ASICS Superblast 3

The ASICS Superblast 3 is a max cushioned training shoe designed for long runs. Priced at $210, it competes with shoes like the Nike Vomero Plus ($180) and Li Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra ($160). In the third addition, ASICS has updated the top layer of foam to the FF Leap ATPU foam that is also found in the Metaspeed Ray and increased the firmer FF Blast Plus EVA foam on the bottom to help with stability. The softer, lighter FF Leap layer has allowed for a small increase in stack height from the previous version with an even lighter weight. The upper is more comfortable than in previous versions with good cushioning in the heel. Out on the run we were pleasantly surprised by the soft and bouncy feeling of the FF Leap foam, especially since we felt like the previous versions were brickish. There is still some choppiness in the heel to toe transition, but it is less pronounced with the softer foam. It has a softer underfoot feel than the Megablast but it’s not as fast due to the bottom layer of stiff EVA. What makes the Superblast 3 special is the ratio of stability and comfort to softness and bounce. They’ve done a good job of blending fun with reliability and protectiveness. If you are looking for a comfortable, stable long run cruiser for high mileage training, the Superblast 3 is a strong contender and definitely the best Superblast yet.