The ASICS Sonicblast 2 takes the energetic formula of the original Sonicblast and makes it lighter, smoother and more focused on faster training. Launching in the sunrise-inspired ASICS Rise & Shine Collection, the second generation introduces a redesigned ASTROPLATE, more FF TURBO SQUARED cushioning and a lighter engineered-mesh upper.
The original Sonicblast was already a highly cushioned, plated training shoe designed to bring extra bounce and propulsion to tempo runs and speed sessions. Rather than completely changing that identity, ASICS has refined it. The result is a shoe intended to feel easier to turn over while retaining the protective cushioning and energetic ride that defined the first version.
So, how does the ASICS Sonicblast 2 compare with the original Sonicblast, and is it worth upgrading?
ASICS Sonicblast 2 vs Sonicblast at a glance
| Feature | ASICS Sonicblast 2 | ASICS Sonicblast |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Tempo runs, intervals and faster daily training | Tempo runs, intervals and energetic daily training |
| Midsole | FF TURBO SQUARED, FF BLAST MAX and an extended trampoline pod | Dual-layer FF TURBO SQUARED and FF BLAST MAX cushioning |
| Plate | Redesigned forked ASTROPLATE | Original ASTROPLATE geometry |
| Weight | Approx. 242 g men / 212 g women | Approx. 256 g men / 223 g women |
| Weight change | Approx. 14 g lighter | — |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Stack height | 46 mm heel / 38 mm forefoot for men | 46 mm heel / 38 mm forefoot for men |
| Upper | New engineered mesh | Jacquard mesh |
| Outsole | ASICSGRIP rubber | ASICSGRIP rubber |
Weights are approximate and can vary by size. Women’s listed stack is 45 mm in the heel and 37 mm in the forefoot.
1. A lighter, more effortless ride
The most immediately noticeable change is the reduction in weight. The men’s Sonicblast 2 is listed at approximately 242 g in a US size 9, down from around 256 g, while the women’s version drops from approximately 223 g to 212 g.
A saving of around 14 g may not sound dramatic on paper, but it matters in a shoe built for repeated accelerations and faster running. Less weight can make the Sonicblast 2 feel easier to turn over during intervals, threshold sessions and progressive runs, particularly when fatigue begins to build.
The original Sonicblast remains a capable speed trainer, but the Sonicblast 2 should feel more streamlined and dynamic when the pace increases.
2. More FF TURBO SQUARED cushioning
Both generations use a dual-foam midsole combining responsive FF TURBO SQUARED cushioning with the more protective FF BLAST MAX foam. The important difference is how those materials are arranged.
In the Sonicblast 2, ASICS extends more FF TURBO SQUARED foam through the midsole and into the forefoot trampoline pod. This is designed to create a bouncier transition and a more energetic toe-off without removing the cushioning needed for regular training.
The original Sonicblast already delivered a responsive feel, but the updated construction should make version two feel smoother and more consistent as the foot moves from landing to toe-off.
3. A redesigned forked ASTROPLATE
The ASTROPLATE remains the defining feature that separates the Sonicblast from many conventional daily trainers. It works with the midsole geometry to help guide the foot forward and add mechanical propulsion.
For the Sonicblast 2, ASICS has changed the plate to a forked shape. This creates more space for FF TURBO SQUARED foam and allows the cushioning and plate to work together through the forefoot.
The goal is not to make the Sonicblast 2 feel like an aggressive race-day shoe. Instead, the new setup is intended to produce a smoother, more flexible and energetic experience for training. Runners who found the first Sonicblast slightly substantial underfoot may appreciate the lighter and more refined transition.
4. The stack and drop remain unchanged
Despite the changes to the foam layout and plate, the Sonicblast 2 maintains the same high-stack geometry. The men’s shoe is listed at 46 mm in the heel and 38 mm in the forefoot, creating an 8 mm heel-to-toe drop. The women’s version is listed at 45 mm and 37 mm, also with an 8 mm drop.
That means runners still receive the protective, highly cushioned platform associated with the original Sonicblast. It is designed to provide enough impact absorption for longer workouts while remaining lively enough for quicker running.
If you enjoyed the overall geometry of the original model, the Sonicblast 2 should feel familiar rather than radically different.
5. A more breathable engineered-mesh upper
ASICS has replaced the original jacquard mesh with a new engineered-mesh upper. The update is designed to improve breathability and comfort while contributing to the lower overall weight.
This should be particularly useful during hard workouts and warmer Australian conditions, when heat and moisture can become more noticeable. The updated upper also gives the Sonicblast 2 a cleaner, faster appearance that matches its sharper performance focus.
As always, fit can vary between runners. Trying the shoe on in-store is the best way to confirm the right size and lockdown for your foot.
6. Rise & Shine Collection colourway
The Sonicblast 2 is the hero release within the ASICS Rise & Shine Collection, a range inspired by the colour and optimism of running at sunrise.
Its Rise & Shine styling blends a light base with vivid sunrise tones, including orange, yellow and red accents. The men’s collection colour is listed as White/Stadium Orange, while the women’s version uses White/Sun Coral. The bright design suits the character of the shoe: energetic, optimistic and built for sessions that start the day with purpose.
The wider Rise & Shine pack also brings sunrise-inspired colours to other popular ASICS models, including the Superblast 3, Megablast, Novablast 6, Gel-Nimbus 28, Gel-Cumulus 28, Gel-Kayano 33 and GT-2000 15.
What is the ASICS Sonicblast 2 best used for?
The Sonicblast 2 is best suited to runners looking for a highly cushioned shoe that can add energy to faster training. It is particularly well matched to:
- Tempo and threshold runs
- Interval sessions
- Progression runs
- Faster long-run sections
- Daily training for runners who enjoy a plated, responsive feel
It can handle easier running, but runners who mainly want a relaxed and soft daily trainer may prefer the Novablast range. Those prioritising long-distance versatility without a plate may lean towards the Superblast, while the Sonicblast 2 has the clearest focus on structured speed work and uptempo training.
Should you upgrade from the original Sonicblast?
If your original Sonicblast still has plenty of life left and you enjoy its ride, there is no urgent need to replace it. The first version remains a strong, cushioned speed-training option.
The Sonicblast 2 becomes the more compelling choice if you want:
- A lighter shoe for quicker turnover
- A smoother and more energetic forefoot transition
- More FF TURBO SQUARED cushioning
- A refined plate design
- A more breathable upper
- The limited Rise & Shine Collection look
For new buyers choosing between the two, the Sonicblast 2 is the more polished and performance-focused model. The original Sonicblast may still offer excellent value if available at a reduced clearance price.
ASICS Sonicblast 2 vs Sonicblast: the verdict
The ASICS Sonicblast 2 does not abandon what worked in the original. It improves the formula through lower weight, more responsive foam placement, a redesigned forked ASTROPLATE and a lighter upper.
The original Sonicblast remains a dependable option for runners wanting cushioning and plated propulsion. However, the Sonicblast 2 should feel lighter, smoother and more natural when the pace picks up, making it the stronger choice for tempo runs, intervals and energetic daily training.
Finished in the bright Rise & Shine Collection colourway, it also delivers one of the most distinctive looks in the latest ASICS performance range.
Ready to compare the fit and feel? Shop the ASICS Sonicblast 2 online or visit your nearest The Running Company store for personalised fitting advice.
