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
Softer and less stable than the firmer SB2
Superblast 2 is firmer and more stable with a more pronounced roll; Superblast 3 is softer, bouncier, and less stable
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.
V2 was firmer and was the reviewer's long-run go-to shoe; v3 is softer and causes some instability late in long runs
Superblast 3 is softer and better at easy runs, but less pure/specialized at the smooth tempo pace the v2 nailed
Superblast 3 is noticeably softer than the Superblast 2
Superblast 3 is softer, lighter, roomier, and more neutral-feeling.
v2 was firmer and more stable; v3 is much softer up top
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
Outsole durability is worse than the Superblast 2, which lasted ~600 miles vs. ~400 for this version
Superblast 3 is softer and bouncier thanks to FF Leap; v2 was more rigid with a smooth cruising ride.
v3 forefoot is much wider; v3 is much softer with less snap than v2
v3 is softer, taller, half an ounce lighter but feels less quick off the toe.
v3 with FF Leap is dramatically softer than v2 with FF Turbo Plus; v2's firmer midfoot made transitions harder
SB3 is much softer, lighter, and needs no break-in, with more pop on toe-off, while the SB2 is more stable and predictable
Softer and bouncier with more versatility on easy runs; v2 was firmer and best at tempo only.
Softer and bouncier than the v2's smoother, more balanced ride.
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.
V2 was more responsive with a lovely airy dense feel; V3 is too soft
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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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 Superblast 2 if
- Marathon trainees wanting one shoe to do everything, including race day and very high-mileage durability. — FORDY RUNS
- Marathon racing, tempo workouts, or higher-mileage days for runners wanting a premium max-cushion performance trainer — Run Moore
- Long runs with some faster work, and easy/recovery miles for neutral runners — Kofuzi
- Half-marathon to marathon training and longer miles at moderate-to-fast paces — FORDY RUNS
- Marathon-focused runners using it as an impact protector on long/slow efforts; heavier runners — EDDBUD
- Long runs and marathon training for fans of firmer rides — FORDY RUNS
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
- Leisurely midweek miles replacing the role of the Vomero Premium — FORDY RUNS
- Marathon racing alternative for runners who can't gel with carbon-plated super shoes — the lightest of this super-trainer group — Doctors of Running
- Long runs and recovery runs for high-mileage runners needing leg protection — Ben Is Running
- Runners wanting a max-cushion shoe that also handles daily training, picking up the pace, and works as a non-plated race-day option. — Kofuzi
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?
FORDY RUNS on the ASICS Superblast 2: Marathon trainees wanting one shoe to do everything, including race day and very high-mileage durability. FORDY RUNS on the ASICS Superblast 3: Runners finding the Megablast too firm.
Per FORDY RUNS.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Superblast 2 and the ASICS Superblast 3?
Yes — FORDY RUNS, EDDBUD, Fordy Runs, The Run Testers, Kofuzi, Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run, Ben Parkes, and Run Moore directly compared the ASICS Superblast 2 and the ASICS Superblast 3 in their reviews.
Per FORDY RUNS, EDDBUD, Fordy Runs, The Run Testers, Kofuzi, Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run, Ben Parkes, Run Moore.
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.