Magic Speed 3

[Kristin Dampeer]

Themost apparent (and favorable) update might be the full-length carbon fiber plate sandwiched between two layers of Flytefoam (FF) Blast+. The previous iteration featured a TPU plate and a bottom layer of FF Blast, a firmer version of the foam. Asics also added a couple millimeters to the midsole on this go-around, giving the shoe a 36mm/29mm stack but keeping the 7mm drop.

THOMAS: This shoe looked so good I had to try it on. It fits like an uptempo shoe should. The Magic Speed 3 hugs the arch and just looks like a tiny Porsche for your foot. I was immediately intrigued with the full FlyteFoam Blast+ midsole, and was happy to find the harsh underfoot feeling from the previous models was gone.

THOMAS: Meg mentioned it and I will as well. The sizing in Asics shoes varies from daily trainers to race day shoes. I normally wear a size 10.5, but in all of Asics daily trainers including the Superblast, I wear a US size 10. In the Metaspeed Sky+ and Edge+ and the Magic Speed I wear a 10.5. You will need to factor that in when trying the shoes.

THOMAS: This shoe can handle a lot of different runs. While getting miles on the shoe, I used it for easy runs and uptempo runs and liked how the shoe felt for both. The most frequent question we got about the Magic Speed 3 was how does it compare to the Saucony Endorphin Speed. The Magic Speed gives a softer feel and the carbon plate is more noticeable. When you get going in the Magic Speed 3 you can feel the plate flex.

Meaghan signed up for her first marathon three weeks before the race, because it was $10 more than the half she planned to run. She learned everything in running the hard way. Now a USATF & UESCA certified run coach, she loves encouraging friends to go for big goals as she continues to chase faster times. She enjoys a hot cup of coffee, a cold martini, and making bagels for friends and family.

For those chasing peak performance, we know a carbon plate alone isn't enough. It should be complemented by a top-tier foam offering substantial energy return, and unfortunately, FF Blast+ doesn't quite make that cut.

Additionally, the Magic Speed 3 might not be the best fit for runners with wide feet due to its very narrow midfoot. If you're looking for an uptempo shoe with a wider upper, the ASICS Superblast or the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 are excellent alternatives to explore.

Instead of the PEBA-based, super-bouncy FF Turbo foam, the Magic Speed 3 uses a dual-layer configuration of FF Blast+. This is a mix of EVA and OBC, the same as in the daily trainer ASICS Novablast 4. And it's really different from the firmer feel that the Magic Speed 2 delivered.

FF Blast+ is a pretty good foam with a soft feel, clocking in at 18.3 HA in the bottom layer. However, don't expect a super energetic foam, as that's not what FF Blast+ is about. But for training purposes, and even for racing for many people, it's more than sufficient.

The top layer (red) is slightly firmer to enhance stability at 21.1 HA, and it sits above the carbon plate. This combination works really well because the softer foam beneath the plate, in direct contact with the ground, provides a more comfortable ride.

The carbon plate brings both advantages and drawbacks. It makes the shoe very stable and provides a peppy ride, but it can also be too uncomfortable for long runs. This is especially true for those sensitive to rigid elements, like runners with Morton's neuroma or similar issues.

The heel is actually the opposite of stiff, scoring just 2/5 in our manual assessment. Despite this, we found that the MS3 delivers a solid heel lockdown, something that ASICS has consistently excelled at in their latest models.

Well, here's the answer. At 104.9 mm, the shoe is quite narrow, and that's where its agility and lightness come from. Because of this, runners who prefer wider landing platforms should probably avoid this one and look for something like the Hoka Mach X.

We found that the carbon fiber plate in the Magic Speed 3's midsole is more flexible than those in the Metaspeeds. ASICS clearly understood that this shoe would primarily be used for training, so delivering a hyper-stiff ride wouldn't make sense.

Measuring at 93.2 mm, the Magic Speed 3 offers a race-like fit, perfect for those with narrow feet. If you have average-sized feet, it's still manageable, provided you're okay with a snug, performance-oriented upper.

But remember, the original insole is super thin and the heel is really narrow. So, if you pick a different one, make sure it's about the same thickness, or you'll end up with less space inside the shoe.

Silke: With that bright yellow upper, that fire orange outsole and midsole part, the MAGIC SPEED 4 has an aggressive racer look. Instantly, I thought of the Metaspeed Paris series when I saw it. I would say the fit is true to size. However, it is on the narrower side and harder to get on foot. That is a bit annoying when you are wearing thick socks.The tongue has a tendency to slide forward and needs to be readjusted to secure the fit. Speaking of the tongue, it is gusseted with just a tiny amount of padding, placed where you tie the laces to relieve pressure on the top of the foot.

