ASICS Sonicblast 2: Lighter, Faster, and with a New ASTROPLATE

The ASICS Sonicblast 2 arrives with a clear idea: to take everything that worked in the first generation and make it a bit faster, lighter, and easier to move.

This is not a complete overhaul that entirely transforms the shoe. In fact, it still retains much of the formula that made the first Sonicblast interesting, starting with the combination of FF TURBO SQUARED and FF BLAST MAX. However, ASICS has worked on important elements such as the geometry of the ASTROPLATE, the weight, and the upper to achieve a shoe with a more dynamic personality.

The result once again falls squarely into a category we're hearing more and more about in running: super trainers. These are shoes with generous profiles, high-performance foams, and technologies inherited from racing models, yet versatile enough to be used for a good portion of our training. And that's precisely where the new Sonicblast 2 aims to find its place.

What type of shoe is the ASICS Sonicblast 2?

The ASICS Sonicblast 2 are road running shoes for neutral pronation, primarily aimed at runners seeking cushioning without sacrificing speed. Their natural habitat appears when we start to inject a bit of pep into our training.

Medium-paced runs, tempo sessions, interval training, long repeats, or progressive runs are some of the scenarios where they make the most sense. And that makes them an especially interesting option for runners who don't want a different shoe for every session of the week.

You can head out confidently with them, and if your legs feel good that day, start to pick up the pace.

The big news: a completely redesigned ASTROPLATE

If we have to pinpoint one change as the star of this second generation, it would probably be the ASTROPLATE.

ASICS has modified its geometry with a new bifurcated structure, similar to a trident, that surrounds the forefoot area of the midsole.

This is mainly to allow the more reactive foam to play a greater role in the forefoot and extend towards the so-called Trampoline Pod.

The idea is to promote a faster transition from foot strike to toe-off, generating that propulsion sensation we look for when we start running faster. And here's an important detail: we're not talking about a carbon plate.

The ASTROPLATE uses resin and aims to provide propulsion without generating the stiffness normally associated with some competition super shoes. This helps to perfectly understand the positioning of the Sonicblast 2.

They want to be fast, but they also want us to be able to train with them regularly.

FF TURBO SQUARED + FF BLAST MAX: one brings the spark, the other the control

Much of the Sonicblast 2's personality lies underfoot. ASICS once again combines two different foams, each with a very specific function.

On one hand, we find FF TURBO SQUARED, the lightest and most reactive compound in the setup. It's responsible for providing that bouncy, energy-returning feel we expect from a shoe designed for faster paces.

On the other is FF BLAST MAX, which provides a more cushioned and stable base. The cleverness lies precisely in how they work together.

If the entire midsole were solely focused on achieving maximum rebound, a shoe with such a high stack could feel too soft or difficult to control. FF BLAST MAX helps balance the package so we can continue to enjoy that responsiveness as the miles accumulate. And this is especially important in a super trainer.

We don't just want a shoe that feels spectacular for five kilometers. We want it to keep performing when we've covered 15, 20, or more.

Lighter despite great cushioning

Another significant novelty is on the scale. The Sonicblast 2 reduces approximately 14 grams compared to the first generation, based on a men's US 9 size.

It may seem like a small difference, but when we're talking about a shoe with a high stack and a lot of cushioning, shedding grams without sacrificing protection is always interesting.

Feature	ASICS Sonicblast 2
Men's Weight	242 g
Women's Weight	212 g
Drop	8 mm
Stack Height	46 / 38 mm
Pronation	Neutral
Surface	Road
Plate	Resin ASTROPLATE
Foams	FF TURBO SQUARED + FF BLAST MAX
Use	Fast / daily training

 

A lighter and more breathable upper

The refresh also extends to the upper.

ASICS uses a new engineered mesh with varying levels of openness depending on the area, aiming to increase ventilation without compromising support.

For an easy run, we can allow for a more relaxed fit. When we do an interval or start a tempo session, we need the foot to remain well-controlled within the shoe.

The new upper tries to find that balance, while also contributing to reducing the overall weight. And the increased breathability will be especially welcome during long workouts or in warmer months, when any improvement in ventilation is ultimately appreciated.

ASICSGRIP: because running fast also demands grip

Underneath, we find ASICSGRIP, one of the compounds ASICS uses to achieve a good combination of grip and durability.

In this type of shoe, grip is more important than it might seem.

When we increase our pace, we exert more force against the ground, and any loss of traction is much more noticeable. The same applies to turns, changes of direction, or simply when training on wet asphalt.

The rubber distribution aims to provide that security without unnecessarily covering the entire midsole and adding too much weight.

For which workouts would we use the Sonicblast 2?

Herein lies probably one of its biggest appeals: they are not designed for a single session.

We find them particularly interesting for:

• Medium and fast-paced runs, where we can take advantage of the FF TURBO SQUARED response without needing a racing shoe.
  
• Tempo, threshold, long intervals, and pace changes—situations where the new ASTROPLATE should start to show its full potential.
  
• Long progressive runs, especially if we like to start comfortably and finish closer to race paces.

They can also become a fairly regular shoe for runners who simply enjoy a responsive ride even during their daily runs. And that's one of the main differences compared to METASPEED shoes.

The Sonicblast 2 doesn't need us to constantly be pushing for our maximum pace to make sense.

