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ASICS Superblast 3 100km Review: Lighter, Softer, More Energy

By RunDNA
Published on Apr 1, 2026
7 min read

ASICS Superblast 3 - 100km Review

The ASICS Superblast 3 is one of the most highly anticipated shoes of 2026 and the RunDNA team has been clocking up the kilometres in them. Ed, Lach and Georgia have each put around 100kms in their Superblast 3’s. Let’s take a look at their honest thoughts after putting it to the test and how it stacks up against the very popular Superblast 2. 

The Asics Superblast has always been known as a “do-it-all” trainer, and with version 3, that hasn’t changed, it feels lighter, more energetic and more fun to run in. The team have used it on a variety of easy runs, long runs and some steady efforts, here’s how it’s performed so far.

1. Ride and Performance

The most distinct update of the Superblast 3 is the introduction of FF LEAP™ foam through the midsole. It gives the shoe a noticeably softer and bouncier feel underfoot, while FF BLAST™ PLUS foam underneath keeps things stable and controlled. Compared to Superblast 2, this version feels a little more lively. It’s still protective over longer runs, but easier to turn over and more enjoyable at steady paces.

ED: The biggest update for me is how the shoe now balances softness with responsiveness. It’s definitely softer than version 2, but it hasn’t lost that underlying structure that makes the Superblast so reliable. I really appreciate how ASICS have integrated the added bounce from FF LEAP™ by retaining a firmer layer of FF BLAST™ PLUS closer to the ground and subtly widening the platform through the midfoot. This gives the shoe a touch more stability and keeps the ride feeling controlled, rather than overly soft or unpredictable. Where the previous version felt firmer and a bit more direct, this feels more forgiving on landing while still giving you a strong, energetic push-off. There’s a bit more bounce in the midsole, but it’s controlled, it doesn’t feel unstable or overly soft. Another standout is how consistent it feels. From the first run, through to over 100km, the ride hasn’t really changed. There’s no real break-in period like we saw in previous versions, which makes it feel far more dialled straight out of the box.

GEORGIA: For me, the Superblast 3 feels really protective and easy to run in, especially when my legs aren’t feeling fresh. It takes the edge off that heavy, fatigued feeling and lets you settle into your stride without needing to force it. It’s not a shoe that feels fast or aggressive, it’s more about comfort and keeping things smooth when you’re just ticking over.

LACH: The Superblast 3 feels noticeably softer and bouncier than its predecessors, and overall just more fun to run in. The addition of FF LEAP™ gives it a more energetic, lively feel underfoot, especially compared to the slightly firmer ride of the Superblast 2. It’s definitely a more polarising update but one I think ASICS needed to make. It creates clearer separation in the lineup, particularly between the Superblast and the Megablast, which now makes more sense as a faster, longer effort option. Underfoot, it feels more forgiving, especially when your legs are a bit fatigued. You get that softer landing, but there’s still enough structure underneath to keep the ride controlled and stable as you move through your stride.

2. Where the Superblast 3 fits in your rotation

Superblast 3 still fits firmly in that “one shoe for everything” category. It suits easy runs, long runs and steady efforts well but essentially can do a bit of everything. It offers the same versatility and protection of reliable daily trainers like the Gel Nimbus 28 but in a far more fun and bouncy package.

Where it’s changed most is how it feels across different runs. It’s less of a long-distance, faster-effort trainer now and more of a versatile, max-cushioned option that’s easier and more enjoyable to run in day to day. This shift creates a much clearer separation from the ASICS Megablast. Where the Superblast 2 overlapped quite closely in structure and use, the Superblast 3 now sits in a more defined role within the ASICS lineup, as the more forgiving, everyday option, with the Megablast taking over for faster, longer efforts.

