ASICS Novablast 6 vs ASICS Superblast 3
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 5 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Novablast 6 suits easy miles with occasional faster workouts at a lower price; Superblast 3 better for serious marathon training blocks
One tester's gut says the Novablast 6 is a better overall performer than the Superblast 3, with a roomier toe box
Step-up option above the Novablast; uses a laser-cut free-floating insert vs the Novablast's fixed insert
£60 more expensive, 5mm more stack, and 22g lighter, with a bouncier, softer ride better suited to longer runs and faster efforts; the Novablast is the more affordable, all-around daily trainer that trades some speed for versatility
Lower stack, firmer and snappier forefoot feel, more stable and versatile, and significantly cheaper
Superblast 3 is softer, lighter and more cushioned; better for long slow runs but pricier; Novablast 6 suits runners who want versatility at a lower price
Max-cushion shoe with full-length higher-grade FF Leap ATPU, no plate, lighter than the Novablast 6 but pricier at $210
Noticeably better outsole durability with no early forefoot wear
Same half-size-down fit preference, and the same early forefoot outsole rubber wear pattern is showing in both shoes
Reviewer would personally skip the Novablast 6 and spend more on the Superblast 3 instead for daily mileage
Much more exciting ride; reviewer suggests Novablast buyers consider the Superblast instead
Higher stack, softer and bouncier ride, smoother heel-to-toe transition, but a heavier price tag and slightly less stable/versatile at faster paces
Superblast 3 is softer, bouncier, lighter, more versatile at faster paces and better for long runs; Novablast 5 is firmer, more stable, and significantly cheaper
Novablast 5 is a more balanced, versatile daily trainer at a lower price.
Novablast is the more balanced everyday option in the Blast family; Superblast 3 offers more bounce, more cushion, and broader long-run capability.
Described as a souped-up Novablast with more bounce and energy return.
Novablast is the lower-cushion, cheaper everyday trainer in the Blast line.
More stack but lighter; more responsive
ASICS Novablast 6 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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The Run Testers describe the Novablast 6 as plusher and more comfortable than the Evo SL with a different, softer kind of energy, occupying a different niche in ASICS's range rather than directly rivaling the Evo SL.
Ride:Much softer, plusher, more cushioned and bouncier than the Evo SL, with a different comfort-first energy; the v6 was noted as faster than the v5 thanks to its FF Turbo squared forefoot unit, but still not as aggressive or high-rocker as the Evo SL.
In their words: "easy super comfort" · "far more much more comfortable shoe"
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One of the reviewer's top shoes of the year — soft, forgiving, and durable enough for constant daily use across walking, work, and running.
In their words: "one of the best versions recently"
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A comfortable, versatile daily trainer with a new square-turbo forefoot piece; the reviewer isn't certain it beats the Mizuno Neo Vista for comfort but expects it to please existing Novablast fans.
Ride:New square-turbo forefoot piece works well with the existing blast foam.
In their words: "does the basics very well"
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A versatile, comfortable daily trainer with a punchier forefoot pod than the previous version, let down slightly by short laces and some quality-control issues (glue marks).
Ride:FF Blast Max with a poppier, more responsive FF Turbo Squared forefoot pod than the previous version; a very smooth ride best felt by mid/forefoot strikers.
Fit:Breathable upper with lots of heel padding; laces run oddly short.
In their words: "really extremely versatile" · "a very smooth riding shoe"
ASICS Superblast 3 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , soft_plush feel , high energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.
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One of the best long-run shoes on the market thanks to its soft FF Blast foam and great lockdown, though this version's outsole durability is a step down from the Superblast 2.
Ride:Super soft, lightweight, and comfortable for 20K-30K long runs; can feel a little unstable at faster paces/tight corners.
In their words: "amazing for those long runs" · "a real shame about the durability"
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A soft, comfortable shoe Fordy still takes out for 12-15 mile runs, but which he doesn't consider suited to his very longest long-run mileage.
Ride:Soft, cushioned ride; comfortable for mid-length runs but not rated for his very longest miles.
