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.
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 250 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
Stability
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.
Cushioning
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.
Bounciness
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 delivers a very responsive 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 some snap but without the very 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.
Stiff rocker adds some rigidity when pushing off.
Snappiness
Roll
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.
True-to-size in length and volume.
Arch fit can feel slightly snug for wider midfeet.
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's crispness, and this also comes with a slight hit to lateral stability.
Even so, it keeps its long-run strengths but shifts toward a softer, more energetic ride than its predecessor. Improved shock absorption and a lighter build make it easier to settle into for slower mileage, while its smoother rebound still carries well into uptempo running. The ASICS MEGABLAST is lighter and more dynamic, making it the better choice for faster efforts or racing, though it can feel less controlled. The SUPERBLAST 3 is the more straightforward all-rounder for everything from easy runs to long uptempo efforts. The ASICS NOVABLAST 6 pares back that formula into a cheaper, more stable daily trainer for casual runners.
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 NOVABLAST 6 and ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 belong to the BLAST family, but serve different runners. The SUPERBLAST 3 is a lighter, much more cushioned, and far livelier super trainer, making it better for long runs and marathon efforts. However, it costs significantly more, and most casual runners won’t need that level of performance. The NOVABLAST 6 still has amazing cushioning and better stability, making it the better pick for most recreational runners.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 and ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 sit in the same genre-bending BLAST family, but they don't feel like direct equivalents. The NOVABLAST 5 is the modern daily trainer. It has soft and energetic FF Blast Max foam, which provides good cushioning and a stable enough platform to make easy runs, recovery days, and regular mileage fun and lively. The SUPERBLAST 3, however, is a non-plated super trainer and the more capable "do-it-all" shoe, from daily training and uptempo work to long runs and marathon training. Its higher-stack FF LEAP and FF BLAST PLUS midsole setup delivers stronger cushioning and better responsiveness, providing a ride that holds up better as the miles build. You'll likely prefer the NOVABLAST 5 if you're looking for a highly cushioned, yet still fun, daily trainer, but the SUPERBLAST 3 is the better pick if you're looking for a versatile trainer to do it all.
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 easy mileage plus long runs matter more than speed.
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 3 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 and stiff 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 bit more bending stiffness at toe-off, the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 still makes the stronger case.
The adidas Hyperboost Edge and ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 sit in the same segment of highly cushioned, energetic trainers without plates, but they have a slightly different emphasis. The Hyperboost Edge leans more into the bounce of the midsole itself, giving it a more pronounced, springy feel underfoot. The ASICS feels marginally more cushioned overall and is lighter, which makes it less cumbersome and easier to handle when you start picking up the pace.
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 On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper and ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 are both unplated, max-cushion shoes built around energetic foams, but they push that concept to different extremes. The ASICS is more cushioned, bouncier, and lighter, which makes it more efficient and better suited to picking up the pace, largely due to its A-TPU-based setup. The On follows a similar idea but in a more restrained way, feeling more conventional and more predictable underfoot, with its PEBA top layer not reaching the same level of bounce or efficiency.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 and the Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra are two shoes that blur the line between max-cushioned and super trainers. They're similarly stacked in the heel, although the Li-Ning has a bigger heel-to-toe drop. Both shoes have truly remarkable cushioning, but the SUPERBLAST 3 is a bit firmer, which keeps it more stable. The Li-Ning relies more on its bouncy foam for forward propulsion, whereas the ASICS relies more on its stiff rockered geometry. The Red Hare 9 Ultra is a great shoe for runners who want a fun, bouncy ride, while the SUPERBLAST 3 is better for runners who like a smooth, rolling sensation.
The Saucony Paramount Max and ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 are both excellent max-cushion shoes, with neither being the clear winner. 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 HOKA Skyward X 2 and ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 are both premium high-stack trainers built to make long runs feel easier on the legs. The HOKA uses a PEBA top layer over an EVA base for an intuitive, lively ride, with a convex carbon plate sandwiched between to help control the stack. The ASICS uses a soft FF LEAP top layer over a firmer FF BLAST PLUS base, and is the lighter, plusher of the two, making it more lively overall. Both shoes deliver superb cushioning, but the ASICS is quicker and easier to turn over, and can handle more uptempo efforts, while the HOKA is the plated cruiser for runners who want a bigger feel underfoot.
The Brooks Hyperion Max 4 and ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 are super trainers that suit rather different tastes. Both have superb cushioning, but if you like a lightweight, bouncy shoe, you'll like the SUPERBLAST 3. If you want a shoe that relies more on geometry than foam for propulsion, you'll get a lot out of the aggressive rocker of the Hyperion Max 4.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 and the Mount to Coast C1 are two unplated trainers that are both well-suited to long runs. The C1 has a dual lacing system that allows for easily loosening the upper when your foot swells, so it's better suited to ultra distances. The SUPERBLAST 3 is more responsive and bouncier and can better handle faster workouts, so it's the more versatile shoe.
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.
