Gel Cumulus 26 Cushion Daily Trainer Gel Nimbus 26 Max Cushion Gel Kayano 31 Max Stability Cushion Novablast 4 Daily Trainer Superblast 2 Long Run/Tempo/Marathon Trainer/Super Trainer Hyper Speed 4 Minimalist/Short Distance Trainer Noosa Tri 16 Fast Run/Short Distance Trainer Magic Speed 4 Tempo Run/Short Distance 5K/10K Trainer/Super Trainer Meta Speed Sky/Edge Paris Racing/Competition/Super Shoes
Very important missed point that the Magic Speed 4 only has a small puck of FF Turbo + under the carbon plate in the forefoot. The overwhelming majority of the midsole is regular FF Blast +.
Great video, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I just picked up a pair of the MagicSpeed, and I’m quite impressed. It has that racing shoe feel without that racing shoe price. I think it’s a great marathon option for those of us who don’t want to spend $250 or more, or if you’re not chasing a PR or some other time standard. As a matter of fact, I’m planning on using them for my marathon next month.
Currently rotating the Superblast 2 for my long runs, recovery runs, and practice long race sessions and the Magic Speed 4 for my tempo and interval work. Still very much undecided which shoe I want to run my first half marathon in. I guess I'm just a little nervous at how my legs are going to react to the carbon plate over 13.1. Over my longest runs so far (10+ miles) I feel terrific after the Superblast 2.
Lucky enough to own both but yet to test the magic speed 4. Looking forward to it though. The magic speed is actually 90% FF blast plus foam and the turbo foam logo on the side is a bit confusing / misleading. The only turbo foam is a small puck in the forefoot below the plate. Not that that’s a bad thing I guess but misleading still.
From what I can tell, that’s where the Magic Speed differs most from the Metaspeed Paris. Have you tried the racer? I’d eventually be curious to hear your thoughts about the difference in feel (or lack thereof) between the two shoes.
@@marathonhandbook yeah I have the sky Paris and done a few very good races in it. It’s absolutely fantastic probably my fav racer ever period. I can only compare step in feel but the magic speed feels a lot firmer than the sky Paris. Just coming back from an injury so having to resist testing the magic speed 4 until another week or two but it sounds great.
Yes very misleading, only after you have seen a lot of reviews and research then you know. I have both SB2 and Magic Speed 4 but not yet Sky/Edge Paris, not sure why you say magic speed 4 is firmer then Sky Paris when it has most of FF Blast +, shouldn't it be softer?
I struggle with an ITB that acts up every now and then. Currently running in Asics Fuji Light 3. I read that the Gel Nimbus 25 might be more ideal for me? I don't have the opportunity to try on these different types of shoes and normally have to order online due to limited availability where we live. Your input would be greatly appreciated!
Hey Gina, it’s Alex. The Nimbus 25 are worth a try - they’re more supportive than the Fuji, and are made to withstand more running. Plus, the Fuji is more of a specific trail shoe; whereas the Nimbus does better on various terrains (and especially the road).
Still torn between vaporfly 3 and asics magic speed 4 for my speed sessions, any suggestions? (I’m currently rocking pegasus 38 & novablast 3 for my dailies)
The Vaporfly 3s are faster than the Magic Speed 4s, but they are a racing shoe (probably a bit less supportive and durable). So, it depends whether you prioritize speed or support when you are working out.
I was told the Asics Superblast 2 is a great all-rounder shoe. I know runners often have different shoes for LSD, speed, and other types of runs, but is there an all-rounder shoe you’d recommend? Let's say someone is on a super tight budget and can only afford one shoe for everything. I want to hear your thoughts!
If you’re married to ASICS, the Nimbus 26 is a solid all-rounder that won’t cost you as much as the Superblast. (Pro tip: the Nimbus 25, last year’s model, is nearly as good and usually cheaper) Other options: New Balance 1080V13, Brooks Glycerin 21. Light enough for a fast run, supportive enough for everyday training.