In their words: "if you like a soft shoe"
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An impressively light max-cushion trainer that shines on long, steady marathon-pace efforts, but several testers found it softer and 'mushier' than expected, less specialized than the Superblast 2, and not clearly worth its higher price over the Novablast 6.
Ride:Softer, more compressive, and more consistent underfoot than the Novablast 6 thanks to the full-length FF Leap top layer, giving a smooth heel-to-toe roll well suited to marathon-pace long runs — but a couple of testers found it 'mushy' at slower paces and less versatile for faster work than the previous Superblast 2.
Fit:True to size with a roomy toe box, though slightly less heel-collar padding than the Novablast 6.
In their words: "much softer, more compressive, more highly cushioned" · "a little bit mushy" · "lost some of its upper pace edge"
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Kofuzi calls the Superblast 3 one of the best shoes in its class -- lighter than the Neo Vista 3, capable of both daily training and picking up the pace -- and says it's his preferred option overall despite the $210 price.
Ride:Squishier, airier, bouncier FF Blast top foam evened out by a firmer daily-training bottom layer; noticeably lighter than the Neo Vista 3 and better at picking up the pace.
In their words: "one of the best in its class" · "relatively feather weight"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the ASICS Novablast 6 if
- A do-it-all daily trainer suited to a wide range of runners and running styles, with enough pep for some speed work. — Ben Parkes
- Everyday training that can also handle speedwork and racing (5K up through marathon-day speed), especially for runners with wider, deeper feet. — Run Moore
- Runners wanting a versatile daily trainer that handles easy miles through tempo workouts, offering more bounce and responsiveness than typical cushioned trainers — The Run Testers
- Versatile daily training for beginners through experienced runners who want a cushioned cruiser with enough pop for tempo work. — The Run Testers
- Budget-minded runners wanting a fun, versatile, high-value daily trainer that can log lots of miles. — Believe in the Run
- An everyday trainer versatile enough for easy days, faster efforts, and racing. — Run Moore
Consider the ASICS Superblast 3 if
- Runners finding the Megablast too firm — FORDY RUNS
- Long-range daily miles with a bouncier, more fun ride than v2 — EDDBUD
- Long, easy-paced runs where comfort matters more than speed — Ben Parkes
- Long runs for runners who want a soft, squishy, lightweight ride. — Ben Parkes
- Long runs and marathon training for runners who want maximum plush cushioning in a still-light shoe. — The Run Testers
- High-spec versatile all-rounder — easy to long runs, tempo/threshold workouts, and a comfortable marathon racing option — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Novablast 6 and the ASICS Superblast 3?
The ASICS Novablast 6 is a daily trainer and the ASICS Superblast 3 is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the ASICS Novablast 6 weighs 249g, has a 42mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the ASICS Superblast 3 weighs 230g, has a 46mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $155 for the ASICS Novablast 6 and $210 for the ASICS Superblast 3.
Should I buy the ASICS Novablast 6 or the ASICS Superblast 3?
Ben Parkes on the ASICS Novablast 6: A do-it-all daily trainer suited to a wide range of runners and running styles, with enough pep for some speed work. FORDY RUNS on the ASICS Superblast 3: Runners finding the Megablast too firm.
Per Ben Parkes, FORDY RUNS.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Novablast 6 and the ASICS Superblast 3?
Yes — The Run Testers, Believe in the Run, Ben Parkes, Kofuzi, EDDBUD, FORDY RUNS, Doctors of Running, and Run Moore directly compared the ASICS Novablast 6 and the ASICS Superblast 3 in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers, Believe in the Run, Ben Parkes, Kofuzi, EDDBUD, FORDY RUNS, Doctors of Running, Run Moore.
Which is lighter, the ASICS Novablast 6 or the ASICS Superblast 3?
The ASICS Superblast 3 is lighter, at 230g versus 249g (men's 9) — about 19g less.
Which is more cushioned, the ASICS Novablast 6 or the ASICS Superblast 3?
Measured by stack height, the ASICS Superblast 3 has more underfoot foam — 46mm at the heel versus 42mm.