Written by Ben Traynor, for Runner’s Tribe

ASICS’ Sonicblast arrives looking every inch the “super-trainer”: Turbo² on top, a PEBAX Astroplate through the midsole, FF BLAST MAX beneath, and a towering 46/38 mm (8 mm drop) stack. But read past the spec sheet and you’ll find a shoe that prioritises polish and poise over pyrotechnics. The plate profile is relatively flat, the Turbo² compound runs firmer here than in the Megablast, and much of the perceived softness comes from the footbed and carrier foam. The result is a cushioned, stable daily trainer that shifts cleanly into tempo, smooth, efficient, and composed rather than overtly propulsive.

First Impressions

In hand, the Sonicblast presents like a modern performance trainer: light jacquard mesh, tidy padding where it counts, and a clean silhouette over serious stack. On foot, step-in is secure, the lacing cinches evenly, and the first strides reveal a silky transition with a measured pop. This is a high-stack shoe that behaves—more reliable workhorse with a speed gear than firecracker.

Price: AUD$290 via Asics Australia website

Key Specifications

• Type: Plated, max-stack performance trainer (daily + uptempo)

• Cushioning Stack: 46 mm heel / 38 mm forefoot · 8 mm drop

• Midsole: FlyteFoam Turbo² (top) · PEBAX Astroplate · FF BLAST MAX (bottom)

• Upper: Lightweight jacquard mesh; gusseted, perforated tongue

• Outsole: ASICSGrip rubber (targeted coverage)

• Weight: 9.9 oz (282 g) men’s US 10 · 7.4 oz (209 g) women’s US 7.5

• Fit: True to size overall; snug forefoot; runs slightly long

• Best for: Daily training, steady-state and uptempo work

Upper & Fit

The perforated jacquard mesh breathes well and lays uniformly over the foot. Midfoot lockdown is excellent—the gusseted tongue lies flat, and the speed-loop eyelets help fine-tune tension. Up front, the forefoot is on the snug side (no width options), and the last runs a touch long, which some runners will notice over longer efforts. The tall, inward-curving collar and semi-flex counter secure the rearfoot without a big block of foam; it’s tidy, but collar-sensitive runners should watch for rubbing. No reflective hits.

Midsole & Cushioning

This stack is layered for orderly energy. Turbo² sits closest to the foot, the Astroplate adds shape and guidance, and BLAST MAX provides the compliant base. Under load, the softest elements compress first (footbed → BLAST MAX), with a measured hint of Turbo² spring—more noticeable in the heel at faster paces. The plate’s flatter profile doesn’t generate the rearfoot “snap” of highly curved designs; instead, it stabilises and smooths the roll. The net feel is bouncy enough, notably stable for the height, and very efficient.

Ride & Performance

Easy mileage cruises; steady and tempo efforts come alive with a clean, guided transition and no wasted motion. There’s little midsole sink despite the stack, and ASICSGrip supplies trustworthy bite on dry and damp roads. Expect roughly 20 miles of break-in as the layers bed down. If you’re chasing a rocket, look elsewhere; if you want a trainer that quietly coaxes pace without drama, this is it.

How It Stacks Up (Comparable Shoes)

• Brooks Hyperion Max 2 (2024): similarly firm feel and flatter plate; Sonicblast rides smoother and softer on top.

• adidas Adizero Boston 13: lower stack, more overtly tempo-forward; less cushion for daily grind.

• Skechers Aero Tempo: comparable firmness, different flavour of snap.

Who Should Buy the Sonicblast?

✅ Runners wanting one shoe for daily miles and uptempo
✅ Those who like plated guidance without super-shoe harshness
✅ High-stack fans who still want a planted, predictable ride

Not ideal for:
❌ Very wide forefeet (no widths, snug forefoot)
❌ Collar-sensitive runners (heel chafe risk)
❌ Recovery shuffles (ride skews purposeful over plush)

Pros

• Cushioned ride with high-stack protection

• Smooth transitions; plate guides without intruding

• Secure upper with excellent midfoot lockdown

• Ventilation from breathable mesh and tongue

• ASICSGrip traction on dry and wet roads

Cons

• No widths; forefoot can run snug

• Heel chafing risk from tall, inward collar

• Turbo² feel muted vs Megablast; less rubbery bounce

Final Verdict

Score: 13/15 — Form 4/5 · Fit 4/5 · Function 5/5

The ASICS Sonicblast is a tall, smooth, and reliably quick daily trainer with a plate that guides more than it launches. It won’t steal headlines for explosiveness, but it will cover more of your week than most: cushioned everyday miles, confident steady-state runs, and uptempo sessions—without fuss. If you’re fine with a snug forefoot and a collar that warrants a try-on, the value proposition at AUD$290 is compelling.

Note: This review is based on available information and user experiences as of September 2025. Individual preferences and experiences may vary.