ASICS Sonic Blast

Ben Parkes speculates the ASICS Sonic Blast will be a good option for heavier runners given the stack height and firmness, and for heel strikers due to the smooth transition.

kofuzi believes the ASICS Sonic Blast is much better at daily training than the Magic Speed 4, while the Magic Speed 4 is firmer and faster at picking up the pace.

kofuzi finds that the ASICS Sonic Blast comes in a bit on the heavy side for what he believes the shoe is supposed to be used for.

kofuzi finds that the ASICS Sonic Blast feels cumbersome and fights him when he tries to run faster; he feels the rocker and Astro Plate try to control his foot movement.

kofuzi finds that the ASICS Sonic Blast is nice when used as a daily trainer at easy effort paces.

kofuzi finds that the ASICS Sonic Blast is not 'it' for him, despite expecting to love it based on its components; he observes a sluggish feeling on the downstep where it does not release as quickly as he would like.

kofuzi finds that when he veers away from easy efforts in the ASICS Sonic Blast, a disconnect between his foot strike and the shoe's intended design becomes apparent.

kofuzi speculates that the sluggish feeling in the ASICS Sonic Blast is related to the plate being used more for stability than propulsion, and that the plate has a wing visible through a side window indicating a stability function.

kofuzi states ASICS wanted to give the people the Novablast with a plate.

kofuzi attributes the Sonic Blast as delivering the plated Nova Blast experience that some runners have been asking for.

Kieran observes that the ASICS Sonic Blast is a good addition to the ASICS lineup as a new shoe.

EDDBUD finds the ASICS Sonic Blast to be quite rigid.

EDDBUD notes that the ASICS Sonic Blast mentions having FF Turbo Squared foam, the same as the Mega Blast, but he found it to be a very different shoe.

EDDBUD observes that the foam in the ASICS Sonic Blast feels very different to the foams used in other ASICS shoes that supposedly use the same foams.

EDDBUD speculates that FlyFoam Turbo Squared foam can feel very different between its implementations, noting that in the Sonic Blast and the Megablast it felt wildly different.

EDDBUD finds the ASICS Sonic Blast does not feel like the same sort of engaging, bouncy, responsive ride as the Mega Blast.

EDDBUD finds the ASICS Sonic Blast quite a niche shoe that wants the runner to run in a very particular way.

EDDBUD finds the ASICS Sonic Blast upper excellent in terms of fit and breathability.

EDDBUD observes that the inherent rigidity in the ASICS Sonic Blast makes it feel like the plate is almost there as a stabilizing element.

EDDBUD specifies the ASICS Sonic Blast as a shoe for running at pace for workouts, not a daily versatile pace shoe.

EDDBUD states that the ASICS Sonic Blast has an excellent upper, which he considers the best part of the shoe; he wishes this upper were on the Nova Blast 5.

EDDBUD states that the ASICS Sonic Blast uses Flight Foam Blast Max as the bottom layer and Flight Foam Turbo Squared as another layer, but finds the ride feels very different from the Mega Blast.

EDDBUD states that when considering versatility and value, the ASICS Sonic Blast comes across as a more niche option.

EDDBUD attributes the Sonic Blast not feeling 'all that fun to run in' primarily to the 'firmness of the components' rather than stack bulk diminishing energy return.

EDDBUD concludes that after giving the Sonic Blast another shot, 'it's just not really happening for me'.

EDDBUD finds that the nylon plate in the Sonic Blast 'adds a lot of rigidity' and feels like it wants the runner to go from heel and roll through, like a rocker, which he finds 'a bit jarring' when landing mid-to-forefoot and 'doesn't really feel that natural' when picking up pace.

EDDBUD finds that the upper of the Sonic Blast is 'really good', providing 'great lockdown' and being 'breathable enough', with a feel similar to a daily trainer.

EDDBUD finds the Sonic Blast 'certainly firmer under foot out the box' and states it feels 'denser' and 'firmer' than the Megablast, with 'not a lot of squash'.

EDDBUD measured the Sonic Blast at 305 g (10.8 oz) and notes there are other shoes in his size with less weight that don't require a break-in period.

EDDBUD observes that after miles the nylon plate has 'begun to flex a little bit' and the foam itself is 'bedded in', but still suggests the Sonic Blast 'isn't the most cushioned or soft ride out there'.

EDDBUD observes that after more miles, the Sonic Blast 'does feel somewhat softer now, especially in the heel', and that both foams seem to have 'benefited from some pummeling' and become 'conditioned'.

