The ASICS Sonicblast is yet another new shoe in the ASICS arsenal, and while it is plated, it is not a replacement for the Magic Speed line (yet). The Sonicblast combines high-stack cushioning with a Pebax based plate, creating a ride that feels both plush and snappy. It is designed for those days when you want to push the pace but still need the confidence of a stable, cushioned platform. It is heavier than the Magic Speed, swaps carbon for Pebax, fills a hole in the lineup, and should sell way better. It also feels almost identical to the Megablast, just a little stiffer given the plate.
Technical Specs
- Price: $180
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm
- Stack Height: 46 mm
- Weight: Men’s ~9 oz (US 9), Women’s ~7.7 oz (US 8)
- Upper: Engineered jacquard mesh
- Midsole: FF BLAST™ MAX (bottom layer), FF TURBO™² (top layer), ASTROPLATE™ Pebax propulsion plate
- Outsole: ASICSGRIP™ rubber
- Category: Pebax Plated Speed/Tempo Trainer
Upper
The upper is a lightweight engineered mesh that feels breathable and soft against the foot. During my first run, I noticed how well it ventilated even on a warm day meaning no hot spots and no sweaty feeling. The midfoot lockdown is secure thanks to a gusseted tongue that stays in place, and the laces cinch down without creating pressure points. The heel collar is lightly padded, giving just enough comfort without feeling bulky, different from Megablast but just as comfortable. Width-wise, it’s a performance fit: not narrow, but definitely not roomy so if you have wide feet, you might feel a little snug in the forefoot. Overall, the upper feels premium and race-ready without sacrificing comfort for everyday use.
Midsole
This is where the Sonicblast shines similar to the Megablast. Here you get a dual-layer midsole that combines FF BLAST™ MAX for softness and FF TURBO™² for energy return. Sandwiched between these layers is their ASTROPLATE™, a Pebax plate that adds propulsion without feeling overly rigid. The geometry is well thought out as the rocker design helps you roll through each stride smoothly. On paper, the stack height might sound intimidating, but on the run, it feels stable and balanced. The cushioning is generous, making long runs feel effortless, yet the plate and responsive foam keep things lively when you pick up the pace. It’s the kind of midsole that makes you want to run fast, even when you planned an easy day. I will go on record here saying that most runners would prefer this for race day over the Metaspeed or even Magic Speed models.
Outsole
ASICS uses its ASICSGRIP™ rubber, and honestly it remains impressive. The outsole layout focuses on high-wear areas, with cutouts to keep weight down. Grip on wet pavement is excellent, I even tested it after a light rain, and there was zero slipping.
Run Performance
So how does it actually feel on the run? In one word, energetic. The first time I took the Sonicblast out, I planned an easy six to seven miles. But after a couple miles I found I was cruising at tempo pace without even trying. The combination of soft cushioning and the Pebax plate creates a sensation that’s both smooth and snappy. It’s not as aggressive as a carbon-plated racer, so it doesn’t feel harsh, but it gives you that extra push when you want it. And when you do want it, the things can go.
On long runs, the shoe really starts to shine. Longer runs with mixed paces, the Sonicblast handled everything beautifully. At slower speeds, it’s comfortable, though you can occasionally feel the plate underfoot, but it’s not intrusive. It does remind you this shoe was built for speed. When I shifted to marathon paces, the transition felt effortless. The rocker geometry and plate work together to keep you moving forward without extra effort.
There are a couple down sides of course. The fit might feel snug for wide-footed runners, and at very slow paces, the shoe can feel a little awkward because of the plate and rocker so you really do want to keep it moving. Also, the high stack means you’ll want to be mindful on sharp turns, it’s stable for its height, but I mean it is what it is.
Conclusion
The ASICS Sonicblast is a standout in the non-carbon yet plated super trainer category that has emerged. It offers a lively ride that works for everything from daily mileage to speed workouts. If you love the Novablast but wish it had more snap, this is your upgrade. It’s versatile, fun, and built for runners who want a shoe that feels fast without beating up their legs. Now most runners will be fine with the Megablast, but the Sonicblast definitely dials it up a notch.
Final Grade: 9/10
It has incredible cushioning, a quick up beat ride, and solid grip. It loses a point for being slightly less comfortable at slower paces and running snug for some runners.
Learn more on the ASICS website
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Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
