What the evidence shows
Independent reviews consistently praise the Asics Superblast 3 for its exceptional comfort, lightweight design, and versatile performance across various run types, particularly long distances. Its new dual-layer midsole, featuring FF Leap and FF Blast Plus, provides a softer and more energetic ride. However, there are conflicting reports on durability, with some expecting high longevity while others note significant wear after 200 miles.
The Asics Superblast 3 represents a significant upgrade in ride feel, offering a supremely comfortable, lightweight, and energetic experience ideal for high mileage and long runs. Its updated midsole technology delivers a noticeably softer and bouncier feel that protects the legs. While highly versatile for various paces, its increased softness and stack height lead to a trade-off in stability compared to the Superblast 2, making it less suitable for sharp turns. The evidence is mixed regarding long-term durability, which, coupled with its premium price, warrants consideration for buyers prioritizing longevity.
Buyer questions answered
Is the Asics Superblast 3 a versatile running shoe?
The reviewers found the Superblast 3 to be much more versatile than previous versions, capable of handling recovery runs, long runs, and various paces. They described it as a "do-it-all" shoe that can support all running needs, feeling comfortable and forgiving for extended mileage.
How does the Superblast 3's fit compare to previous versions?
The upper provides a great, wide, and accommodating fit that is true to size for Thomas. However, Meg found she needed to go down a half size, as she typically does in some ASICS shoes and previous Superblast versions. They recommend sticking to the size from Superblast 2 or sizing down if you are between sizes.
What are the main updates to the Superblast 3's midsole?
The primary update is the new midsole foam, featuring FF Leap directly underfoot (the same foam as in the Meta Speed Ray) and FF Blast Plus beneath it. This new combination results in a softer, more energetic, and forgiving feel, with more give and rebound than the Turbo foam in the Superblast 2, and includes a diamond cutout for foam movement and bounce.
Is the Asics Superblast 3 durable?
Based on a test of the FF Leap foam in another shoe (Meta Speed Ray) lasting over 100 miles despite aesthetic wear, the reviewers anticipate excellent durability for the Superblast 3, especially with the FF Blast Plus layer. The outsole, featuring ASICSGRIP and AHAR, is also noted for providing a long shoe life, akin to previous Superblast versions.
How much does the Asics Superblast 3 weigh and what is its stack height?
Meg's women's size 7.5 weighed 7 oz (199g), and Thomas's men's size 10 weighed 8.5 oz (242g). The heel stack height has marginally increased from 45mm to 46.5mm. This slight increase is notable, considering the shoe's overall lighter weight.
Is the Asics Superblast 3 worth its price?
The shoe is priced at $210, a $10 increase from the previous version. However, the reviewers agree that it offers good value for money because it provides a race-day quality foam, high versatility to perform many types of runs, and is expected to be very durable, potentially reducing the need for multiple shoes in a rotation.
How stable is the Asics Superblast 3?
Reviewers noted that the bottom of the shoe was widened slightly to enhance stability. Additionally, the FF Blast foam is brought up on the arch internally to provide support. Although not classified as a stability shoe, it is considered very stable, especially given the softness of the Leap foam and its wide design.
How durable is the ASICS Superblast 3 after significant mileage?
After 200 miles, the reviewer noted significant wear on the midsole's FF Blast Plus foam and outsole's ASICS Grip, with some rubber completely worn away. While the top FF Blast layer remained poppy and performance hadn't dropped, the reviewer doubted it would last as long as version 2 or the Megablast.
Is the ASICS Superblast 3 comfortable?
The reviewer found the shoe "absolutely fantastic" for comfort, praising the spacious toe box and soft upper that hugs the foot well. After more than 200 miles, he reported no blisters, hot spots, rubbing, or irritation, making it comfortable right out of the box.
How does the ASICS Superblast 3 compare in weight to other running shoes?
The reviewer highlighted the shoe's impressively low weight of 276g (UK 11.5), noting it's 83g lighter than the Nike Vomero Plus, 48g lighter than the Puma Magnamax v2, 18g lighter than the Adidas Hyperboost Edge, and 12g lighter than the Superblast version 2.
Is the ASICS Superblast 3 good for long runs?
The reviewer was impressed with the shoe's long-run performance, easily tackling 20K, 30K, and 35K distances. He specifically noted the softer FF Blast foam felt better on his legs compared to the firmer Superblast 2, contributing to greater comfort during extended mileage.
Is the ASICS Superblast 3 versatile for different types of runners and surfaces?
The shoe offers a nice transition for rear, mid, and forefoot strikers and provides good shock absorption for both larger and lighter runners. However, the reviewer found it too soft and unstable for anything other than very smooth roads, contrasting with version 2's ability to handle light trails.
Is the ASICS Superblast 3 worth the £200 price tag?
While acknowledging the shoe's fantastic comfort and lightweight nature for which he's "paying a bit of a premium," the reviewer expressed concern about the £200 price. He noted that unlike version 2, which justified its cost with excellent durability, version 3's questionable longevity makes its value for money less clear.
Does the Superblast 3 run hot or have breathability issues?
The reviewer noted that the engineered woven upper tends to run a little hot, especially now that the weather has warmed up. He found its breathability limited compared to version 2's more open mesh, suggesting it might be a concern in particularly hot climates.
How does the Superblast 3 compare to the Superblast 2?
The Superblast 3 features a new FF LEAP FOAM midsole, making it softer, bouncier, and significantly lighter (276g vs v2's 'extremely light'). It has an increased stack height (46.5mm vs v2's 45mm) and a new lacing system. However, it's notably less stable, with a slight risk of ankle roll, and can be noisier and sloppier than version 2.
Is the Asics Superblast 3 a comfortable running shoe?
The reviewer describes the Superblast 3 as incredibly comfortable, with excellent lockdown and ample width and height in the toe box. He states it's the "most comfortable long run shoe I've ever worn" and provides confidence for runs right out of the box without worrying about chafing.
How much does the Asics Superblast 3 weigh?
In a UK size 11.5, the Asics Superblast 3 weighs 276 grams. The reviewer notes this is "insanely light for a daily workhorse" and represents about a 4% decrease from the previous model, offering no compromises for long runs despite its lightness.
Is the Superblast 3 suitable for long runs?
The Superblast 3 is highly recommended for long runs, with the reviewer stating he "can't think of any shoe at the moment that is going to do a long run better than this one." Its comfort, lightweight nature, geometry, and foam composition are perfectly mixed for cruising along, making it suitable for all types of runners.
What is the ride feel of the Superblast 3?
The new FF LEAP FOAM midsole makes the Superblast 3 very soft and bouncy, injecting "so much fun and life into the shoe." The reviewer describes the ride as having more poppiness and propulsion, bringing a smile to his face, making it enjoyable for all types of runs.
Is the Superblast 3 stable?
The reviewer explicitly states that with the increased stack height and newer, softer foam, the Superblast 3 is "definitely a little bit less stable." He experienced a slight ankle roll on a sharp corner, noting that this possibility didn't exist in the Superblast 2.
How much does the Asics Superblast 3 cost?
The reviewer paid €220 for the shoe in Europe. He also states the price is £200 in the UK and $210 in America, acknowledging that it is a high-priced shoe but justifies it with the latest technology and high-end foam.