EDDBUD observes that the Flightfoam Turbo Squared material in the Sonic Blast midsole 'just didn't feel the same' as it did in the Megablast.

EDDBUD observes that the Sonic Blast has standard lacing that 'works pretty well', a gusseted tongue that stays put without tongue slide, and reasonable padding in the heel and tongue with no annoying thick overlays, calling the upper 'functional and very minimal'.

EDDBUD observes that the plate is visible through the foam in the forefoot on both lateral and medial sides, which 'makes the shoe very stable up front' and effectively 'rights your foot strike' at the midfoot portion.

EDDBUD states the Sonic Blast costs £170 in the UK and calls it 'quite a expensive shoe'.

EDDBUD asserts that the Flight Foam Turbo Squared in the Sonic Blast feels completely different from the same-named foam in the Mega Blast and speculates it is a different formula based on many miles in both shoes.

EDDBUD describes the Sonic Blast as quite a rigid and firm shoe.

EDDBUD finds that the Sonic Blast foams soften up a little bit over time but never approach the softness of the Endorphin Speed 5 out of the box.

EDDBUD finds that the Sonic Blast has a firm ride compared to the Endorphin Speed 5, which has more compressive and soft cushioning in the rearfoot.

EDDBUD finds the ASICS Sonic Blast offers a slightly more stable ride than the Zoomfly 6.

EDDBUD observes that the exposed midsole material on the Sonic Blast holds out well but notes thorns sometimes penetrate the foam, which has not happened on the Zoomfly 6.

EDDBUD prefers the Sonic Blast's upper over the Hyperion Max 3, finding it more refined, easier to achieve lockdown, more breathable, and slightly more lightweight.

EDDBUD speculates that the Sonic Blast's rigid ride might be better for heavier built runners.

EDDBUD speculates the Sonic Blast fits into a very specific niche cruising speed, whereas the Zoomfly 6 feels good at a range of paces.

EDDBUD describes the Sonic Blast as a completely different shoe from the softer, bouncier Magical Blast, calling it a controlled and stabilized ride.

EDDBUD expresses doubt that the Flight Foam Turbo Squared in the Sonic Blast is the same formulation as in the Magical Blast, speculating there may be different formulas, as the Magical Blast's is more bouncy with more energy return.

EDDBUD finds the Sonic Blast (308 g) noticeably heavier on foot than the ZoomFly 6 and Boston 13, putting it more in line with the Brooks Hyperion Max 3.

EDDBUD finds the Sonic Blast a niche option fitting very specific boxes, not a racer for him, and lacking versatility.

EDDBUD finds the Sonic Blast felt reasonable going up hills, attributing some assistance to the Pebax plate; he notes considerable elevation on the half marathon.

EDDBUD finds the Sonic Blast's ride is firm and anchored in the firm category, with a rigid plate that did not free up even after a half marathon.

EDDBUD finds the engineered mesh upper is one of the best parts of the Sonic Blast, fitting his foot like a glove.

EDDBUD observes a lot of exposed midsole foam and had to pick thorns out of it; the exposed plate appears thick.

EDDBUD observes significant discoloration on the midsole foam after 16 miles, and recommends keeping the shoe on road and pavement, not taking it on light trail or gravel due to the exposed plate.

EDDBUD observes that the upper mesh is flexible, very comfortable, has decent tongue padding, and partial gusseting on both sides with no tongue slide.

EDDBUD speculates the Sonic Blast may work for heavier runners who want dense, consistent cushioning, but for his lighter frame the foams are rigid and firm.

EDDBUD states he would choose the ZoomFly 6 or Boston 13 over the Sonic Blast as a race shoe because they are more enjoyable and £30 less expensive.

EDDBUD states the Sonic Blast is £170 (UK) and finds it a puzzling shoe, noting that other race shoes and premium offerings are not much more expensive.

EDDBUD suggests the Sonic Blast is a better option for heavier runners who want a plated training shoe, but not a race shoe for him.

FORDY RUNS describes the ASICS Sonic Blast as 'a bit of a miss'.

FORDY RUNS finds the Sonic Blast 'just doesn't really do anything'.

FORDY RUNS gives the Sonic Blast 'the only reprieve' that it is 'so damn cheap', and if you like a firm shoe like the Boston 13 and are a marathon or half marathon trainer, 'then this could be the one to consider'.

FORDY RUNS observes the Sonic Blast 'didn't do very well' because of the makeup of the foam.

FORDY RUNS says ASICS 'did a really bad job' with the Sonic Blast.

