Superblast 3 v Saucony Azura
M 6ft.2 83kg HM 1:19 M 2:54. Currently training for a 90km road ultra in June (why I bought these shoes as will use one for race day).
Mid foot striker, with slightly narrow feet with a neutral gate/running mechanics.
Other shoes in rotation(use case):
Vomero 18 (daily/recovery), Boston 13 (tempo/speed), Rebel v5 (daily), Superblast 2 (long), Salomon Aero blaze 3 (daily), Adidas pro 4 (race 21+), ASICS Sky Paris (21 and under).
Hey all, recently picked up the SB3 so thought would share my opinion on them vs the Azura. As if you considering one i think it worth considering the other.
Reference images: Azura at 210km, SB3 at 50km.
I am not actually sure if you would classify these shoes in the same category, but I have used these in basically the same manner and fill the same space in my rotation so think they are fairly comparable.
Use case: Both shoes have been picked up for an ultra race shoe option. Original picked up the Azura but having an issue with it (see below) so ended up getting the SB3 as a back up option. So being used for long runs, some tempo work, and some session work intervals in the longer efforts.
Fit/feel: went tts in both and works well with no issues. Both have a very nice step in feel and have no rubbing/hot spots in either. They both on the bigger shoe size (though SB definite the bigger of the two) but very light on the feet and have a nice disappearing feel to them. Only thing I will call out, the Azura has a slightly interesting foot shape to it. The forefoot is wide but the mid foot is pretty narrow (for support i imagine). Was a slightly strange feeling when first stepping into them but didn’t notice on the run at all. SB3 feels very similar to the SB2 (in terms of upper feel) for me.
Ride:
Both of these are very comfortable cruisers. The SB3 feels pretty soft when you first step into it but found it firmed up a bit on the run. The Azura overall a firmer shoe but not by a huge amount, in terms of softness/firmness I would say they much of a much. If I had to call out differences I would say the SB3 has more a bouncy feel to it whereas the Azura as more a reactive feel to it. But I imagine if you like the one you’ll like the other.
For specific to each shoe:
Azura: firmer and more reactive midsole vs a bouncy midsole. It feels like it has more of a rocker vs the SB so found it turns over a little easier. It still feels like quite a big shoe on the foot but turns over very easily. I have also done interval works in it (around 3:20 min/km) which I didn’t think it would handle that well but actually did really nicely. I find it a shoe that rewards you for putting effort into it and find it best when I am pushing a little harder through the shoe.
SB3: a common issue with the SB was people saying it felt “slappy and like a brick” - my opinion was I agree on the slappy comment but never found it brick like. The SB3 I still get that slappy feeling (it’s still quite a loud shoe), but think the softer feeling to it people who didn’t like the SB2 will like this (I don’t think it actually is less stiff but I think cause of the softness it feels like it rolls through the stride a bit nicer than the SB2 which should help that brick like feel if you felt that). I haven’t done interval work in them yet but find they excel at just long run pace at any effort (have run between 4:00 up to 6:00 min/km and all done well). They certainly a bulky shoe though so don’t think they would handle intervals as well as the Azura.
Durability: still early on in both but currently no issues to report. Have seen some comments on durability issues with the SB3 which would be unfortunate as durability of the SB2 were one of its best traits but will have to see how they last.
Issues:
Haven’t had any issues with the SB3. The Azura has had a constant issue with the tongue. Specifically on one of the shoes (only the one) the tongue keeps sliding down when I run. To the point where the laces are directly on my foot and causes really bad lace bite. You can see in one of the photos I have cut a slit in the tongue to try stop this. It has helped a little but not completely. I have tried new laces, different tightness etc but nothing has worked 100%. This is actually why I ended up getting the SB3 as don’t want to be having to stop every few km to pull up my tongue. It feels like such a minor issue but truthfully it’s a minor issue that putting me off using these shoe - finding myself not being wanting to reach for it because I just don’t want to deal with the tongue.
Price:
I think this is the biggest difference here. Take out the tongue issue, these shoes are so similar I struggle to see why I would pay an extra $50-$75 dollars for the SB3 over the Azura. Especially if you don’t have any tongue issues with the Azura. The SB3 is still an amazing shoe and if cash is not a worry then doesn’t really matter, just pick the one you think you’ll like more. But if cash is tight, as good as the SB3 is, I don’t think it’s $50+ better than the Azura.
Who is best for:
Not considering price here, I think there are slight differences between these which could lead you to one or the other.
I think the Azura works slightly better at uptempo quicker paces. If most of your runs are slightly quicker would say (5:15-5:30 m/km and below) the I think Azura is better. But if you keen on a long run beast and those runs you not to worried about pace the SB3 will be better. If you wanting a non carbon race shoe would say go for the Azura if you targeting sub 3:30-4:00 hour marathon, if over 4 hour marathon would say go for the SB (just cause you’ll be putting more into the Azura at those paced which is where I find it does best).
But honestly I’m splitting hairs here. I still think the Azura is better at quicker effort and the SB3 is better at longer runs but they both could handle either effort very well and you’ll be happy in both.
Verdict:
For me the tongue is such an issue on the Azura I will give it to the SB3 (for me). But ignoring the tongue, I think the Azura is an overall better deal. It can handle everything the SB3 can and is a chunk cheaper.
Worth trying on both if you can but truthfully can’t go wrong with either.
Happy to answer any questions.