The Magic Speed is the training companion to the Metaspeed racing series. It’s designed to feel similar to the ASICS super shoes but with more durability for a cheaper price.
The Magic Speed 4 has received some interesting updates this year but it weighs more and costs $10 more than version 3. This comparison will tell you which version you should buy.
The Magic Speed 4 has a dual-density midsole: it has FF Blast+ as its main foam (carrier foam) with a small FF Turbo+ puck in the forefoot. The FF Blast+ part provides durability while the FF Turbo+ puck provides a small amount of extra energy return.
The Magic Speed 3 has only FF Blast+ in its midsole. It has 2 layers of it with the carbon plate sandwiched between the 2 layers. The Speed 3 has consistent ride transitions from heel to toe.
The Speed 4 has a much thicker midsole than the Speed 3 and it’s now so thick that it can’t be used in official World Athletics races. The Speed 3 is still below the legal limit. The Speed 4 feels a lot more cushioned and has more cushioning depth than the 3. The extra stack height makes the Speed 4 better for long runs than the 3.
The 3 is the lighter shoe so it feels more nimble and more agile. This makes it better for short distances.
The carbon plate in the Speed 4 feels stiffer, as does its forefoot. This gives the 4 a more prominent forefoot rocker than the 3, which has a lower toe-spring and a more flexible forefoot. The Speed 4 feels more efficient and more energy-saving.
Transitions in the Speed 4 feel more like a long-distance super shoe. It has very little ground feel and feels propulsive. Transitions in the Speed 3 feel more like a traditional racing flat which has more ground feel than the modern racers of today.
If you need more stability, the Magic Speed 3 is the better shoe for you. It has a thinner midsole and your feet sit closer to the ground so there’s less lean bias.
The uppers of both of these versions are super comfortable. They are both true to size but the main difference is that the Speed 4 has a thicker, more padded upper with more support.
The Speed 3 has a stripped down upper which is similar to a racing shoe. Breathability is better in the Speed 3 and it absorbs less liquid than the 4.
They both have flat, gusseted tongues and have superb foot lockdown.
If you are looking for a speed trainer for long distances, you should buy the Magic Speed 4. It has more cushioning depth and it has a more prominent rocker which makes runs feel efficient. It has a warmer upper so it’s better suited to cool climates and it feels more like the Metaspeed racing series. If you prefer a stiffer shoe, the Magic Speed 4 is also the better shoe for you.
If you prefer a lighter trainer for shorter distances, you should buy the Magic Speed 3. It has a more natural ride with better stability. It has more ground feel and it is the cheaper option. It is more suited to warm climates due to its more breathable upper. If you prefer a more flexible shoe, the Magic Speed 3 is the better option for you.
