Despite their fairly similar names, the Asics Superblast 3 and the Novablast 6 running shoes show notable differences, as we will see in this detailed comparison.
The first striking difference is the height of the midsole. With 46.5 mm under the heel versus 41.5 mm for the Novablast, the Superblast is clearly the more cushioned shoe.
The foams evolve too: the Novablast 6 pairs FlyteFoam Blast Max with an FF Turbo² pod in the forefoot, while the Superblast 3 relies on FF Blast+ and the new FF Leap foam.
The drop is 8 mm, which is standard.
The feel is fairly soft on both models, with a good dose of responsiveness. Sitting closer to the ground gives the Novablast a snappier ride, but the bounce is also very present on the Superblast. It is a real treat on tempo runs when you run longer.
You might be surprised that the Superblast has no carbon plate to give it more structure and propulsion, but the Japanese brand already has the Magic Speed in that category. The Superblast is its “super trainer”, built for ultimate training comfort at every pace.
In terms of lockdown, the fit is more precise on the Novablast but more comfortable on the Superblast, which is softer.
Durability is equivalent, with a high standard of construction on both running shoes.
Superblast or Novablast: Which Should You Choose?
To keep it simple, the Superblast is a more premium Novablast with more cushioning, more comfort and more responsiveness.
That said, the Superblast costs about $55 more, so the Novablast 6 is clearly the better value, and it is a lot of fun too.
Still, the Superblast will delight fans of the brand looking for the ultimate pair to enjoy training and racing in.
