ASICS Superblast 3 vs Mizuno Neo Vista 3

Ride profile: maximal cushion , soft_plush feel , high energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.

• 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"

  — Ben Parkes , source

• 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"

  — FORDY RUNS , source

• 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"

  — The Run Testers , 40 mi tested , source

• 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"

  — Kofuzi , source

Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .

• Very comfortable, wide, stable long-run and recovery shoe with a well-balanced Energy NXT foam; the reviewer recommends buying the cheaper v2 over the v3.

  Ride:Over 40mm of stack with balanced Energy NXT foam and a speed-roll-assist geometry.

  Fit:One-piece knit booty upper locks down well despite unnecessarily long laces.

  In their words: "really rolls well with the speed roll"

  — FORDY RUNS , source

• The Run Testers' crew found the Neo Vista 3 a comfortable, distinctly bouncy cushioned daily/easy-day trainer that's an improvement on the v2 but still not as versatile or lively as the original v1, with several testers preferring rivals like the Novablast 6 or Clifton Pro for a more energetic, all-round ride.

  Ride:A soft, sinking, max-cushion ride with a pronounced rocker that feels bouncy and lively when pushed toward marathon pace, but sluggish and wobbly/unstable at slower easy paces; testers wanted more plate-driven snap and control from the foam.

  Fit:Testers generally found a true-to-size fit with a roomy, secure booty-style upper and good midfoot/heel lockdown; one tester preferred going half a size down, and a couple noted the sock-like tongue and rear eyelet placement take some fiddling to lock down.

  In their words: "fit like a glove, basically" · "cushy malleable moving wobbly" · "so close to being a fan"

  — The Run Testers , 31 mi tested , source

• Kofuzi sees the Neo Vista 3 as a worthwhile refinement over the v2 -- a comfortable, big-sweet-spot shoe for easy and long runs -- but feels the redesigned plate and firm EVA base blunt energy return once he tries to pick up the pace, especially as a midfoot/forefoot striker.

  Ride:Big, forgiving sweet spot for heel, midfoot, or forefoot strikers at easy paces thanks to a firm, dense EVA base layer that adds stability and predictability, but energy return and pop fade once he tries to push past moderate effort.

  Fit:True to size; new molded heel cup with a foam bumper pad adds structure and can trap heat/sweat in warm weather, but Kofuzi noted no heel fit issues.

  In their words: "a nice refinement over what" · "a really big sweet spot" · "a lack of pop"

  — Kofuzi , source

• Ben Parkes describes the Neo Vista 3 as a fun, bouncy, marshmallow-soft max-stack shoe that's surprisingly stable thanks to its plate, best suited to recovery jogs and easy miles, with only minor gripes about bulk and lacing irritation.

  Ride:Bouncy, plush, marshmallow-soft ride with a plate that adds stability rather than speed — geared toward chill, easy miles rather than performance.

  Fit:Booty-style upper hugs the foot and is surprisingly breathable for the volume; lacing system caused some minor irritation.

  In their words: "it's bouncy and it's really good fun" · "soft, squishy, marshmallowy type shoe"

  — Ben Parkes , source