ASICS Debut the SONICBLAST 2 in Eight-Shoe ‘Rise & Shine’ Pack

The ASICS BLAST family doesn’t play when it comes to pounding the pavement – they’ve got pretty much every style of runner catered for. There’s the do-it-all MEGABLAST, the distance-driven SUPERBLAST, the daily driver NOVABLAST, and the super-speedy SONICBLAST. Now, hot out of their Kobe headquarters, ASICS have announced that the latter iteration is getting an update, to be debuted ahead of the Sydney Marathon in the eight-shoe ‘Rise & Shine’ collection.

The fresh SONICBLAST 2 update retains what we know and love about the speedster, but also evolves multiple areas – starting with the ASTROPLATE. This system is unique to the SONICBLAST, and now features a forked design which allows the FF TURBO SQUARED foam to extend further into the midsole for improved cushioning and energy return. In addition, ASICS have incorporated FF BLAST MAX foam, which adds to take-off power. Elsewhere, the upper is redesigned in engineered mesh, and it’s certainly made a difference: the entire silhouette is 14 grams lighter than its predecessor.

‘What makes the SONICBLAST franchise unique within the BLAST family is its ability to deliver a highly energetic experience through a combination of cushioning and mechanical propulsion,’ Paul Lang, senior manager of global product, performance running footwear, says. ‘For the SONICBLAST 2 shoe, we focused on refining that feeling rather than completely reinventing it. By rethinking the geometry of the ASTROPLATE technology and how it interacts with the surrounding cushioning system, we were able to create a ride that feels lighter, smoother and more effortless, while preserving the distinctive bounce that runners have come to associate with the franchise.’

The ASICS SONICBLAST 2 will make its premiere within the ‘Rise & Shine’ collection, which pulls its inspiration from early-morning runs. Also included in this pack are special colourways of the MEGABLAST, SUPERBLAST 3, NOVABLAST 6, GEL-NIMBUS 28, GEL-CUMULUS 28, GEL-KAYANO 33 and GT-2000 15. You can expect ’em all to arrive on August 24.

Keep up to date on all the latest shoes making a splash at major marathons right here.