ASICS Superblast v2 vs ASICS Superblast v3
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
| ASICS Superblast v2 | ASICS Superblast v3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stack (heel / forefoot) | 46.0 / 38.0 mm | 46.0 / 38.0 mm |
| Drop | 8.0 mm | 8.0 mm |
| Weight (men's 9) | 8.8 oz (249g) | 8.1 oz (230g) |
| Midsole | FF TURBO PLUS (PEBA) + FF BLAST PLUS ECO (EVA/bio-based) | FF LEAP (PEBA) + FF BLAST PLUS (EVA/OBC bio-based blend) |
| Plate | — | none |
| Upper | Engineered woven mesh | Recycled polyester mesh |
| MSRP | $200.00 | $210.00 |
The consensus read
Each paragraph is a synthesis across every reviewer in our database for that shoe — what they collectively concluded after wear-testing. Not a quote. Not one person's take. The shape of the room.
ASICS Superblast v2
A versatile max-cushion trainer that excels at marathon paces and long runs, praised for stability and durability though some find it firm at easy efforts and less lively than newer alternatives.
ASICS Superblast v3
A softer, bouncier evolution that excels from easy runs through marathon pace, though some testers flag it as a step too far in cushioning for faster work or those preferring the Superblast 2's structure.
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.
V2 improves in nearly every way - better upper, more toe-box volume, slightly more compliant foam, less slap at easy paces, better grip
Firmer and more stable at long distances
Superblast 2 is firmer, heavier, and more stable; Superblast 3 is softer and lighter but less confident at pace
V2 is slightly firmer and more resilient with more bounce; broke in slower in the forefoot; outsole a touch less durable because rubber is split into pieces; overall improved
SB2 is firmer, more stable and predictable, with a more traditional upper, but lacks the softness and toe-off pop of the SB3
V2 has grippier outsole, no divots that caught stones, more breathable upper, and FF Turbo Plus midsole that is more responsive/poppier; overall more tailored to faster running
Superblast 2 is firmer, heavier, and more stable; Superblast 3 is softer and lighter but less confident at pace
V2 updates outsole, foam (FF Turbo Plus + FF Blast Plus Eco), and upper (woven, softer); better for very easy paces than V1
V1 was slippery in wet London weather; V2 has much improved wet-weather grip
V1 was slightly more versatile; V2 is firmer, slightly heavier, has a denser bottom foam layer, much improved outsole (rejects stones, better wet grip), and the upper gives more
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 3 is noticeably softer than the Superblast 2
Softer and less stable than the firmer SB2
Softer and bouncier with more versatility on easy runs; v2 was firmer and best at tempo only.
Softer, more forgiving, less of a break-in period; more versatile
v3 is softer, taller, half an ounce lighter but feels less quick off the toe.
Superblast 2 is firmer, more rigid, and more stable; Superblast 3 is softer, bouncier, and more versatile down to easy runs.
Softer and bouncier than the v2's smoother, more balanced ride.
Superblast 3 is softer, lighter, and slightly taller in stack; Superblast 2 is firmer, more stable, and carries pace better when leaned into
Superblast 3 is softer, lighter, roomier, and more neutral-feeling.
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 softer and bouncier thanks to FF Leap; v2 was more rigid with a smooth cruising ride.
SB3 is much softer, lighter, and needs no break-in, with more pop on toe-off, while the SB2 is more stable and predictable
Superblast 3 is softer and better at easy runs, but less pure/specialized at the smooth tempo pace the v2 nailed
Superblast 3 is ~30g lighter, ~3mm more stack, softer and more energetic out of the box
v2 was firmer and more stable; v3 is much softer up top
Superblast 2 is firmer and more stable with a more pronounced roll; Superblast 3 is softer, bouncier, and less stable
ASICS Superblast v2 — 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 v3 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , soft_plush feel , high energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.
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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"
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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"
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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"
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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"
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 v2 if
- Marathon racing, tempo workouts, or higher-mileage days for runners wanting a premium max-cushion performance trainer — Run Moore
- Runners who want a single shoe to do daily training, workouts, and a marathon — Doctors of Running
- Long runs and marathon training for fans of firmer rides — FORDY RUNS
- Runners wanting a more conservative, stable max-stack trainer for high mileage — EDDBUD
- Marathon training long runs and goal-pace work where a firmer, stable ride that carries speed is preferred. — FORDY RUNS
- Marathon trainees wanting one shoe to do everything, including race day and very high-mileage durability. — FORDY RUNS
Consider the ASICS Superblast v3 if
- Speedy long runs and marathon-effort miles, while also serving as a comfortable max-cushion or daily trainer. — Kofuzi
- Runners who like a softer, higher-stack daily trainer at easy paces — FORDY RUNS
- 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
- High-mileage runners who want one comfortable, bouncy shoe for easy runs through tempo and slower marathon racing. — The Run Testers