The ASICS SONICBLAST is a versatile super trainer designed for faster efforts that's also suitable for easier miles. It features a dual-layer midsole with FF Turbo² on top and FF Blast Max underneath, separated by a ¾-length plastic Astroplate that slightly stiffens the midsole and adds stability more than propulsion. With a tall stack and ASICSGrip outsole, it delivers protective cushioning and reliable traction, making it well-suited for everyday runs and moderate uptempo work. While it can pick up the pace when needed, the shoe is less effective for very long efforts, positioning it as a bouncy, cushioned option that fills the gap between a daily trainer and a plated speed shoe.
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.
Partial plastic plate adds some stiffness to the foam.
Very bouncy dual-midsole compound.
Very protective midsole, especially in the heel.
Too heavy for competitive racing.
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 it lacks the responsive feel that makes a strong 5K or 10K shoe. It can handle faster training runs, yet athletes chasing after speed and explosiveness will find it underwhelming at these distances.
Very bouncy dual-midsole compound.
Too heavy for competitive racing.
Plate isn't really there for propulsion.
The ASICS SONICBLAST offers very good energy return that feels lively enough for daily training at various paces but not truly propulsive. The FF Turbo² top layer adds bounce, while the FF Blast Max bottom layer isn't as energetic. The result is a ride that's consistent and smooth rather than explosive, making it better for steady and tempo paces than all-out efforts.
Very bouncy dual-midsole compound.
The ASICS SONICBLAST delivers excellent cushioning, combining a tall stack with premium foams that provide strong impact protection. It does an impressive job at keeping legs fresh both on easy runs and when picking up the pace.
Very protective midsole, especially in the heel.
The ASICS SONICBLAST provides adequate lateral stability. The wide base and stabilizing plate help keep the midsole under control, but the high stack and soft foam in the heel still allow some side-to-side movement. It feels secure enough for cruising and daily miles of various intensities, though runners who need firmer, more supportive shoes may find it less stable than shoes primarily designed with this factor in mind.
Partial plastic plate adds some stiffness to the foam.
Semi-gusseted tongue helps with lockdown.
The stack is quite high relative to the width of the platform.
The midsole foam is on the soft side, especially in the heel.
Performance Usages
Changelog
- 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.
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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.
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 size and gender variants to perform similarly.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The ASICS SONICBLAST is a versatile plated super trainer designed to bridge the gap between cushioned daily mileage and faster efforts. It's quite dependable: not the snappiest option for workouts but still capable of picking up the pace when needed, and not the plushest shoe for recovery but still a solid choice for easy runs. The plastic plate also adds some stability to the ride. That said, the overall midsole geometry and relatively flexible rocker mean it's not the most optimized choice for steady long runs, where models like the adidas Adizero Prime X3 Strung or the HOKA Mach X 3 feel a bit more adapted. Other well-known super trainers include the adidas Adizero Boston 13 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, which shine in workouts that reward snappiness and high turnover, but they don't offer the same range, protection, and overall versatility as the SONICBLAST.
Within ASICS' BLAST lineup, the SONICBLAST sits alongside three key models: the ASICS NOVABLAST 5, a modern daily trainer; the ASICS MEGABLAST, which is light, bouncy, and unplated; and the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2, which is slightly better suited for long, steady runs. Despite its name, the SONICBLAST isn't really about supersonic speed. While it can pick up the pace when needed, it leans more toward stability and protection than outright propulsion. ASICS also offers the ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4, a super trainer that delivers a firmer, lower-to-the-ground ride with a more traditional plated feel. Instead of replacing it, the SONICBLAST provides an alternative: a super trainer that combines cushioning with enough stiffness to stay engaging.
For additional options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, the best long-distance running shoes, and the best shoes for running a marathon.
Both the ASICS SONICBLAST and ASICS MEGABLAST are performance-oriented options from the Japanese brand, but they fit in distinctly different slots in its lineup. The SONICBLAST is a plated super trainer designed for faster efforts, with a dual-layer midsole that combines FF Turbo² and FF Blast Max around a partial plate, giving it a firmer, snappier forefoot that favors high-cadence turnover. It can handle easy miles too, though its real strength is moderate uptempo work. The MEGABLAST, on the other hand, is an unplated max-cushion trainer built entirely on FF Turbo² foam. It is actually lighter despite its taller stack, and delivers a softer, more cushioned ride that feels bouncy and energetic while remaining versatile across daily mileage, long runs, and faster sessions.
The ASICS SONICBLAST and the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 are two versatile trainers that share the BLAST family DNA but are built for very different purposes. The SONICBLAST is a premium super trainer that incorporates a plate, sits higher stacked, and delivers a more cushioned and energetic ride. It's designed to handle a broader range of runs, from steady long efforts to uptempo blocks. The NOVABLAST 5, on the other hand, is a modern daily trainer that leans fully into fun, bouncy comfort without the added structure of a plate. It's lighter on foot and shines for relaxed daily mileage with a lively, soft feel, but lacks the range and control of the SONICBLAST.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 and the ASICS SONICBLAST are both high-stack versatile trainers, but their designs lead to different strengths. The SUPERBLAST 2 uses its geometry and bending stiffness to create a smooth rolling sensation that makes it particularly well-suited to long runs, even without a plate. It's also a bit lighter than the SONICBLAST, which helps it feel easier to turn over during extended efforts. The SONICBLAST, meanwhile, incorporates a plate and delivers a bouncier midsole feel overall, with more cushioning in the heel. In practice, the SONICBLAST leans more toward bounce and versatility across paces, while the SUPERBLAST 2 leans toward smooth rolling efficiency during long, steady miles.
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.
We've recently started buying and testing running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
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 4, 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
This shoe has exceptional cushioning in the forefoot. The protection is noticeable on longer runs, especially once fatigue sets in. The cushioning holds up well under increasing force, although it feels firmer at higher force levels.
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.