Bengaluru just got a fresh dose of running hype. On March 24, 2026, ASICS unveiled the SUPERBLAST™ 3 at their Brigade Road store, right in time for the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2026, where the shoe is being pushed hard as a serious training and race-day option.
Tennis legend Rohan Bopanna and squash champion Joshna Chinappa were there, talking discipline, mental toughness, and that classic ASICS “Sound Mind, Sound Body” vibe. Nice local touch, especially if you’re training in the city and feeling the pre-race buzz.
But let’s get to what actually matters for us marathoners: Does the new Superblast 3 deliver real protection and energy for heavier bodies doing long, slow miles on Indian roads?
What’s New in the SUPERBLAST 3
ASICS didn’t just tweak the old model, they went after a softer, bouncier ride while keeping the max-stack DNA that made the Superblast series popular.
- Stack Height: 46.5 mm heel / 38.5 mm forefoot (8 mm drop). That’s a bit taller than the Superblast 2, giving even more underfoot protection.
- Midsole Magic: A dual-layer setup. Top layer is the all-new FF LEAP™ foam (ASICS’ lightest and most responsive yet — same family as their Metaspeed racing shoes). Bottom layer is reliable FF Blast+. The result? Plush landings with better energy return and a more lively feel.
- Weight: Around 239–249 g (men’s size 9) — roughly 10 grams lighter than the previous version. Not feather-light, but noticeable when you’re stacking kilometres.
- Upper: Engineered woven mesh for better breathability (important in humid Bengaluru or Mumbai runs). Improved eyestay and midfoot support for a more secure fit.
- Outsole: Redesigned trampoline pod shape for enhanced rebound, plus ASICSGRIP rubber for decent grip.
In short: They kept the high-stack cushion that protects your joints and added more bounce and liveliness without turning it into an unstable rocket ship.
Why This Matters for Bigger Runners
If you’re carrying extra weight and training for a half or full marathon, your shoes need to do two things really well:
- Protect your legs from the constant pounding.
- Give you enough pop so easy runs don’t feel like death marches.
The Superblast 3 leans hard into the first one with that massive 46.5 mm heel stack. For heavier runners, more cushion usually means less fatigue and happier knees/hips/ankles on long runs. The softer FF LEAP top layer should make it feel even more forgiving than the Superblast 2.
The added bounce is a bonus — it can help you maintain form later in a run when your legs start screaming. Many reviewers are calling it plusher and more fun for daily training and long slow distance, while still being versatile enough for some uptempo work.
Potential downsides for us:
- At ₹21,999–22,999 (expected India pricing), it’s premium territory. You’re paying for that top-tier foam tech.
- Durability on rough Indian roads is always a question mark with max-cushion shoes — we’ll need real-world miles to see how the outsole holds up.
- If you prefer a firmer, more stable ride, the softer feel of version 3 might take some getting used to (some say the previous model felt snappier).
Who Should Consider the Superblast 3?
- Runners doing high weekly mileage who want maximum protection on easy and long runs.
- Heavier athletes looking for a shoe that doesn’t beat them up during marathon build-up.
- Anyone prepping for TCS World 10K or longer races who wants a lively daily trainer that can double as a race shoe for some (though pure racers might still go plated).
If you’re strictly after speedwork or short fast efforts, there are probably better (and cheaper) options in ASICS’ lineup.
My Honest Take
The Superblast series has always been one of the better max-cushion options for bigger bodies because it balances protection with a bit of fun energy return. Version 3 looks like a solid evolution — lighter, taller stack, softer and bouncier — without losing the “do-it-all” character.
Will it be a game-changer? For some heavier runners grinding through 50–80 km weeks, that extra plushness and rebound could make long runs feel noticeably better. For others, it might just be another expensive cushioned shoe.
If you’re in Bengaluru or planning to race the TCS 10K, head to the ASICS store on Brigade Road and try them on. Nothing beats a proper fit test.
Availability: Now available on asics.co.in and select stores. Keep an eye on colourways – the classic White/Black is a safe bet.
What do you think, Fatmarathoner community? Have you tried the Superblast 2? Would you upgrade to the 3 for your next training block?
Drop your thoughts in the comments. And if you end up buying them for TCS 10K training, tag us in your runs, we love seeing real runners (of all sizes) putting in the work.
Stay strong out there. The miles don’t care how heavy you are — they only care that you show up.
Picture credit: https://www.asics.co.in/
