The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a high-stack, non-plated super trainer built for high-mileage training, especially long runs and steady uptempo efforts. It takes on the tricky job of updating the instant-classic ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 that runners loved for its versatility and long-run comfort, and the brand took the risk of changing a lot in the process. The midsole shifts to a soft FF LEAP top layer over a firmer FF BLAST PLUS base, and the stack height increases, which makes the ride feel noticeably softer and bouncier than before. That extra softness can be a bit much for some runners and perfectly plush for others, largely coming down to personal preference. From a performance standpoint, it keeps the distinct SUPERBLAST identity, but delivers it in a taller, more energetic, more cushioned, but still lighter package.
Our Verdict
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a good option for marathon racing and similar long-distance efforts if you don't want a plated shoe, but still want to finish comfortably. Its exceptionally cushioned, high-stack platform delivers great protection and a bouncy feel. This, paired with a stiff rocker and optimized geometry for long runs, helps keep the legs fresher over time, making it especially appealing to runners who prioritize impact absorption and a smooth, forgiving ride. However, it's not built for peak racing efficiency, as it lacks the low weight and the pure, snappy propulsion that more purpose-built, plated marathon super shoes deliver.
Outstanding cushioning.
Lively midsole energy return.
Unplated.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is only a passable choice for 5K and 10K racing because it prioritizes protection over nimbleness and snap. The midsole feels energetic, but the tall, non-plated build does not deliver the crisp, aggressive turnover that makes dedicated short-distance super shoes feel effortless at very high speeds. It works better for runners who want a trainer with pace versatility for uptempo workouts or steady efforts than for those chasing a 5K or 10K personal best.
Lively midsole energy return.
Unplated.
Toe-off isn't the snappiest at very fast paces.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 delivers a very lively ride, with strong bounce that feels especially noticeable when you load the forefoot and roll through toe-off. It strikes a sweet spot for runners who want reliable energy return without the stiff, aggressive sensation of a plated racer, making it well-suited to steady uptempo running and long runs with pace changes. While it feels springy and efficient, it still leans more toward smooth pop than all-out propulsion.
Lively midsole energy return.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 provides exceptional cushioning that makes long runs feel noticeably less taxing on the legs, with deep protection under both the heel and forefoot. The FF Leap layer and increased stack help make the ride feel ultra plush. This high level of shock absorption is a big plus for high-mileage daily training and runners who want a maximal buffer from the road, especially over longer durations.
Outstanding cushioning.
Forefoot cushioning is awesome.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 offers decent lateral stability for a very tall, soft shoe, thanks to a super wide outsole platform and a secure upper. However, the heel is extremely soft, which can make the rear of the shoe feel a bit wobbly for heel strikers or if your form is prone to breaking down. It works best for runners who do not need extra guidance features, while runners seeking a firmer, more structured option should look toward a support-oriented trainer.
Very wide platform.
Fully gusseted tongue.
Unplated.
Soft heel can feel a bit wobbly.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 fits true to size overall, so most runners should stick to their usual size, especially since the most important fit factors for sizing, length, and forefoot volume, all feel spot-on. The toe box is nicely accommodating, which makes the shoe easy to trust for long runs when feet can swell. The main caveat is the arch area, which can feel a bit snug, so runners with wider feet at the arch may notice some pressure through the midfoot.
True-to-size in length and volume.
Arch fit can feel slightly snug for wider midfeet.
Performance Usages
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We bought and tested the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 in men's U.S. size 9, as noted on the label for our pair. The pair we purchased is the Cobalt Burst/Light Orange colorway, but you can also buy the shoe in White/Black and Seashell Sun Coral. Unlike some other ASICS models, the SUPERBLAST 3 isn't sold in wide or narrow fits. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other sizes and gender variants to perform similarly.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a max cushion, bouncy super trainer built to cover a wide range of paces without relying on the stiff snap of a plate, which is the same core recipe that gives versatile shoes like the adidas Adizero Evo SL, R.A.D UFO, and the ASICS MEGABLAST their "do-it-all" appeal. Still, the SUPERBLAST has historically had its own character, especially the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2, which many runners loved for long runs thanks to its highly protective cushioning that stayed controlled rather than overly soft, paired with a rocker-driven rolling ride that made cruising feel efficient. This iteration shifts that identity by adding a much softer FF LEAP top layer (the same A-TPU-based compound used in the ASICS METASPEED RAY super shoe) creating an ultra-plush feel that can be perfect for runners who want maximum comfort but can also feel a bit too soft for big fans of the SUPERBLAST 2' crispness, and this also comes with a slight hit to lateral stability.
