u/nameisjoey

Found on IPQwery.

ASICS appears to have trademarked the name “Metablast” as well as the term “Energy Multiplier” around the same time.

Previously, before the Sonicblast & Megablast announcements I had seen names listed here along with the “Astroplate” naming.

This could be an entirely new shoe that has not been leaked yet but I do wonder if this could be the official name for the MX Type-A prototype we have seen images of with the forefoot cushioning pyramids that could be named the “energy multiplier”

Also included the Tempo Speed which could be a new shoe placed in the “Speed” line of their shoes to be placed alongside the Magic Speed, Hyperspeed, and Metaspeed shoes.

I just like to share these findings for fun discussion. ASICS definitely has no shortage of new models coming into their product lines on top of an already large amount of options in their running shoe catalogue.

The plate is now forked around a FFTurbo^2 bounce pod that extends from the top layer all the way to the outsole. The shoe is said to be softer and a bit more flexible from the previous version. Upper is updated to be more breathable and the tongue seems to borrow the “felt” like material used in the Metaspeed’s.

Total distance ran:
450 miles

Type of runs:
Easy, recovery, steady long, and threshold

Weather ran in:
Dry & wet

My profile:
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 170 lbs

Range of average pace with this shoe:
Recovery: 10:00-12:00/mile
Easy: 9:00-10:00/mile
Long Run: 8:15-8:45/mile
Threshold: 6:55-7:05/mile

Strike Type: Heel

Mileage:
I generally average around 5-6 runs a week and have done 1,180 miles this year so far, with some off weeks due to injury and vacation. I usually float around 50ish miles per week.

Positives:
Soft, bouncy, versatile, light weight, good grip, comfortable, & accommodating upper

Negatives:
The only negative I can really find is the upper could be more breathable compared to V2, but is still way more breathable than V1.

Overview:
I’ve spent quite a bit of time in all 3 iterations of the superblast now and personally SB3 is my favorite so far. I took 2 pairs each of V1 & V2 to 500 miles, totaling about 2,500 miles now across all 3 versions. I felt like V2 was a great upgrade to V1 and feel like V3 is an even better upgrade coming from V2.

While the upper is not quite as breathable as V2, I do enjoy the fit and material more. For the midsole, it is much more versatile on the easy side of my pace ranges and equally is on good on my long runs, which I run pretty steady/zone 3 and even touch LT1 toward the end when they start pushing in the 2.5 hour range.

For threshold pace and beyond, I still prefer the Megablast or a more dedicated workout shoe, as I also did for V1 & V2. I did do a 6 x 5m @ LT2 session in it, it worked, but not my ideal choice and anything beyond I don’t think I would enjoy.

I’ve seen a lot of comments about a reduction in durability in the SB3, but that has not been my experience. I have found it to last just as long as the previous versions but something like that definitely depends on your gait and foot strike. There is more scuffing in the exposed midsole areas but that’s purely cosmetic and a welcome trade off for a more dynamic ride.

I think with this version, the Megablast and Superblast make a great rotation (albeit expensive) if you’re looking to use only super trainers. The Superblast 3 covers your recovery, daily, and long runs and the Megablast covers your workouts and fastest long runs. Having ran long runs in both, I do prefer the SB3 and that includes my long runs where I’m hovering around 5-10% slower than MP for 10 miles straight. It’s just more protective for me. If I had to push harder and touch MP or below then that’s where I would probably make the switch.

So, overall, this is (in my opinion) the superblast yet and I’m really happy with the changes they made.

Worth buying?:
If you are looking for a light weight, soft, and bouncy trainer for your easy, recovery, and easy to steady long runs I think this is a great option. If you’re looking for something with a dynamic and protective ride, it’s definitely a buy.