Disclaimer: The Run Testers sometimes use affiliate links. This means that we may receive payment if you buy products on our website or YouTube. Our use of affiliates supports the channel and does not affect how we review shoes, tech or gear.
The Asics Sonicblast launched at the same time as the excellent Asics Megablast, and uses the same FF Turbo Squared foam in its midsole. It’s a plated trainer though, and more affordable than the Megablast, with the Sonicblast being built to rival the likes of the Nike Zoom Fly 6 and Saucony Endorphin Speed 5.
We have mixed opinion on the shoe, however, with Nick and Mike finding it a little firm and slappy, and lacking the fun ride you get on the best running shoes in its category. Kieran is more of a fan of the Sonicblast though and found it very versatile.
Design & Key Stats
- Price: £170/$180
- Weight: 261g/9.2oz (men’s UK 9 / US 10)
- Drop: 8mm
- Stack: 46mm heel, 38mm forefoot (M), 45mm heel, 37mm forefoot (F)
- Upper: Breathable mesh
- Midsole: FF Turbo Squared and FF Blast Max foam with ¾ Pebax Astroplate
- Outsole: Asicsgrip rubber covering most of forefoot and heel
Asics Sonicblast review
How’s The Fit
Nick, Tom and Kieran tested the Asics Sonicblast and we found that the fit was good in our normal running shoe size, the same size we’d use across the Asics range. There’s enough padding around the back of the shoe for it to be comfortable without going overboard, so the upper is still lightweight overall..
Check out more of the best marathon running shoes
The Run Test: Likes
The Asics Sonicblast is a versatile shoe that can handle a wide range of runs well thanks to the midsole setup, which delivers a fast but still comfortable ride. The plate adds some propulsion, and the high amount of cushioning underfoot means it’s protective enough for easy runs.
We’ve done a range of fast runs in the shoe between us, and it’s does have enough punch for your hardest training sessions, and could even be used as a stand-in racing shoe if you’re not keen on paying the high price required for one of the best carbon plate running shoes.
The FF Squared Turbo foam in the midsole is responsive and has retains its bounce throughout long runs. It’s also proved a durable material in our testing of the Megablast and Sonicblast, so it should last you plenty of miles.
The Run Test: Dislikes
Mike and Nick found that the Sonicblast was a little stiff and slappy on the run, and didn’t have the spring we got from the Megablast and other plated training shoes. The ride is fast, but it’s not especially fun.
It’s also not the strongest option in its category in our opinion, with others like the Hoka Mach X3, Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and Nike Zoom Fly 6 producing more enjoyable rides that are more comfortable on easy runs and a little more springy and explosive on fast ones.
Check out more of the best Asics running shoes
Verdict And Alternatives
The Asics Sonicblast is an effective plated trainer in that whatever run you have lined up that day, it will handle it pretty well. The ride isn’t the smoothest or springiest though, and in a competitive area of the market we wouldn’t say the Sonicblast stands out as an outstanding option unless you really love its firmer, more direct ride.
Other plated trainers that have better all-round rides include the cheaper Nike Zoom Fly 6, while the Hoka Mach X3 and Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 are more enjoyable options that cost around the same as the Sonicblast.
The Megablast is a springier Asics options too, and even without a plate it’s as effective for fast runs as the Sonicblast while being more comfortable for cruising along at easy paces.
Another great plate-free option is the Adidas Adizero Evo SL, which is a lot cheaper than the Sonicblast and outperforms it for fast runs, though it’s not as stable and cushioned for longer efforts.