The Asics Sonicblast 2 is the first plated shoe in the Blast line, built to pick up the pace in training over every distance. The Asics Magic Speed 5 goes back to the roots of its series: a carbon-plated shoe cut for speed, a hybrid between racing and training. Two complementary approaches.
The Magic Speed 5 sets a carbon fiber plate, more flexible than the one in the Metaspeed, between FF Leap A-TPU and a layer of FF Blast+: the feel is fairly firm while staying balanced.
The Sonicblast 2 pairs FF Turbo² and FF Blast Max, with a fork-shaped Pebax plate: the feel is balanced with a touch of firmness, and shock absorption is excellent.
The Sonicblast is much taller, with a slightly higher drop. The Magic Speed is lighter, by almost 30 g / 1.1 oz, and you feel every bit of it when you pick up the pace.
Propulsion is very good from both shoes. The Magic Speed 5 offers very smooth transitions with a pronounced rocker, but less bounce than the premium models. It is an excellent option for speed workouts in training, less demanding and more durable than a Metaspeed. The Sonicblast 2 gets close to the Metaspeed for responsiveness as soon as you pick up the pace, from tempo workouts to 400 m repeats, and it is less enjoyable on slow easy runs.
Both uppers are engineered mesh, breathable and well fitted. The one on the Magic Speed 5 sits very close to the foot, too narrow according to some testers: better to try before you buy, or even go half a size up. Its tongue is not gusseted and needs to be set properly. The one on the Sonicblast 2 is not minimalist at all, with plenty of padding, a gusseted tongue and a completely standard toe box.
In use, the Magic Speed 5 is more for short races and speed training. Most runners will be able to push it to the half marathon, while the Sonicblast 2 lets you go long up to the marathon.
With their plate and their forward propulsion, neither is a shoe to start running in.
Sonicblast 2 vs Magic Speed 5: Which Should You Choose?
For most runners, we recommend the Sonicblast 2: it covers every speed scenario in training and racing, tempo runs and the marathon in particular.
The Magic Speed 5 can be the better pick if you are mostly targeting short races, and if you accept a firmer feel and a fit that sits very close to the foot.
