ASICS Sonicblast 2

The ASICS Sonicblast 2 is a speed training shoe designed for comfort and versatility. At $190, it competes with models like the New Balance SC Rebel v1 ($200) and the Topo Specter 3 ($170). The upper is lightweight and comfortable with just the right amount of padding around the heel and tongue. The fit is very nice and not too snug in the forefoot, with plenty of volume and length, which makes this version more comfortable than the v1. There is a lot more FF Blast Max in the bottom, which gives it more impact absorption, cushioning and a much smoother ride. This is the first “Blast” shoe that doesn’t have the typical chop. They carved out more of the foam around the FF Turbo2 trampoline pod and somehow that has given a much livelier toe-off than the first version. To us, the FF Blast Max feels much softer than in the previous version. The plastic plate has also been changed in this version to have a forked design and the shoe comes in 12-14 grams lighter than the original. We are enjoying it for uptempo miles and steadier longer efforts because there is a nice snap and responsiveness off the forefoot, but it can also do slower, recovery miles because of the nice cushioning in the heel. If you want a versatile training shoe that you can use for daily miles spanning both uptempo and slower paces or for long runs where you want a smooth, comfortable ride, this will be a great option. It is also a significant upgrade from the original Sonicblast.