ASICS Sonic Blast 2 vs New Balance SC Elite Rebel: Which Max-Stack Plated Shoe Wins?

Introduction

Last year, ASICS launched the Sonic Blast into its lineup, and it was a shoe many runners would rather forget. Overshadowed by the Megablast at launch, version one was stiff, rigid, and a clear weak point in the ASICS range. Now, less than 12 months later, version two has arrived with an updated PEBAX plate, a revised midsole, and a lighter upper. The question is simple: has ASICS fixed the problems, and can the Sonic Blast 2 beat the New Balance SC Elite Rebel, a shoe that has quickly earned a strong reputation in the same category?

How the Sonic Blast 2 Changed From Version One

The most important changes are underfoot. The dual foam layer setup remains, but there is now more FF Turbo Squared ATTPU foam, plus an additional FF Turbo Squared trampoline pod at the front of the shoe for extra responsiveness, identical to the approach used in the Nova Blast 6. The plate is now a fork plate, adding flexibility where the old design was unyielding. The upper moves from Jacquard mesh to a lighter engineered mesh, which cuts 24 g in a UK size 11.5. Stack, drop, and UK and European pricing stay the same, though the shoe costs $10 more in America and Canada and $30 more in Australia.

Where the Sonic Blast 2 Sits in the ASICS Lineup

The Sonic Blast 2 is ASICS’ max stack plated shoe, aimed at tempo runs, comfortable long runs, and race day for mid-pack runners. In the Blast family, the Megablast sits at the top as an unplated top-tier racing and workout shoe. Below it, the Super Blast 3 is a premium soft max-stack daily shoe. The Sonic Blast is the plated, firmer option for tempos and racing without the Megablast price. At the bottom, the Nova Blast 6 is the classic do-it-all daily trainer at an economical price point.

Specs and Fit

At £170, the Sonic Blast 2 comes in at 46 mm of stack at the heel with an 8 mm drop and 277 g in a US 11.5. Sizing runs a touch long, so half a size down is worth considering. The fit is slightly narrow compared to the Super Blast 3 or Nova Blast 6, though regular feet will be fine, and there is no wide option at launch. The upper uses an engineered mesh with a thin racy gusseted tongue, solid heel support, and very good breathability. The midsole pairs FF Blast Max on the bottom for stability and durability with FF Turbo Squared on top, plus the trampoline pod and the forgiving PEBAX fork plate. The ASICS grip rubber outsole is merely fine rather than outstanding.

ASICS Sonic Blast 2: Likes and Dislikes

The headline is the transformation. Version one felt firm and dead; version two is softer, bouncier, and genuinely fun to run in. Despite the 46 mm stack, it is remarkably stable through corners and feels very planted. It suits runners targeting a 3:30 to 5:30 marathon who want comfort, cushioning, and a smooth ride, with a heel bevel that helps heel strikers and fading form late in long efforts. The upper causes no irritation, and fans of the softer-riding Super Blast 2 may find this a close spiritual replacement. The main drawbacks are price: £170 plus the regional price rises is a lot for a fairly niche shoe, and this is not a carbon race shoe replacement. It is a good B+ type shoe, just not an exciting one.

Head-to-Head: ASICS Sonic Blast 2 vs New Balance SC Elite Rebel

The New Balance SC Elite Rebel costs £10 more, has 6 mm less stack at 40 mm, is race legal, has a 4 mm lower drop, and is 24 g lighter. It uses a single layer of Infusium foam versus the ASICS dual-layer setup, rides softer, and has a more aggressive plate shape and placement. The result is a shoe that feels snappier and faster, especially at 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon paces. The Sonic Blast’s extra 6 mm of stack does help protect the legs on long runs, making it more of a half marathon and marathon cruising shoe. Overall, the New Balance is the more well-rounded package and the better pick between the two.

Buying Advice

If you want a long run shoe for half marathon or marathon training that handles tempos, steady-state efforts, long runs with pace blocks, and race day itself, the Sonic Blast 2 can do all of it and is a very welcome update. But if you are choosing between the two, the SC Elite Rebel offers the more exciting package and gets the personal vote here.

Conclusion

The Sonic Blast 2 is a big improvement and puts ASICS back on form in this category, fixing the stiffness and dead feel of version one. It is a solid, comfortable, plated max-stack option. It simply is not quite as fast or as engaging as the New Balance SC Elite Rebel, which remains the shoe to beat in this comparison.