The Asics Novablast and Superblast are two cushioned running shoes that can handle a whole lot of miles. But once you put them on, you notice some pretty big differences.

novablast vs superblast

Both can work as daily trainers, with the Superblast sneaking into super trainer territory thanks to its lighter, bouncier feel.

Putting them side by side is a little like Goldilocks trying the three bowls of porridge. The cushioning feels different underfoot, and what feels just right will depend on what you want from your shoe.

The Superblast has a little more pep in its step, while the Novablast gives you more of that everyday trainer feel. And of course, there’s a pretty reasonable price difference too.

If you’re trying to decide between the Novablast 6 and Superblast 3, we’ve pulled together some key differences between the current models.

Novablast vs Superblast Key Differences

Before we dive into more details on both shoes, here’s a quick look at the key differences between these two cushioned trainers.

Choose the Novablast 6: You want a firmer, cushioned daily trainer that can handle most of your weekly miles and maybe sprinkle in a few faster strides. It’s a good option, especially for 4+ hour marathon finishers.

Choose the Superblast 3: You want a lighter, bouncier shoe but without compromising the cushioning underfoot. It can handle long runs and easy runs but still shine when you want to pick up the pace. It’s a good option to grab on any training day of the week and even on race day if you want a non-plated shoe.

 Quick Comparison

 

Novablast 6 Superblast 3
Heel toe drop 8 mm 8 mm
Stack height 40.5 mm/41.5 mm 46.5 mm
Feel underfoot Firmer through the forefoot Softer and bouncier
Long runs Can handle them Can handle them
Sizing Men’s and women’s Unisex
Widths Comes in other widths Not available in wide

 

Honestly, both can handle a lot of your weekly mileage, especially if you’re training for a longer distance. The biggest question is whether you’re willing to pay a little extra, but you’ll know the shoe can handle a lot.

asics novablast 6 vs superblast 3

Asics Novablast 6 Review

The Novablast has been a favorite daily trainer around here for a while, but the Novablast 6 brought some changes that we were on the fence about.

Asics added FF TURBO SQUARED foam to the forefoot, giving you a little extra energy as you run. The pod under the forefoot (spreading across the ball of the foot) adds even more of a trampoline effect. The idea, of course, is to make your daily trainer feel a bit faster, especially at this weight and max cushion.

Overall, the Novablast remains a max-cushioned daily trainer that is versatile enough for many runners to use for long training days right through that 4+ hour marathon. The name and design can make you expect more from this shoe than you should. It’s a daily trainer and a good one, but it’s not meant to be a super-fast shoe.

Novablast 6 Specs

Buy from REI for $155

Asics Superblast 3 Review

The Superblast 3 packs in a lot of cushioning without ever feeling too heavy or bulky on the run.

You’re getting a 46.5 mm stack height, but the shoe only weighs 8.4 oz.

The midsole combines FFLeap with a thin layer of FF Blast, giving it a softer and more energetic feel than the Novablast 6.

That combo makes this shoe able to handle pretty much anything. There’s enough cushion for logging long miles, but when you’re ready to run a little faster, it doesn’t feel like you’re fighting against the shoe.

The Superblast 3 is a super trainer that falls easily into the daily trainer category. You can wear it daily and enjoy a shoe that is both highly cushioned and lightweight, with no plate needed to help you feel like going faster.Asics superblast 3 Review

Asics Superblast 3 Specs

Buy Asics Superblast 3

Asics Novablast vs Asics Superblast Comparison

Trying to decide between these two models? Both give you plenty of cushion and can cover a lot of miles, but they’re probably going to fit into your training a little differently.

Usage

Asics Novablast 6: This is your go-to daily trainer, the workhorse in your lineup.

It has plenty of cushion for easy miles and long runs, and you can even mix in some faster running, whether it’s for picking it up for some strides or you’re just having a feel-good kind of day.

It’s probably not one you’ll grab to hit the track or for a hard workout, but if you’re looking for a shoe you can use for most of your weekly miles, this is it.

Asics Superblast 3: As the name suggests, this is a super trainer that covers a little more than the Novablast.

Plenty of cushioning underfoot helps you cruise through long runs. It’s a lighter-weight shoe with a little extra bounce to make turning on the speed feel more natural.

The Superblast gives you more options for workouts, goal-paced long runs, and it could even be a shoe you grab for race day if you prefer running in a non-plated shoe.

Fit

Asics Novablast 6: fits true to size with just enough room through the heel and toe box.

If you have a wider foot or high arches, you’ll appreciate the extra room in the midfoot. There’s also a wide option if you feel yourself needing a little extra space.

Asics Superblast 3: comes in unisex sizing, which can make the fit a little tricky.

You can, however, adjust the lacing if the shoe feels too narrow and you want a more secure fit.

Right now, it’s not available in additional widths, so we highly recommend trying it on before fully committing.

Hopefully these details help you decide between these two well-loved Asics shoes. For a super quick comparison, here’s what our team found during testing:

  • Superblast feels softer and bouncier
  • Novablast feels a little firmer underfoot
  • Novablast has your everyday and long run miles covered
  • Superblast is your super trainer that also falls under the daily trainer category. It can handle the easy runs and speed.
  • Novablast is available in a wider option, but Superblast is unisex sizing with no additional width options

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