Tested | ASICS Superblast 3

Comfy and stable high-stack experience for long efforts

The hot new Superblast  3 from Asics landed recently – and blew us away. In short, it’s a versatile, max-cushioned, non-plated trainer featuring a new, softer yet springier midsole foam. I went for both a long run and a more up-tempo session in these straight out of the box and found the plush, soft and spacious upper, with its firm, slide-in offset heel cup and integrated tongue, a treat for my feet. 

Version 3 is lighter than previous versions (my size 45 weighed in at 280g) but also more stacked – 46.5mm in the heel and 38.5mm in the forefoot. I feel this shoe has next-levelled its sturdier (and perhaps longer-lasting) brother, the Nimbus 28, which I’d also been wear-testing. They are softer, bouncier, more edgy and more colourful. In particular, big units seeking a faster feeling should lap these up, and word from local stores is that they certainly are. Where they sit in relation to the more racy new Megablast remains to be seen – so watch this space for our next wear test.  

What makes this beefy daily trainer feel so light and comfortable?

Mostly, it’s the new foam in the upper midsole. Aptly named FF Leap, and made famous in the Metasky Paris, it provides the secret sauce that delivers next-level energy return, reducing weight while adding spring to your step. The less energised and more stable FF Blast Plus foam provides a solid platform below, rising in the mid foot and extending in the rear to kick off an early roll through stride. 

That extensive underfoot base is topped with a foot-hugging yet spacious upper. Lightweight and breathable thanks to an engineered woven mesh, it’s paired with a new eyestay design lacing system that’s intended to improve midfoot support and lockdown. The revised upper also incorporates new textures and patterns that allow the material to move more naturally with the foot during running. 

All these combined deliver a soft, comfy and stable high-stack experience for slow recovery runs, daily training and long, faster-paced efforts. My only niggles were that I could faintly feel the trampoline pods underneath, which are designed to enhance rebound, and the FF Blast Plus makes a slight slapping sound on impact that might bother some.

Verdict: Superblast 3 is an ideal training companion to an all-out racing weapon like the Asics Metaspeed. It delivers a bouncy, soft and smooth ride that feels lively and quick compared to many other high-stacked daily trainers. – Paul Ingpen

RRP R4 700 | asics.com