ASICS Superblast 2 vs ASICS Superblast 3
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 7 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.
Firmer and more stable at long distances
SB2 is firmer, more stable and predictable, with a more traditional upper, but lacks the softness and toe-off pop of the SB3
Superblast 2 is firmer, heavier, and more stable; Superblast 3 is softer and lighter but less confident at pace
Superblast 2 is firmer, heavier, and more stable; Superblast 3 is softer and lighter but less confident at pace
v3 forefoot is much wider; v3 is much softer with less snap than v2
Superblast 3 is noticeably softer than the Superblast 2
v3 is softer, taller, half an ounce lighter but feels less quick off the toe.
Softer and less stable than the firmer SB2
SB3 is much softer, lighter, and needs no break-in, with more pop on toe-off, while the SB2 is more stable and predictable
V3 is more exciting and bouncier with the FF Leap ATPU upgrade; V2 can hit similar notes and is often found on sale around $150, making it a good value alternative.
Superblast 2 is firmer and more stable with a more pronounced roll; Superblast 3 is softer, bouncier, and less stable
Superblast 3 is softer, lighter, roomier, and more neutral-feeling.
Softer and bouncier with more versatility on easy runs; v2 was firmer and best at tempo only.
Superblast 3 is softer and better at easy runs, but less pure/specialized at the smooth tempo pace the v2 nailed
v2 was firmer and more stable; v3 is much softer up top
v3 has a softer, more compliant forefoot with a more pronounced bounce pod, ~15% more forefoot energy return, ~10g lighter, and a roomier woven upper; v2 was firmer and lower-volume.
Superblast 3 is ~30g lighter, ~3mm more stack, softer and more energetic out of the box
Softer, more forgiving, less of a break-in period; more versatile
Superblast 2 is firmer, more rigid, and more stable; Superblast 3 is softer, bouncier, and more versatile down to easy runs.
Superblast 3 is softer, lighter, and slightly taller in stack; Superblast 2 is firmer, more stable, and carries pace better when leaned into
Softer and bouncier than the v2's smoother, more balanced ride.
Superblast 3 is softer and bouncier thanks to FF Leap; v2 was more rigid with a smooth cruising ride.
ASICS Superblast 2 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , soft_plush feel , neutral stability .
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The Superblast 2 remains a great option for runners wanting a stable and predictable ride, though it lacks the overt toe-off feel of the new version.
Ride:Consistent, resilient underfoot feel with a firmer, less wild sensation; requires break-in time
Fit:Traditional upper with full eyelet usage; no need for a runner's knot
In their words: "a little bit more stable and predictable" · "loved the nice consistent underfoot feel" · "lacking in that avert sort of toe off"
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Steve calls the Superblast 2 the most versatile shoe in the Blast family, combining elements of every other Blast shoe into a balanced, fast, cushioned unisex trainer.
Ride:Combines Novablast-like forefoot launchpad with a wider forefoot fit; not overly bouncy, keeps you moving forward with nice cushion
Fit:Fits wider in the forefoot; true to size
In their words: "the most versatile of all of them" · "balanced, grounded, fast, it's light" · "it fits wide"
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Nathan's pick over the Megablast for proven stability and durability; Klein and Solless find the forefoot taper and heel transition hold it back vs the newer Megablast.
Ride:Firmer, more structured, stable-neutral ride; heel transition feels a little shanky off the back but settles in for long mileage.
Fit:Narrower tapered toe box that can feel short; accommodating stretch in the upper helps once broken in after ~75-80 miles.
In their words: "more accommodating stretch" · "more stable neutral" · "true neutral shoe"
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About as close as you'll get to a one-shoe marathon rotation — handles the full training block and can race the marathon. Expensive but worth it.
Ride:Big stack that doesn't weigh like one. Soft and bouncy without being soggy, wide platform for stability and leg-sparing energy at most paces. Excellent padded heel collars and roomy toe box. Feeds back energy when you put it in; looks after you when intensity dips.
In their words: "one of the most versatile going" · "big cushion comfort that's soft and bouncy" · "surprisingly light for its overall bulkiness"
ASICS Superblast 3 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , soft_plush feel , high energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.
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A max cushion rotation buster that is lighter than the Novablast and versatile enough for easy recovery runs through long runs, with racing-grade foam softness.
In their words: "rotation buster" · "lighter than the NovaBlast" · "wide range of pace versatility"
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His third pick: an incredible, super-light high-stack package, but the softer v3 is less versatile for faster running than prior versions, making it a soft long-run and easy-day shoe.
Ride:Super lightweight despite a bulky high stack with loads of foam; the v3 is softer than previous versions, feeling more like a soft easy-day and long-run shoe than a versatile firmer trainer.
In their words: "between a pillow and a brick" · "the goat of running shoes" · "super super cushioned"
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Looks beautiful and is less shoe on foot, but the softness and FF Blast compression feel a little too deadening and not as lively as the UFO at pace; durable super foam but notable forefoot outsole wear, and he'd keep the UFO over it.
In their words: "a little bit too much for me" · "the compression's just a little bit too deadening" · "a lot less shoe on foot"
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A shoe he laces up all the time; great for long runs, easy runs and just fun to run in.
In their words: "lacing up all the time" · "just fun to run in"
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 Superblast 2 if
- Marathon racing, tempo workouts, or higher-mileage days for runners wanting a premium max-cushion performance trainer — Run Moore
- Long runs and marathon training for fans of firmer rides — FORDY RUNS
- Marathon trainees wanting one shoe to do everything, including race day and very high-mileage durability. — FORDY RUNS
- Long runs and marathon-pace cruising where cushioning, stability, and consistency matter more than bounce. — The Run Testers
- Half-marathon to marathon training and longer miles at moderate-to-fast paces — FORDY RUNS
- Mid-pack marathon runners who want a single shoe for training and racing; long runs and workouts at tempo/threshold — Doctors of Running
Consider the ASICS Superblast 3 if
- Runners with stiff mechanics who want a soft marathon-pace alternative to plated super shoes — and only after the 50–60 mile break-in is past — Doctors of Running
- Runners who like a softer, higher-stack daily trainer at easy paces — FORDY RUNS
- Long, easy, comfort-focused daily miles and marathon training. — Run Moore
- Runners finding the Megablast too firm — FORDY RUNS
- Long-range daily miles with a bouncier, more fun ride than v2 — EDDBUD
- Leisurely midweek miles replacing the role of the Vomero Premium — FORDY RUNS
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Superblast 2 and the ASICS Superblast 3?
The ASICS Superblast 2 is a daily trainer and the ASICS Superblast 3 is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the ASICS Superblast 2 weighs 249g, has a 46mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the ASICS Superblast 3 weighs 230g, has a 46mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $200 for the ASICS Superblast 2 and $210 for the ASICS Superblast 3.
Should I buy the ASICS Superblast 2 or the ASICS Superblast 3?
Run Moore on the ASICS Superblast 2: Marathon racing, tempo workouts, or higher-mileage days for runners wanting a premium max-cushion performance trainer. Doctors of Running on the ASICS Superblast 3: Runners with stiff mechanics who want a soft marathon-pace alternative to plated super shoes — and only after the 50–60 mile break-in is past.
Per Run Moore, Doctors of Running.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Superblast 2 and the ASICS Superblast 3?
Yes — FORDY RUNS, EDDBUD, Fordy Runs, Doctors of Running, Run Moore, Kofuzi, The Run Testers, and Believe in the Run directly compared the ASICS Superblast 2 and the ASICS Superblast 3 in their reviews.
Per FORDY RUNS, EDDBUD, Fordy Runs, Doctors of Running, Run Moore, Kofuzi, The Run Testers, Believe in the Run.
Which is lighter, the ASICS Superblast 2 or the ASICS Superblast 3?
The ASICS Superblast 3 is lighter, at 230g versus 249g (men's 9) — about 19g less.
Which is cheaper, the ASICS Superblast 2 or the ASICS Superblast 3?
The ASICS Superblast 2 is cheaper at $200 versus $210 MSRP — about $10 less.