ASICS Gel Pulse 17 vs ASICS Sonicblast 2
We haven't tested ASICS Gel Pulse 17 or ASICS Sonicblast 2 yet, so their role suitability is estimated from published specs.
These do different jobs: ASICS Gel Pulse 17 is a daily trainer, ASICS Sonicblast 2 a tempo / workout. The question is which fits your rotation, not which is better.
ASICS
Gel Pulse 17
Check priceReview Pulse · Mostly positive · 88/100
Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning and split on the upper.
ASICS
Sonicblast 2
Check priceReview Pulse · Mostly positive · 75/100
Reviewers praise the ride and upper and split on the cushioning and stability.
The differences that matter
- ASICS Sonicblast 2 is 34 g lighter.
- ASICS Sonicblast 2 has 4.5 mm more foam under the heel.
- ASICS Gel Pulse 17 costs $85 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
ASICS Gel Pulse 17
Praised
A smooth, stable daily ride that rolls through easy miles comfortably, though it feels heavy and flat when the pace rises.
ASICS Sonicblast 2
Praised
The redesigned shoe is more fluid and lively at marathon and tempo efforts, though its stiff midfoot and less energetic heel can feel awkward at easy paces.
Cushioning
ASICS Gel Pulse 17
Praised
The taller FF Blast and heel GEL stack provides strong impact protection for the price, with enough cushioning for long easy runs.
ASICS Sonicblast 2
Divisive
The high stack protects well on long runs, but its firmer feel is not to every runner’s taste and the forefoot bounce is more noticeable than the heel.
Upper
ASICS Gel Pulse 17
Divisive
A breathable mesh upper with a padded collar, but the forefoot is noticeably narrow and tapered.
ASICS Sonicblast 2
Praised
The lighter mesh is breathable and generally secure with useful toe volume, though some find the racer-focused upper less plush and the toe shape tapered.
Durability
ASICS Gel Pulse 17
Praised
AHARPLUS rubber and the solid upper hold up well, with testers expecting several hundred miles of use.
ASICS Sonicblast 2
Praised
Early reports and lab testing suggest the outsole holds up well, while the thin toe mesh is a possible weak point.
Grip
ASICS Gel Pulse 17
Praised
Road traction is dependable in dry and damp conditions, with lab grip slightly above average.
ASICS Sonicblast 2
Praised
Lab results are excellent and runners report dependable road traction, with no major grip concerns in early use.
Stability
ASICS Gel Pulse 17
Praised
A broad, firm platform makes the neutral shoe unusually stable and suitable for mild overpronation.
ASICS Sonicblast 2
Divisive
Several reviewers find the broad geometry and firmer foam unusually composed for a tall trainer, while others caution it is still a neutral shoe and not the most stable option.
Value
ASICS Gel Pulse 17
Praised
At around $100 it is one of the strongest value picks in the daily-trainer category.
ASICS Sonicblast 2
Divisive
Some consider the price reasonable for a versatile plated trainer, while others question the premium given the ride and alternatives in the range.
Which one to choose
Choose ASICS Gel Pulse 17 if…
- you prefer to feel closer to the ground
- price matters
- its cushioning is what you care about most
- its stability is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Budget daily training
- Beginners and return-to-running
- Heel strikers
Choose ASICS Sonicblast 2 if…
- you want the lighter shoe
- you want more foam under you
- its upper is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Tempo sessions and marathon-pace long runs
- Runners wanting a plated trainer without a carbon plate
- Runners seeking high cushioning with a firmer, controlled feel
Specifications
- Category
- Daily trainer
- Tempo / workout
- Price
- $105$85 less
- $190
- Weight
- 275 g
- 241 g34 g lighter
- Drop
- 8 mm
- 8 mm
- Stack
- 41.5 / 33.5 mm
- 46 / 38 mm4.5 mm more stack
- Plate
- Not reported
- Not reported
- Stability
- Neutral
- Neutral
- Foam
- FF BLAST / GEL
- FF TURBO SQUARED / FF BLAST MAX
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE