Adidas Ultraboost 5 vs ASICS Superblast 3
On paper, compared with the Adidas Ultraboost 5, the ASICS Superblast 3 is 60 g lighter, 1.9 mm less drop, 5.8 mm more heel stack, ₹5,000 pricier, Ride +1.
 AdidasUltraboost 5 |  ASICSSuperblast 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 7.50 | 8.67 |
| Ride | 8.0 | 9.0 |
| Design & Comfort | 8.0 | 9.0 |
| Value | 6.5 | 8.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹17,000 | ₹21,999 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Max cushion | Max cushion |
| Weight | 290 g | 230 g |
| Heel stack | 40 mm | 45.8 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 30 mm | 37.7 mm |
| Drop | 10 mm | 8.1 mm |
| Foam | Light Boost 2.0 | FF Leap + FF Blast Plus |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | neutral | neutral |
| Fit | wide | narrow |
| Sizing | – | true to size |
| Recommended runner weight | 70 kg to 100–120 kg | All runners, including heavy (90 kg+) |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsLong runsBeginnersRunners 90 kg+ | Easy runsLong runsBeginnersRunners 90 kg+ |
| Pros | Soft Light Boost 2.0 with energy return rare in max-cushion shoes · Feels lighter than its 290 g · Soft, breathable Primeknit upper · Spacious, tall toe box · Durable, grippy Continental rubber outsole · Suits runners up to 100–120 kg · Great for casual wear · Excellent buy under ₹10,000 | Most fun shoe of the year · Extremely soft FF Leap + FF Blast Plus midsole · Fit true to size at UK 8, snug and secure · Plush woven upper with gusseted tongue · Light at 230 g for a 46/38 mm stack · Stability improved once I'd done a few runs |
| Cons | Heel slippage · Loose on narrow feet · Moderate heel counter, little support for overpronators · Heel tab may rub the Achilles · 290 g, he wants 250 g next version · Not for fast paces · Far too expensive at ₹17,000–18,000 | Exposed midsole wears and cracks quickly · Outsole rubber wears fast · Narrower forefoot than Superblast 2 · Expensive at ₹22,000–23,000, rarely discounted · Can feel clunky for lighter runners · Less energetic than the Megablast |
| Avoid if | Avoid it if you have narrow feet, because the heel slippage gets worse, or if you overpronate and need ankle support. | Avoid it if you have ankle pronation and need a stability shoe, or if you have wide feet and can't size up or get the wide version. |
My verdicts
Adidas
Ultraboost 5
The Ultraboost 5 is the most underrated max-cushion daily trainer, soft with energy return that other max-cushion shoes lack. I would not recommend it at ₹17,000–18,000, but under ₹10,000 just buy it.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you have narrow feet, because the heel slippage gets worse, or if you overpronate and need ankle support.
Read reviewASICS
Superblast 3
If money is no issue and you want one shoe that makes you love running, the Superblast 3 is the one I recommend. No other shoe this year gave me this much fun, though the soft exposed midsole wears quickly.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you have ankle pronation and need a stability shoe, or if you have wide feet and can't size up or get the wide version.
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