Even so, it keeps its long-run strengths, just with a different flavor, as the improved shock absorption over long distances and the lighter feel make it easier to settle into for slower mileage compared to the previous iteration, while still giving a smooth, slow-release pop that carries well into steady uptempo running. That softer, more energetic direction also brings it closer to the ASICS MEGABLAST in spirit, but the MEGABLAST remains the lighter, more dynamic option that can feel a bit more chaotic underfoot and lean more naturally toward faster running (or even racing), while the SUPERBLAST 3 stays the more straightforward choice that works really well from easy runs through uptempo efforts, especially on longer outings.
If you're looking for more shoes from ASICS' lineup, take a look at our recommendations for the best ASICS running shoes. For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, the best long-distance running shoes, and the best shoes for running a marathon.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 and ASICS MEGABLAST are two versatile, category-bending shoes, and on paper, they're surprisingly close, with similar weight, cushioning, and stability. In practice, they have distinct personalities. The MEGABLAST is the more race-leaning option, with a midsole that returns more energy and feels more eager to surge, making it the better pick for faster intervals and workouts where you want the shoe to feel lively. That extra pop can also make it feel a bit more chaotic underfoot for easy runs, where it’s very enjoyable in small doses but not always the calmest companion. The SUPERBLAST feels very protective, thanks to its higher stack, creating a huge forefoot buffer that keeps you farther from the ground. It's a touch firmer overall, though both shoes are on the soft side, and it covers a very wide range of training from recovery miles to steady uptempo running. Importantly, the SUPERBLAST retains more of its cushioning capabilities as the distance increases, making it a stellar choice for long runs.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 and ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 follow the idea of a highly cushioned, unplated shoe that feels responsive when you pick up the pace, but the newer version shifts the ride in a different direction. The ASICS SUPERBLAST is lighter and sits higher, and its updated midsole setup with a softer top layer of FF LEAP makes it feel bouncier and more cushioned overall. That extra softness also means it loses a bit of the crisp, snappy forefoot character that defines the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2, which also feels firmer and slightly more stable as a result. For most runners, the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 feels like a meaningful upgrade because it's more nimble and more efficient while adding long run protection, but if you specifically prefer a firmer, more direct ride with a crisp toe-off, the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 still makes the stronger case.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 and adidas Adizero Evo SL are two of the most hyped shoes on the market, largely because both claim a wide range of versatility. The adidas Adizero Evo SL is the lighter, more stripped-back option, sitting lower to the ground with a plastic shank and a bouncier midsole that feels firmer and snappier, making it especially suited for fast paces. The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 delivers a much more cushioned and plush ride that stays comfortable and consistent as distances get longer, with a big buffer underfoot that makes long runs and steady mileage feel easier to sustain. If you want a lighter, faster-feeling trainer that thrives on quicker turnover, the adidas works better, but if you want a more protective, long-run shoe that stays cushioned deep into long runs while still feeling lively, the ASICS makes more sense.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 and Nike Vomero Plus both deliver a similar level of bounce underfoot, but they go about it with a different balance of efficiency, protection, and stability. The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 feels more well-rounded because it stays impressively light despite its high stack, where its A-TPU midsole can outdo Nike's PEBA foam while also delivering a more protective ride that holds up better as the miles pile on. The Nike leans more toward daily training or the occasional stride, pairing its fun bounce with a slightly more stable, planted feel, but its higher weight makes it feel better suited to relaxed cruising rather than being a true do-it-all weapon like the ASICS.
We buy and test running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes so team members can log in miles. This real-world testing is conducted at various paces and conditions, across different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
for pictures & test results
for pictures & test results
for pictures & test results
for pictures & test results
