ASICS Superblast 3 vs Saucony Paramount Max
We haven't tested ASICS Superblast 3 or Saucony Paramount Max yet, so their role suitability is estimated from published specs.
ASICS
Superblast 3
Check priceReview Pulse · Mostly positive · 84/100
Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning, criticise the value and split on the upper and durability.
Saucony
Paramount Max
Check priceReview Pulse · Mostly positive · 80/100
Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning, criticise the grip and split on the upper and stability.
The differences that matter
- ASICS Superblast 3 is 33 g lighter.
- ASICS Superblast 3 has 2 mm more foam under the heel.
- ASICS Superblast 3 has the higher drop (8 mm vs 6 mm).
- Saucony Paramount Max costs $10 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
ASICS Superblast 3
Praised
Softer and bouncier than the Superblast 2 thanks to FF Leap, with a smooth, lively roll that works from easy miles to marathon pace; a few find it too big and soft for sharp speedwork.
Saucony Paramount Max
Praised
A very soft, springy ride makes easy and long runs its strong suit, but the tall shoe feels less nimble when pace changes.
Cushioning
ASICS Superblast 3
Praised
Exceptional, deeply protective cushioning that stays plush deep into long runs, with one of the most protective forefeet in the lab.
Saucony Paramount Max
Praised
Reviewers agree the deep, responsive foam offers substantial protection and rebound for long mileage.
Upper
ASICS Superblast 3
Divisive
The wider toe box fixes the cramped fit of the Superblast 2 and the woven mesh is comfortable, but the stiffness and a snug arch divide testers, and ventilation is only moderate.
Saucony Paramount Max
Divisive
The padded mesh and broad fit feel comfortable to many, but reviewers also report low toe volume, heel movement, a minimally padded collar and heat retention.
Durability
ASICS Superblast 3
Divisive
Most find the midsole and rubber long-lasting, but the softer outsole rubber and large exposed foam patches show early wear in some tests.
Saucony Paramount Max
Divisive
Lab and retailer assessments are optimistic about outsole life, while one runner noticed early wear in exposed midsole foam.
Grip
ASICS Superblast 3
Praised
Outstanding road grip in dry and wet conditions, with lab traction the best tested at the time; loose gravel is its limit.
Saucony Paramount Max
Criticised
Grip is average on roads and can be unreliable on loose gravel, so it is best kept to smooth surfaces.
Stability
ASICS Superblast 3
Divisive
The wide base and firmer carrier foam keep it manageable for its height, but the soft FF Leap makes it noticeably less planted than the Superblast 2, and the forefoot flare divides reviewers.
Saucony Paramount Max
Divisive
A very broad base and sidewalls help some runners feel stable, but the soft, bouncy platform feels unpredictable to others.
Value
ASICS Superblast 3
Criticised
At $210 it is hard to justify for most runners, especially with cheaper super trainers and the Superblast 2 on discount offering most of the experience.
Saucony Paramount Max
Divisive
The $200 price is steep, though reviewers see a case for it in the unusual foam, protection and orthotic accommodation.
Which one to choose
Choose ASICS Superblast 3 if…
- you want the lighter shoe
- you want more foam under you
- you like a higher drop
- its grip is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- One shoe for most training
- Long runs and marathon training
- Marathon racing for runners who do not want a plate
Choose Saucony Paramount Max if…
- you prefer to feel closer to the ground
- you like a lower drop
- price matters
Reviewers recommend it for
- Easy and recovery runs
- Long runs and high-mileage weeks
- Runners seeking very soft, bouncy cushioning
Specifications
- Category
- Max-cushion trainer
- Max-cushion trainer
- Price
- $210
- $200$10 less
- Weight
- 239 g33 g lighter
- 272 g
- Drop
- 8 mm
- 6 mm2 mm lower drop
- Stack
- 45 / 37 mm2 mm more stack
- 43 / 37 mm
- Plate
- Not reported
- Not reported
- Stability
- Neutral
- Neutral
- Foam
- FF LEAP / FF BLAST PLUS
- incrediRUN
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE