The ASICS Sonicblast is one of the more interesting neutral trainers I have tried this year. ASICS has launched so many shoes lately that it feels like each one fills a very specific gap and is only used for certain things. That is fine, but we do not need a 35-shoe rotation. The Sonicblast steps into the middle ground of daily training. It is not a max-cushion shoe. It is not a speed shoe. It is a reliable trainer meant to handle the everyday runs that make up most of the week.
If you have been around here long enough, you know those middle-ground shoes are often my favorites. They are the ones you forget about until you realize you have logged 200 miles in them without thinking twice. They make up the bulk of your training.
The theme of the ASICS Sonicblast is ghost of the past because it reminds me of a daily trainer from 5–10 years ago. Simple. Basic. Gets the job done. Which honestly was not what I expected when I think of the name “Sonicblast.”
Before trying the ASICS Sonicblast, I had a few questions.
Is the ASICS Sonicblast good for daily runs?
Yes. It works best as an everyday trainer. Nothing fancy. Just a shoe you can grab for most runs without thinking about it.
How does the Sonicblast compare to the Novablast?
The Novablast is softer and has more bounce. The Sonicblast feels more controlled. If the Novablast feels too lively for you, the Sonicblast is a more traditional daily trainer option.
Can you use the Sonicblast for long runs?
For mid-distance long runs, yes. If you like a firmer option, it is great. If you want something plush for two hours or more, this is probably not your long-run shoe.
Does the Sonicblast fit true to size?
It fits fairly true to size. If you need a wide forefoot, I would try them on first since the toebox is not roomy. If you have never worn ASICS, they tend to fit long and narrow, and that is the case with the Sonicblast.
Who is the Sonicblast best for?
Runners who want a straightforward daily trainer. Someone who wants a stable, predictable ride and does not need a lot of softness or a fast feeling underfoot. If you miss daily trainers of the past, this may be the shoe for you.
Let’s get into an honest ASICS Sonicblast review.
Quick Facts
- Price: 140 dollars
- Weight: 8.4 oz
- Stack height: 34 mm heel / 26 mm forefoot (8 mm drop)
- Category: Neutral daily trainer
- Best for: Easy runs, steady mileage, light progression days
ASICS Sonicblast Upper and Fit
The Sonicblast upper uses a simple engineered mesh that feels a lot like older ASICS models before everything started to get overly structured. It is soft without feeling floppy. The breathability is good for desert running. I never felt like my feet were cooking on warm days.
The fit is true to size for me. I wear a women’s size 10.5 or 11 depending on the brand, and the Sonicblast in size 11 fits exactly how I want a daily trainer to fit. The forefoot is not wide, but it is not narrow. Like I mentioned, if you have never worn ASICS running shoes before, they tend to fit long and lean. If you prefer a very wide toebox, you may want to try them on before committing.
The heel has light padding and enough structure to keep things secure. The only thing I noticed is the collar sits slightly higher, so if you are sensitive around the ankle bone, it may take a couple of runs to break them in.
Overall, the upper is simple and comfortable, which is exactly what a daily trainer should be. You do not need fifteen panels of recycled mesh (although I applaud any sustainability efforts) or a complicated lacing system to get a shoe that fits well.
ASICS Sonicblast Ride
The Sonicblast uses FF Blast+ midsole foam. ASICS has put this foam into almost every neutral shoe in their lineup, and it continues to be one of the more balanced foams out there. It is soft enough to take the edge off longer easy runs, yet firm enough that you do not feel like you are bottoming out.
This is not a super-shoe foam, but that is not what it is meant to be. If you want a shoe you can lace up at 5:30 AM before work and not think about again, this is it.
On easy runs, the Sonicblast feels smooth and steady. The flex grooves give the forefoot a natural roll, and the shoe does not force a specific stride pattern. It feels good during the run and there isn’t a point that I want to take them off…really what more do you need.
On progression days, it held up better than I expected. Is it a tempo shoe? No. But if the plan calls for something like three miles easy, three miles moderate, and a cool down, the Sonicblast can manage that without being the worst option out there. It shines most at those steady paces that are not slow but not hard either.
As far as ground feel, it is moderate. You are not sitting on a marshmallow, but you are not feeling the road either. It is right in the middle. Everything about this shoe is middle ground.
Outsole
The outsole uses ASICS High Abrasion Rubber in the heel and forefoot. The coverage is good enough for durability without adding weight. After about 80 miles, the wear looks normal with no concerning spots. That is what you want in a daily trainer, and I predict it will last around 400 miles.
Traction has been solid. I tested them on pavement, some sandy trail sections, and a few wet patches, and I never slipped. This is not a trail shoe, but for anything on the road, the grip is good. I do not have to worry about falling because of the grip (LOL).
One of the better outsole features is the decoupled groove in the heel. It softens the landing without feeling mushy and helps the shoe transition smoothly. It is a subtle design choice, but it works.
ASICS Sonicblast Conclusion
The ASICS Sonicblast is the definition of a solid daily trainer. It is not flashy. It is not trying to be the next carbon-plated breakthrough. It is a shoe that will get you through most of the training week.
If you are someone who wants one shoe for easy runs, recovery days, and the bulk of your mileage, the Sonicblast fits that space well. It is comfortable, steady, and has enough cushioning for daily use without giving you the disconnected feel that some max-cushion trainers have.
Who Should Buy the ASICS Sonicblast
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Runners looking for a simple, reliable daily trainer
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Anyone who wants a shoe that reminds them of past daily trainers
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Runners who like FF Blast+ foam but want something more straightforward than the Novablast
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Runners who want a predictable ride for everyday mileage
Who Should Not Buy the ASICS Sonicblast
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Runners wanting a plush max-cushioned ride
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Runners who want a fast, responsive feel for speed workouts
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the ASICS Sonicblast?
What is your favorite daily trainer?