The ASICS SONICBLAST is a high-stack, plated super trainer for runners who want a single versatile shoe for workouts, long runs, and faster daily mileage. Its excellent cushioning and impressive energy return provide a deeply protective, lively ride that stays smooth when you want to run faster. However, it's only reasonably stable, and though light for a daily trainer, it's not especially quick or explosive at race pace. It's best suited to runners who want a cushioned performance shoe that can handle faster running without becoming too aggressive for regular mileage.
| ✅ Buy If: | ❌ Skip If: |
|
|
Our Verdict
The ASICS SONICBLAST is a good option for marathon racing thanks to its tall stack and good midsole bounce, which keep the ride protective and steady over long distances. It performs best for runners targeting moderate paces, offering comfort and structure that reduce fatigue late in a race. However, its heavier build and partial plastic plate mean it isn't nearly as efficient or fast as dedicated marathon super shoes.
Excellent cushioning remains highly protective over longer efforts.
Great energy return helps maintain race pace.
Stiff rocker keeps transitions controlled deep into the race.
Tall, relatively soft platform can become less secure as fatigue builds.
Weight limits efficiency compared with dedicated marathon racers.
The ASICS SONICBLAST isn't really suited to shorter races, where its weight and lack of propulsion hold it back. The midsole compound offers some good bounce but lacks the responsive feel that makes a strong 5K or 10K shoe. It can handle faster training runs, yet athletes chasing speed and explosiveness will find it underwhelming at these distances.
Great energy return keeps shorter efforts lively.
Forefoot provides good leverage at toe-off.
Weight makes rapid turnover harder than in dedicated racers.
Plastic plate lacks the aggressive snap of race-focused carbon shoes.
The ASICS SONICBLAST is a good long-run shoe, particularly for steady efforts and runs with some faster sections. Its excellent cushioning remains very protective as the miles build, while the great energy return keeps the ride lively over distance. The stiff rocker also holds its shape extremely well, keeping transitions controlled late into runs. However, it isn't especially assistive through midstance, and the tall platform can become harder to control as fatigue builds.
Excellent cushioning remains highly protective over longer efforts.
Stiff rocker keeps transitions controlled as the miles build.
Great energy return keeps longer runs lively.
Tall, relatively soft platform can become less secure as fatigue builds.
The ASICS SONICBLAST is a decent daily trainer if you don't mind the plate. The excellent cushioning keeps regular mileage very well protected, while the energetic midsole gives the shoe plenty of versatility when you want to run faster. However, the partial plate and very stiff rocker make the ride more aggressive than a conventional daily trainer, and the tall platform is only reasonably stable. It's better suited to runners who mix workouts into their weekly mileage than those who mainly run easy paces.
Great energy return gives the shoe plenty of versatility across paces.
Excellent cushioning keeps regular mileage highly protected.
Plated ride is very stiff compared to traditional daily trainers.
Not the most stable ride for daily miles.
Changelog
-
Updated Sep 04, 2026:
We've updated this review to tweak the Introduction and Popular Comparisons and add text to some test boxes after updating the shoe's Test Bench.
- Updated Jul 03, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.13, which identifies the different foams used in the shoe's midsole. We've included a microscopic image of the foam cells to give you an idea of what the microstructure looks like. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Jun 17, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.12, which fixes how we measure firmness, a component of the Stability and 5K/10K Racing usages. There may be inconsistencies between the text and the scores for these usages, but the scores should still be considered valid. We've also brought back the Energy Return score and added two new usages: Daily Training and Long Run. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
-
Updated Apr 30, 2026:
We've updated this review to add text for the new Responsiveness and True To Size usage boxes and made minor phrasing adjustments throughout the review for consistency.
- Updated Apr 28, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.11, adding two new rocker measurements to the Design section, and three new responsiveness tests to the Performance section. The Energy Return usage score has been replaced with Responsiveness. Check out the details in our changelog.
- Updated Mar 25, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.10, adding a new set of fit tests to the Design section and an overall fit performance usage. Check out the details in our changelog.
-
Updated Feb 16, 2026:
We updated the text in the Popular Running Shoe Comparisons and Weight boxes of the review to include the latest iteration of the ASICS MAGIC SPEED.
-
Updated Jan 30, 2026:
We updated the review to include a link to our article about the best ASICS running shoes.
-
Updated Jan 12, 2026:
We added a mention of the ASICS GLIDERIDE MAX 2 in the Other Features section of the review.
- Updated Oct 28, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.9, which adds a Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test to our performance section. Read more in our changelog.
-
Updated Oct 21, 2025:
We've adjusted this review's writing to align with the new test bench, including updates to all usage scores and test boxes for Cushioning, Firmness, and Energy Return. We've updated the side-by-side comparisons with other shoes accordingly.
- Updated Oct 20, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.2, which updates our methodology for the impact force range used in our compression tests to improve their accuracy. This also affects all usage and performance usage boxes using those compression tests as score components.
- Updated Sep 12, 2025: Review published.
