ASICS Superblast 3 Review: Softer. Lighter. But Is It Better?
- FORDY RUNS
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
The ASICS Superblast has been one of the standout long-run shoes of the last few years. For marathon training in particular, it built a reputation as a versatile, durable, do-it-all option that could handle easy miles and goal-pace work in the same session. Now we have the Superblast 3 — and it’s a significant update. In this review, I’ll break down:
What’s new in Superblast 3
How it compares to Superblast 2
How it stacks up against Megablast
Whether it competes with Nike’s Vomero Plus
And ultimately — whether you should buy it
Key Specifications
Price: £200
Stack Height: 46.5mm heel (up from 45mm in v2)
Drop: 8mm
Weight: 253g (UK 9.5) — around 10g lighter than Superblast 2
Midsole Setup:
Top layer: FF Leap foam
Bottom layer: FF Blast+ (EVA blend)
Outsole: ASICSGrip rubber
Upper: Engineered woven upper
What’s New in Superblast 3?
The major change is the introduction of FF Leap foam as the top layer. This foam comes from ASICS’ racing line and is lighter and softer than the FF Turbo+ used in Superblast 2.
Because Leap is softer, ASICS has added a medial sidewall support piece to help prevent excessive inward collapse.
The result:
Slightly higher stack
Noticeably softer ride
Reduced weight
A more cushioned overall feel
On paper, that sounds like an upgrade. In practice, it changes the character of the shoe.
Ride and Performance
Superblast 3 is undeniably comfortable. It handles easy paces well and has enough energy return to pick things up when required. However, compared to previous versions, the ride is:
Softer
Less firm underfoot
Slightly less stable at slower paces
For runners who felt Superblast 2 was too firm or “brick-like,” this will feel like a welcome improvement. For runners who appreciated the controlled, stable platform of Superblast 2 — this may feel like it’s gone a step too far.
Superblast 3 vs Superblast 2
Superblast 2 was built around FF Turbo+, which delivered a firmer, more controlled ride. It remained stable at easy pace but came alive when leaning into marathon goal pace.
That balance is what made it such a strong marathon training shoe.
Superblast 3, by contrast:
Is softer at all paces
Feels lighter on foot
Offers more bounce
Sacrifices some of the firmer stability
If you loved the firmness and control of Superblast 2, version 3 may not feel like a natural progression. If you disliked Superblast 2 for being too firm, too loud, or too harsh — Superblast 3 will likely win you over.
Superblast 3 vs Megablast
Here’s where things get interesting. Megablast now feels like the firmer, racier option in the lineup. It’s slightly lighter than Superblast 3 and delivers a more aggressive, faster-feeling ride. In many ways, Megablast feels like the true successor to Superblast 2 in terms of ride character.
Megablast offers:
Firmer underfoot feel
More direct energy return
Strong durability
Better stability at pace
Superblast 3 offers:
Softer cushioning
Higher comfort
A smoother feel
Less aggressive performance edge
For long runs with marathon goal pace segments, I personally prefer Megablast. It provides a platform I can lean into late in long efforts.
Stability Considerations
For neutral runners who don’t pronate significantly, Superblast 3 should feel excellent.
However, because of the softer FF Leap foam, I noticed a slight tendency to roll outward at easy pace. For runners with mild pronation patterns, this could become noticeable over long marathon blocks.
This won’t apply to everyone — but it’s worth considering if you rely on subtle stability from firmer platforms.
Superblast 3 vs Nike Vomero Plus
The Nike Vomero Plus sits in an interesting position — particularly because of its price point (around £110 at the time of writing). Vomero Plus offers:
ZoomX foam cushioning
A stable waffle outsole
A ride that sits between Superblast 2 and Superblast 3 in softness
It’s:
Softer than Superblast 2
Firmer than Superblast 3
Heavier overall
Excellent value for money
If you loved Superblast 2 but don’t want to spend £200+, the Vomero Plus is a very strong alternative.
What About Other Options?
Saucony Endorphin Azura (£140): Solid for long runs, but less versatile overall than Vomero Plus.
Nike Vomero Premium: Much higher stack and significantly heavier. Better suited for easy mileage than mixed-pace long runs.
Durability and Value
Both Superblast 3 and Megablast are premium-priced shoes. However, ASICS has a strong track record for durability in this category. High mileage usage has shown these models to be long-lasting, which improves their long-term value.
That said, if budget is a concern, the Vomero Plus provides excellent performance at a significantly lower cost.
Who Should Buy Superblast 3?
You should consider Superblast 3 if:
You found Superblast 2 too firm
You want a softer, lighter long-run shoe
You prioritise cushioning over structure
You’re a neutral runner
You may want to look elsewhere if:
You loved the firmness of Superblast 2
You prefer a stable platform for marathon-pace efforts
You’re sensitive to softer midsoles