Asics Noosa Tri 16 running shoes

The Asics Tri Noosa 16 Running Shoe is a lightweight (215g), fast running shoe without a carbon plate. As the name (Tri) implies, Asics designed this line with triathletes in mind, creating an upper that is quick and easy to put on and comfortable even without socks. Version 16 still has these features, but that doesn’t mean it’s just for triathletes. The Asics Noosa Tri 16 holds its own in the Asics lineup even without the triathlon features. It is most similar to the Asics Hyper Speed 4 running shoe, but with the Noosa Tri 16 FF Blast+ midsole foam as opposed to the previous version, it has a different running experience than the Hyper Speed 4.

Asics Noosa Tri 16 upper

The upper of the Asics Noosa Tri 16 Running Shoe is made of thin, breathable, soft and flexible mesh. It is more comfortable than previous versions and can be worn without socks. The upper fits true to size, so if you want to wear it with socks, you may buy a size or half a size larger, especially since the upper is narrow in the metatarsus. Not only is the upper narrow, but the volume and height is low, so if you have a stocky, wide foot, you may not find it comfortable. Since the shoe fits tightly around the foot, you can even run in them without tying your laces. The upper also has two pull tabs, one at the heel collar and the other at the tongue, which allow you to put the shoe on very quickly. The tongue of the shoe is gusseted, thin, padded on top and has a large hole in the middle for better breathability. The heel collar is stiffer than average, but padded for comfort and to lock the foot well. The uppers continue to use very bold colors and patterns, so wherever you wear them, they will stand out from the crowd.

Asics Noosa Tri 16 midsole

The Asics Noosa Tri 16 Running Shoe Midsole is made from FlyteFoam Blast Plus foam, which is used in many of Asics’ everyday running shoes. The FF Blast+ foam is a flexible, soft but dynamic foam that gives the Noosa Tri 16 geometry a unique running experience. While the same foam is used in the Novablast 4, Nimbus 26, Cumulus 26 and more, the Noosa Tri 16’s midsole is thin and low (34.5mm at the heel and 29.5mm at the forefoot), and unlike Asics, its 5mm drop provides a more natural running experience with high ground feel and resiliency. The Noosa Tri midsole is on the firm side, although lower, it has good shock absorption. It’s both flexible and dynamic, so it’s good for the more fatigued foot (in a triathlon race), but if you’re just using it for running, it’s also a great choice for a fast carbon plate-less half-marathon running shoe. The Noosa Tri midsole continues to use Asics Guidesole technology, which means the forefoot is angled upward to help the tired foot roll over on slower runs and contribute to fast transitions on faster runs. The Asics Noosa Tri 16 midsole has a narrow design, especially in the metatarsus and rearfoot, which is narrower than average and not conducive to stability. On the other hand, the midsole is slightly angled towards the upper, which keeps the foot more stable. The midsole foam is a little stiffer and a little deeper than average, which also improves stability.

Asics Noosa Tri 16 outsole

The Asics Noosa Tri 16 Running Shoe Outsole covers a large portion of the midsole, which is not common but good for such a lightweight running shoe. The pattern and shape is almost identical to the outsole of the Asics Hyper Speed 4 running shoe, which is a shoe designed specifically for fast running. The outsole design also suggests that this shoe is primarily intended for runners who land on the forefoot, where there is a greater amount of outsole rubber. The outsole of the Noosa Tri 16 is made of AHARGRIP rubber, which is a softer rubber compound, but still has a very good grip. Despite its softness, it does not wear out quickly and is durable.

Summary

Overall, the Asics Noosa Tri 16 is a versatile, lightweight and fast running shoe. Since it is designed with a quick on/off upper, it can be a good choice for mid-distance triathlon runners (up to a half marathon). The upper has good breathability, soft elastic and can be worn without socks. The midfoot is a little stiffer than average, but that doesn’t mean it’s hard. Dynamic, bouncy, good shock absorption, geometry supports fast running. If you’re looking for the running experience of the previous Noosa Tri running shoes, check out the Asics Hyper Speed 4 running shoe, which is similarly lightweight but has a slightly stiffer and more dynamic FF Blast foam midsole than the previous Noosa Tri running shoes.