- Updated Sep 04, 2025: Early access published.
- Updated Aug 26, 2025: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Aug 21, 2025: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Aug 21, 2025: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
We've bought and tested more than 250 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs.
Test Results
Energy Return
The ASICS SONICBLAST has great energy return. The heel and forefoot return energy similarly, providing plenty of rebound regardless of where you land.
Great energy return keeps longer runs lively.
Great overall rebound makes ride efficient.
This model delivers great energy return in the forefoot. It feels firm underfoot, with enough return to handle pace changes and uptempo strides, but the pop is muted compared to livelier trainers like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4. The ride comes across as bouncy but not necessarily very propulsive, making it better for steady paces than for all-out surges.
The ASICS SONICBLAST shows very good rebound in the heel. The midsole compresses and releases consistently, giving a smooth push-off for heel and midfoot strikers. While it isn't explosive, the heel feels reliable during easy runs and steady paces, helping the shoe handle longer efforts without feeling flat.
Stability
The ASICS SONICBLAST has adequate stability. Its wide forefoot and arch provide a reasonably secure base, while the partial plate helps keep the tall platform under control through the stride. However, the heel is soft and sits extremely high relative to its width, making rearfoot landings less secure. Runners with higher stability needs may want something lower to the ground or firmer underfoot.
Wide forefoot and arch provide a secure base through midstance and toe-off.
Partial plate helps control the tall platform.
Soft heel makes rearfoot landings less secure.
Very tall heel relative to its width increases wobble for heel strikers.
The ASICS SONICBLAST has a soft heel, offering a plush landing, though it still feels firmer than shoes like the HOKA Mach X 3 or the ASICS MEGABLAST. The result is a heel that prioritizes comfort but doesn't feel overly mushy either, keeping the rearfoot relatively stable for such a tall stack.
The forefoot has a firm yet balanced feel. It stiffens progressively under load, as expected with any shoe, but at higher forces it feels relatively softer compared to very firm trainers like the adidas Adizero Boston 13. This makes the SONICBLAST less harsh under foot, offering a more forgiving ride, but also not very snappy or reactive.
The ASICS SONICBLAST uses a ¾-length thermoplastic plate that runs from the midfoot into the forefoot, leaving the heel unplated. This design emphasizes stability and helps reinforce the rocker rather than acting as a propulsive feature. In practice, the plate feels more like a guiding element that keeps transitions smooth and stable. Another ASICS shoe with a similarly designed partial plate is the ASICS GLIDERIDE MAX 2.
Cushioning
The ASICS SONICBLAST delivers excellent cushioning, combining a tall stack with premium foam that provides strong impact protection. It does an impressive job at keeping legs fresh both on easy runs and when picking up the pace.
Excellent cushioning remains highly protective over longer efforts.
Superb forefoot cushioning absorbs impact outstandingly.
Excellent heel protection reduces impact amazingly.
The ASICS SONICBLAST provides excellent cushioning in the heel. It effectively absorbs impact across a range of forces, keeping landings comfortable whether at an easy pace or under heavier loading for heavier runners or those who apply more force upon each stride. This is one of the shoe's strengths, offering protection that helps reduce fatigue for heel and midfoot strikers.
Responsiveness
The ASICS SONICBLAST has great responsiveness. The forefoot takes a lot of force to bend, providing plenty of leverage at toe-off, while the very stiff rocker holds its shape exceptionally well through the stride. Its forefoot also returns a good amount of the energy stored as it bends. However, the forefoot rocker isn't the most aggressive, so it limits how quickly the shoe moves you through toe-off.
Forefoot takes plenty of force to bend, providing good leverage at toe-off.
Good bending energy return keeps toe-off efficient.
Very stiff rocker keeps transitions smooth through the stride.
Forefoot isn't the most efficient through toe-off.
The forefoot has good bending energy return. It gives back a good amount of the energy stored as it bends, keeping toe-off efficient.
The forefoot takes a lot of force to bend, providing plenty of leverage at toe-off. However, it isn't especially stiff once bent, so it doesn't generate a particularly snappy push-off.
True To Size
The ASICS SONICBLAST fits true to size in length and forefoot volume. However, the arch area is less accommodating, so the midfoot can feel a bit more restrictive if you have flatter or higher-volume feet. Overall, going with your usual size should result in an accommodating fit that doesn't compromise on lockdown.
Length is spot-on.
Forefoot width closely matches our reference fit.
Toe-box height good enough for all runners.
Arch is noticeably snugger than our reference fit.
The ASICS SONICBLAST has an average weight for a super trainer. It sits in the middle of the pack, coming in lighter than bulkier options like the HOKA Mach X 3 but heavier than the ASICS MAGIC SPEED 5, a shoe it naturally overlaps with in the ASICS lineup. It doesn't feel overly heavy on foot, but it lacks the featherlight sensation of some plated tempo trainers.
The ASICS SONICBLAST has a massive stack under both the heel and forefoot. Its heel sits even taller than the already towering ASICS MEGABLAST.