@@marathonhandbook Thank you so much for your thoughtful response! I truly appreciate your recommendations. The Nimbus 26 and the other options you mentioned sound perfect, and I’m grateful for your guidance. Your help means a lot. thank you once again! 🙏
I am running on asics gt4000 now, I love the support but they are not really fast. I want something faster for my 10-20km running sessions. Do you have any recommendations that I could look at? How well do the superblast and magic speed support your feet? Any advice would be much appreciated:)
Hey there, Out of the two shoes in this video, the Magic Speed 4 is the fastest, but the Superblast 2 is built more similarly to the GT4000, and certainly offers more support than the Magic Speed. So I'd recommend the Superblast 2, if you want to stick with ASICS, and don't mind their higher price point.
The MS4 is certainly aggressive enough to be a racing shoe. What have you worn in the past? I’d suggest you try it on in a store before deciding on it, just to make sure you’re comfortable with its hardness.
The Novablast 4 are the Superblast 2s with a bit less bounce, because theh don’t have the responsive light FF Turbo Plus foam. Hence the price difference. Otherwise, they’re similar. The Superblasts are a tad taller and lighter, but not enough to notice.
What’s a better pairing option, superblast 2 with magic speed 4 or superblast 2 with gel nimbus 26? Superblast is my daily trainer, just not sure if I should go with plate or recovery shoe
Hey there, if you like the Superblast 2 as your daily trainer, and you want something faster for workouts, then go with the Magicspeed 4. But if you want a second shoe that feels a lot like your first, go with the Nimbus 26. But if you go with the Nimbus 26, that will probably become your trainer, and the Superblast 2 will probably become your workout shoe (being the fastest of the two). And keep in mind that the Magicspeed 4 feels nothing like the Superblast 2: so prepare for runs that feel far different (which is OK, if you like both shoes!)
Maybe you can help me understand what happened within ASICS corporate about 5 years ago? That company was dead!! Suddenly they are at the forefront of the running shoe world.
For me, Magic speed 4 is the only option to race, because I'm a super pronator runner and the new form of SKY/EDGE at the midsole (more narrow) it's bad for me, instead, magic speed 4 is more stable
Sometimes, it’s for training purposes. The idea is to wear an illegal-for-racing, super-cushioned shoe in training, and then have a legal pair for races. Speaking of illegal shoes, check out these 58 mm stack height kicks from Puma: marathonhandbook.com/puma-fast-rb-nitro-elite/
Lets make asics great again! Japan quality product and the factory glue really last like forever unlike other brands their factory flue causes sole separation in a short period og using
excellent video, excellent review :)
Thank you!
Magic speed doesn't have 1 slab of foam it has a slab of foam with an insert of the better foam .
Magic speed 4 is my favorite shoes. for daily training I using Novablast 4.
Got both, paired with Edge Paris....great rotation for all occasions! no funds for child's education sadly
Basic needs, or ASICS 2024 lineup? Tough call.
Aren't they similar? Edge and Magic speed?
Gel Cumulus 26 Cushion Daily Trainer
Gel Nimbus 26 Max Cushion
Gel Kayano 31 Max Stability Cushion
Novablast 4 Daily Trainer
Superblast 2 Long Run/Tempo/Marathon Trainer/Super Trainer
Hyper Speed 4 Minimalist/Short Distance Trainer
Noosa Tri 16 Fast Run/Short Distance Trainer
Magic Speed 4 Tempo Run/Short Distance 5K/10K Trainer/Super Trainer
Meta Speed Sky/Edge Paris Racing/Competition/Super Shoes
👌👌
I really want it to be Brooks with their entire revamp of the Hyperion line, but ASICS is killing it on everything.
I think Brooks is a front runner, too. My take… they need to step up their racing shoe game
Very important missed point that the Magic Speed 4 only has a small puck of FF Turbo + under the carbon plate in the forefoot. The overwhelming majority of the midsole is regular FF Blast +.