ASICS Sonicblast 2 vs Sonicblast: what has really changed?

The first Sonicblast already presented a quite interesting formula, so ASICS hasn't tried to start from scratch.

Feature	Sonicblast	Sonicblast 2
FF TURBO SQUARED	Yes	Yes, with greater forefoot prominence
FF BLAST MAX	Yes	Yes
ASTROPLATE	Original geometry	New bifurcated geometry
Weight	Higher	Approx. 14 g less
Upper	Engineered mesh	New more breathable mesh
Desired feel	Responsive and cushioned	Lighter, smoother, and more dynamic
Focus	Super trainer	More refined super trainer

 

The new ASTROPLATE allows FF TURBO SQUARED to play a greater role in the forefoot, while the weight reduction and updated upper aim for a more agile overall feel.

We don't believe that someone who has almost new Sonicblast shoes needs to replace them immediately.

But if you have to choose between the two generations now, the Sonicblast 2 is the option we would pick.

Sonicblast 2 vs Novablast 6: which to choose?

Both belong to ASICS, both offer significant cushioning, and both can be used for many workouts. But their personalities are not exactly the same.

The Novablast 6 has an especially versatile, comfortable, and dynamic approach for daily training. It can perfectly accompany you for most of the week without needing to overthink which session is next.

The Sonicblast 2 takes a small step towards performance.

The presence of ASTROPLATE, the combination of foams, and its geometry make it more suitable for runners who want to leverage the shoe when they start to pick up the pace.

If you prioritize comfort and daily versatility, we would look at Novablast first. If you want more propulsion, structure, and a shoe specifically prepared for fast days, the Sonicblast 2 is more interesting.

And for racing?

Here it also makes a lot of sense. Not all runners want to use a carbon plate shoe on race day.

Some prefer greater stability. Others find super shoes too demanding or simply want to use practically the same model they use for their quality workouts.

The Sonicblast 2 can perfectly fill that space.

Especially in half marathons and marathons, they can be an interesting alternative for runners looking for a fast but more manageable shoe than a pure racing model.

However, if the goal is to shave off every possible second and we have the necessary technique and experience, within ASICS, the METASPEED family still occupies a more radical tier.

Alberto Navarro's opinion

"It's especially interesting for runners who want to feel propulsion and bounce without directly moving to a more demanding racing shoe."

And we believe that's the key to understanding this model. It doesn't aim to be ASICS' most radical shoe. It aims to be one of the most usable within its fast range.

For which runner do we recommend the ASICS Sonicblast 2?

Mainly for a neutral runner who wants a cushioned, dynamic, and versatile shoe for road training. You don't need to be particularly fast to benefit from them.

They make sense if you do several workouts a week and want a model capable of accompanying you in different sessions, but especially if you enjoy running at medium and fast paces.

We also find them interesting for those who already have a very cushioned shoe for easy runs and are looking to introduce a second, somewhat more dynamic option into their rotation.

And, of course, for those who want to experience a plated shoe without directly moving to carbon.

Frequently asked questions about the ASICS Sonicblast 2

Do the ASICS Sonicblast 2 have a carbon plate?

No. They feature ASTROPLATE, a resin plate designed to enhance propulsion while maintaining a more flexible feel than a carbon plate.

What is the drop of the Sonicblast 2?

They have an 8 mm drop, with an approximate stack height of 46 mm in the heel and 38 mm in the forefoot in the men's version.

How much do they weigh?

The announced weight for men is approximately 242 grams in US 9, about 14 grams less than the first generation.

Are they better than the first Sonicblast?

The original Sonicblast are still very complete shoes. The second generation evolves the formula with less weight, a new ASTROPLATE geometry, and an updated upper. If you're buying now, we would opt for the Sonicblast 2.

Sonicblast 2 or Novablast 6?

For daily training and maximum versatility, Novablast 6. If you want a shoe more focused on fast paces, quality workouts, and a greater sense of propulsion, Sonicblast 2.

Can I run a marathon with the Sonicblast 2?

Yes. They can be especially interesting for runners looking for a cushioned and responsive option for half marathons or marathons, but who prefer a more stable and manageable shoe than a carbon-plated super shoe.

ASICS Sonicblast 2: an evolution that begins to define its personality

The first Sonicblast introduced an interesting idea. This second generation seems to have a much clearer vision of how to develop it.

ASICS hasn't changed what was already working. It retains FF TURBO SQUARED and FF BLAST MAX, but modifies how the midsole and ASTROPLATE work together. It reduces weight, improves upper ventilation, and aims for a smoother transition.

The result is a Sonicblast that wants to feel lighter, faster, and easier to move, but without losing precisely what differentiates a super trainer from a pure racing shoe: the ability to use it a lot.

If you're looking for a shoe to alternate between easy runs, quality workouts, and progressive runs, but want something more dynamic than a conventional daily trainer, the ASICS Sonicblast 2 has many arguments to become one of the most interesting new releases of the season.

At BeUrban, you can discover the new ASICS Sonicblast 2 and find the model that best suits your pace, distance, and goals. You can buy online or visit us at our stores in Elche, Valencia, Murcia, Alcoy, Villena, Cartagena, Santa Pola, Yecla, and Torrevieja, where our team can help you choose your next running shoes.