ASICS Superblast 3 vs ASICS Megablast
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.
Softer, higher stack, and less racy than the Megablast; reviewer prefers Megablast for marathon-pace long runs
Megablast is poppier and bouncier; reviewer's new one-shoe pick over Superblast 3.
Reviewer feels Megablast should have been the true Superblast 3
Megablast is lighter and bouncier with more wild bounce and better at pace; SB3 is softer with better impact protection for steady efforts
Megablast uses FF Turbo Squared ATPU, feels more aggressive, lower to the ground, faster and less soft; better as a dedicated long run shoe in a rotation; Superblast 3 is more cushioned and better as a single do-it-all shoe; Megablast is pricier at $225.
Comparable performance but different ride — Megablast is the firmer counterpart; pick based on whether you prefer softer/bouncier or firmer
Megablast is snappier and more performance-oriented for uptempo long efforts.
Softer and bouncier, better for easy runs and comfort; less responsive for speed work.
David prefers Megablast's full-length FF Turbo Plus for a more performance-oriented feel that matches his natural pacing
Megablast is a single-foam, lighter, more race-leaning shoe that comes alive at faster paces but feels wobbly/less comfortable at slow paces; Superblast 3 covers a wider pace range and is more protective and stable for long runs.
Superblast 3 better as a cruising/lock-in-pace shoe
Megablast is more versatile at the faster end (speed sessions, racing) with a quicker, more responsive foam; Superblast 3 is better for easy runs and long consistent pacing.
Megablast feels firmer, racier and faster underfoot; Superblast 3 is softer and bouncier but less suited to marathon-goal-pace work
Megablast fills the faster-end role the Superblast 3 moved away from.
Megablast is nippier and more responsive, better for faster sessions; Superblast 3 skews easier.
Megablast preferred; Superblast 3 a softer alternative if Megablast feels firm
Megablast is a step faster and lighter, more rhythmic, and positioned as a faster option in the Blast lineup
Builds on the Superblast with more lightness, energy and raciness
Firmer and more responsive; better for speed and intervals but less forgiving on easy runs.
Lighter, softer, bouncier, and more versatile across paces with more pop off the forefoot, but less stable and snugger in the forefoot.
Megablast feels springier out of the box and doesn't require the 50-60 mile break-in period the Superblast 2 needs; durability appears on par so far
Megablast durability is far better — Superblast 1 was noted as a bad-wearing shoe with gaps in the midsole
Superblast is better for recovery/max cushion use; Megablast is lighter and better for speed.
Mega Blast feels nothing like the Superblast; Superblast has a more protective, guided, stable ride while Mega Blast is more untamed and energetic
Similar concept but Megablast is more versatile and better at shorter/faster distances.
Similar purpose and wide platform, but Megablast is lighter with more aggressive bounce and pop
Megablast is ~1.5 oz lighter with a softer, bouncier midsole and better lockdown; Superblast 2 is denser and slightly more stable
Megablast is lighter, bouncier, and more race-ready but less stable and less versatile as a daily trainer.
Very similar feel but Superblast 2 is a fraction wider; Megablast cuts in
Megablast is closest to the Superblast 2 feel, not the 3
Builds on the Superblast with added lightness, raciness and marathon/half marathon potential
Megablast is more versatile with a lighter, more energetic feel that works better for faster sessions.
Megablast is firmer and racier; Superblast 3 is softer and bouncier
Megablast fits narrower and feels lighter and faster; both firm long-run shoes
Very similar experience — both high-stack, lightweight, firm and responsive but stiff and slightly blocky; Megablast has an even higher stack and is more expensive
Megablast is about 4 oz lighter, has a better bevel and less clunky ride, and Matt prefers it; Superblast 2 has more aggressive sidewalls for mild guidance
Megablast is lighter, bouncier, more energetic and usable out of the box; Super Blast 2 has a more structured upper
Megablast is lighter and more bouncy, better at pace; SB3 has more exposed outsole coverage and better grip for non-road surfaces
Megablast is lighter and sprightlier than the Superblast, a step on for racing potential
Lighter and livelier with quicker pickup and more versatility for intervals and shorter racing while keeping the cruising smoothness.
