ASICS Sonicblast 2 vs HOKA Mach 7
We haven't tested ASICS Sonicblast 2 or HOKA Mach 7 yet, so their role suitability is estimated from published specs.
ASICS
Sonicblast 2
Check priceReview Pulse · Mostly positive · 75/100
Reviewers praise the ride and upper and split on the cushioning and stability.
HOKA
Mach 7
Check priceReview Pulse · Mostly positive · 88/100
Reviewers praise the ride and grip and split on the cushioning and upper.
The differences that matter
- ASICS Sonicblast 2 has 9 mm more foam under the heel.
- ASICS Sonicblast 2 has the higher drop (8 mm vs 5 mm).
- HOKA Mach 7 costs $45 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
ASICS Sonicblast 2
Praised
The redesigned shoe is more fluid and lively at marathon and tempo efforts, though its stiff midfoot and less energetic heel can feel awkward at easy paces.
HOKA Mach 7
Praised
Light, nimble and surprisingly quick for a daily trainer, with a subtle rocker that rolls through easy and tempo paces; the firm, grounded feel is the main dividing line.
Cushioning
ASICS Sonicblast 2
Divisive
The high stack protects well on long runs, but its firmer feel is not to every runner’s taste and the forefoot bounce is more noticeable than the heel.
HOKA Mach 7
Divisive
Enough protection for daily miles and shorter long runs, but the firm supercritical EVA and modest stack leave it feeling thin on recovery days and past about 90 minutes.
Upper
ASICS Sonicblast 2
Praised
The lighter mesh is breathable and generally secure with useful toe volume, though some find the racer-focused upper less plush and the toe shape tapered.
HOKA Mach 7
Divisive
Breathable and secure with an excellent gusseted tongue, but the fit is snug and narrow through the forefoot, the tongue is short, and some testers get pressure around the bunion.
Durability
ASICS Sonicblast 2
Praised
Early reports and lab testing suggest the outsole holds up well, while the thin toe mesh is a possible weak point.
HOKA Mach 7
Praised
Outsole wear is low for the weight and the heel padding holds up, though the ultra-thin toe box mesh scores poorly in lab abrasion testing.
Grip
ASICS Sonicblast 2
Praised
Lab results are excellent and runners report dependable road traction, with no major grip concerns in early use.
HOKA Mach 7
Praised
The split sticky forefoot and harder heel rubber give confident traction on wet and dry pavement, a clear step up from the Mach 6.
Stability
ASICS Sonicblast 2
Divisive
Several reviewers find the broad geometry and firmer foam unusually composed for a tall trainer, while others caution it is still a neutral shoe and not the most stable option.
HOKA Mach 7
Praised
A broad, firm platform and secure upper make it stable for a light neutral shoe, without the guidance of a true support model.
Value
ASICS Sonicblast 2
Divisive
Some consider the price reasonable for a versatile plated trainer, while others question the premium given the ride and alternatives in the range.
HOKA Mach 7
Divisive
Fair at $145 for a versatile lightweight trainer, but several reviewers say the near-identical Mach 6 on discount is the better buy.
Which one to choose
Choose ASICS Sonicblast 2 if…
- you want more foam under you
- you like a higher drop
- its upper is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Tempo sessions and marathon-pace long runs
- Runners wanting a plated trainer without a carbon plate
- Runners seeking high cushioning with a firmer, controlled feel
Choose HOKA Mach 7 if…
- you prefer to feel closer to the ground
- you like a lower drop
- price matters
- its stability is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Tempo runs and uptempo daily miles
- Shorter daily runs of five to ten miles
- Gym sessions and cross-training
Specifications
- Category
- Tempo / workout
- Tempo / workout
- Price
- $190
- $145$45 less
- Weight
- 241 g
- 241 g
- Drop
- 8 mm
- 5 mm3 mm lower drop
- Stack
- 46 / 38 mm9 mm more stack
- 37 / 32 mm
- Plate
- Not reported
- Not reported
- Stability
- Neutral
- Neutral
- Foam
- FF TURBO SQUARED / FF BLAST MAX
- super-critically foamed EVA
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE