I ran 10km in the Asics Superblast 3 and I wanted to keep going - for a comfortable and speedy trainer, look no further

Whether you're gearing up for marathon training or you're just looking to build up your miles, comfort is key. There's nothing more off-putting than a knee niggle thanks to under-supportive or worn-out running shoes.

I ran the Saucony London 10km in the Asics Superblast 3 running shoes, back in July on the first truly hot day of the year, and I could have kept moving past the finish line. Springy yet comfortable, these trainers do what few others manage and blend speed with support.

I've tried close to a hundred pairs of trainers in my time as woman&home's digital health editor. I've trained for two marathons, several half-marathons, and more 10km races than I care to remember. I've also seen my fair share of trail running shoes. While the Asics Superblast 3 sit on the higher side of the price spectrum, and I'd love to see a female fit in the future, these get almost 5 stars from me.

Asics Superblast 3 review

Specifications

• Size range: 2.5 - 14
• Weight: 253g per shoe
• Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
• Waterproof version available: No

What are the Asics Superblast 3 like to wear?

Supremely comfortable and responsive are the words that first came to mind after taking the Asics Superblast 3 out for a spin. I ran 7km and immediately noticed how soft the soles felt. The wedge of lightweight cushioning means these truly feel like you're running on clouds. In the heat, I was also very grateful for the thin upper.

Thanks to the unisex fit, these shoes have a naturally wider toe box than others. I did notice that my regular size felt a little roomier than usual, but not so much I'd send them back for a smaller size.

While these shoes feel supportive when you're running (more on that later), they aren't the most stable to stand or walk around in. As I'm not used to stacked trainers in my daily life, I often find myself dragging the soles on the pavement when I walk in these. They are exclusively for running. So much so, I've walked to the gym in my Birkenstocks during this heatwave, only to change into them when I get there to use the treadmill. If you're looking for trainers you can run and walk in, I'd recommend the Asics Gel Nimbus 28 or Hoka Bondi 9 instead, or a dedicated pair of walking shoes.

What are the Asics Superblast 3 like to run in?

I felt I could jog along for hours in the Asics Superblast 3. It shouldn't be underestimated how comfortable they are. I worked my way through my 10km run, counting off kilometre after kilometre at a much faster pace than I'd done in training, supported by my shoes. By the end, my feet felt like they could have gone on longer (the rest of my body, not so much).

It's very easy to pick up the pace in these shoes. In fact, as noted, they feel a little wobbly at very slow paces. A jog is fine, but a very slow jog needs a different pair.

The Asics Superblast 3 are noticeably very lightweight, which helps avoid the heavy-footed feeling you sometimes get when trying to run faster when you're tired. They have brilliant energy return as well, so it feels like you're really bouncing through every step. Yet, I still felt stable.

The foam stack in the Asics Superblast 3 is what makes it feel this way. The top layer is called FF Leap foam, and it's been taken from the brand's line of premium racing shoes. It's bouncy and lightweight, built for speed. This is combined with FF Blast Plus foam on the bottom. This is more supportive. Together, they cradle the foot into a rocker shape and naturally push you forward.

To counteract the softness, there's also better support along the sides of the shoe to prevent any ankles from rolling in. For an overpronator like myself, this was a real win.

Who are the Asics Superblast 3 made for?

Since my 10km race, I've run several more times in the Asics Superblast 3, up to 25km, and they are still as comfortable as ever. These shoes would be a good pick for marathon or half-marathon events and training, where you need a little extra support over longer distances.

They are my new favourite for longer runs and for tempo workouts, when I'm trying to improve my speed or increase my running time. Typically, I don't like shoes made for fast workouts. They often have a strong rocker and don't feel stable enough. These don't have that problem, and I'd wear these for anything other than a truly easy run.

Are the Asics Superblast 3 worth buying?

Absolutely. While it's always worth getting a gait analysis test to make sure shoes like the Asics Superblast 3 are a good fit for your running style and feet, I would recommend these to most runners.

The £200 price tag isn't to be sniffed at, but the complementing foam layers go some way to justify the cost, and I have faith they'd stand the test of a few hundred miles.

If you're only going to invest in one pair of shoes, these are ones I'd recommend - provided you're doing more than an easy jog.