Sonicblast

My UK 8 weighs 250 g, which is middle of the road. ASICS lists 46 mm at the heel and 38 mm at the forefoot, an 8 mm drop, but it feels more like 42 mm. The midsole is FF Turbo Squared, the same foam as the Megablast, with FF Blast Max underneath as a secondary foam, plus a Pebax plate for stability rather than propulsion. The ride is the big problem. I have never felt an ASICS shoe this firm, even budget ones. At 6:00/km it felt like running on stone, and the foam did nothing for me. It only came alive when I did a fast workout. I believe the foam needs 50 km or more before it starts to give some softness and spring. I also don't understand why a plate is needed when the foam is already this hard. The fit is true to size, with a thumb's width of space in front, and the fit is snug like a speed trainer. It suits normal feet. Wide feet need the wide version. The mesh is premium and very breathable, a bit thicker than a racing shoe's for durability. The gusseted tongue, heel padding and premium laces are all fine. There is no heel counter. I have no complaints about the upper. The ASICSGRIP outsole is soft rather than a high-abrasion rubber, and mine already shows wear in under 50 km. Traction on concrete is fine, but I expect it to be poor on hills. The foam itself should last 1,000 km. It suits two groups only. The first is runners at 3:30 to 4:30/km, who can use it for everything from intervals to the marathon. The second is neutral runners from 90 kg to 120 kg who want a firm, stable marathon shoe, because they can compress the foam. At ₹17,500 I would not recommend it. At ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 nothing else matches its quality and durability for that profile. I was disappointed after paying ₹17,500. For most people, the Sonicblast 2 or the Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is the better choice.