The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a high-stack, lightweight, non-plated super trainer designed for runners looking for one shoe to handle all of their training. The remarkable cushioning keeps your legs exceptionally well protected over long distances, while the lively ride gives it plenty of range for faster running. However, its very soft platform means it's not the most stable, and it lacks the snap of a dedicated short-distance racer.
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Our Verdict
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a great marathon shoe, especially for runners who want plenty of protection without a plate. The remarkable cushioning keeps your legs exceptionally well protected as the distance builds, while the lively ride makes marathon pace easier to sustain. It’s also reasonably light for such a deeply cushioned shoe. However, it lacks the forceful snap of a dedicated marathon racer and can feel a bit wobbly when form starts to break down.
Remarkable cushioning keeps your legs exceptionally well protected.
Lively ride makes marathon pace easier to sustain.
Good rollover helps carry you through the stride efficiently.
Very soft platform can become less stable as fatigue builds.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is an okay choice for 5K and 10K racing. It's decently light, and its good rocker geometry helps move you quickly through toe-off. However, the very soft forefoot provides little leverage when pushing off, and it's not stiff enough to deliver the forceful snap of a dedicated short-distance racer.
Decent weight works well for faster running.
Good forefoot rocker helps move you through toe-off.
Very soft forefoot provides little leverage at toe-off.
Forefoot lacks the stiffness for forceful snap.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a very good long-run shoe. Its superbly cushioned platform delivers incredible shock absorption, while the bouncy ride offers enough rebound to keep longer efforts from feeling dull. It's also reasonably light for the amount of cushioning it provides, and is comfortable on progressive efforts. However, the very soft platform can be a bit unsteady when fatigued.
Good rollover helps carry you through the stride efficiently.
Remarkable cushioning keeps your legs protected over long distances.
Lively ride works well for progressive long runs.
Very soft platform can become less stable as fatigue builds.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a great daily trainer for runners who want plenty of cushioning without giving up a lively ride. Its remarkable impact protection keeps regular mileage easy on the legs, while the bouncy midsole has enough life for faster training. It's also reasonably light for its size, so the tall stack doesn't become cumbersome day to day. It's heel rocker all makes transitions into midstance very smooth. However, the very soft platform makes it less stable than many traditional daily trainers.
Remarkable cushioning offers incredible shock absorption for daily miles.
Lively ride gives it plenty of range across training paces.
Lightweight makes it disappear on foot.
Very soft platform makes the ride less stable.
Changelog
- Updated Sep 23, 2026: We've updated this review to Test Bench 0.16, expanding our coverage with new tests for breathability, water absorption, and drying time. For more details, see the changelog.
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Updated Jul 23, 2026:
We've updated the Popular Comparisons section to tweak the wording and include a link to the newly reviewed ASICS NOVABLAST 6.
- Updated Jul 16, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.15, which replaces Responsiveness with three specific performance usages: Bounciness, Snappiness, and Roll. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Jul 09, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.14, which adds new lace-specific results. We've included a close-up photo of the laces, as well as details including lace type, width, thickness, and stretch. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Jun 30, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.13, which identifies the different foams used in the shoe's midsole. We've included a microscopic image of the foam cells to give you an idea of what the microstructure looks like. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Jun 17, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.12, which fixes how we measure firmness, a component of the Stability and 5K/10K Racing usages. There may be inconsistencies between the text and the scores for these usages, but the scores should still be considered valid. We've also brought back the Energy Return score and added two new usages: Daily Training and Long Run. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
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Updated Apr 30, 2026:
We've updated this review to add text for the new Responsiveness and True To Size usage boxes and made minor phrasing adjustments throughout the review for consistency.
- Updated Apr 28, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.11, adding two new rocker measurements to the Design section, and three new responsiveness tests to the Performance section. The Energy Return usage score has been replaced with Responsiveness. Check out the details in our changelog.
- Updated Mar 05, 2026: Review published.
- Updated Mar 04, 2026: Early access published.
- Updated Mar 02, 2026: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Feb 27, 2026: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Feb 27, 2026: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
We've bought and tested more than 300 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs.
Test Results
Energy Return
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 has very good energy return. The forefoot gives plenty back through toe-off, keeping faster running lively, while the heel also rebounds well for rearfoot strikers.
Very good forefoot rebound keeps toe-off lively.
Good heel rebound works well for rearfoot strikers.
The forefoot has very good energy return, giving plenty back through toe-off. It isn't as lively as the ASICS MEGABLAST or the Topo Specter 3, but there's still more than enough rebound underfoot.
The heel has good energy return, giving rearfoot strikers plenty of rebound through landing. It isn't quite as lively as the ASICS MEGABLAST, but there's still enough energy coming back to keep the ride efficient.
