ASICS Magic Speed 4 Review
Published: August 1, 2024
Updated ASICS Magic Speed 4 Delivers Versatile, Propulsive Performance
Likes
- Fast, versatile, and light enough for a wide range of training needs
- Unique geometries feel ultra smooth and aid in propulsion, especially as you pick up the pace
- FF BLAST TURBO forefoot insert offers even more bounce than previous versions, especially at toe-off
Dislikes
- Would prefer the FF BLAST+ carrier to be slightly softer
- May be too aggressive for some runners
What's New
The ASICS Magic Speed 4 is a top choice for runners seeking a lightweight, uptempo running shoe that enhances speed and efficiency during high-intensity training sessions. This latest update builds on its predecessor's trusty performance, offering an even more cushioned and premium underfoot experience that sings at top paces.
One of the standout features of the Magic Speed 4 is its upgraded midsole, which includes an additional 4 mm of stack, as well as a responsive layer of FF BLAST TURBO foam. This super foam is encased by the reliable FF BLAST+ core, ensuring a responsive, cushioned, yet composed ride. A full-length carbon plate further enhances the shoe's performance by providing remarkable propulsion and efficiency, allowing runners to kick effortlessly into higher gears whenever needed.
Stability and traction are key components of the Magic Speed 4's design. Despite the added stack height, the shoe's slightly widened net base ensures runners remain surefooted. At the same time, the sticky ASICS GRIP rubber outsole delivers full-length coverage for exceptional durability and traction on various surfaces. The engineered mesh upper provides a highly secure lockdown and breathable comfort, allowing runners to maintain focus without distraction.
With its innovative features, the Magic Speed 4 is among the top options for those aiming to achieve their toughest running goals. Whether training for your next big race or pushing through intense workouts, the Magic Speed 4 will help you achieve your running ambitions with speed and a heavy dose of style.
The Bottom Line
Fans of the ASICS Magic Speed, take note! Version 4 brings significant enhancements that our Running Warehouse Team was eager to test. Designed for runners seeking a fast yet versatile shoe, the Magic Speed 4 promises to elevate your speed training sessions. Our testers enjoyed irritation-free runs, even in hot Californian weather, thanks to the light and breathable upper. The snug midfoot fit secures the foot, while the spacious toe box offers extra room without sacrificing speed. However, some of our team felt that the stripped-down upper lacked the premium feel of the previous version.
The midsole features a higher stack height and new geometries. The FF BLAST TURBO insert in the forefoot delivers a propulsive feel that testers found ideal for speed work. The primary FF BLAST+ foam ensures a firmer, more stable ride suitable for longer runs and daily training. The carbon plate offers an aggressive yet balanced ride, excelling at higher speeds. Overall, our testers found the Magic Speed's ride highly versatile for workouts and tempo runs while offering enough protection for longer efforts.
The redesigned outsole with a thicker rubber compound proved highly durable, showing no abnormal wear throughout testing. More importantly, the outsole provided dependable traction, instilling confidence on the road and track. Despite initial concerns, the large midfoot cutout exposing the carbon plate did not cause any issues. However, you may need to check your shoe to ensure no pebbles are getting a free ride.
One of the biggest discussions throughout testing the Magic Speed was its positioning within the ASICS lineup. It offers features similar to premium race shoes but does not fully match the complete super foam experience. Nonetheless, it is a more specialized speed training shoe compared to other models within the category. For runners seeking a budget-friendly introduction to carbon-plated shoes, the Magic Speed 4 is a compelling option, though its aggressive setup may not suit every runner. At $170, it provides substantial value for those looking to experience a carbon-plated shoe without the premium price tag.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 8.5 oz (size 9) | Women's: 7.3 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 8 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to size |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Connor: "The Magic Speed 4 upper has a race day-inspired feel that is light on foot and breathable. The midfoot fit is pretty snug and secure, helping keep my feet locked into the platform. The toe box opens up slightly, affording some space for toe splay, but the Magic Speed's forefoot is still relatively low-volume. The upper materials are fairly stripped down, with the heel built up just slightly, which adds some extra comfort when going longer distances or for some daily training efforts."
Kaleb: "The Magic Speed 4 fits my average foot very well, and I really appreciate the secure midfoot wrap, which I think is mandatory for a speed shoe. Though generally snug throughout, the toe box does afford some room for toe splay, which helped keep my feet comfortable when taking on a longer effort.
I also cannot forget to mention the Magic Speed's lightweight feel. On foot, the shoe feels impressively lightweight, helping me feel even faster on the roads. Overall, for a speed training shoe such as this, I think the upper execution was excellent."
Midsole
Connor: "The Magic Speed 4's midsole feels quite different from the past few versions of the shoe. ASICS has added more stack and tweaked the geometries to provide a more protective feel, along with a more aggressive, propulsive ride.
I really like the update and found that the shoe's ride is very smooth, coming alive as I pick up the pace. The FF BLAST TURBO insert offers a bouncy upgrade that feels more propulsive compared to past versions, but it does not feel quite as soft as some other FF Turbo racers within the ASICS line.
Since this shoe is mainly composed of FF Blast+, you do not get the true full-length super foam feel, but you do get a balanced ride that is slightly firmer and feels more stable. This works well for longer efforts, especially if you want a carbon-plated setup that is not too squirrely. This setup may not be the most efficient if you are looking for every advantage on race day, but it actually works really well as a speed-day workout shoe that can also handle some daily training and racing."
