The Asics Sonicblast is the ultimate speed shoe that has captured the affection of our Review Editor.
- A lively experience: As a member of Asics’s Blast family, the Sonicblast is designed for speedwork and serves as a more dynamic alternative to the Megablast.
- Innovative cushioning: The shoe features dual-density foam that not only cushions your foot but also offers excellent energy return and support.
- Flexible propulsion plate: This model includes an Astroplate made from Pebax, which is notably more flexible than traditional carbon fiber plates.
At the Runner’s World headquarters, we're huge admirers of the Asics Megablast. It was prominently featured in our Winter Shoe Guide, where testers were overwhelmingly positive about its performance. "I love so many aspects of this shoe!" one tester exclaimed. Another added, "Every element of the Megablast was incredibly comfortable." However, there’s another Asics shoe that deserves just as much attention: the Sonicblast.
This shoe is a remarkable option for speed enthusiasts and provides a cost-effective alternative for racing (although note it can't be used in official races due to its 46mm heel height, which exceeds the World Athletics limit of 40mm). Whether or not Asics intended for runners to channel the speed of a certain famous blue hedgehog is up for debate; nonetheless, sprinting down my local street while donning the vibrant blue, red, and white design certainly brought that comparison to mind.
Energetic Foam for Exceptional Rebound
The Sonicblast shares several key characteristics with the Megablast. Shoes from the Asics Blast collection are known for their bouncy feel, which both our reviewers and I found true for the Sonicblast.
A True Speedster
Pros
* The flexible Astroplate enhances propulsion.
* Dual-foam midsole guarantees a responsive, cushioned experience.
Cons
* A few testers noted the heel felt slightly unsteady.
Key Features at a Glance
* Type: Road, speedwork
* Weight: 9 oz (Men), 7.9 oz (Women)
* Drop: 8mm
* Stack Height: 46mm
Tester Molly Sunderlin shared her thoughts: "I enjoy the elevated heel, the bounce without excessive softness, the responsiveness, and the breathable material of the shoe."
That signature bounce comes from FF Turbo 2 cushioning, a specialized A-TPU foam (which stands for aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane). This material is lighter and offers superior energy return, rivalling PEBA, the secret ingredient in Nike’s ZoomX foam used in their Vaporfly and Alphafly models.
Unlike the full FF Turbo 2 midsole found in the Megablast, the Sonicblast incorporates a dual-foam setup with FF Turbo 2 alongside FF Blast Max, a POE (polyolefin elastomer) foam that also ensures high energy return while providing a supportive cushioning layer.
More Flexible Plate Design
Nestled between these foams is the Astroplate, crafted from Pebax plastic. This design adds necessary stiffness for stability while promoting propulsion throughout your stride. Compared to carbon fiber, this plate is more forgiving and feels similar to the nylon plates used in the Saucony Endorphin Speed.
I advocate for the inclusion of flexible plates in performance shoes, as they cater to runners who may not have a powerful push-off. With the Astroplate, you can still experience a propulsive effect without compromising your running form during extended efforts on rigid carbon fiber plates.
The Astroplate, visible on the bottom of the Sonicblast, offers pliability while maintaining a propulsive ride.
Tester Sunderlin remarked, "I appreciate the lightweight nature of the shoe, its bounciness, and how it functions well for quick, strategic runs. I feel it's instrumental in helping me maintain efficient stride rotation. I can envision racing in it, enjoying the feel over carbon-plated super shoes (which I haven’t yet found one I’d race in). It strikes a balance between feeling like a traditional shoe while delivering impressive performance."
Craig Wallace, another tester, put the shoe through its paces during marathon training long runs.
"I love the plastic plate in the forefoot, which offers abundant cushioning without being overly soft," he noted. "The plate responds well but feels slightly less firm compared to carbon options. Whether I’m running 16 miles on slow days or tackling Yasso 800s, this shoe's versatility is exceptional. It delivers one of the best rides I’ve experienced."
With FF Turbo 2 and FF Blast Max foams, you can expect impressive energy return and supportive cushioning.
The Bottom Line
An Exceptional Choice for Fast Runs and Long Distances
When I first tried on the Megablast, the full slab of FF Turbo 2 felt noticeably spongy. However, the ride did not provide the energizing sensation I anticipated from Asics trainers. In contrast, the Sonicblast delivered the exhilarating experience I was hoping for. While it features ample cushioning, it feels slightly firmer underfoot, giving me confidence and stability.
As I sprinted down a steep hill on my familiar route, the Sonicblast provided traction even on post-blizzard conditions, allowing me to embrace my runs despite the approaching winter months.
If I’m seeking plush cushioning and remarkable energy return with the option for quick bursts, I would opt for the Nike Vomero Premium. However, when I need supportive cushioning and a shoe that helps quell my "tempo-tantrums," I’ll follow Sonic’s example and use these trainers for a spirited run or on quieter days for a refreshing jog. Regardless of my mood—be it for a speedy training day or a revitalizing long-distance run—the Sonicblast remains my top recommendation.
Browse Men’s options at asics.com and Women’s selections at asics.com.
