New Balance SuperComp Rebel vs ASICS Sonic Blast 2: Which Super Trainer Fits Your Running?

Introduction

Two of the best new super trainers on the market just happen to be two of the biggest surprises of the season. The New Balance SuperComp Rebel arrived as a genuine surprise from a brand whose recent trainers have not exactly lit up training rotations, while the ASICS Sonic Blast 2 is a big step up from a first version that was fine but unremarkable.

What makes this comparison interesting is that on paper they look almost identical: both use ATTPU foam, both sit in the mid-40s for stack height, and both are priced close together at $200 for the SC Rebel and $190 for the Sonic Blast 2. In practice, though, they deliver very different rides, and each excels in a different kind of run.

Two Super Trainers, Two Personalities

The SuperComp Rebel is a soft and bouncy super trainer with a light-on-your-feet, peppy character. It is the speedier feeling option of the two, and its narrow upper reinforces that lightweight, fun-first focus. It even carries a race-like feel; of all the super trainers tried so far, it is the closest to a genuine race shoe, feeling streamlined, lower to the ground, and more aggressive.

The Sonic Blast 2, by contrast, is the more robust option. It feels firmer, chunkier, and more protective, with more foam under the forefoot. If you are worried about a shoe feeling too soft or bottoming out, this is the safer bet. Some runners have reported feeling the plate in the SC Rebel, though that was not experienced here over about 24 miles of testing; the SC Rebel felt very comfortable on easy daily miles, but harder-charging runners may notice it more.

Ride Feel and Foam Construction

The Sonic Blast 2 uses a dual-foam setup: a bottom layer of FF Blast Max, a training foam blend, topped with FF Turbo Squared, which brings noticeable firmness. One clever detail is that ASICS pushed the ATTPU from the top layer all the way through the trampoline pod, a major change from the first version. At toe-off you get an explosion of FF Turbo Squared that feels more like the Mega Blast, while the firmer bottom foam makes for a genuinely nice heel-striking landing. It combines comfort underfoot with a strong pop at the front.

The SC Rebel’s foam is noticeably softer, especially in the heel, and its aggressive rocker is built for speed. That is not a flaw; it is the point of a SuperComp shoe. But it is more specialized, and runners who like to jog slow may find the rocker less natural.

Fit and Upper Comfort

Both uppers are very comfortable with a solid lace-up experience, and both use a relatively thin tongue. The SC Rebel edges ahead here: its upper feels a touch more premium, with a suede-like material around the heel collar, while the Sonic Blast 2 feels slightly more basic, though the gap is small.

The bigger difference is room. The Sonic Blast 2 has a roomy upper and a much wider overall platform, making it the clear pick for wide-footed or high-volume runners. The SC Rebel runs narrow in the forefoot; it does come in a wide version, but that has not been tested and some brands only widen the upper rather than the platform, so it is worth trying on if width matters to you.

Durability and Outsole Wear

With roughly 25 miles on each pair, early signs clearly favor the Sonic Blast 2. Its top layer of FF Turbo Squared is a durable foam, it has extensive rubber coverage on the outsole, and the firmer bottom layer adds protection. The SC Rebel’s softer foam already shows visible crinkling, and there is some noticeable wear on the plate despite nothing extreme.

Brand history points the same way: ASICS firmer ATTPU and dual-foam shoes such as the Superblast 2 and Mega Blast have historically held up very well, while New Balance trainers have traditionally lagged in durability. That said, the SC Rebel uses a new foam, so long-term results remain to be seen.

Stability and Recovery Runs

The Sonic Blast 2 is the more stable shoe, thanks to the firmer frame at the bottom and generous foam at the heel, implemented cleanly so it never gums up the ride. It provides a comfortable, stable landing at the back end of the stride. It is also the better recovery-run option: protective, forgiving, and helpful on tired days.

The SC Rebel is not unstable, but it is aggressive. Its rocker is optimized for speed, which means it is not the most supportive choice for a relaxed 90-minute run on beat-up legs. If you want support and protection, the Sonic Blast 2 wins this category.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the Sonic Blast 2 if you want a firmer, more protective, more durable long-run shoe with better stability, a roomier fit, and the ability to handle steady efforts and recovery days. Choose the SuperComp Rebel if you want something lighter, softer, faster-feeling, and more fun on shorter runs, and you are willing to trade away some support and durability for that race-like ride.

They are different enough that both could live in the same rotation: the SC Rebel for shorter, faster sessions, the Sonic Blast 2 for steadier work, long runs, and recovery, ideally alongside a comfortable non-plated daily trainer. If forced to pick one, the SC Rebel edges it for its uniqueness factor and sheer fun, while the Sonic Blast 2 is the reliability play.

Conclusion

These are two excellent super trainers that simply offer different ride experiences rather than a clear winner. The SuperComp Rebel is soft, light, and fast with a race-like edge; the Sonic Blast 2 is firmer, more protective, roomier, and built to last. Match the shoe to the runs you actually do most, and either choice will serve you well.