I’ll admit my bias up front. Of all four Blasts ASICS put out last year, the Novablast, Superblast, Megablast and Sonicblast, the original Sonicblast was my favorite.
It was probably the one ASICS sold the least of. It didn’t matter. It just worked with my foot.
I did a lot of long tempo work in it on a rail trail near my house. Long runs with some quick miles in the middle, and I kept grabbing the Sonic over everything else. I liked it enough that I planned to race a full marathon in it. Then I got a little hurt and missed the race, but that’s how much confidence I had in a shoe that didn’t even have a carbon plate.
So the ASICS Sonicblast 2 had a lot to live up to.
What changed in the Sonicblast 2
It still has a plate. Not carbon, but a plate, and now it’s a forked plate. In the middle of the forefoot there’s a little pod, similar to what ASICS has been doing on the Novablast.
They also shaved off some weight. The original was around 9 ounces. The Sonicblast 2 comes in at 8.4. Same 8mm drop, same 46mm heel and 38mm forefoot, so there’s plenty of cushion if you want to go long.
The bigger change is how it feels. The last version felt a little denser and stiffer to me. This one feels softer when you step in, and more springy and agile once you’re moving.
First step in vs. first run
When I first put it on, I wasn’t sure. That forefoot pod gave me pause. I thought the pod on the Novablast was a little too aggressive, especially for a shoe I sometimes just want to use as a daily trainer.
On the Sonicblast 2, the pod sits a little more sunk in. And it actually performs better. It’s not trying so hard. You get the bounce without it bugging your foot.
Then I ran in it, and I was really impressed. It springs you forward.
How much? I was going to wear it on a run this past weekend and left it at home. It was supposed to be a recovery run, and I knew I’d go too fast in it.
That’s a good problem for a shoe that isn’t technically a race shoe. I was a little intimidated by it because I knew I’d want to rip some miles.
Sonicblast 2 vs. Superblast: why the Sonic gets more of my miles
Here’s where the Sonicblast 2 separates itself. You feel fast in it at a lot of different speeds and distances.
I feel okay-fast in the Superblast. But I’ve always felt like it’s only good at certain paces. I can’t run 200s or 400s on the track in it. It feels clumpy and slappy.
I can absolutely go run some speedy track miles in the Sonic. I could also run a marathon in it.
I like all the Blasts in their own way, and in a couple of cases I like the older versions more than the new ones. But if I’m looking at the Sonic, the Super and the Mega, the Sonic is the one I’m going to pull off the shelf most.
I also like that the plate isn’t carbon. I’m trying to get away from carbon plates on my training runs, and this is just enough. Just enough plate, just enough pod, and a midsole that feels different from most of what’s on my feet these days. Bouncy, light and fun.
Who the Sonicblast 2 is for
At $190, you’re getting a shoe that can handle:
- Long runs
- Tempo runs
- Track workouts
- Race day, if you want it to
Would I wear it every day? Honestly, probably not. Not because it can’t handle it, but because it would be hard for me not to go fast in it every single day. If you’re the type who turns every easy run into a workout, consider yourself warned.
Sonicblast 2 sizing: size down a half
If I had one piece of constructive criticism, it’s the fit. The Sonicblast 2 runs long, and it fits differently than the other shoes in the Blast series.
I have a big, wide foot, and I still went down a half size, from a 12 to an 11.5. It fit my length much better without putting pressure on my bunion, which is always my big concern.
So keep that in mind. Size down a half, or stop in and we’ll get you measured and let you try both.
The original Sonicblast was my favorite Blast. The Sonicblast 2 is lighter, bouncier and more versatile, and it’s still the one I keep reaching for.
Just don’t take it on your recovery run. Pick up a pair today!