ED: For me, this shoe really thrives in that 4:30–5:30/km range. That’s where you get the most out of the midsole. Enough pace to engage the bounce, but not so fast that you’re wanting something more aggressive. It still handles longer runs well, but compared to Superblast 2, I’d now lean on it more for longer easier runs rather than structured long runs. In terms of where it sits, it offers similar cushion and protection to a Gel-Nimbus 28 but feels far more exciting and easier to run in. At the same time, it does feel more stable and durable than a Novablast 5 when you’re running longer or a bit more fatigued.

GEORGIA: I’ve been using it mostly for my Wednesday easy runs, especially after a harder session the day before when my legs are feeling sore. It’s also been great for warm-ups and cool-downs, something you can throw on and get moving in without thinking too much. For me personally, it starts to feel a bit too soft once I go past about 60–70 minutes, which is where I’d switch to something like the ASICS Megablast for longer runs. But I like that the two shoes now sit in noticeably different categories, it makes it easier to choose what to wear depending on the session.

LACH: I’ve found myself using the Superblast 3 differently compared to previous versions. Where I leaned on the Superblast 2 for longer runs at a quicker pace, this version has shifted more into that everyday, easy-to-steady run category for me. It’s been really good for double runs and those 60-70 minute sessions where the legs are already a bit beaten up. The softer midsole just takes the edge off and makes it easier to keep moving without feeling overly harsh. For longer, faster efforts, I’d now reach for the ASICS Megablast instead. The Superblast 3 still handles distance well, but it feels more at home cruising rather than pushing at higher intensities.

3. Standouts over 100km

There's quite a few standouts after 100km in the Superblast 3.

The weight reduction is noticeable, it feels lighter on foot than the previous version and a bit less taxing over time. The updated woven upper is breathable and holds the foot well without feeling restrictive. Underfoot, the cushioning feels consistent, still soft, still lively and durability so far is holding up well. There’s noticeable creasing through the midsole but minimal wear through the outsole.

ED: The fit and upper are real highlights for me. The Superblast 2 worked well for me, so I was slightly hesitant about any changes, but this version feels just as dialled in. I stuck with my usual US11.5 and have no issues. It also feels lighter straight away, which you notice more as the run goes on. The upper is comfortable and secure without overcomplicating things, and it holds up well over longer efforts. I also really appreciate how smooth the transition feels now. It’s not quite as stiff as the 2, which I initially liked for the sense of structure it gave, but in honesty, I haven’t gone back to the Superblast 2 since. This version just feels easier to run in while still giving you that effortless feel when you need it.

GEORGIA: The fit has been excellent. It feels very similar to the Superblast 2, so I stuck with the same size and had no issues at all. It’s comfortable straight away, with no pressure points or hotspots, and just feels easy to wear from the first run.

LACH: The standout for me is how much more forgiving the ride feels. When your legs aren’t feeling fresh, the softer midsole really helps take some of the load off and keeps things comfortable across the run. The added bounce also makes it feel a bit more engaging, it’s not just a protective shoe, it still has some life to it. It’s a more enjoyable experience overall, especially on those easier days where you’re just ticking off kilometres. Durability so far has been solid. It’s holding up well through the first 100km, although I’d expect it might not be quite as long-lasting as the Superblast 2, which was incredibly durable. That said, it doesn’t take away from how well the shoe performs day to day.

Wrap-Up

Superblast 3 is a genuine update.

It’s lighter, it's slightly more cushioned and noticeably more energetic underfoot thanks to the FF LEAP™ foam. It keeps the versatility of the previous version, but feels a bit more dynamic and easier to run in across different paces.

If you liked Superblast 2, this will feel familiar, just softer, with more bounce and a slightly different purpose. And if you’re new to the Superblast range, it’s a complete option if you’re looking for a max-cushioned supertrainer that does-it-all.

Available at RunDNA now in Cobalt Blue, Seashell Orange and White.

About the Authors

Ed: Triathlete | Content Lead

Favourite Distance: Half Marathon Shoe Size US 11.5

Georgia: Recreational Runner Events & Community

Favourite Distance: Half Marathon Shoe Size US 8.5

Lach: Sub Elite Distance Track & Road Runner

Favourite Distance: Marathon Shoe Size US 12

 


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