Hardwear
Product 2026
Woman, Man
The ASICS SonicBlast 2 is a plated running shoe, although the plate is made not from carbon but from PEBAX. While the sensations offered by this very lightweight ASICS shoe — we weighed it at 230 grams in a US 9.5 / EU 42.5 — are close to those of a racing shoe, it remains highly accessible. By “accessible,” we mean that your running technique and foot strike do not need to be extremely precise or highly developed.
The energy return is easy to manage, and there is almost no sense of instability. However, the ASICS SonicBlast 2 is still a relatively stiff shoe in the way it responds. This term also deserves some explanation: the cushioning is very well balanced, but over the course of a run, runners who are used to the softer, plusher cushioning found in some shoes may find the shock absorption slightly less pronounced.
Personally, we prefer this type of shoe, with its firm and well-defined platform, to excessively spongy midsoles, which often create a lot of rolling movement through the rear of the foot and require a 100% forefoot strike to get the most out of the shoe.
We therefore appreciated the firm feel of the ASICS SonicBlast 2, as it helps offset the shoe’s relatively high stack height. Another positive point is the direct, well-defined ground contact, particularly under the big toe. The shoe also resists lateral movement despite its height. It is stable and responsive, with an 8 mm drop.
Once you get moving, there is no doubt that this is a fast shoe. It picks up the pace and gives you plenty of energy with each stride. ASICS describes the sensation under the forefoot as a trampoline effect. We wouldn’t go quite that far, but the energy return is definitely there, helped by a very smooth transition toward the forefoot.
The ASICS SonicBlast 2 is not an extreme shoe, even though it can easily be used for racing. It does not, however, compete directly with the carbon-plated ASICS MetaSpeed, which remains the true racing weapon in the lineup.
The upper is comfortable, while the tongue is minimalist. We particularly liked the highly breathable mesh. The outsole provides very good grip, and the heel is securely held in place. The overall construction is excellent, with quality materials throughout.
The ASICS SonicBlast 2 is a good option for picking up the pace and for training sessions when you don’t want a pure racing shoe on your feet. It is more accessible in terms of both technical demands and price. Overall, it is a very good choice for tempo sessions and even longer runs.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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