A firm, plate-driven trainer that excels at faster paces and suits heel strikers or heavier runners, though some testers find the rigid ride and blocky heel transition uninspiring at easy efforts compared to softer alternatives.
Thomas and Megan call the Sonicblast a highly versatile do-it-all trainer that fills a gap in the ASICS lineup comparable to the Saucony Endorphin Speed, scoring 12-13/15.
Best for: One-shoe-rotation runner who wants a versatile daily trainer that can also do tempo, long runs, and marathon racing
Nate found the Sonicblast firm, stiff, and clunky compared to the Megablast. While he eventually settled into its rhythm after 5 miles, it did not click for him on the first run and he noted it would suit runners who specifically prefer late-stage rocker geometry.
Best for: Runners who prefer structured, late-stage rocker trainers and don't mind a firmer, stiffer ride
The reviewer finds the Sonicblast excels at faster paces with an impressively bouncy and snappy forefoot, but notes the heel-to-midfoot transition is somewhat rigid and jarring at easy paces, suggesting refinements could be made to the bevel and plate length.
Best for: Uptempo long runs and speed training where a bouncy, snappy forefoot feel is desired
A forefoot-focused tempo shoe with real potential but an underdeveloped heel — Solless would pick it as a do-it-all racer, Nathan and Klein still prefer the Novablast 5 or other $180 options.
Best for: Uptempo long runs and 5K-to-half racing for runners who land and roll off the forefoot.
Nathan's stride didn't mesh with the Sonic Blast's rocker and soft forefoot at easy paces, but he acknowledges it's a lively, stable plated daily trainer that works well for other testers on his team.
Best for: Nova Blast fans who want a snappier, plated daily trainer with some structure, or runners wanting to experiment with plates before going carbon.
After more miles, the Sonicblast softens only slightly and still feels firm, heavy and lacking fun; Ed would reach for unplated alternatives like the Megablast or Velocity Nitro 4 over this.
Best for: Heel strikers wanting a stable, rigid, moderately cushioned rocker trainer for cruising runs.
Well-built with a premium upper and stable ride, but the dense, rigid midsole feels too firm and un-energetic for a daily or tempo trainer at this price. Scored 9.5/12.
Best for: Heavier-set runners wanting a firmer plated trainer for tempo and long cruising.
The best of EDDBUD's above-40mm plated trainers for stability, but a rigid, firm, controlling ride that loses head-to-head to the Endorphin Speed 5, Zoom Fly 6, and loses to the Hyperion Max 3 on refinement while beating it overall.
Best for: Heavier built runners or those wanting a stable, firm max-stack plated trainer at cruising pace
Good but unremarkable — the Sonicblast never comes alive and still feels firmer and less peppy than expected after 50 miles; doesn't stand out against rivals and has weak wet-weather outsole grip.
Best for: Heavier runners who benefit from a firmer, stable super-trainer ride.
A stable, firmer super-trainer that's a decent option for bigger runners or mild overpronators, but Fordy was underwhelmed compared to the Megablast and would rather spend up for the Superblast 2 at the same price.
Best for: Heavier runners and mild overpronators who want a firmer, stable super-trainer alternative to the Nike Zoom Fly 6.
Best for: First-time half or marathon trainees who want a super trainer for training volume and race day.
Kofuzi finds the Sonicblast doesn't work for him as a forefoot striker — it feels cumbersome, heavy, and sluggish at faster paces, best suited to heel strikers wanting a stabilized Novablast.
Best for: Heel strikers who wanted a plated, stabilized Novablast feeling; those who found the regular Novablast too chaotic or squishy
Steve sees the Sonicblast as the most unique and controlled Blast shoe, fast and smooth with a plastic plate that makes it ideal for workouts and potentially marathon racing.
Best for: Workouts, intervals (200s/400s/800s), 5K/10K, and potentially marathon racing for those wanting a smoother, faster but not overly cushioned ride
Steve prefers the Sonicblast for its denser, plated, efficient ride — feels like the best of both worlds between a carbon racer and a daily trainer, and he's considering racing a marathon in it.
Best for: Runners who want a slightly firmer, plated uptempo trainer that can stand in as a non-carbon marathon option.
The three testers disagree — Mike finds it competent but outshone by cheaper/better alternatives, Nick calls it a winner and versatile do-it-all plated trainer, Kieran sees good qualities but finds the ride not fully cohesive.
Best for: Faster sessions and uptempo daily training for runners who like a firmer, dense plated ride
A snappy, firmer plated trainer that performs well at faster paces and offers better value, but lacks the enjoyable bounce of the Megablast and faces stiff competition in its category.
Best for: Faster workouts, track reps and tempo runs for runners who like a firmer, more controlled plated trainer and want a cheaper price.
Compared to other road speed training in the same lane.
