ASICS Superblast 3 vs ASICS Megablast
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.
Megablast is snappier and more performance-oriented for uptempo long efforts.
Reviewer feels Megablast should have been the true Superblast 3
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 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.
Comparable performance but different ride — Megablast is the firmer counterpart; pick based on whether you prefer softer/bouncier or firmer
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.
Softer, higher stack, and less racy than the Megablast; reviewer prefers Megablast for marathon-pace long runs
David prefers Megablast's full-length FF Turbo Plus for a more performance-oriented feel that matches his natural pacing
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 is poppier and bouncier; reviewer's new one-shoe pick over 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
Softer and bouncier, better for easy runs and comfort; less responsive for speed work.
Similar positioning; both more responsive than Novablast
Megablast is the better shoe at pace
Superblast is better for recovery/max cushion use; Megablast is lighter and better for speed.
Similar concept but Megablast is more versatile and better at shorter/faster distances.
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.
Similar purpose and wide platform, but Megablast is lighter with more aggressive bounce and pop
Firmer and more responsive; better for speed and intervals but less forgiving on easy runs.
Builds on the Superblast with added lightness, raciness and marathon/half marathon potential
Replaces the Superblast as the classic stable neutral performance shoe since the latest Superblast became too soft and less stable
Lighter (250g vs 264g), softer, bouncier, and more forgiving at slower paces; handles the full range of paces better
Megablast is lighter and bouncier, less clunky at easy paces while matching Superblast at goal pace.
Lighter, softer, bouncier, and more versatile across paces with more pop off the forefoot, but less stable and snugger in the forefoot.
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 with a bouncier, less firm midsole and could replace the Superblast 2 for many runners
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
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
Megablast weighs less
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.
Builds on the Superblast with more lightness, energy and raciness
Megablast is more versatile with a lighter, more energetic feel that works better for faster sessions.
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.
Lighter in weight than the Superblast 3
Megablast is snappier and more performance-oriented; Superblast 3 is softer and more comfortable at easy pace
Megablast is lighter and more bouncy, better at pace; SB3 has more exposed outsole coverage and better grip for non-road surfaces
Very similar feel but Superblast 2 is a fraction wider; Megablast cuts in
Megablast is closest to the Superblast 2 feel, not the 3
Megablast is firmer and racier; Superblast 3 is softer and bouncier
Megablast fits narrower and feels lighter and faster; both firm long-run shoes
Megablast is lighter, bouncier, more energetic and usable out of the box; Super Blast 2 has a more structured upper
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.
Mega Blast feels nothing like the Superblast; Superblast has a more protective, guided, stable ride while Mega Blast is more untamed and energetic
Slightly lighter but more aggressive and more expensive than the Superblast 2
A complete reversal of the Superblast 3 on durability — the Turbo Squared foam here 'just goes and goes'
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"
ASICS Megablast — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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His top fast-training/all-rounder pick after roughly 350km of testing — a big but fairly lightweight shoe whose FF Turbo Squared foam bounces you along well at faster speeds, though it's expensive.
In their words: "a brilliant fast training shoe" · "a whole load of spring"
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One of the standout shoes in the range — an extremely durable, fast, non-plated foam shoe well suited to marathon racing, let down only by a shallow toe box.
Ride:FF Turbo Squared midsole gives a super snappy, fast ride with your feet 'disappearing' underneath you; excellent durability, reportedly lasting near 1,000 km.
Fit:Toe box is a little shallow, which caused some upper irritation on the reviewer's first pair.
In their words: "your feet just disappear underneath you" · "one of the greatest of all time"
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Fordy's top pick overall for a shoe you could take from long training runs into race day itself — expensive, but he calls it phenomenal for marathon-goal-pace work, with the caveat that a poor fit can rub the little toe.
Ride:Phenomenal, race-day-capable ride Fordy uses specifically for marathon-goal-pace work within long runs.
Fit:Runs narrow through the toe box — a poor fit can rub the little toe.
In their words: "the best shoe if we're really honest" · "phenomenal as a long run shoe"
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Praised as a great, extremely durable shoe and a slightly lighter alternative to the Superblast 2, but passed over for the two-shoe rotation pick due to its more aggressive ride and higher price tag.
Ride:Slightly lighter but noticeably more aggressive-riding than the Superblast 2.
In their words: "even though it is crazy durable" · "a much more aggressive model"
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 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
Consider the ASICS Megablast if
- Long runs, medium-long runs with uptempo miles, and daily training up to marathon pace. — Kofuzi
- Long runs with workout miles at half marathon, marathon, or uptempo effort, or as a comfort-prioritized racing option. — Kofuzi
- Long runs building into race day for marathon runners; works best paired with a separate lighter daily trainer — FORDY RUNS
- Versatile performance training partner to a plated race shoe for tempos, intervals and long marathon workouts. — The Run Testers
- Long easy-day training shoe that can pick up the pace a little. — Doctors of Running
- Lightweight daily training, long runs, and unplated race-day use for runners wanting a Superblast-style super trainer with more pop. — Believe in the Run
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?
FORDY RUNS on the ASICS Superblast 3: Runners finding the Megablast too firm. Kofuzi on the ASICS Megablast: Long runs, medium-long runs with uptempo miles, and daily training up to marathon pace.
Per FORDY RUNS, Kofuzi.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Superblast 3 and the ASICS Megablast?
Yes — Doctors of Running, FORDY RUNS, Believe in the Run, The Run Testers, Kofuzi, Run Moore, EDDBUD, and Ben Parkes directly compared the ASICS Superblast 3 and the ASICS Megablast in their reviews.
Per Doctors of Running, FORDY RUNS, Believe in the Run, The Run Testers, Kofuzi, Run Moore, EDDBUD, Ben Parkes.
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.