ASICS Sonicblast vs Puma Deviate Nitro 4
On paper, compared with the ASICS Sonicblast, the Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is 8 g lighter, 2 mm less drop, 11.8 mm less heel stack, ₹1,500 cheaper, Ride +1.
 ASICSSonicblast |  PumaDeviate Nitro 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 7.00 | 7.33 |
| Ride | 7.0 | 8.0 |
| Design & Comfort | 7.5 | 7.0 |
| Value | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹17,500 | ₹16,000 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Tempo | Tempo |
| Weight | 255 g | 247 g |
| Heel stack | 45.4 mm | 33.6 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 36.4 mm | 26.6 mm |
| Drop | 9 mm | 7 mm |
| Foam | FF Turbo Squared with FF Blast Max | Nitro (dual density: PEBA-based supercritical Nitro top, EVA blend bottom) |
| Plate | nylon/Pebax plate | carbon plate |
| Fit | ||
| Support | neutral | – |
| Fit | standard | narrow |
| Sizing | true to size | – |
| Recommended runner weight | Any weight for fast runners; 90 to 120 kg neutral runners for the marathon | Up to about 90 kg |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Long runsTempoRace dayRunners 90 kg+ | Easy runsLong runsTempoRace day |
| Pros | 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 | Pleasant ride: soft at easy pace, responsive at 4:00/km · Less aggressive plate than the Magic Speed 5 · Extraordinary Puma grip · 8 mm drop · Dual-density foam adds stability · Puma claims 800 km durability · Can be one shoe for daily runs, long runs and racing |
| Cons | 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 | ₹16,000 retail price · Narrow fit, not for wide feet · Medial cut caused pronation issues · Foam could be more energetic · 240 g is a bit heavy for a plated trainer |
| Avoid if | Avoid it if you run easy paces around 6:00/km or slower, or want a soft, comfortable shoe. | Avoid it if you have wide feet, or if you are a beginner looking for a Hyrox shoe. |
My verdicts
ASICS
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.
Read reviewPuma
Deviate Nitro 4
The Deviate Nitro 4 is a decent carbon-plated offering that suited me better than the Magic Speed 5, soft at easy pace and responsive at 4:00/km. I would not pay ₹16,000 for it; it regularly sells for ₹10,000–11,000.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you have wide feet, or if you are a beginner looking for a Hyrox shoe.
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