Good catch! Thanks for pointing this out!
FYI: The Magic speed 4 has mainly a FF blast+ midsole with an insert puck of FF blast turbo in the forefoot (not turbo+)
Great video, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I just picked up a pair of the MagicSpeed, and I’m quite impressed. It has that racing shoe feel without that racing shoe price. I think it’s a great marathon option for those of us who don’t want to spend $250 or more, or if you’re not chasing a PR or some other time standard. As a matter of fact, I’m planning on using them for my marathon next month.
Currently rotating the Superblast 2 for my long runs, recovery runs, and practice long race sessions and the Magic Speed 4 for my tempo and interval work. Still very much undecided which shoe I want to run my first half marathon in. I guess I'm just a little nervous at how my legs are going to react to the carbon plate over 13.1. Over my longest runs so far (10+ miles) I feel terrific after the Superblast 2.
Tough call. Both can work. Superblast for safety, and Magic speed for, well, speed.
Bro all these videos I am watching about Superblast2 but these are very hard to get hold of in the UK unless unless
Same in North America!
Will the superblast 2 be available to buy anytime soon (it's August 2024)? Can't seem to find them anywhere online. Thank you!
They were released in July. Perhaps they’re just out of stock?
@@marathonhandbook Asics Australia sold out of stock within a couple of hours of release...
this is what i am trying to figure out these day!
If you end up trying both, let us know what you think!
@@marathonhandbook I bought both yesterday! (FF turbo in the MS 4 only a small amount under forefoot.)
Lucky enough to own both but yet to test the magic speed 4. Looking forward to it though.
The magic speed is actually 90% FF blast plus foam and the turbo foam logo on the side is a bit confusing / misleading. The only turbo foam is a small puck in the forefoot below the plate. Not that that’s a bad thing I guess but misleading still.
From what I can tell, that’s where the Magic Speed differs most from the Metaspeed Paris. Have you tried the racer? I’d eventually be curious to hear your thoughts about the difference in feel (or lack thereof) between the two shoes.
@@marathonhandbook yeah I have the sky Paris and done a few very good races in it. It’s absolutely fantastic probably my fav racer ever period.
I can only compare step in feel but the magic speed feels a lot firmer than the sky Paris.
Just coming back from an injury so having to resist testing the magic speed 4 until another week or two but it sounds great.
Agreed - an absolute stud of a racing shoe!
That's correct. Furthermore Magic Speed 4 has Turbo foam and not Turbo +.
Yes very misleading, only after you have seen a lot of reviews and research then you know. I have both SB2 and Magic Speed 4 but not yet Sky/Edge Paris, not sure why you say magic speed 4 is firmer then Sky Paris when it has most of FF Blast +, shouldn't it be softer?
Magic Speed has Turbo ..not Turbo Plus .. right?
It has a puck of FF Turbo but the rest is Blast Plus.
so which one give you a better result in terms of timing when you have the same pacing, track and maybe energy level...
The Magicspeed 4 is faster, hands down. The Superblast 2 is more comfy and durable.
I struggle with an ITB that acts up every now and then. Currently running in Asics Fuji Light 3. I read that the Gel Nimbus 25 might be more ideal for me? I don't have the opportunity to try on these different types of shoes and normally have to order online due to limited availability where we live. Your input would be greatly appreciated!
Hey Gina, it’s Alex. The Nimbus 25 are worth a try - they’re more supportive than the Fuji, and are made to withstand more running. Plus, the Fuji is more of a specific trail shoe; whereas the Nimbus does better on various terrains (and especially the road).
stretch your hips (TFL, glutes, etc) and ITBS should go away!
What if I’m looking for gym, walking and incline treadmill workout wide shoes?
Gel nimbus 26
Still torn between vaporfly 3 and asics magic speed 4 for my speed sessions, any suggestions?
