ASICS Magic Speed 5 vs ASICS Sonicblast 2
We haven't tested ASICS Magic Speed 5 or ASICS Sonicblast 2 yet, so their role suitability is estimated from published specs.
ASICS
Magic Speed 5
Check priceReview Pulse · Strongly positive · 90/100
Reviewers praise the ride and upper and split on the cushioning and value.
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 Magic Speed 5 is 45 g lighter.
- ASICS Sonicblast 2 has 8.5 mm more foam under the heel.
- Only ASICS Magic Speed 5 has a carbon plate.
- ASICS Magic Speed 5 costs $10 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
ASICS Magic Speed 5
Praised
A light, snappy and direct ride that feels excellent at threshold and faster, but firm and unenjoyable at easy paces.
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 Magic Speed 5
Divisive
FF Leap and FF Blast+ provide good heel protection and enough cushioning for workouts, though the forefoot is firm and fades over long 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 Magic Speed 5
Praised
A thin, breathable race-style upper with a secure heel and excellent lacing, though the tongue is not gusseted.
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 Magic Speed 5
Praised
ASICSGRIP rubber and the foam hold up well past 100 miles, with only minor heel scuffing.
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 Magic Speed 5
Praised
ASICSGRIP delivers excellent dry and wet traction, with lab grip far 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 Magic Speed 5
Divisive
The low stack and stiff forefoot feel stable at speed, but the narrow heel and platform are less planted at easy paces.
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 Magic Speed 5
Divisive
At $180 it is reasonable for a carbon-plated speed trainer, though several reviewers say it is too close to full race-shoe pricing.
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 Magic Speed 5 if…
- you want the lighter shoe
- you prefer to feel closer to the ground
- you want a carbon plate
- price matters
Reviewers recommend it for
- Tempo runs
- Interval workouts
- 5K and 10K racing
Choose ASICS Sonicblast 2 if…
- you want more foam under you
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
- Tempo / workout
- Tempo / workout
- Price
- $180$10 less
- $190
- Weight
- 196 g45 g lighter
- 241 g
- Drop
- 7 mm1 mm lower drop
- 8 mm
- Stack
- 37.5 / 30.5 mm
- 46 / 38 mm8.5 mm more stack
- Plate
- Carbon plate
- Not reported
- Stability
- Neutral
- Neutral
- Foam
- FF LEAP / FF BLAST PLUS
- FF TURBO SQUARED / FF BLAST MAX
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE