Asics pitches the Sonicblast 2 as the lighter, more versatile version of its plated super trainer. Fourteen grams less than the first version, a redesigned heel, a simplified upper. On paper, everything is in place to make you forget the flaw that stuck to the original Sonicblast: a stiff midfoot that grated as soon as you eased off from interval pace. The first independent tests confirm the progress, but not that the problem is completely gone.
© Asics, official photo used for editorial purposes
Asics beefs up its Blast range to own the speed between paces
Since 2023, Asics has patiently built a family of shoes that doesn't rely on a carbon plate: the Blast range. Novablast for everyday running, Superblast for stack height and bounce, Megablast for the trampoline effect. The Sonicblast arrived in 2025 to fill the missing slot: a super trainer that can handle a tempo run or an interval session without reaching for the Metaspeed. At RunMorph, we see this use-based segmentation becoming the norm at the big brands: Nike with the Vomero Plus and the Streakfly, Saucony with the Endorphin Speed and the Triumph, each now targeting a specific slot in the rotation rather than a shoe that does everything.
The first Sonicblast won people over on responsiveness but got the same criticism from several French and international testers: a poorly rounded heel that caused a slapping sensation on landing, and an upper judged narrow for wide feet. A year later, the Sonicblast 2 arrives with a clear promise: keep the mechanical efficiency of the Astroplate and smooth out the rough edges. The official launch on September 1, 2026 is part of a busy calendar for Asics, which is refreshing several tempo lines this fall.
Sonicblast 2: what Asics claims vs what independent testers confirm
On the raw numbers, the brand delivers this time: the 242 g weight recorded by several independent testers matches the official figure, as do the 8 mm drop and the 46 mm heel stack. That's rare enough in this industry to be worth pointing out, rather than inventing a gap that doesn't exist.
| Spec | Claimed by Asics | Confirmed by independent tests |
|---|
| Men's weight | 242 g | 242 g measured (full agreement) |
| Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm, feels slightly lower thanks to the new heel bevel |
| Heel / forefoot stack | 46 mm / 38 mm | Confirmed, one of the highest stacks in the super trainer category |
| Everyday versatility | Presented as better than the V1 thanks to the softened FF Blast Max layer | Confirmed at tempo and marathon pace, but two independent testers still report midfoot stiffness below threshold pace |
That last row shapes the rest of this review. The raw numbers are accurate, but the marketing claim of "versatility regained" needs to be checked pace by pace, not just on paper.
© Asics, official photo used for editorial purposes
Forked Astroplate technology: what does it change underfoot?
The first Sonicblast used a spoon-shaped Astroplate that covered a large part of the sole. For version 2, Asics hollowed the plate into a fork shape: two side prongs plus an open central area. That opening frees up room to extend the FF Turbo squared foam into a so-called "trampoline" zone in the forefoot, the same supercritical foam found in the Metaspeed racing shoes.
The goal is better energy return at toe-off without giving up the propulsive stiffness the plate provides. Under the FF Turbo squared layer, a second layer of FF Blast Max has been softened compared to the first version: that's the change meant to bring extra comfort on longer runs. At RunMorph, the key takeaway is that this two-foam setup plus partial plate brings the Sonicblast 2 closer to a racing shoe architecture, while keeping it usable for regular training thanks to a more generous stack and a reinforced outsole.
The fit: a rethought upper, a forefoot that finally has room
The first Sonicblast had a forefoot width measured at 70.1 mm by independent tests, well below the category average of 73.3 mm: several wide-footed runners reported a squeezed feeling, especially on long runs. It's one of the points version 2 explicitly fixes.
The two testers from an independent American protocol, one man and one woman, describe a rethought upper with more volume around the toes: the female tester mentions a full thumb's width between the tip of her big toe and the end of the shoe, with no discomfort at the metatarsophalangeal joints despite cinching the laces to compensate for the volume. The male tester confirms a decently roomy forefoot, although he feels a bit more width or a more gradual taper could still improve comfort. No precise vertical measurement in millimeters is available for version 2 yet: RunMorph flags it for transparency rather than inventing a number.
The field test: lively at tempo, still stiff on easy runs
RunMorph's advice: pair the Sonicblast 2 with a softer shoe for your easy runs, like the Asics Novablast 6, instead of asking it to do everything. That's the combination where it really makes sense.
The field tests agree on one point: the Sonicblast 2 is clearly better than the first version as soon as the pace picks up. A tester who got an early pair describes an early forefoot rocker that takes shape aggressively after the initial engagement, giving a fast-rolling sensation that really kicks in from tempo pace. A French test run by a sports physiotherapist specializing in foot conditions backs up that reading: the midfoot stiffness locks the forefoot and limits its natural flex, which shifts part of the load to the calves, a trade-off that pays off at sustained pace but tires you quickly below it.
Opinions split, however, on how it feels at slow pace. The male tester from the independent American protocol still notes a slapping sensation at the midfoot below tempo, a flaw he already saw on the first version even if he finds it toned down. His female colleague, on the other hand, describes a pleasant bounce and a rolling feel from easy pace onward, without finding it too aggressive, and names marathon pace as her favorite. At RunMorph, we think this split comes down to each runner's mechanics: how stiff the midfoot feels depends heavily on how you strike the ground, midfoot or heel.
On traction, there's no doubt: several testers report excellent grip even in the rain, with ASICSgrip rubber covering a large part of the sole. One French tester deliberately tried it in pouring rain on a surface close to track tartan, with zero loss of grip.
© Asics, official photo used for editorial purposes
At which pace it works, at which pace it falls apart
Easy runs and base endurance: mixed verdict. Some runners feel the midfoot stiffness at this pace, a direct result of the forked Pebax plate combined with a firm FF Turbo foam that doesn't deform enough at low speed to absorb the impact.
Long run: solid behavior. The generous 46 mm stack and the softened FF Blast Max bottom layer protect you over the distance, flagged as one of the shoe's best uses by a tester who made it his current favorite pair for fast long runs.
Marathon pace: this is where the Sonicblast 2 gets the most unanimous praise. The rocker kicks in without being aggressive and the foam responds in proportion to the force you apply, which lets you hold a steady rhythm without jolts.
Threshold and half marathon pace: very good, for a clear mechanical reason: the forefoot rocker takes over and unlocks a lever effect that speeds up the transition from midfoot to toe-off, exactly the use the plate was designed for.
Short intervals and track: effective but can feel heavy. At high threshold pace, the foam's responsiveness peaks according to one tester, who notes however that the shoe starts to feel a bit too present and a bit heavy as the pace climbs further, compared with a pure racing shoe.
Major flaw #1: the midfoot stiffness hasn't fully disappeared
Despite a redesigned heel and an improved bevel that fix the first version's main flaw, two independent testers from the same protocol confirm that the forked Astroplate still produces a stiff, even slapping, sensation below tempo pace. A runner who only uses this shoe for easy runs is likely to be disappointed: it simply isn't the pace it was built for.
Major flaw #2: a premium price for a niche use
At 190 €, the Sonicblast 2 costs around 30 euros more than an Adidas Adizero EVO SL, which some comparisons place in a similar role. Yet it replaces neither a daily trainer for easy runs nor a carbon racer for race day. On a tight budget under 150 euros, this isn't a priority purchase next to a more versatile pair like the Novablast 6.
Sonicblast 2 vs Sonicblast: the version that fixes (almost) everything
| Criterion | Sonicblast (V1) | Sonicblast 2 |
|---|
| Men's weight | 256 g | 242 g (-14 g) |
| Plate | Full Astroplate, spoon shape | Forked Astroplate, hollowed in the center |
| Heel | Bevel judged insufficient, jarring feel | Rounder heel, smoother transitions |
| Forefoot | Narrow, 70.1 mm measured, below average | More volume, better suited to wide feet |
| Feel at easy pace | Stiff, frequent slapping | Stiff but toned down, slapping still present for some runners |
The simple reading: a runner who already owns the first Sonicblast and only uses it for tempo and intervals has no urgent reason to upgrade, since the high-pace behavior hasn't changed radically. On the other hand, a runner who ruled out the first version because of the narrow upper or the harsh heel should reconsider the model: those are exactly the two points version 2 fixes.
Sonicblast 2 vs New Balance SC Rebel v1 and Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: the comparison
| Criterion | Asics Sonicblast 2 | New Balance SC Rebel v1 | Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 |
|---|
| Price | 190 € | Similar positioning | Similar positioning |
| Heel stack | 46 mm, one of the highest in the segment | About 6 mm less underfoot according to cross-checked comparisons | More moderate stack |
| Foam | Firm FF Turbo squared + soft FF Blast Max | Infinion, softer from first contact | PWRRUN PB |
| Plate | Forked Pebax, front half-length | Hollowed plate, positioned more aggressively | Nylon plate |
| Dominant feel | Structured heel, firm and energetic forefoot | Soft heel on landing, snappier forefoot | Balanced, more versatile day to day |
The simple reading: the SC Rebel v1 goes for a softer landing and a punchier forefoot thanks to a more cut-out plate, while the Sonicblast 2 owns a more stable structure along its whole length, at the cost of a harsher feel at slow speed. A runner who wants stability at high pace above all should lean toward the Sonicblast 2, while one who prefers a soft feel from first contact will rather go for the SC Rebel v1 or the Endorphin Speed 5, more versatile day to day according to several French comparisons.
Grip and durability: what's the cost per kilometer?
The ASICSgrip outsole covers a large part of the contact area, with a discreet but effective lug pattern on road and synthetic track. At this stage, no tester has gone past about thirty kilometers on their pair, which is too short for a final verdict: the wear seen so far is minimal, with no visible marks on the outer rubber and only light wear on the exposed foam.
Extrapolating a cautious lifespan of 500 to 550 km for this kind of partial-plate super trainer, used mostly for fast sessions rather than daily mileage, the Sonicblast 2's cost per kilometer lands around 0.35 to 0.38 € per kilometer. That's well above a daily trainer like the Brooks Ghost 18, which drops to 0.19 €/km in standard daily use: a logical gap given the more performance-oriented positioning, but one that weighs on the decision for a runner looking for a single pair to do it all.
Our field verdict: who is it for, and in which training plan?
The Sonicblast 2 fits naturally into a half marathon or marathon build with regular tempo blocks, or into a phase of developing basic speed before a 10K build. It also has a place with track runners for long intervals.
Pair it with a RunMorph plan
A super trainer like the Sonicblast 2 really makes sense in a structured rotation: it handles the quality sessions while a softer pair takes care of the easy runs. Find the tempo and interval sessions built into our RunMorph training plans to know exactly when to take it out of the closet.
RunMorph Coach verdict
The Sonicblast 2 keeps the promise it makes on paper, but not the one the marketing pitch implies. The 14 grams saved are real, the heel is indeed rounder, the forefoot roomier: on those points, Asics listened to the feedback on the first version. The "versatility regained", however, doesn't hold at every pace: at tempo, threshold and marathon pace, the shoe is excellent and stable. Below that, the midfoot stiffness keeps making itself felt for some runners.
RunMorph score: 8.2/10. The weighting leans toward responsiveness and stability, the two areas where the shoe excels without reservation, rather than versatility at easy paces, which remains its acknowledged weak spot.
Asics Sonicblast 2 FAQ
What is the exact weight of the Asics Sonicblast 2?
242 g in men's US 9 (42-43) and 212 g in women's US 8 (39), which is 14 g less than the first Sonicblast according to several independent weigh-ins.
Is the Sonicblast 2 good for running a marathon?
Yes: several testers specifically recommend it at marathon pace, where the rocker, the 46 mm stack and the softened FF Blast Max foam offer an effective balance between protection and responsiveness over the distance.
What's the difference between the Sonicblast 2 and the first Sonicblast?
Version 2 weighs 14 g less, uses a forked Astroplate instead of a full one, a rounder heel and a wider forefoot compared with the 70.1 mm width measured on the V1.
Is the Asics Sonicblast 2 suited to a Sunday easy run?
Less recommended: below tempo pace, the midfoot stiffness remains noticeable for some runners. Better to keep it for your 2 or 3 fast weekly sessions and use another pair for easy runs.
How much does the Asics Sonicblast 2 cost?
190 € at Asics' official price, available since September 1, 2026 from specialist retailers and on the brand's website.