Stability
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 has mediocre stability. Its wide outsole and fully gusseted tongue provide a secure base, but the very soft platform works against them. The forefoot is especially soft, while the heel also lacks firmness, making the shoe harder to trust if you have dedicated support needs.
Wide outsole provides a secure base.
Fully gusseted tongue keeps lockdown secure.
Very soft forefoot reduces stability through toe-off.
Soft heel makes rearfoot landings less secure.
The heel is very soft, creating a plush landing but making the rearfoot less stable, especially as fatigue builds.
Cushioning
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 has remarkable cushioning. Both the heel and forefoot absorb an exceptional amount of impact, providing outstanding protection regardless of where you land. That protection also holds up superbly on longer efforts, too.
Remarkable heel cushioning provides outstanding protection.
Exceptional forefoot cushioning absorbs a huge amount of impact.
Cushioning remains fantastic on longer efforts.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 has remarkable heel cushioning. It absorbs an enormous amount of impact across light, moderate, and heavy loads, giving heel strikers exceptional protection regardless of weight or pace.
The forefoot cushioning is exceptional. It absorbs an incredible amount of impact across every force level and even outperforms the ASICS MEGABLAST overall. As of September 2026, it's one of the most protective forefoots we've tested.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 has remarkable long-run cushioning. Protection remains phenomenal even as mileage builds, outperforming shoes like the ASICS MEGABLAST and Topo Specter 3.
Wet & Warm Weather
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 has decent wet and warm weather performance. The good breathability works well in warmer conditions, while it does a decent job of resisting water absorption. However, it takes just over a day to dry, so it may still be damp if you want to run in it the next day.
Shoe is a good pick for hot days.
Resists absorbing water decently so won't feel bulky in the rain.
Takes over a day to dry so will still be damp the next day.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 has good breathability. The upper allows enough airflow to keep your feet from overheating on hot days or during longer efforts, performing similarly to shoes like the Topo Specter 3.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 has okay drying performance, taking just over a day to fully dry. If you soak it on a run, it may still be damp when you want to use it again the following day, and it dries more slowly than the ASICS NOVABLAST 6.
Bounciness
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 has very good bounciness. The forefoot compresses deeply and rebounds very well, producing a lively toe-off. The heel also compresses well and returns a good amount of that energy through landing.
Deep forefoot compression produces a very bouncy toe-off.
Heel provides good compression and rebound.
Snappiness
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 has mediocre snappiness. It returns a good amount of the energy stored as the forefoot unbends, while its decent rocker geometry helps through toe-off. However, the very soft forefoot provides little leverage, and the shoe doesn't resist bending enough to produce a forceful snap.
Good bending energy return keeps toe-off efficient.
Decent forefoot rocker helps carry you through push-off.
Very soft forefoot provides little leverage.
Forefoot doesn’t resist bending enough to produce forceful snap.
The forefoot returns a good amount of the energy stored as it bends and then unbends, helping toe-off remain efficient even without a plate.
Roll
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 rolls well through the stride. The good forefoot rocker geometry and stiff rocker work together to carry you smoothly through toe-off. The forefoot itself is only adequately stiff, so the transition isn't especially forceful.
Good forefoot rocker helps carry you smoothly through toe-off.
Rocker holds its shape well, helping the shoe roll smoothly through toe-off.
Forefoot doesn’t resist bending enough to make toe-off especially forceful.
The rocker takes a good amount of force to flatten, so it holds its shape well under load and provides useful assistance as the shoe rolls through the stride.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is even taller than the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2, with a huge amount of foam under both the heel and forefoot, creating a substantial buffer between your feet and the road. Its moderate heel-to-toe drop also keeps the geometry accessible to heel, midfoot, and forefoot strikers.
The heel rocker does a decent job of moving heel strikers forward into midstance, though it's much less assistive than in the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2.
True To Size
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.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 drops a significant amount of weight compared to the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2. It's slightly heavier than the ASICS MEGABLAST but much lighter than the ASICS NOVABLAST 6, so it won't feel cumbersome over regular mileage or longer efforts.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 combines a top layer of FF LEAP with a firmer FF BLAST PLUS base. FF LEAP is ASICS' premium A-TPU racing foam and is also used in the ASICS METASPEED RAY, while the firmer lower layer acts as a stabilizing carrier foam.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 replaces the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2, retaining its do-it-all identity while becoming softer, more cushioned, and lighter. The ASICS MEGABLAST is the faster alternative, with a livelier ride that's better suited to workouts and racing, while the SUPERBLAST 3 offers more protection over long distances. The adidas Adizero Evo SL is lighter and more exciting for faster running, but the SUPERBLAST 3 is much more cushioned and better suited to high-mileage training. For runners wanting one shoe to cover daily miles, long runs, and faster training, the SUPERBLAST 3 is a fantastic all-rounder.
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 MEGABLAST and ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 are similarly versatile super trainers, but the MEGABLAST is the better option for faster running. Its livelier ride makes it better suited to workouts and racing. The SUPERBLAST 3 provides better protection over long distances, and its less aggressive ride makes it more accessible for recreational runners.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better shoe than the ASICS NOVABLAST 6. It's lighter, much livelier, and more protective, making it the pick for long runs and marathon training. The NOVABLAST 6 is more stable and still has amazing cushioning, plus it's cheaper, so it's the better pick for most recreational runners.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a more capable all-rounder than the ASICS NOVABLAST 5. It's lighter, much more cushioned, and better suited to long runs or marathon training, while still working well for daily mileage and faster efforts. The NOVABLAST 5 is the better option if you mainly want a more stable daily trainer for easy runs and regular mileage, and it's cheaper.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better all-rounder than the Nike Vomero Plus. It's significantly lighter, more protective over longer efforts, and better suited to faster running. The Nike shoe offers amazing cushioning for daily mileage and costs less. Get the ASICS if you want one shoe with more range; get the Nike if you don't want to spend that much and don't need the ASICS's performance package.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a meaningful upgrade over the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 for most runners. It's lighter, bouncier, and more cushioned, making it better suited to long runs while retaining the same broad training versatility. The SUPERBLAST 2 is firmer and slightly more stable, so runners who prefer a more controlled ride may still prefer the older shoe.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better choice than the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 for most runners. Dramatically lighter and bouncier, the SUPERBLAST 3 also features deep, resilient cushioning that keeps your legs fresh on long runs, and it's just as comfortable for faster workouts. The NIMBUS 28 trades that liveliness for a much steadier platform, which makes more sense for runners who want a stable, predictable ride on easy days. The NIMBUS is also available in wide versions.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better long-run shoe than the adidas Hyperboost Edge. It's lighter and slightly more cushioned, with less bulk underfoot. The adidas is bouncier, so it's the better option if you want a springier ride, though the upper material can cause some friction on the foot.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better shoe than the Brooks Glycerin Max 2. It's significantly more cushioned, with a softer, lighter build and much better energy return, and can be used for pretty much all of your running. The Brooks only makes sense if you want a more stable shoe for easy miles and don't mind an even taller, bulkier shoe.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better choice for daily training than the Nike Vomero Premium. It delivers generous impact protection at a much lower weight, making it more suitable when you want to move beyond slow, easy mileage. It also returns more energy at both the heel and forefoot. The Nike shoe is better if maximum cushioning is your top priority, particularly for recovery runs. It absorbs even more impact and maintains that protection better over distance. However, it weighs substantially more, so it feels more cumbersome for faster runs.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better overall shoe than the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, especially if you're looking for a model that's well-suited for long runs. It provides much stronger cushioning under both the heel and forefoot, retains more protection over distance, and even weighs slightly less. The Saucony is still worth considering for runners who want a firmer, plated shoe, as it's well-suited for shorter workouts and for those who need a more stable shoe to hold proper form.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better shoe than the New Balance 1080v15. Lighter, bouncier, and far more cushioned, the ASICS can handle everything from long runs to faster sessions without your legs feeling too beat up. The New Balance shoe is the more grounded, stable option, and it's also cheaper, which could tip the balance for runners who mainly log easy miles. The New Balance is also available in more widths, so it's a more accessible option for runners with very narrow or very wide feet.
The Saucony Endorphin Azura has the edge over the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 especially for tempo runs. It is more stable underfoot. It has lively energy return that adds some range to its daily use. It can cover a range of paces within regular training. The SUPERBLAST 3 absorbs more impact, making it more comfortable for easy miles. It is lightweight, which helps it feel less demanding over repeated training miles.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better shoe than the adidas Adizero Evo SL for long runs and high-mileage training. It's much more cushioned and holds that protection better over long distances. The adidas is lighter, bouncier, and more nimble, making it better for workouts and shorter efforts.
The Saucony Triumph 24 offers better value than the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 for runners who don't need maximum cushioning. It usually retails for less, offers greater stability, and returns more energy under the forefoot while keeping weight reasonably close. Wide sizes also give more options for finding a comfortable fit. The ASICS shoe earns its higher price if long runs are a big part of your schedule. It provides substantially more impact protection, maintains that protection better over distance, and delivers a softer feel while feeling less cumbersome.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is better than the HOKA Clifton 10. It has better energy return and offers more protection over longer distances. It can cover a range of paces within regular training. The HOKA is more stable underfoot, making it better for runners who prefer a controlled ride.
