ASICS Sonicblast 2 vs Novablast 6

Sonicblast 2 or Novablast 6? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want max cushion and protection for lots of miles? Get the Sonicblast 2.

Want springy, versatile miles? Get the Novablast 6.

Get the Sonicblast 2 if

  • You want the softer, more cushioned ride
  • You want more foam underfoot (4.5mm more at the heel)
  • You want a dedicated recovery-day shoe
  • You need a roomier fit

Get the Novablast 6 if

  • You’d like a little less squish underfoot
  • You’ll use it for tempo runs and workouts
  • You need a wide width
  • You’d rather spend $35 less

On the run

Sonicblast 2: Huge cushion for high mileage. Soft and protective, with exceptional shock absorption and plenty of foam for long, easy miles. Less lively than you might expect, and not as stable as some max-stack trainers.

Novablast 6: The springy do-it-all. Light and springy, with a forefoot pod that snaps more the faster you go. It handles everything from easy days to workouts.

Specs side by side

Sonicblast 2 Novablast 6
Price $190 $155
Stack height (heel / forefoot) 46 / 38mm* 41.5 / 33.5mm*
Drop 8mm 8mm
Weight, men’s 8.5 oz 8.9 oz
Weight, women’s 7.5 oz 7.6 oz
Support Neutral Neutral
Plate None None
Widths Standard Standard, Wide
Built for Long runs, Easy days, Recovery runs Easy days, Tempo & workouts, Long runs
Expected life 350–450 miles 400–500 miles

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Sonicblast 2. True to size with an improved, breathable upper, but the toebox is tapered.

Novablast 6. True to size with a tapered but splay-friendly toebox and a locked-in heel. It’s low over the toes, so high insteps should go wide rather than longer.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.

Shop the Sonicblast 2 · Shop the Novablast 6 · Compare other running shoes

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