Kaleb: "I have had a long and varied relationship with the ASICS Magic Speed, having first tried the original model way back in 2021. Honestly, I think version 4 is the best Magic Speed to date.
In previous versions, I thought the midsole flirted very closely with being too firm. Although the Magic Speed was good for short, speedy runs and track workouts, I was always left wanting just a little more magic from the shoe. Version 4, with its FF Blast+ and FF Blast Turbo midsole, delivers that extra dose of magic I have been looking for.
The midsole is very efficient, transitioning quickly from heel to toe while delivering a nice extra snap at toe-off. Furthermore, version 4 feels more protective underfoot thanks to the additional stack of foam in the midsole, giving the Magic Speed a new level of versatility to attack longer uptempo efforts. The underfoot experience is still relatively firm but not at all harsh, and those interested in testing their top paces will really enjoy this updated Magic Speed."
Outsole
Connor: "The outsole of this shoe is basically what I expected. There is a good amount of coverage with a slightly thicker rubber compound than a true racer, which provides increased durability along with good grip. For all my road and track usage, I never had any traction issues and felt confident on turns, especially with the added stack height. There is also a large midfoot cutout which exposes the carbon plate underneath. I thought this might pick up rocks, but I mainly did my miles on smooth roads and never had any issues."
Kaleb: "I know that Vibram has more or less solidified itself as the outsole to beat on the market, but I must say that I am a fan of ASICS GRIP rubber outsoles. They have never let me down and consistently provide good traction that compliments fast paces. The durability of ASICS GRIP has always been consistently strong, and I expect the Magic Speed 4's outsole to hold up for a long time."
Comparable Shoes
ASICS Magic Speed 4 vs. Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Connor: "The Magic Speed has a unique feel, but I would put it in the general category of faster super trainers, with one of the closest competitors being the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4. I would recommend the Magic Speed 4 if you are looking for something with a little more stack and a little more stability that's still very efficient. It will not have a full super foam setup like the Endorphin Speed 4, but it still feels very fast and gets you up in an aggressive stance when you start moving fast."
Kaleb: "I like the Magic Speed 4 for faster efforts. In my opinion, the Magic Speed has a wider range of uses than the Endorphin Speed and is a good option for anything from track workouts to long uptempo efforts. The Endorphin Speed is better for longer distances, but again, if you are looking for speed, then I would recommend the updated Magic Speed."
ASICS Magic Speed 4 vs. NB SuperComp Trainer v3
Kaleb: "The Magic Speed and SC Trainer have a similar underfoot feel, and both shoes are great for speed training. The Magic Speed does not feel as clunky or built up as the SC Trainer and feels more race-ready. I prefer the Magic Speed 4 when trying to put in a really hard effort."
Individual Thoughts
ConnorOverall Score: 8/10
Overall, the ASICS Magic Speed 4 provides a nice update that is a fantastic workout day shoe. The large stack height makes it great for longer efforts, while the midsole setup offers a firmer yet propulsive ride. The FF BLAST TURBO comes alive at toe-off when you start picking up the pace, and I found myself effortlessly rolling through my stride. For workout days when you don't want to go the full super racer route, the Magic Speed 4 offers something more inherently stable with plenty of protection. The added durability makes it a great speedy workhorse for busting out miles on the road or track. I found myself using the Magic Speed most on tempo workout days, but I had no problems picking it up a little more for some track and fartlek sessions. The Magic Speed 4 offers a lot of versatility, and at $170, it provides a lot of value, especially given all the high-tech features wearers will get to enjoy out on the run.
KalebOverall Score: 9/10
As someone who has been running with the ASICS Magic Speed series since 2021, I can confidently say that the Magic Speed 4 is my favorite version. Earlier models were decent for quick runs and track sessions, but the shoe often felt too firm for my specific preferences, never quite cracking a top spot in my shoe rotation. Version 4, however, features a FF Blast+ and FF Blast Turbo midsole, which finally delivers the extra bounce and comfort I look for. This new midsole design offers a seamless heel-to-toe transition and a noticeable extra pop at toe-off, making it perfect for faster-paced runs and more adept at distance. It provides a firm yet forgiving underfoot feel, ideal for pushing your limits.
While Vibram is often seen as the market leader, ASICS GRIP has never disappointed me with its consistent traction and durability. The Magic Speed 4 is no exception; its outsole promises to endure many miles while delivering a reliable grip that accentuates speed. This durability and performance ensure that every stride feels secure and confident, whether sprinting or maintaining a steady pace.
The fit of the Magic Speed 4 is another aspect that impresses me. It comfortably wraps around my average-sized foot, providing a secure midfoot hold crucial for any speed-focused shoe. The toe box, while generally snug, allows for enough toe splay to keep my feet comfortable during longer efforts. Lastly, the lightweight nature of the Magic Speed 4 cannot be overlooked. The combination of a well-designed upper and minimal weight makes the Magic Speed 4 a top contender for anyone looking to enhance their speed training.
ASICS Men's Magic Speed
The ASICS Magic Speed is a carbon fiber plated performance running shoe designed to help athletes get the most out of every workout or race.
ASICS Women's Magic Speed
The ASICS Magic Speed is a carbon fiber plated performance running shoe designed to help athletes get the most out of every workout or race.
