Megablast 1 vs Sonicblast 2

The Asics Megablast is the brand's big, bouncy super trainer: a plateless max-stack running shoe that sits above the Superblast as the softer, taller, more cushioned option in the line. There is no carbon plate here, so the propulsion comes purely from a huge 46mm heel of FF Turbo Squared foam and the shape of the sole. That makes it a versatile do-everything trainer rather than a pure speed tool. It soaks up easy miles, holds a long run together, and still has enough energy return to lift into a steady tempo when you want it. At 230g it is not light for a trainer, and at £229 it is priced like a race shoe, so it asks a lot up front. But if you want one cushioned shoe that covers most of your week without a plate dictating the ride, the Megablast makes a strong case. We rate it as a premium daily-to-long-run trainer with real pop.

Fordy Runs calls it a big step up from the first version, and the spec sheet backs that up. The Sonicblast 2 keeps the layout of the first version (FF Turbo Squared on top, FF Blast Max underneath, a Pebax plate between them) but the plate is now forked, and reviewers say it's noticeably lighter and bouncier than before. It's a plated super trainer for tempo sessions, marathon-pace long runs and the odd race, not a soft shoe for recovery days.

Doctors of Running graded it A-, and another review's three testers liked the ride too, though all of them found it firm at easy pace. The catch is price. At £170 RRP it sits right beside the Superblast 3, which is still the better choice if you want one shoe for easy days as well as fast ones. If most of your running is at tempo or marathon pace, the Sonicblast is the sharper of the two, and it gets easier to recommend once it drops below full price in the table.