip. The toe box has noticeably more room than the Megablast, which I appreciate. The Megablast rubs my toenail on longer runs — sometimes enough to damage socks. No sign of that in the Superblast 3 so far.

Upper feels premium. Tongue padding is excellent, no hot spots. Can’t comment on breathability yet — all my testing has been in winter.

More trainer-like fit compared to the Megablast — roomier toe box, solid lockdown

Ride Feel: Softer, Bouncier, More Cushioned

The biggest change vs. the Superblast 2 is how it rides.

The Superblast 3 is noticeably softer and bouncier, driven by the FF LEAP layer on top. On landing, it compresses quickly — you can clearly feel the softness at first contact. Then the firmer FF BLAST+ underneath provides structure and keeps the platform from going vague.

That layered behavior is easy to notice during the run. The Superblast 2 is firmer and more straightforward. The Superblast 3 has more cushioning, more energy return, and a more forgiving character overall.

Compared to the Megablast, it’s not as explosive. The Megablast has more pop and feels more speed-biased. But the Superblast 3 is easier to control, especially when the goal isn’t pushing every step.

One thing worth noting: at higher speeds, the dual-layer character fades — not because the shoe disappears, but because shorter ground contact time means less time to notice each layer separately. What you get instead is just the ride.

Stability: Slightly Less Than Superblast 2, Still Very Good

Because it’s softer, the Superblast 3 is a bit less stable than the Superblast 2. But overall stability is still very good.

Straight-line running is completely fine. Cornering is fine too, though if you’ve spent a lot of time in the Superblast 2, you’ll notice it feels slightly less planted. Not problematic — just softer.

For reference, I weigh around 73 kg fasted in the morning. The shoe holds up well at that weight. Heel strikers and slightly heavier runners should have no issues, as long as they’re not expecting the firmer SB2 feel.

Outsole pattern similar to Superblast 2 — wet grip expected to be good

Long Run: 2.5 Hours, Z2 to Z3 Progression

This was the real test.

My first run in the Superblast 3 was 3 × 15 minutes at threshold, averaging around 4:20/km. The long run the next day was 5 × 30-minute progression blocks with 2-minute rest, hitting 5:36 / 5:23 / 5:17 / 5:04 / 4:48. The shoe handled both ends of that range comfortably.

After 2.5 hours:

• Cushioning still felt protective and alive as fatigue set in
• Still able to accelerate and hold pace in the final 30-minute block — that matters
• Bounce and stability stayed consistent throughout, no sign of foam flattening
• Quads felt noticeably better than after similar efforts in the Megablast — the extra cushioning is doing real work
• Toe box stayed comfortable even as feet swelled over distance

The quad difference surprised me. It’s not just a softer feel at the start — the Superblast 3 genuinely protects the legs better over long efforts.

Superblast 3 vs Megablast

Superblast 3 (left) vs Megablast (right) — similar silhouette, very different ride character

Top-down comparison — the roomier toe box on the Superblast 3 is easier to see here

This is the comparison most people want.

The difference is straightforward:

• Megablast is speedier, bouncier, and more race-oriented
• Superblast 3 is more cushioned, more forgiving, and more versatile

The Megablast wants to go fast. That’s fun, but it makes Z2 runs tricky — easy to drift faster than intended. The Superblast 3 is still lively but much easier to keep honest on controlled runs.

Fit-wise, the Megablast is more race-fit with a narrower toe box. The Superblast 3 feels like a premium trainer.

If you want one shoe for training and racing and care about your best race result, the Megablast has the edge.

If you already have a dedicated race shoe, or you want your daily trainer to be comfortable rather than fast, the Superblast 3 makes more sense for most runners.

There’s real overlap. If you already own a Megablast, the Superblast 3 doesn’t replace it cleanly. But it gives you a more comfortable option for the bulk of daily training.

Superblast 3 vs Superblast 2

For me, the Superblast 3 is a genuine upgrade, not just a different direction.

Softer, more cushioned, more lively, while still stable enough across a wide range of paces. The added comfort makes longer runs easier on the legs.

That said, if your favorite thing about the Superblast 2 was its firmer, more planted feel, the Superblast 3 may not be what you hoped for. It clearly moves toward a softer character. Both shoes are stable, but they feel meaningfully different.

For me, the Superblast 3 is the better overall shoe.

Who Should Buy It

Good choice if:

• You want one premium trainer that handles Z2, Z3, long runs, and even race day
• You already have a dedicated race shoe and want your daily trainer to be comfortable
• You found the Superblast 2 a bit too firm
• You do a lot of aerobic volume and want your legs to recover better
• You want the most versatile shoe in the current ASICS super trainer lineup

Not ideal if:

• You want the most race-biased trainer and don’t care about daily comfort
• You loved the Superblast 2 specifically for its firm, stable feel
• You don’t have a dedicated race shoe and need one shoe to maximize race performance

Cons

The Superblast 3 is very good, but there are real trade-offs:

• Price increase on an already expensive shoe (exception: TWD pricing held flat vs SB2)
• Slightly less stable than the Superblast 2, noticeable on corners
• Significant overlap with Megablast if you already own both
• May feel too soft for runners who preferred the firmer SB2 character
• Not the best race option if you don’t have a dedicated race shoe

Verdict

The Superblast 3 is the most complete shoe in the current ASICS super trainer lineup for everyday training. Softer, more cushioned, and more forgiving than the Superblast 2, while still lively and stable enough for a wide range of paces.

It’s not as exciting as the Megablast. But it’s easier to recommend.

After a threshold run and a 2.5-hour long run progression, my conclusion is simple:

Want more speed and a better race tool? Buy the Megablast. Want more cushioning, more control, and a daily trainer that’s easier on the legs over the long haul? Buy the Superblast 3.

For my current rotation, the Superblast 3 fits better — and the long run confirmed it.

My Current Rotation

• Superblast 3 — Z3 and below, long runs
• Old racing shoe — Z4+ training sessions
• Race shoe — race day