Asics Magic Speed 4 Introduction
Like the Magic Speed 3, the latest version offers a full length carbon plate and a layer of FF BLAST PLUS midsole cushioning.
New features in the Magic Speed 4 include a layer of FF TURBO, wider midfoot design and more cushioning throughout the shoe. But with more cushion comes more weight in the form of one additional oz in size 9.
An easy and obvious comparison to the Magic Speed 4 is the Asics Metaspeed series. At $170, the Magic Speed 4 is a more budget friendly, carbon-plated shoe for runners venturing into the super shoe space.
Asics Magic Speed 4 First Impressions
Most of my first impressions start with color combos and the Magic Speed 4 were blinding from the moment I cracked the lid of the box.
With a fluorescent yellow upper and orange streaking through the midsole, these act like flashlights on your feet.
In fact, Asics’s website describes them as “safety yellow” which is suitable. I can’t help but think they resemble neon yellow road crew attire that you see driving down the highway. Quite frankly, outside of the unavoidable color, the upper didn’t seem like anything to write home about.
When looking over the shoe more, it was impossible to miss the full-bodied FF Turbo midsole. You’ll also get a glimpse of the carbon plate running through the midfoot when you flip them over to check out the ASICSGRIP™ rubber outsole.
My first run in the shoes was a 5 miler and they took some time to get used to. It actually took a few runs until I settled into a comfortable stride. Overall, I was pleased with the initial feel and performance.
Asics Magic Speed 4 Upper
Asics made some notable changes to the upper design and material for 2024.
Engineered mesh is the material of choice compared to MOTION WRAP in the Magic Speed 3. This is sort of a head scratcher to me. MOTION WRAP is a more premium material which is used in the METASPEED line. Given the price increase from last year, this almost seems like a downgrade in the upper.
Having said all that, I had no issues with the fit and feel of the upper design. The seamless design was snug and contoured well to my feet for support in all the right places. Breathability was average and what I’d expect from the Engineered mesh.
There would be no issues running in these shoes in extreme heat or cold.
A thin, laminated tough wrapped nicely over the top of my foot. Padding on the tongue helped to reduce potential pinch points where the laces make contact. The tongue is also gusseted which helps it stay in place and not slide down or to either side.
Asics beefed up the heel counter with more padding than the previous version. I had no problems with lockdown and was able to gain a secure fit each time I laced up the shoes.
Asics Magic Speed 4 Sole Unit
The sole unit starts off with FF Turbo as one of two layers of foam cushioning. The majority of this super bouncy foam sits in the forefoot, assisting in energy return.
Beneath the FF Turbo lies a full length carbon plate which is responsible for propulsion and improving stability. The carbon plate is designed with a late stage rocker, which encourages runners to stay on the balls of their feet and toes.
FF BLAST PLUS makes up the remainder of the midsole and supports the carbon plate. A major benefit of this material is that it’s lightweight. Asics beefed up the stack height overall from last year’s model. An additional 9mms in the heel and 8mms in the toe to be exact.
Last but not least, ASCISGRIP is the rubber that meets the road.
I really enjoyed the ride of the Magic Speed 4. It’s hard to love and have fun in a shoe that promotes speed and long strides.
My primary workouts in this shoe were interval runs, 5k race paces and up to 10 mile tempo runs.
The carbon plate shines when I was running at a pace where my midfoot or forefoot was contacting the ground first. At slower paces when I found my heels striking first, I felt that the shoes became more unpredictable.
Asics Magic Speed 4 Conclusions
This was my first review of a carbon-plated shoe. While I don’t have much to compare them to, it was hard to find any criticisms in the Magic Speed 4.
Offering more cushion and more stability than before. This shoe will help you get the most out of your high paced workouts, whether that’s training for a 5k, marathon or races across those distances.
The Magic Speed 4 is an awesome shoe that I’d highly recommend.
