ASICS Superblast v3 vs HOKA Skyward X v1

Ride profile: maximal cushion , soft_plush feel , high energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.

• A softer, bouncier, more versatile super-trainer that does everything the Novablast 5 does and then some; two testers strongly prefer it despite the higher price, though one feels it has drifted from the v2's tempo specialism into a jack-of-all-trades.

  Ride:FF Blast foam (as seen in Metaspeed Sky) delivers a softer, bouncier, more energetic ride than the Novablast 5. Lighter than Novablast 5 despite more stack; not notably less stable. Softer than Superblast 2, so better for easy runs but less optimal for the smooth tempo/cruise pace the v2 excelled at. Good grip and durability impressed testers.

  Fit:True to size; slightly roomier than Novablast 5 with a bit more space before the big toe and a slightly higher toe box

  In their words: "a softer, bouncier ride" · "responds better at faster speeds" · "gone a little too soft for my liking"

  — The Run Testers , 40 mi tested , source

• David ranks it his #3 of 2026 so far — a soft, bouncy, rhythmic trainer that settles into easy miles, though the soft heel and forefoot may not suit runners who prefer firmer midsoles.

  Ride:Flight Foam Leap topsole is very soft, bouncy, and rhythmic; Blast Plus underneath with a small arch chassis for stability. David found the heel a touch too soft and preferred Megablast's full-length FF Turbo Plus for his pacing.

  In their words: "soft, it's bouncy, it's rhythmic" · "settle into an easy rhythm" · "a little soft for me in the heel"

  — Doctors of Running , 21 mi tested , source

• The Superblast 3 is the king of forgiving cushion without the weight, making it a versatile high-mileage trainer and an appealing unplated marathon option for runners who want softness and pop without a brick-like plated shoe.

  Ride:Much softer than the Superblast 2 out of the box with no break-in needed; forgiving cushion with a fun toe-off sensation

  Fit:Lace loops improve wrap around the foot; no heel slip with a runner's knot

  In their words: "doesn't need that breakin time" · "forgiving cushion but without the weight" · "much much softer"

  — EDDBUD , source

• A versatile do-it-all shoe that continues the Superblast tradition — excels from recovery pace through marathon effort, with the FF Leap upgrade making it especially rewarding at faster paces, though $210 is pricey.

  Ride:Soft and springy with an emphasized forefoot bounce pod in both the FF Leap top layer and FF Blast Plus bottom layer; shines when picking up the pace to steady or marathon effort.

  Fit:Fits similarly to Superblast 2; slightly roomy with a bit more volume on top of the foot; cord lacing system claims dynamic fit but feels the same as traditional eyelets to the reviewer.

  In their words: "ultimate doit all kind of shoe" · "really excellent marathon shoe" · "speedy long runs"

  — Kofuzi , source

Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .

• Despite a hefty ~13oz weight and a price he calls steep, Ben rates this as the best HOKA on the market right now and a top-tier long-run cruiser — bouncy, smooth, and comfortable, but pace-limited.

  Ride:Crazy bouncy energy-saving PEBA foam over supercritical EVA, gets even livelier after about 20km of break-in. Aggressive rocker enables silky transitions. Plate is for stability rather than propulsion. Heavy and bulky on foot but very fun and comfortable at relaxed paces; works hard if pushed faster than marathon pace.

  Fit:Sock-like flat-knit upper with good breathability; secure midfoot lockdown via internal strap; lovely tongue padding; no heel slip (a fix vs the old Bondi X); no wide widths available, narrow-to-regular footed runners only.

  — Ben Parkes , source

• A genuine love-hate relationship after 266 miles and a marathon — Steve calls it one of his top 2-3 favorites of 2024 for effortless long miles, but the narrow stiff toe box hurts his feet and the outsole has worn faster than peers at the price point.

  Ride:Effortless protection — bounces along on PEBA + EVA + carbon plate without ever feeling the ground. Stiff through the toe box. Best go-to when legs are already beat up. Outsole has worn down faster than competitors at the same mileage on similar terrain.

  Fit:Stiff narrow toe box that aggravates bunions and width-sensitive feet — gets slightly wider with break-in but never fully resolves; foot soreness later in the day is a regular tradeoff. Hip wear-and-tear noted from Steve's tendency to supinate in this shoe.

  — Run Moore , 266 mi tested , source

• An exciting spec sheet (PEBA + supercritical EVA + Double-H carbon plate at 48mm stack) that is executed as a muted, controlled cushioned cruiser; Kofuzi calls it a 'spruce goose' that feels like a Bondi-class shoe at a $225 price he considers too high.

  Ride:Tall, comfortable and controlled, but the squishy materials are stabilized to the point that the experience feels muted. Carbon plate is a stabilizer/roller rather than propulsive, similar to NB SC Trainer v2 or Mizuno Wave Rebellion convex plates. Reviewer compares the overall feel to a 'Bondi X2'.

  Fit:Wide footprint, comfortable padded heel collar with rigid plastic flare, moderately padded tongue (concern in heat).

  — Kofuzi , source

• A soft, max-cushioned, stable-neutral super trainer better suited to relaxed long-run miles than fast workouts; the cushier and more centered of the two compared shoes.

  Ride:Softer of the two compared shoes — Matt's first impression was 'wow this is definitely soft.' Tall stack with smooth aggressive rocker, very stable neutral with wide midfoot-filled base. Done one workout in it; works well for training miles, long runs, light uptempo, but not the fastest.

  Fit:Lower-volume knit upper that sits low on the foot, slightly tapered toe box that widens, stiff heel counter, very tall noticeable sidewalls. Better for normal-to-narrow feet.

  — Doctors of Running , 20 mi tested , source