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You’ll love the Superblast 3 if you like shoes that feel soft and bouncy under your feet.
If you’re looking for a maximally cushioned training shoe that’s both lightweight and exceptionally responsive, start with the ASICS Superblast 3, a greatly improved premium-level maximally stacked unplated super trainer.
ASICS has reasserted itself as one of the top shoe brands in recent years, both with its advanced Metaspeed racing shoes, but also with its responsive Novablast, Sonicblast, Superblast, and Megablast, and which vary in softness and liveliness spectrums. With so many shoes with similar shoes with similarly sounding names, how can you tell them apart?
While each of those training shoes can serve a specific training niche based on a runner’s preferences, the not-so-simple explanation is that the Superblast 3 has been updated with a lighter, softer, and bouncier ride so it falls in line after the Novablast (cushioned bounce) and Pebax-plated Sonicblast (propulsive bounce) and below the Megablast (maximum bounce).
You might not be so precisely discerning about how bouncy a shoe is the way beer snobs are so crazy about the various flavor notes of the way-too-many choices of craft-brewed IPAs available nowadays. But in both cases, the only thing that’s important is finding something you like and matches your particular preferences.
Admittedly, I wasn’t a huge fan of the Superblast in its first two renditions because the maximal stack height and slightly more staunch midsole made it feel too bulky or just “too much shoe” for longer runs and easier paces. But this edition, which despite being slightly higher off the ground, is softer, lighter, and more agile. As with IPAs, I have a limited tolerance for max-stacked training shoes, but after running 63 miles in the Superblast 3, this is one I really like.
Price: $210
Approximate Weights: 7.3 oz (women’s 8); 8.4 oz. (men’s 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 8mm; 46.5 mm (heel), 38.5 mm (forefoot)
What’s New: The Superblast 3 maintains the familiar fit and volume of the previous versions, but ASICS has overhauled the midsole’s composition and geometry with a new two-layer foam package and 1.5mm additional midsole height from heel to toe. The new edition is built on a thick layer of the brand’s new cutting-edge A-TPU superfoam known as FF Leap (which is also found it its top-tier Metaspeed racing shoes) and a thinner, lower layer of firmer FF Blast Plus Eco foam that contributes to the shoe’s shock-absorbing cushioning but also adds a touch of grounded stability and durability.
Embedded in the forefoot is a more pronounced, slightly bulbous bounce pod embedded in the midsole that enhances the trampoline-like propulsive feel on the way to toe-off. An updated woven upper offers a bit more of a stretchy, conforming fit (enhanced by an updated lacing system that uses eyelets and mini stretch cords for optimal customization) while still offering excellent breathability.
Fit/Feel/Ride: The Superblast 3 fits true to size with a medium-volume interior and ample room in the toe box. It’s only available in a standard width, but I found it sufficient for my narrow feet once I cinched down the laces a little tighter than I normally would. The step-in sensation is soft and comfortable but not excessively plush, with a thin, padded gusseted tongue and a modestly cushioned heel collar. The woven upper and new lacing system offer a secure and supportive connection to the chassis without feeling too rigid on controlling.
ASICS says the new midsole formulation contributes to a 15 percent bouncier ride for the Superblast 3 over its predecessor, and the changes can be felt as soon as you start running in it. Not only is it softer, lighter, softer, and bouncier, it’s also smoother and more versatile for a wider range of training paces. It feels plush running at Zone 1 and Zone 2 paces, but it offers a bit of energetic vibe all the way up to Zone 4 tempo-paced workouts.
Why It’s Great: Simply put, it’s soft, bouncy and fun. Whereas the Superblast 2 was a little bit more firm, this edition is very springy and responsive. That just makes running in it feel like pure bliss. But most importantly, compared to the previous edition, the lighter weight (about a half ounce less that last year’s version) and new midsole formulation make it feel more nimble, lively, and accommodating without sacrificing much at all in stability, support and protection.
Why You’ll Love It: If you like shoes that feel soft and bouncy under your feet, you’ll very likely love the Superblast 3. It serves up a richly smooth, cushy sensation with a consistent, energetic pop in every stride. It’s very lively but it’s not sharp and snappy, but instead it serves up more of an accentuated rolling ride. As a fit, middle-of-the-pack runner, I found that ideal for medium-length runs and long runs at a wide range of paces from recovery runs to speedy fartlek-style bursts of tempo-paced speed and longer interval repeats (1K to 3 miles).
I like it best for long, Zone 3-paced running, but I think some runners could consider it for their race-day marathon shoe of choice, especially those in the 4- to 6-hour range who are looking for more long-haul comfort than the sharp and snappy propulsion from carbon-plated racing shoes.
Why You Might Not Like It: If you prefer a more precisely energetic ride with greater proprioceptive feel for the ground and more stability, the height and softness of the Superblast 3 midsole could feel slightly vague and sloppy for you, especially as you try to run faster or longer in it. If that’s the case, you might prefer the soft and springy ride of the Pebax-plated Sonicblast training shoe or slightly firmer and more reactive sensation of the Megablast.
Pros: It’s a cushy, comfortable and very versatile shoe that’s been greatly improved from its previous edition. The upper incorporates recycled polyester, and the sockliner is produced using a dope-dyeing process that reduces water usage. Plus, it is offered in a wide range of color motifs, including the Cobalt Burst/Light Orange version pictured in this article.
Cons: It’s hard to find huge faults with this shoe, but it is very high off the ground. It also doesn’t have much of a rocker shape, which would really enhance the propulsive feel of this shoe. And depending on your footstrike pattern, it can produce a bit of a slappy sound and sensation. Plus, it does cost $10 more than last year’s edition, and the $220 price tag is nothing to sneeze at for just about any runner’s budget.
About the Author
Contributing editor Brian Metzler is the Content Director for UltraSignup.com. He has wear-tested more than 2,000 running shoes and is the author of “Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes” (2019) and “Trail Running Illustrated” (2021). He has raced just about every distance from 100 meters to 100 miles, but he’s most eager to share stories about his experiences pack burro racing in Colorado and riding trains to run trails in Chamonix, France.
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