The Dynafish Xiaonian is a better all-around choice than the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 if you want a lightweight shoe for daily runs and faster efforts. It combines lower weight with greater stability and higher energy return, without giving up much impact protection. Its roomier forefoot and less restrictive arch also make the fit more accommodating. The ASICS is better for runners who prioritize maximum cushioning on long runs. It absorbs more impact as the miles add up and has a softer forefoot, but it weighs considerably more.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better long-run shoe than the Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra. It's more stable and smoother through the stride, making it more dependable over long distances. The Li-Ning is bouncier, so it's the better option if you want a softer, springier ride, though it's currently harder to buy.
The Nike Alphafly 3 is a better all-distance racing shoe than the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3. It's lighter and returns more energy, so it's easier to turn your legs over at race pace, and it carries you more smoothly through each stride. However, it's significantly less cushioned and much less suited to regular training. The ASICS is the better option if you want one shoe for weekly miles and simply need something comfortable enough to get you through a marathon rather than race it.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better all-rounder than the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper. It's lighter, more cushioned, and bouncier, making it better suited to long runs while still offering more range for faster training. The On shoe is the better option only if you prefer a more restrained ride with less bounce.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better everyday choice than the ASICS SONICBLAST 2 if you prefer a softer, more energetic feel. It returns more energy at the heel and offers similarly strong impact protection, including during long runs. That makes it appealing for runners who want generous cushioning without a firm sensation underfoot. The SONICBLAST 2 is slightly lighter and more stable, thanks to its plate, which gives it a more responsive feel. None of these are dedicated racing shoes, but the SONICBLAST 2 is still a better choice for races of all distances.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better shoe overall than the New Balance SuperComp Rebel, particularly if you regularly run longer distances. It absorbs more impact under both the heel and forefoot, and maintains better protection as the miles add up. Its softer forefoot also suits runners who prefer more give underfoot. The New Balance shoe is lighter and returns more energy with each step, making it an appealing option for faster workouts. Choose it if low weight and an energetic ride matter more than maximizing protection on your regular training runs.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better overall running shoe than the Saucony Hurricane 26, offering more cushioning at a lower weight. It absorbs more impact under both the heel and forefoot and maintains better protection over longer runs, making it a stronger choice for runners who prioritize cushioning without extra bulk. However, it usually retails for more money. The Saucony is better if you need support features and a more stable platform for everyday training. It also comes in wide sizes, making it worth considering if you have wide feet.
The Saucony Paramount Max and ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 are both excellent max-cushion shoes, with neither clearly winning. The Saucony is much bouncier and significantly more energetic, with a more assistive heel rocker that better suits heel strikers. The ASICS is much lighter and rolls more smoothly, making it the better option for progressive efforts and runners who want less shoe on foot.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better shoe than the Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo for most runners. It provides better long-run protection and a bouncier ride, making it more capable across longer efforts with pace changes. The Kiprun has a slightly snappier forefoot and costs less, so it remains a good pick if you want a very capable performance trainer without spending as much.
The Brooks Hyperion Max 4 and ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 are super trainers, each with distinct strengths. The ASICS is lighter and bouncier, making it a better all-rounder for daily training and long runs. The Brooks has a more aggressive rocker, so it's the better option if you prefer a more guided ride for faster efforts.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better running shoe overall than the ASICS GEL-SLOWCUSH, especially if you want one pair for different types of runs. It's much lighter, bouncier, and more cushioned, making it the stronger choice for long runs and sessions where you pick up the pace. The trade-off is a less stable feel underfoot. Choose the GEL-SLOWCUSH if your priority is feeling stable during slow and recovery runs, and you don't need your everyday shoe to handle faster efforts.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is the more versatile trainer than the HOKA Skyward X 2. Both are superbly cushioned, but the ASICS is lighter and livelier, making it better for both faster training and long runs. The HOKA is the better option if you specifically want a plated, more substantial cruiser for easy and long-distance running.
The Mount to Coast C1 and ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 are both very good long-run shoes, but the ASICS is more versatile. It's bouncier and better suited to faster workouts, so it works better across a full training week. The Mount to Coast is the better option for ultra distances, where its dual lacing system lets you loosen the upper as your feet swell.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better running shoe than the Tracksmith Eliot Ryder for most runners. It's significantly lighter, more cushioned, and offers more assistance when running, making it better suited to progressive long runs, faster efforts, and even marathons. Since it's also cheaper, it's the shoe to get if running performance comes first. Only get the Tracksmith if you want a deeply cushioned shoe that can double as a fashionable, everyday sneaker.
The ASICS Superblast 3 is a better shoe than the Speedland RX:PNW overall. Both are deeply cushioned performance shoes that can handle regular mileage through long-distance racing, but the ASICS offers significantly better shock absorption, a smoother transition through stride, and a lighter build without using a plate. It's also less expensive. However, wider-footed runners may prefer the Speedland's more accommodating fit.
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 many different colorways, depending on your region. 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.
