The original Asics Superblast came out of nowhere to not only become a word-of-mouth sensation among keen runners, but also essentially create a new category of running shoe — the max-stack, plate-free super-trainer.
Some of the best running shoes available right now fit this category, like the Asics Megablast and Adidas Hyperboost Edge, meaning the Asics Superblast 3 has more competition than its predecessors.
It’s an expensive shoe though, so is the Superblast 3 worth its high price? Tom’s Guide Fitness editor Jane McGuire and I have been racking up the miles in it to find out; here’s our full Asics Superblast 3 review.
Asics Superblast 3 review: price and availability
The Asics Superblast 3 launched in February 2026 and costs $210 in the U.S. and £200 in the U.K., the same price as the Asics Superblast 2. It’s one of the most expensive training shoes on the market, though similar in price to other max-stack super-trainers like the Megablast and Hyperboost Edge, which are $225 and $200 respectively.
Asics Superblast 3 review: design
The Superblast 3 is currently available in three colors including the eye-catching Cobalt Burst/Light Orange model we tested — there are more subtle options available, rest assured.
With a stack height of 46.5mm at the heel and 38.5mm at the forefoot, the Superblast 3 is truly a max-stack running shoe, and it’s 1.5mm taller than its predecessor, though the drop stays the same at 8mm.
Despite this abundance of foam the Superblast 3 is still impressively light, tipping the scales at 8.6oz in my U.S. men’s size 10. It’s actually a touch lighter than the Superblast 2 despite having a higher stack.
Upper
The Superblast 3 has an engineered woven upper with padding around the collar to increase the shoe’s step-in comfort. It’s a lightweight material that has some more open sections in the forefoot to increase breathability.
I think it could benefit from being a little more open in areas to make it more breathable for runs on hot days, especially with long runs in mind, but it was fine during my testing in mild conditions.
Midsole
The biggest change to the Superblast 3 compared with the Superblast 2 is the addition of FF Leap foam to its midsole. This replaces the FF Turbo+ used in the Superblast 2 and is a lighter, softer and bouncier foam.
Underneath a big layer of FF Leap is a layer of FF Blast+ foam, which is firmer and adds more stability to the shoe than you’d have with just the soft FF Leap foam.
Outsole
There are patches of AsicsGrip rubber positioned strategically around the bottom of the Superblast 3 to provide grip and durability in the most important areas of the heel and forefoot of the shoe.
I found that the shoe gripped well for me throughout testing in both wet and dry conditions, and the rubber is thick enough to suggest durability won’t be a concern.
Fit
JM: I found the Superblast 3 fit true to size. I wear a U.K. 4.5 in my everyday sneakers, but size up to a U.K. 5 in running shoes, and this fit me well. The laces can be pulled tight for a secure fit across the top of the shoe, even if, like me, you have high arches.
NHF: I found that the Superblast 3 fit me well in my normal running shoe size, the same size I use across the Asics line-up and have used for the past two models of the shoe.
Asics Superblast 3 review: running performance
JM: I’ve run about 40 miles in the Superblast 3, using it for two long runs of 17 miles, with ten miles at marathon pace, and a 20-mile run, as well as a five-mile tempo run.
I’ve been impressed with the versatility of this shoe, which is bouncy and responsive enough to cope with faster sessions, while still being soft enough for long runs. I found that even towards the end of my run, when my legs were tired, and I tend to overpronate, this shoe was balanced.
It’s quickly become my go-to marathon training shoe, replacing the Nike Vomero Plus as my long run shoe.
NHF: I’ve run 40 miles in the Superblast 3 and used it for a mix of training runs, including a couple of tempo runs, a track session and a couple of easy runs.
The addition of FF Leap foam in the midsole changes the ride considerably compared to past models, making the Superblast 3 the softest and bounciest version of the shoe yet.
It’s very comfortable and works well for easy runs, especially longer efforts, and has enough bounce and is light enough for fast runs as well.
However, the sheer size of the shoe detracts from its performance at faster speeds — when I was doing 800m reps in the shoe it felt a bit labored. It feels better at easy and tempo paces, rather than all-out workouts.
It’s such a good daily trainer that you can forgive the less impressive performance at faster speeds, but given the quality of rivals like the Asics Megablast and Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo, which are better for fast runs, it is a drawback for the Superblast 3.
Should you buy the Asics Superblast 3?
JM: There’s no doubt about it, this is an expensive running shoe, but if you can afford it, it’s an exciting shoe that will earn its place in your collection. It copes with speed sessions as well as long runs, and if you’re training for a marathon, especially, you’ll get a lot out of it.
That said, if you’re on a budget, I still love the Nike Vomero Plus, which is often on sale at the moment for about half the price of the Superblast 3.
NHF: I love the Superblast 3, and if I were a runner with a lot of spare cash, I’d convince myself to add it to my running shoe rotation to pick up easy long runs in particular, but I don’t think it’s an essential buy, and there are super-trainers I rate a little more highly.
The Asics Megablast is a little more expensive, but it’s a better all-rounder in my book, because it’s more effective at fast paces and still great for easy and long runs, though not quite as stable as the Superblast 3.
An even more compelling alternative is the Kiprun Kipstorm Tempo, which launches in the U.S. in April and is cheaper than the Superblast 3 and a better all-rounder for me, thanks to its extra speed. If you’re focused on the soft springiness of the Asics, then the Nike Vomero Plus is a good alternative for easy and long runs, though heavier.
I think any runner who does pick up the Superblast 3 will enjoy it, but if you’re on a tight budget and looking to maximize value with your shoes, it’s not one I’d grab.