Lighter and spritelier, with more versatility at speed.
Megablast is lighter with a bouncier, less firm midsole and could replace the Superblast 2 for many runners
Firmer, lower stack, racier; preferred over Superblast 3 for marathon-pace long runs
Does everything the Superblast 2 does but better in its weak spots; lighter (250g vs 264g) and bouncier.
Megablast is lighter and bouncier, less clunky at easy paces while matching Superblast at goal pace.
Megablast has a smoother heel transition, wider/lower-volume forefoot, slightly bouncier forefoot; Super Blast 2 has more accommodating stretch in the upper and proven stability/durability.
Lighter (250g vs 264g), softer, bouncier, and more forgiving at slower paces; handles the full range of paces better
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"
ASICS Megablast — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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Very similar feel to the Superblast 2 but with a slightly narrower fit that cuts in at the forefoot.
In their words: "watch the cut of the shoe"
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Ben Parkes' top ASICS pick; a unique max-stack plateless race shoe that is ultralight, responsive, durable, and fun to run in, ideal for runners who want fast races without a carbon plate.
In their words: "always puts a smile on my face" · "best non-plated race shoe out there" · "loves to cruise at marathon pace"
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An exceptionally versatile, bouncy and lively super trainer that the testers rate among the best on the market; the pick over the Cloudmonster mainly because it is so good and considerably cheaper.
Ride:Big, soft and bouncy with high cushion and lots of compression and spring-back; feels like a higher-stack shoe with a slight element of instability around the heel.
Fit:True to size; roomy, airy and comfortable with plenty of wiggle room in the toe box and easy lockdown, though slightly narrow/tapered for one tester.
In their words: "big, soft, and bouncy" · "the most versatility" · "the best on the market pretty much full stop"
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Mega stack with a quick return to form from the FF Turbo Squared foam and a light, bare-bones upper; one of his favorites that handles faster paces better than the UFO, and his narrow pick of the group, though it has less outsole rubber for wet conditions.
In their words: "a real nice quick to return to form" · "it's still right up there" · "edge over the UFO"
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 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
Consider the ASICS Megablast if
- Versatile non-plated max-stack option that can handle fast running up to marathon distance — EDDBUD
- Runners wanting a non-plated, versatile marathon race day shoe — FORDY RUNS
- Runners wanting a lightweight workout-to-race shoe that is less aggressive than traditional super shoes but still delivers pop at faster paces — Doctors of Running
- Half and full marathon training; versatile daily trainer — EDDBUD
- Versatile super trainer for marathon training across the pace range, from easy runs to tempos and intervals. — The Run Testers
- Easy long runs where you want maximum cushion and softness — Run Moore
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Superblast 3 and the ASICS Megablast?
The ASICS Superblast 3 is a daily trainer and the ASICS Megablast is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the ASICS Superblast 3 weighs 230g, has a 46mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the ASICS Megablast weighs 221g, has a 45mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $210 for the ASICS Superblast 3 and $225 for the ASICS Megablast.
Should I buy the ASICS Superblast 3 or the ASICS Megablast?
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. EDDBUD on the ASICS Megablast: Versatile non-plated max-stack option that can handle fast running up to marathon distance.
Per Doctors of Running, EDDBUD.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Superblast 3 and the ASICS Megablast?
Yes — FORDY RUNS, Run Moore, EDDBUD, Kofuzi, The Run Testers, Doctors of Running, and Believe in the Run directly compared the ASICS Superblast 3 and the ASICS Megablast in their reviews.
Per FORDY RUNS, Run Moore, EDDBUD, Kofuzi, The Run Testers, Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run.
Which is lighter, the ASICS Superblast 3 or the ASICS Megablast?
The ASICS Megablast is lighter, at 221g versus 230g (men's 9) — about 9g less.
Which is cheaper, the ASICS Superblast 3 or the ASICS Megablast?
The ASICS Superblast 3 is cheaper at $210 versus $225 MSRP — about $15 less.