The Asics Magic Speed 4 is a carbon-plated speed-training shoe that combines the best of both worlds—soft cushion from everyday running shoes and the lightweight construction and bounce of racing shoes. The shoe achieves this with a dual-foam construction that places a softer training foam in the back for comfort and a puck of racing foam in the forefoot for speed. The ride is smooth, comfortable and restrained at relaxed efforts (reminiscent of the brand's Glideride Max) and appropriately streamlined and bouncy when picking up the pace (like the Metaspeed Edge racing shoe). The flimsy and ill-fitting upper is the only notable issue with shoe, and one we can forgive given the ride performance. While the shoe did stand up well to a 25 mile day of testing, it is still a soft ride. Runners who prefer a firmer shoe for speed workouts should consider the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 or Hoka Mach X2.
Category
Speed trainer
Release Date
July 2024
Plated?
Yes
Type of Plate
Full carbon plate
Foam
FF Blast Plus, FF Blast Plus
Foam Compound
EVA, PEBA
Ride
Soft, Cushioned, Responsive
Heel Stack (mm)
44.0
Forefoot Stack (mm)
36.0
Drop (mm)
8
Weight (mens size 9)
8.5
Support
Neutral
Fit
True to size
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