This shoe runs slightly long, which is consistent with many ASICS models. Most runners will be fine in their usual size, but those between sizes may prefer going half a size down for a more precise fit.
The heel rocker does a decent job of transitioning heel strikers into midstance.
The ASICS SONICBLAST uses a dual-layer midsole. The softer FF TURBO² top layer is the same A-TPU foam found in the ASICS MEGABLAST, providing much of the shoe's bounce and energy return, while the firmer FF BLAST MAX layer underneath is also used in the ASICS NOVABLAST 6.
Though not on the level of the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 or ASICS MEGABLAST, the midsole of this shoe still holds up great over the course of a marathon. It loses very little protection as the miles build.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The ASICS SONICBLAST is a versatile plated super trainer that combines excellent cushioning with great energy return. It's better suited to steady efforts and progressive long runs than outright speed, with a very stiff rocker that keeps the ride smooth but lacks the aggressive snap of shoes like the adidas Adizero Boston 13 or Saucony Endorphin Speed 5. The HOKA Mach X 3 and adidas Adizero Prime X3 STRUNG are better options for long runs if you want a more assistive ride, while the SONICBLAST offers a more forgiving balance of protection and faster-running capability.
Within ASICS' lineup, the SONICBLAST sits between the everyday ASICS NOVABLAST 5 and more specialized performance options. The ASICS MEGABLAST is lighter, bouncier, and unplated, making it the more versatile choice for most runners, while the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is better suited to long, steady efforts. The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 5 is the better pick if you want a lighter, more race-focused plated shoe, while the SONICBLAST provides considerably more cushioning and a less aggressive ride than that shoe.
If you're looking for more shoes from ASICS' lineup, take a look at our recommendations for the best ASICS running shoes. For additional options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes.
The ASICS SONICBLAST and ASICS MEGABLAST are both versatile performance trainers, but the MEGABLAST is the better all-rounder for most runners. It’s lighter, more cushioned, and bouncier, making it better suited to daily training and long runs while still handling faster efforts well. The SONICBLAST has a firmer forefoot and partial plate that provide more structure and leverage at toe-off, so it’s the better pick if you specifically want a plated ride for workouts.
The ASICS SONICBLAST and ASICS NOVABLAST 5 are both versatile trainers, but the SONICBLAST is the more capable performance option. It’s more cushioned, more energetic, and uses a partial plate to add structure for faster running and longer efforts. The NOVABLAST 5 is lighter and better suited to relaxed daily mileage, so get that shoe if you're just looking for a daily trainer.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 and ASICS SONICBLAST are both versatile high-stack trainers, but the SUPERBLAST 2 is the better pick for long, steady efforts. It’s lighter and rolls more smoothly through the stride, while the SONICBLAST is bouncier and more cushioned through the heel. Get the SUPERBLAST 2 if long-run efficiency matters most; get the SONICBLAST if you want more bounce and a plated ride that works across a more paces.
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 5 and ASICS SONICBLAST both sit in ASICS' performance-trainer space, but they feel built around different priorities. The MAGIC SPEED is the more stripped-back, speed-first option: it's lighter, sits closer to the ground, and its full-length carbon plate creates a firmer, more traditional plated sensation with a sharp, direct toe-off that feels especially rewarding when you're applying force at faster paces. The ASICS SONICBLAST goes the other way, with a higher, more forgiving platform and a three-quarter-length plastic plate that reads more like a structure element than a pure propulsion piece. Its ride feels bouncier and smoother, with better overall cushioning and protection for longer efforts, while still keeping enough stiffness to stay engaging when you pick it up.
The HOKA Mach X 3 and the ASICS SONICBLAST are both plated super trainers, but they emphasize different qualities. The Mach X 3 leans more toward cushioning and softness, with a geometry and bending stiffness that make it particularly well-suited for long runs where rolling efficiency matters most. It's also slightly heavier than the SONICBLAST, though it delivers a more forgiving, cushioned feel over extended miles. The SONICBLAST, on the other hand, is the bouncier option, especially noticeable in the heel, giving it a livelier and more energetic character at a range of paces.
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 and ASICS SONICBLAST are both plated performance trainers, but they suit different runners. The MAGIC SPEED 4 is lighter, lower to the ground, and more aggressive at toe-off, making it the better pick for faster workouts and racing. The SONICBLAST is more cushioned, bouncier, and more forgiving over longer efforts. Get the MAGIC SPEED 4 if speed is the priority; get the SONICBLAST if you want a more protective plated trainer that can handle a wider range of running.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We bought and tested the ASICS SONICBLAST in men's US size 9, as noted on the label for our pair. The pair we purchased is the Citron/Tranquil Teal colorway, but you can also buy the shoe in several other options, including Cream/Blue Fade, Winter Sea/Stillwater, Black/Blue Fade, and Dark Pink Clay/White. The SONICBLAST is available in both men's and women's sizing, though unlike some other ASICS models, it doesn't come in wide or extra-wide versions. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other sizes and gender variants to perform similarly.
