Asics Magic Speed ​​4 running shoes

The Asics Magic Speed 4 Running Shoe has changed a lot from the previous version, but it hasn’t lost its character. The many changes from previous versions make it difficult to place this shoe among the Asics running shoes. The Magic Speed was clearly a race shoe or fast training shoe for shorter distances, half marathons at most. The new version, the Magic Speed 4 midsole, has been made 9 mm thicker, so it can now be used for longer marathon distances. The carbon plate and the high midsole make it quite rigid, which makes it not really suitable for slower runs. If I really wanted to find its place, I’d say it’s a cheaper race shoe. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on the Metaspeed, you should also buy a faster training shoe (Superblast 2), the Magic Speed will do the trick, and it’s nothing like the Superblast 2 or the Metaspeed. It can simply fill the role of a fast training and race shoe without being the best in either category. I’m not saying there’s no place for this shoe, or that the Asics Magic Speed 4 isn’t a good shoe, it’s just too tight for a fast trainer and there are better racing shoes out there, but if you’re going to do it in one shoe, it’s one of the best choices.

Asics Magic Speed 4 upper

The Asics Magic Speed 4 Running Shoe Upper is a transition between comfortable and performance-optimized uppers. Made from a lightweight, breathable, flexible single layer mesh material, the upper fits true to size and accommodates a wider foot (not wide, but flexible enough not to be uncomfortable on a wider foot). The tongue of the shoe is thin, wide and long with a fixed tongue. The heel collar is moderately stiff, moderately cushioned, comfortable and locks the foot in well.

Asics Magic Speed 4 Midsole

The Asics Magic Speed 4 Running Shoe Midsole is made up of two different foams. The top is a slightly thinner foam called FlyteFoam Turbo, which is a dynamic foam used primarily in Asics racing shoes, and the bottom foam is FlyteFoam Blast Plus, which is the most commonly used in everyday running shoes and is also a dynamic, soft foam. In between the two foams is a rigid carbon plate that covers the entire midsole. The three layers combine to create a stiffer and harder midsole. There is a noticeable break-in period of about 20km in the shoe, after which the Magic Speed 4 feels softer. On slower runs, the midsole is stiffer, but as you pick up the pace, you can feel the dynamics. The midsole geometry is rocker (curved), which is held rigid by the carbon plate for a quick transition. Previously, the Magic Speed was only designed for half marathons, but thanks to the increased midfoot height, version 4 now allows you to run marathons at race pace. In terms of distance, this midsole is versatile as it supports both shorter and faster runs, but in terms of speed, it is not versatile as it is not comfortable at slow speeds. Considering the price of the shoe, which is low compared to racing shoes, the Magic Speed 4 is a very good running shoe for fast runs and races.

Asics Magic Speed 4 outsole

The Asics Magic Speed 4 Running Shoe Outsole is made with the ASICSGRIP rubber compound, which has a very good grip and is also durable and has good abrasion resistance. The outsole covers a large area of the midsole, which further contributes to good traction. The outsole has small holes and less visible patterns for better grip. The good grip of the outsole helps to maintain a fast pace.

Summary

Overall, the Asics Magic Speed 4 is a training and racing shoe for fast runs in one. Versatile for distance, but less versatile for speed as it is too rigid for slower runs. The Magic Speed 4 is ideal for runners who don’t want to buy a fast training shoe and a race shoe separately. A lot has changed from the previous version. The midfoot height has been increased significantly, allowing you to run longer distances. The upper is more comfortable, which also helps with longer wear. The changes have also made it 20 grams heavier, but it’s still a lightweight running shoe.