FORDY RUNS states he was not a fan of the Sonic Blast at full price.

FORDY RUNS states the Sonic Blast 'failed miserably' and 'it's not very super'.

FORDY RUNS states the Sonic Blast can currently be picked up for £100 and less, which he finds interesting.

Yowana finds the Sonic Blast solid, but just kind of a dud.

Doctors of Running finds that at faster paces in the ASICS Sonic Blast, you compress into it quickly and snap off the forefoot with a trampoline effect from the midfoot and forefoot, rolling off the forefoot well.

Doctors of Running finds that at slower paces the ASICS Sonic Blast transition feels jarring — the heel bevel is similar in size to the Nova Blast 5, but the extra foam and 3/4-length plate make the midfoot feel almost rigid, resulting in a slappy heel-off motion.

Doctors of Running finds that the ASICS Sonic Blast upper feels more performance-oriented while still being training-friendly, with a thinner, airy, well-breathing jacquard mesh upper.

Doctors of Running finds the ASICS Sonic Blast does not feel unstable despite being 45 mm of stack.

Doctors of Running states that for daily training and easy miles, the Nova Blast 5 probably wins; for picking up the pace, the ASICS Sonic Blast does really well.

Doctors of Running states that the ASICS Sonic Blast is built from the Nova Blast and that ASICS took feedback from the Nova Blast to make a speedier, more lively, more responsive version with better traction.

Doctors of Running states the ASICS Sonic Blast retails at $180, which he considers a good price for what it can do.

Doctors of Running finds the Sonic Blast felt heavier, clunkier, firmer, and stiffer compared to the Mega Blast.

Doctors of Running reports that by the time he got to five miles in the Sonic Blast, he settled into the rhythm a little bit, but it felt really firm and stiff throughout.

Marathon Handbook finds the Sonic Blast a really good shoe for hills and enjoyed a hill session with it.

Marathon Handbook finds the Sonic Blast really comfortable overall and says they are definitely adding it to their rotation.

Marathon Handbook observes that on hills, the Sonic Blast is powerful and provides support even when on the toes.

Marathon Handbook observes that the Sonic Blast is heavier than the Mega Blast, which they find contradictory given its faster-intended purpose.

Marathon Handbook prefers the Sonic Blast for hills because of its rock-forward profile and construction.

Sagasu Running characterizes the ASICS Sonic Blast as a plated Nova Blast.

Sagasu Running shares his personal impression that the ASICS Sonic Blast is the less interesting shoe to him personally, describing it as a 'plated Novablast' — a shoe he says he never wanted.

Sagasu Running states that he is not very interested in the ASICS Sonic Blast and does not think he will cover it beyond this video, calling it 'a couple years too late' for the plated super-trainer idea.

Ryan's Running Reviews finds the Sonic Blast to be a bouncy uptempo option.

jogoncrago attributes his Achilles peritendinitis to the heel counter of the ASICS Sonic Blast.

jogoncrago observes that the ASICS Sonic Blast's heel counter aggravated his Achilles paratenonitis, which is why he mutilated the heel counter of the 361° Furious Future 2 with scissors.

jogoncrago states that because of the ASICS Sonic Blast heel counter aggravation, he will probably not be reviewing the ASICS Sonic Blast.

TF XC Running Shoe Reviews (TF XC) describes the ASICS Sonic Blast's flight foam turbo squared as super energetic and super bouncy.

TF XC Running Shoe Reviews (TF XC) finds that the ASICS Sonic Blast's TPU plate (replacing a carbon plate) makes the shoe more versatile as a training shoe.

TF XC Running Shoe Reviews (TF XC) finds the ASICS Sonic Blast much bouncier and much more energetic than the Magic Speed 4.

TF XC Running Shoe Reviews (TF XC) observes that the ASICS Sonic Blast has an almost identical upper to the Magic Speed 4.

TF XC Running Shoe Reviews (TF XC) prefers the ASICS Sonic Blast over the Magic Speed 4.

In the speed ranking, the reviewer places the Sonic Blast third, stating it is not the lightest in the lineup and that while the plate and forefoot rocker help make it feel fast, the Super Blast and Mega Blast are faster.

TF XC Running Shoe Reviews (TF XC) describes the ASICS Sonic Blast as a plated Nova Blast — a versatile plated uptempo daily trainer.

TF XC Running Shoe Reviews (TF XC) reports the Sonic Blast has a top layer of Flight Foam Turbo Squared (an ATPU-based foam), which he finds a tad firmer at first but definitely light and bouncy.