Skip to content
BuildMyRotation

ASICS Glideride Max 2 vs ASICS Sonicblast 2

We haven't tested ASICS Glideride Max 2 or ASICS Sonicblast 2 yet, so their role suitability is estimated from published specs.

These do different jobs: ASICS Glideride Max 2 is a max-cushion trainer, ASICS Sonicblast 2 a tempo / workout. The question is which fits your rotation, not which is better.

ASICS Glideride Max 2

ASICS

Glideride Max 2

Check price

Review Pulse · Mostly positive · 65/100

Reviewers praise the cushioning and stability, criticise the value and split on the ride and upper.

ASICS Sonicblast 2

ASICS

Sonicblast 2

Check price

Review 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 20 g lighter.
  • ASICS Sonicblast 2 has the higher drop (8 mm vs 6 mm).
  • ASICS Glideride Max 2 costs $20 less at list price.

What reviewers say

Ride

ASICS Glideride Max 2

Divisive

A smooth, guided rocker rolls through easy miles, but the stiff platform and muted foam make it feel more mechanical than lively.

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 Glideride Max 2

Praised

The tall dual-density stack protects the heel and long-run miles well, though the forefoot is firmer and less plush than rivals.

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 Glideride Max 2

Divisive

Breathable, secure and comfortable for most, but the low tapered toe box and tall stiff heel collar cause rubbing for some.

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 Glideride Max 2

Divisive

The outsole rubber is thick and abrasion-resistant, while the thin toe box and heel padding show more wear.

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 Glideride Max 2

Praised

ASICSGRIP and AHAR+ provide excellent dry-road traction and strong wet-weather grip, with only slight slip on slick surfaces for one tester.

ASICS Sonicblast 2

Praised

Lab results are excellent and runners report dependable road traction, with no major grip concerns in early use.

Stability

ASICS Glideride Max 2

Praised

A wide base, sidewalls and a three-quarter plate make the tall platform unusually planted for a neutral max-cushion shoe.

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 Glideride Max 2

Criticised

At $170 reviewers question the value because the ride is not especially bouncy and the cheaper Nimbus covers similar easy-mile duty.

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 Glideride Max 2 if…

  • you like a lower drop
  • price matters
  • its cushioning is what you care about most
  • its stability is what you care about most

Reviewers recommend it for

  • Easy and recovery runs
  • Long steady miles
  • Heel strikers

Choose ASICS Sonicblast 2 if…

  • you want the lighter shoe
  • you like a higher drop
  • its ride is what you care about most
  • 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
Max-cushion trainer
Tempo / workout
Price
$170$20 less
$190
Weight
261 g
241 g20 g lighter
Drop
6 mm2 mm lower drop
8 mm
Stack
46 / 40 mm
46 / 38 mm
Plate
Not reported
Not reported
Stability
Neutral
Neutral
Foam
FF BLAST MAX / FF BLAST PLUS
FF TURBO SQUARED / FF BLAST MAX

Role suitability

DAILY

Best fit
Good fit

RECOVERY

Best fit
Limited

LONG RUN

Strong fit
Good fit

TEMPO

Situational
Strong fit

RACE

Limited
Good fit