ASICS Megablast vs Sonicblast, Reviewed: Which New Shoe Belongs in Your Rotation?

Not long ago, I received two mystery shoes from ASICS. I now know them to be the MegaBlast and the SonicBlast. These dropped on September 1st, and I was very confused because I didn’t anticipate this launch from ASICS at all. It kind of came out of nowhere, and I had no idea what either shoe was for.

Turns out I wasn’t the only one. So, I set out to figure this out – and let you know which of these shoes may be right for you.

POV: First Run in the Megablast

I’ll be honest, I did not like these shoes on my first run. I was expecting Superblast, and they felt harder.

But then I realized they just needed a single run to break in. I got used to the fact that they were a little harder than the Superblast. I keep comparing them to the SuperBlast because I think that’s the model ASICS was referencing when making these, a non-carbon plated, super-critically foamed long run shoe.

The big difference? The Megablast feels harder, but you get used to them. Now, I’ve hit a point where they’re my favorite long run shoe to come out in the second part of this year so far.

There’s a lot of space in them, no toe crunching, quite comfortable. I still think ASICS is going to launch a third Superblast, so I’m not sure exactly where the Megablast fits into the rotation, but to me, they’re interchangeable with the Superblast 2.

ASICS Megablast – The Review

I came in with high hopes, because ASICS has really nailed their shoe drops the last few years.

I’ve come to really like super trainers, shoes made for more than just easy runs, that don’t have a carbon plate, but just a big slab of super-critical foam. That’s what the MegaBlast is. FF Turbo 2 foam, very light, very responsive, a little firm at first.

But overall, it’s a great shoe. I’d wear it for easy runs, long runs, even threshold workouts. It’s not a racing shoe, there’s a lot faster out there, but if you’re looking to buy just one shoe for your entire training load, I’d recommend this one.

I really enjoyed it. It’s comfortable, responsive, and up there with the SuperBlast 2, which sold out fast for good reason.

ASICS Megablast Rating

We rated the Megablast quite highly:

• Design: simplicity is king. It’s genius to pack the midsole with just good foam, no unnecessary extras.
• Performance: does well in a lot of situations.
• Comfort: rarely worn a shoe this comfortable. ASICS and Brooks both do comfort well. This one has a lot of space without feeling loose.
• Value: a bit expensive, yes, but it’ll last longer. The outsole grip adds durability.

Final Score: 8.4

ASICS SonicBlast: The Review

The SonicBlast is more complicated. It’s meant for faster efforts than the Megablast, hills, intervals, fartleks.

But it’s also heavier than the Megablast, which is strange.

It’s a fast, responsive, hard shoe with a plate. ASICS calls it the “Astro Plate”, and I’m pretty sure it’s plastic, but we’ll double check that.

It weighs in at 9 oz, over a full ounce heavier than the Megablast. But because of the rockered geometry, I prefer it for hills. The midsole is more complex, you’ve got that FF Turbo 2 foam (same as the Megablast), but also a second layer of FF Blast foam. It’s a dual-layer midsole with the plate sandwiched between.

Super hard, springy, not great for easy runs, maybe a little less versatile than the Megablast, but a great hill shoe. I really enjoyed my hill session in them.

ASICS Sonicblast Rating

We were a little tougher on the SonicBlast:

• Design: a bit over-complicated. Lots of layers, a plate, and still heavier than expected.
• Performance: still high. It’s fast, powerful, and does what it sets out to do.
• Versatility: not as much as the Megablast, and might not replace the Magic Speed in my rotation.

Still, it’s a very good workout shoe.

Final Score: 8.1

ASICS Megablast and Sonicblast: The Verdict

I’m keeping both in my rotation. The Megablast slots in perfectly as my new lightweight but bulky super trainer. Really happy with it.

And the Sonicblast, if my coach keeps giving me these hill workouts, I’m going to keep it in the lineup. I felt good in it, solid protection, support, and power going up the hill.

If you’ve been a fan of ASICS, you’ll likely enjoy this dual drop. I’m curious to see how ASICS pivots next, what will the Superblast 3 or Magic Speed 5 look like after this? Not sure yet. Still prying, still looking forward to finding out.

Thanks for reading, and best of luck with your own training.

If you have questions about the shoes, feel free to reach out. I’ve battered both of them pretty hard at this point, and I’m very intrigued.