ASICS Noosa Tri 16 vs ASICS Sonicblast
On paper, compared with the ASICS Noosa Tri 16, the ASICS Sonicblast is 38 g heavier, 3.1 mm more drop, 12.6 mm more heel stack, ₹5,500 pricier, Ride −1.
 ASICSNoosa Tri 16 |  ASICSSonicblast | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 7.17 | 7.00 |
| Ride | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| Design & Comfort | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| Value | 7.0 | 6.5 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹12,000 | ₹17,500 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Tempo | Tempo |
| Weight | 217 g | 255 g |
| Heel stack | 32.8 mm | 45.4 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 26.9 mm | 36.4 mm |
| Drop | 5.9 mm | 9 mm |
| Foam | FF Blast Plus | FF Turbo Squared with FF Blast Max |
| Plate | – | nylon/Pebax plate |
| Fit | ||
| Support | neutral | neutral |
| Fit | narrow | standard |
| Sizing | – | true to size |
| Recommended runner weight | Up to about 90 kg | Any weight for fast runners; 90 to 120 kg neutral runners for the marathon |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Tempo | Long runsTempoRace dayRunners 90 kg+ |
| Pros | Highly energetic FF Blast Plus foam · Very light at 220 g · Light, breathable upper · Good lacing and a decent heel counter · Durable, high-traction outsole · Outstanding value at ₹6,000 or less | Premium, very breathable, durable upper · Snug, secure fit with a gusseted tongue · Very stable · Foam should last 1,000 km · Comes alive at fast workout paces · Suits heavy neutral runners who want a firm marathon shoe |
| Cons | Low stability for weak or unstable ankles · Snug, narrow fit with limited toe box space · Aggressive rocker for fast running, not for absolute beginners | Extremely firm, like running on stone at 6:00/km · Needs 50+ km before the foam softens · Soft outsole wore in under 50 km · Likely poor traction on hills · Not for wide feet · Far too expensive at ₹17,500 · Only suits a very narrow profile |
| Avoid if | Avoid it, or try it in a store first, if you are a beginner, overpronate, need ankle stability, have narrow-fit issues or dislike rockers. | Avoid it if you run easy paces around 6:00/km or slower, or want a soft, comfortable shoe. |
My verdicts
ASICS
Noosa Tri 16
The Noosa Tri 16 is the most underrated ASICS shoe and my best value-for-money shoe of 2025; at the ₹6,000 I paid, I see no negatives. It suits fast runners with strong, stable ankles, not absolute beginners.
Avoid if: Avoid it, or try it in a store first, if you are a beginner, overpronate, need ankle stability, have narrow-fit issues or dislike rockers.
Read reviewASICS
Sonicblast
The Sonicblast only works for runners at 3:30 to 4:30/km, or heavy neutral runners who want a firm, stable marathon shoe. I would not recommend it at ₹17,500, and only consider it at ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 on sale.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you run easy paces around 6:00/km or slower, or want a soft, comfortable shoe.
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