A do-it-all daily trainer can be one of the most difficult shoes to shop for. We know that plush, max cushioned shoes are great for long runs, and ultra-light, responsive shoes excel during uptempo workouts. But what do you do when you want one shoe that can do it all?
Searching for a single trainer that can handle all different paces, activity levels, and distances can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
But there is some good news. Super trainers – responsive, energetic, and dynamic high-cushion trainers – are a growing category in the running shoe world. More brands are working on producing shoes that borrow elements from both super shoes and daily trainers to deliver the holy grail of running shoes: a single trainer that can handle nearly every run in your rotation.
Asics has been an industry leader in the uptempo super trainer category. Between the Superblast, Megablast, and Sonicblast, the brand offers a huge variety of daily trainers designed with both protective cushioning and speed in mind.
The Sonicblast is Asics’ plated super trainer. Now on its second iteration, the model is competing with both other high-quality options from Asics’ own line-up and an increasingly saturated uptempo trainer market. So with all that in mind, how does the Sonicblast 2 stack up?
We wanted to answer this question and dive into the newest super trainer upgrade to learn more about all the innovative, high-performance features it has to offer. So throughout this Sonicblast 2 review, we’ll do exactly that. We’ll summarize the highlights and specs, take a closer look at all the main features, and go over our road test results for a better understanding of feel and performance.
Sonicblast 2 Overview: Key Specs and Highlights
Our Marathon Sports team has an in-depth review process so we can make the best possible recommendation for every runner, walker, and beyond. But before we go into all the details and main features, here’s a brief overview of the newest Asics Sonicblast.
- Advertised as a Pebax-plated high cushion super trainer
- Stack height: 46/38 mm (M), 45/37 mm (W)
- 8 mm heel-to-toe drop
- Weight: 8.4 oz (M), 7.6 oz (W)
- Midsole made from FF TURBO SQUARED top layer and FF BLAST MAX bottom layer
- FF TURBO SQUARED trampoline pod built into the forefoot
- Forked Pebax ASTROPLATE embedded in midsole for extra bounce
- Upper made from a breathable engineered mesh
- Sustainability features: Uses a water saving dope dying process for the sockliner and recycled polyester in the upper
- Price: $190
A Deep Dive: Sonicblast 2 Main Features
Outside of trying them on and taking them for a run, taking a closer look at a shoe’s key features and technologies is one of the best ways to know what to expect in a new running shoe model.
So before we go into our road test findings, here’s a rundown of all the main elements that make up the newest Asics Sonicblast.
Layered Midsole Construction
The Asics Sonicblast 2 uses a unique dual-layered midsole design to create a dynamic, well-balanced ride.
FF TURBO SQUARED foam makes up the midsole’s top layer, sitting directly underneath the foot. This is one of Asics’ lightest, bounciest foams, delivering cloud-like softness and responsiveness with each landing.
Closer to the ground, you’ll find a layer of FF BLAST MAX foam. Used in the brand’s more stable everyday shoes, the reliable foam creates a solid landing platform for a balance of softness, energy return, and stability.
FF TURBO SQUARED Trampoline Pod
The top layer of foam isn’t the only place you’ll find plush and energetic FF TURBO SQUARED foam in the Sonicblast 2. This cushioning also makes up a trampoline pod in the shoe’s forefoot.
As you might expect from the name, as you roll forward towards the front of the shoe, this trampoline pod delivers extra bounce and momentum, creating more energy through each toe-off.
ASTROPLATE Technology
If you’ve looked into high-performance racing shoes, you’ve likely heard of carbon plate technology. The Sonicblast 2 takes the same concept – a firm plate embedded in the midsole for more energy return – but uses a more flexible Pebax plate for a springy, propulsive ride.
The forked Pebax ASTROPLATE is lightweight and more flexible than traditional carbon plates. It still helps spring you forward with more rebound, but it gives the shoe a more natural, forgiving feel than some racing counterparts.
Lightweight Upper & Overall Fit
One of the major upgrades from the first to the second Sonicblast is in the upper design and construction. While the first iteration was lightweight and breathable, the upper could feel a bit too stiff around the top of the foot. The redesigned engineered mesh is softer and more flexible for all-around comfort through every training run.
The Sonicblast 2 fits true to size in length, although runners with wider feet may find it a bit narrow due to the tapered toe box. Luckily, the soft mesh upper is more accommodating around the foot than before, which helps reduce any uncomfortable pressure or hot spots.
Value & Durability
Underneath the shoe is a proprietary ASICSGRIP rubber outsole. The Sonicblast 2 is built for uptempo workouts, so you want to feel confident and planted as you pick up the pace. This grippy rubber does a great job of ensuring this confidence, creating superior traction on the road, track, packed dirt, and beyond.
The Sonicblast 2 rings up at $190, which is higher than most traditional daily trainers on the market today. But when you look at other super trainers, especially those with as much cushioning and energy as the Sonicblast 2, many will be over $200. And with how versatile the Sonicblast is, you can be sure you’re getting great value for your money.
Sonicblast 2 Road Test Results
Having previously run in the first Sonicblast, members of our review team were eager to see whether the second iteration lived up to our expectations, how it performs, and who should consider adding it to their rotation.
The Sonicblast 1 had become a go-to for several of our review team members for uptempo workouts and faster-paced long runs. So to gain the best possible understanding of the newest Sonicblast, we laced them up and hit the road for long run days, speed workouts, daily miles, and everything in between.
Right off the bat, the good news was that the dual-layered midsole delivered the same spring and energy return we’ve come to expect from Asics’ blast line-up. The FF TURBO SQUARED top layer provided incredible bounce and comfort with each landing, while the FF BLAST MAX foam underneath kept the shoe stable and responsive.
The previous version lacked a trampoline pod, so the FF TURBO SQUARED forefoot pod in version two was a major upgrade. As you roll from heel to toe, this springy trampoline pod, paired with an aggressive forefoot rocker, propels you forward through your stride with bouncy, explosive toe-offs.
The ASTROPLATE design also saw some updates. A new forked design provides even more momentum, keeping the shoe light and fast as you pick up the pace.
While both versions of the shoe have been lightweight, the Sonicblast 2 knocks off even more grams, in part due to the enhanced upper design. The engineered mesh is lighter and more breathable than before, securely wrapping the foot without feeling constricting. The material itself is flexible and accommodating, but we could see wide-footed runners needing to size up to offset the tapered toe-box design.
During uptempo efforts, the Sonicblast 2 really excels. It offers lots of bounce underfoot, without sacrificing protection and shock absorption, particularly in the heel. However, with such a high stack height (46/38 mm for men’s shoes, 45/37 mm for women’s), the Sonicblast 2 doesn’t offer the plush softness you might expect. In fact, the rigid plate and responsive foam actually make it relatively stiff.
On shorter uptempo runs or speed workouts, this stiffness wasn’t an issue. It prevented us from sinking into the high stack of foam, creating more efficiency and rebound with each stride. However, those looking for a comfortable shoe for easy miles may find the stiff, inflexible midsole limiting.
Ultimately, if you want the benefits of cushioning without the super soft, unstable ride that often comes with it, the Sonicblast 2 might be the perfect shoe for you. You can enjoy plenty of foam and protection underfoot, but the performance-focused feel and propulsive forked plate ensure the shoe is ready for whatever type of workout you throw at it.
Asics Sonicblast 2 Pros and Cons
Finding a reliable shoe that can tackle all your training runs isn’t an easy task. It can leave you feeling like Goldilocks, searching through options that are too soft, too stiff, or just plain uncomfortable before finding the right fit.
At Marathon Sports, our goal is to find you the perfect fit with less hassle. To do that, we need to dive into the pros and cons of a shoe to determine whether or not it meets your needs and preferences.
Pros
- Dual layers of foam do a great job of providing bounce, responsiveness, and shock absorption underfoot
- New forefoot trampoline pod adds extra spring in every step for more efficiency through the gait cycle
- Forked ASTROPLATE design improves forward momentum, keeping the shoe stable while boosting energy return and efficiency
- Engineered mesh upper is more breathable and lightweight than before, keeping your feet cool and comfortable in any climate
- Proprietary ASICSGRIP outsole provides reliable grip and durability for long-lasting wear
Cons
- Works well on long runs, but will likely feel too stiff for runners who prefer softer landings during recovery days or easy runs
- May be too snug and narrow in the toe box for anyone who needs a spacious, accommodating fit
How Does the Sonicblast 2 Stack Up?
As we mentioned previously, more and more brands are working to deliver a shoe that can do it all and reduce the need for complicated, multi-shoe rotations.
If you’re in the market for that rare do-it-all trainer, you definitely can’t go wrong with the Sonicblast. While some runners may find it too rigid for their long recovery runs, the high stack height, responsive foam, and propulsive plate ensure enough versatility to handle pretty much any type of run or workout.
However, those looking for some comparable options don’t have to look too far – Asics has a wide range of alternative uptempo training options.
The Asics Megablast is a non-plated performance trainer alternative, offering a full layer of FF Turbo Squared midsole foam for exceptional energy return and speed. Without a plate, the Megablast feels a bit softer underfoot than the Sonicblast 2. But it also comes with a higher price tag, ringing in at $225 compared with the Sonicblast 2 at $190.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is another great option for those who want a shoe that can handle both speed and distance. PWRRUN PB cushioning ensures protective, lightweight comfort, while a nylon plate enhances speed and responsiveness. It doesn’t have quite as much cushioning as the Sonicblast – 36 mm in the heel, 28 mm in the forefoot – although this lower stack height also results in more groundfeel and stability.
Finally, if you want a bit more softness underfoot, we suggest checking out the Neo Vista 3 from Mizuno. This Mizuno shoe has a similar stack height, drop, and propulsive geometry to the Sonicblast 2.
It also has a glass-infused wave plate to disperse pressure and increase energy return. In our Neo Vista review, we found it a bit softer than the Sonicblast 2. It’s also a bit heavier than the Sonicblast 2, but for those searching for a soft yet responsive shoe, the plusher feel may be worth the extra bulk.
The Finish Line: Sonicblast 2 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
After the success of the first Sonicblast, our review team was excited to see how the newest addition to the Blast line felt and performed. We’re happy to say that it exceeded expectations, offering all the comfort, energy, and balance we wanted from this high-performance shoe.
That being said, we don’t necessarily think the Sonicblast 2 will work for every runner out there. Everyone has their preferences for how soft a shoe feels underfoot, and the Sonicblast 2’s responsive foam and rigid plate make it firmer than some alternative training shoe options.
You won’t have the same luxurious landings found in other super-soft, cushioned shoes. On the other hand, you’ll have lots of efficiency and stability with every step, making the shoe adaptable and versatile for all your runs.
You can shop the Asics Sonicblast at select Marathon Sports locations and through our convenient online store today. And when you stop by any Marathon Sports location, our experienced footwear specialists will use the Right Fit process to take all the guesswork and trial-and-error out of finding the right running shoes. We’ll get you in the perfect fit so you can hit the ground running towards all your running goals.
