ASICS Novablast 6 vs Superblast 3

Quick Verdict

Choose the ASICS Novablast 6 if you want maximum-cushion versatility at a mainstream premium-trainer price. It covers daily, speed, and long-run roles, offers a wide version, and costs MSRP: $155.

Choose the ASICS Superblast 3 if you want more stack at a lower men's catalog weight. FF LEAP over FF BLAST PLUS creates the more premium platform, but it costs MSRP: $210 and comes only in standard width.

At a Glance

These values follow the audited catalog. The Superblast uses a standardized unisex weight, and independent samples may differ by size and method.

ASICS Novablast 6 Overview

The Novablast 6 uses FF BLAST MAX as its primary foam with a smaller FF TURBO SQUARED insert under the forefoot. ASICS also adds forefoot ASICSGRIP, addressing a known concern from prior generations.

Tom's Guide found version 6 livelier than the Novablast 5 and useful from easy running through controlled tempo work. It is not positioned as an all-out racing shoe, but its range is unusually broad for MSRP: $155.

ASICS Superblast 3 Overview

The Superblast 3 places FF LEAP over an FF BLAST PLUS base. Its 46/38mm stack is 4mm taller at both heel and forefoot, yet the men's catalog figure is 0.7 ounces lighter than the Novablast.

Independent testing found the new foam softer and more energetic than the Superblast 2. There is no plate, so the shoe relies on foam and geometry for performance. The tradeoffs are direct: a MSRP: $210 MSRP and no cataloged wide option.

Ride and Cushioning

The Novablast feels like the more conventional daily trainer of the pair, although its maximum stack and responsive forefoot move it beyond a basic workhorse. The FF TURBO SQUARED insert gives toe-off extra character without dominating the full platform.

The Superblast puts more premium foam underfoot and carries less men's catalog weight. FF LEAP supplies a softer upper layer while FF BLAST PLUS gives the base structure. That construction makes the shoe more compelling for long progression runs and faster sustained work.

Ride winner: Novablast 6 for everyday versatility; Superblast 3 for premium long-and-fast training.

Fit and Sizing

The Novablast comes in standard and wide. Tom's Guide reported a secure fit in the tester's usual size, with a padded collar and structured heel.

The Superblast is standard width only. Two independent testers reported true-to-size fits in their normal ASICS sizes, but those experiences do not erase the single-width constraint. Runners who routinely need wide shoes should not assume the woven upper will substitute for the correct platform width.

Fit winner: Novablast 6 for offering a wide option.

Weight and Pace Range

For men, the Superblast's 8.1-ounce catalog weight is 0.7 ounces lower despite its taller platform. For women, the catalog comparison reverses because the Superblast uses the same 8.1-ounce unisex figure while the Novablast is listed at 7.6 ounces.

Both shoes carry identical daily, speed, and long-run categories. The difference is emphasis, not permission: the Novablast is a daily trainer that can move faster, while the Superblast is a premium max-stack trainer designed to make long and quicker running its strongest argument.

Stability and Ground Feel

Both are neutral shoes. Broad platforms and secure uppers may feel stable, but neither is cataloged as a stability model. Runners seeking guidance should compare the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33.

Ground feel is limited in both and lower still in the 46/38mm Superblast. The Novablast is the less extreme choice, but its 42/34mm geometry remains firmly maximum cushion. Neither suits runners shopping for a flexible, low-stack experience.

Value

The Novablast wins value for most runners. It costs MSRP: $55 less, includes a wide option, and covers the same three catalog categories. Its mixture of FF BLAST MAX and a targeted FF TURBO SQUARED insert provides meaningful versatility without crossing MSRP: $200.

The Superblast makes sense when its lower men's weight, taller stack, and full FF LEAP layer will be used repeatedly. If it replaces both a daily trainer and a premium long-run shoe, the price can be rational. Our best long-run shoes guide helps test that use case against other models.

Choose the Novablast 6 If...

• You want the stronger price-to-versatility balance.
• A cataloged wide option is important.
• Daily mileage is the primary role, with some tempo work.
• A 42/34mm stack is already enough cushioning.

Choose the Superblast 3 If...

• Long progression runs and sustained faster efforts are priorities.
• You value the lower men's weight and taller stack.
• FF LEAP's premium foam construction justifies MSRP: $210.
• Standard width fits securely.

Final Verdict

The ASICS Novablast 6 is the better choice for most runners because it matches the Superblast's catalog roles, adds a wide option, and saves MSRP: $55. The Superblast 3 is the higher-spec choice for runners who will exploit its FF LEAP foam, greater stack, and lower men's weight on long and faster sessions. Choose value and broad access with the Novablast; choose premium performance range with the Superblast.

For a comfort-first ASICS without a speed assignment, compare the Gel-Nimbus 28. For the wider market, see our best daily trainers.