The engineered mesh upper feels comfortable and breathable and it dried very quickly. However, there are parts of the upper which I believe could be thinner. The printed overlays in the midfoot work quite nicely and the stripped back collar and heel really add to the racer feel of the shoe.

Ivan: I agree with Silke that this shoe is quite challenging to put on and the curved and fairly rigid heel counter also puts some pressure on the achilles for me. Once in the MAGIC SPEED 4, I find it quite voluminous, with too much space in the midfoot for my liking. This makes it hard to get a really good midfoot wrap. The heel is decently padded for an uptempo shoe, and despite a tiny bit of movement, I get a decent lockdown in the heel. The forefoot tapers for an average fit at the front.

Silke: ASICS have chosen to upgrade the midsole with an insert of FF TURBO. They have also increased the stack height so that the MAGIC SPEED 4 now joins the league of super trainers. In contrast to the other ASICS super trainer, the Superblast, it is equipped with a carbon plate. It is of course designed to help improve stability and propel your foot forward. Thankfully, the MAGIC SPEED 4 propels me forward in a delightful way.

Ivan: Having been a big fan of the second version of the ASICS MAGIC SPEED, I was curious to see how a higher stacked version would perform. Although it is a complete departure from the nimble third version, it visually resembles the earlier version that I logged over 800 km in.

While it is now thicker stacked, this latest version shares some similarities with the previous models, particularly in its break-in period. The foam is not initially soft and compliant. It feels more dampening and somewhat rigid. However, after some time, especially in warmer temperatures, it loosens up and feels less stiff. The rocker is not as pronounced in this version. As Silke mentioned, it seems designed to encourage landing more towards the front, where the puck of FF Turbo is placed. I find that area firmer than the rest of the midsole. However, it adds some nice responsiveness that becomes more noticeable when picking up the pace.

So if you are in search of a new training companion with a lightweight midsole and a responsive ride you should keep an eye on the MAGIC SPEED 4. Looking for a do-it-all shoe without a plate? You might want to try the ASICS Superblast. Yes it comes with a higher price, but it can really do it all. If you are more into a soft and squishy, cushioned ride with a tighter budget, the Mizuno Neo Vista should be on your list.

Meta Endurance is the unique all-in-one platform designed to help runners achieve their best. From comprehensive training programs to in-depth reviews on the latest shoes, you will be able to find everything you need to take your performance to the next level.

Nike already has the Zoom Fly 3 which is the training companion to the Vaporfly Next%, Saucony has the Endorphin Speed which is the companion to the Endorphin Pro and New Balance has the FuelCell TC which is the companion to the FuelCell RC Elite.

The Magic Speed is different to its racing counterparts in that it utilises a more durable, heavier midsole foam in Flytefoam Blast. This is the same material used in the popular ASICS Novablast. It also has a more flexible, forefoot-only carbon plate and a lot more rubber on its outsole.

The upper of the Magic Speed is light and minimal but it still feels strong enough to handle daily wear and tear.

The fit is true to size but it's a narrow fit so wide-footed runners might find it uncomfortable. At present, there is no wide version of the Magic Speed.

The upper is a lot more fitted and dialed in than the accommodating upper of the Metaspeed Sky so it feels more like a racing upper than the Metaspeed.

The monofilament mesh is porous, breathable and is very effective at letting the air in to cool down your feet. It has these unique, raised ridges on the entire upper of the Magic Speed

Under the rearfoot of the Magic Speed, there is a shallow, scalloped cavity which is not covered with rubber. This area allows the heel to compress downwards slightly and increases cushioning under the heel.

Just as its name suggests, the Magic Speed is built to go fast and it feels most at home when you're going at a steady pace of 5 minutes 30 seconds per kilometre or faster.

When you're leaning forward and engaging the rocker at fast paces, you can feel the carbon plate in the forefoot snap quickly back into its original position which helps with efficiency, especially over longer distances.

Ride transitions are very smooth in the Magic Speed because of how much rubber is in contact with the ground during foot strikes. Foot strikes feel very planted.

Stability when running in the Magic Speed is also good because its midsole is not overly soft so there isn't a lot of lean bias. The midsole is also relatively low so your foot doesn't sit high off the ground. You don't have to slow down when going around tight corners.

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