When you lace up the ASICS Magic Speed, you immediately sense this shoe wasn’t built for easy miles or long, lazy jogs. It’s here for one thing: to move fast. Whether you’re sharpening up for race day or dialing into tempo sessions, this shoe brings a firm, rockered ride that begs you to lean in and pick up the pace.
Fit & Feel
The upper is light and breathable, with a streamlined construction that hugs the foot without feeling restrictive. There’s minimal padding in the collar and tongue, but enough to keep things comfortable and secure. The fit is true to size, with a dialed-in lockdown that holds through corners and pick-ups without any heel slip or irritation. It feels race-day ready without sacrificing the structure needed for tempo work.
Ride & Responsiveness
The midsole uses FlyteFoam Blast, delivering a firmer, more responsive feel than softer high-stack trainers. Embedded in the forefoot is a half-length carbon plate, offering just the right amount of propulsion when you’re turning over faster efforts. The ride is not plush—it’s snappy, efficient, and direct. If you like to feel the ground beneath you and respond with intention, this setup delivers.
Combined with ASICS’ Guidesole rocker geometry, the transition is smooth and forward-driving. It encourages efficient turnover and helps save your calves over sustained efforts. It doesn’t just roll forward—it flows, especially at tempo pace or threshold efforts.
Traction & Durability
The outsole is fully covered in ASICSGRIP rubber, which means confident traction even in wet conditions and long-lasting durability for extended use in your weekly rotation. Whether you’re pushing hard around corners or testing the shoe on uneven pavement, grip is never a question.
The Verdict
The ASICS Magic Speed is a great match for:
- Runners chasing faster training sessions or sharpening for race day
- Those who enjoy a firm, responsive ride with a forward-driving rocker
- Runners exploring carbon plating for the first time or looking for a tempo shoe to complement a full-race super shoe
If you want a shoe that flows with speed and rewards committed pacing, the Magic Speed earns its name.