ASICS Superblast 3

S-tier do-it-all high-stack trainer; the new FF Leap foam makes it softer, more versatile, and more comfortable than the Superblast 2, justifying the $210 price.

Best for: Runners wanting one versatile high-stack shoe for everything from recovery to long runs to racing.

Picked as the marathon-racing-alternative winner of the group — softest and lightest, but the soft foam is unstable and requires significant miles to break in.

Best for: Marathon racing alternative for runners who can't gel with carbon-plated super shoes — the lightest of this super-trainer group

Behaves much like a plated shoe due to its longitudinal stiffness; soft FlyteFoam Leap and aggressive lateral sole flare can irritate IT-band-prone runners — caveat shoe for those with lateral structures issues.

Best for: Stable-neutral runners who want a high-stack soft daily/long-run shoe and aren't sensitive to lateral sole flare

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.

A comfort-oriented long-run trainer that trades some Superblast 2 structure for softer, lighter step-in feel.

Best for: Comfortable long runs and easy daily training at slower paces.

Dave frames the Superblast 3 as the plush, soft-riding counterpart to the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper: lighter and more compliant on top, still stable on the base, and best at easy shuffling paces with some pickup potential.

Best for: Runners who want a plush, soft, lightweight super trainer for easy and long miles with some upside for faster efforts.

The reviewers describe the Superblast 3 as a meaningful step forward from v2 — softer step-in, more forefoot bounce, lighter weight, and a roomier upper while preserving the stable, plateless 'Swiss Army knife' identity that defined the line.

Best for: Versatile daily trainer and long-run shoe for runners who want max-cushion bounce without a plate; works well from easy shuffling paces through moderate efforts.

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.

Best for: Unplated marathon option and high-mileage steady effort runs where impact protection matters

A standout long-range option; v2 but with a smile.

Best for: Long-range daily miles with a bouncier, more fun ride than v2

A lighter, softer, more fun Superblast that nails long-run duty and replaces multiple rotation shoes, though it is too much shoe for 5K-10K speed work.

Best for: Marathon and half-marathon training, long runs at mixed paces, heavier runners wanting impact protection in a light package.

Softer alternative to Megablast for non-plated race day.

Best for: Runners finding the Megablast too firm

A decent soft daily cruiser but too soft and unstable for long runs; a step too far in softness from the Superblast 2.

Best for: Leisurely midweek miles replacing the role of the Vomero Premium

A step too soft for the reviewer's taste and likely to split opinion among Superblast 2 fans; a very good shoe overall but one that pushes the line toward a softer long-run experience, with the reviewer preferring the Megablast for paced long runs.

Best for: Runners who found Superblast 2 too firm or 'brick-like' and want a softer, lighter long-run shoe — especially neutral runners who don't need firmer support underfoot.

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.

Best for: Speedy long runs and marathon-effort miles, while also serving as a comfortable max-cushion or daily trainer.

The reviewer's slight preference in the head-to-head thanks to the more comfortable upper, softer midsole feel, and better fit for easy and long runs.

Best for: Easy and long runs for runners who like a softer, bouncy super trainer with a comfortable upper

Highly commended super trainer — a softer, bouncier, more marathon-friendly evolution of the Superblast 2, ideal for long runs, steady efforts and marathon racing without a carbon plate.

Tom calls the Superblast 3 a fantastic, accessible, bouncy super trainer that hit the sweet spot for a 3:30 marathon, though runners who loved the firmer, more stable Superblast 2 may not enjoy the softer, wobblier ride.

Best for: Comfortable marathon pace running, long runs, and easy days as a super trainer for runners who prioritize soft bounce over rigidity.

A versatile, souped-up daily trainer that extends from easy runs to tempo and marathon pace, though it lacks the snap for interval work.

Best for: High-mileage runners who want one comfortable, bouncy shoe for easy runs through tempo and slower marathon racing.

An interesting evolution of the Superblast that trades the v2's firm, rigid ride for a softer, bouncier feel from FF Leap foam, broadening its versatility down to easy runs while still excelling at long runs and tempo efforts.

Best for: Runners who want a versatile non-race shoe for easy runs through tempo efforts and comfortable marathon pacing, especially those who prefer a softer, bouncier ride.

An excellent, versatile super trainer that leans toward the easy/long-run end; the softer FF Leap midsole makes it a great easy-day shoe but it feels big at speed and is expensive.

Best for: Comfortable long runs and easy daily training for marathon prep.

Tommy recommends the Superblast 3 as a versatile, comfortable, softer and bouncier update to the Superblast 2 that excels at easy runs without pressuring you to go faster, narrowly edged out by the Rad UFO on price and performance feel.

Best for: Comfortable easy-to-tempo running, including long easy days and marathon training for runners who prefer a natural-feeling, soft, bouncy daily.