(I’m currently rocking pegasus 38 & novablast 3 for my dailies)
The Vaporfly 3s are faster than the Magic Speed 4s, but they are a racing shoe (probably a bit less supportive and durable). So, it depends whether you prioritize speed or support when you are working out.
I was told the Asics Superblast 2 is a great all-rounder shoe. I know runners often have different shoes for LSD, speed, and other types of runs, but is there an all-rounder shoe you’d recommend? Let's say someone is on a super tight budget and can only afford one shoe for everything. I want to hear your thoughts!
If you’re married to ASICS, the Nimbus 26 is a solid all-rounder that won’t cost you as much as the Superblast. (Pro tip: the Nimbus 25, last year’s model, is nearly as good and usually cheaper)
Other options: New Balance 1080V13, Brooks Glycerin 21. Light enough for a fast run, supportive enough for everyday training.
@@marathonhandbook Thank you so much for your thoughtful response! I truly appreciate your recommendations. The Nimbus 26 and the other options you mentioned sound perfect, and I’m grateful for your guidance. Your help means a lot. thank you once again! 🙏
Best of luck!👊
Adidas Adizero Boston 12
I am running on asics gt4000 now, I love the support but they are not really fast. I want something faster for my 10-20km running sessions.
Do you have any recommendations that I could look at?
How well do the superblast and magic speed support your feet?
Any advice would be much appreciated:)
Hey there,
Out of the two shoes in this video, the Magic Speed 4 is the fastest, but the Superblast 2 is built more similarly to the GT4000, and certainly offers more support than the Magic Speed. So I'd recommend the Superblast 2, if you want to stick with ASICS, and don't mind their higher price point.
@@marathonhandbook thanks a lot! Keep up the good work, nice videos
what do you think about chosing the MS4 for my next marathon? my goal is 3h15'.
The MS4 is certainly aggressive enough to be a racing shoe. What have you worn in the past? I’d suggest you try it on in a store before deciding on it, just to make sure you’re comfortable with its hardness.
@@marathonhandbook I ran last marathon with the Novablast 3. I loved it but I'm looking for something more racing.
@@jliscithen go with the Magic Speed 4. It’s been described as a plated Novablast 3!
I think you showed a 50mm stack on the superblast 2 which is incorrect. Superblast 2 also has FFTurbo+, the plus is different from FFTurbo foam.
There is a 50mm stack on the Adidas Prime X2 Strung - the Superblast is a comparatively “low” 45mm.
@@marathonhandbook yep. it had a picture of the superblast 2 at 3:39 showing 50mm graphic which is confusing.
I need a comparison between Novablast 4 Paris and Superblast 2 Paris. Can you tell me?
The Novablast 4 are the Superblast 2s with a bit less bounce, because theh don’t have the responsive light FF Turbo Plus foam. Hence the price difference.
Otherwise, they’re similar. The Superblasts are a tad taller and lighter, but not enough to notice.
@@marathonhandbook okay thank you for your quick answer
@@marathonhandbook can Superblast be used for daily run like 5 to 10k ?
What’s a better pairing option, superblast 2 with magic speed 4 or superblast 2 with gel nimbus 26?
Superblast is my daily trainer, just not sure if I should go with plate or recovery shoe
Hey there, if you like the Superblast 2 as your daily trainer, and you want something faster for workouts, then go with the Magicspeed 4. But if you want a second shoe that feels a lot like your first, go with the Nimbus 26. But if you go with the Nimbus 26, that will probably become your trainer, and the Superblast 2 will probably become your workout shoe (being the fastest of the two). And keep in mind that the Magicspeed 4 feels nothing like the Superblast 2: so prepare for runs that feel far different (which is OK, if you like both shoes!)
Best brand : Asics!
They're hard to beat!
Your explanation on the midsole of the Magic Speed is wrong
Magic speed 4 doesn't have turbo plus foam. Superblast 2 has better foam. But Sb 2 doesn't have plate. Pls note!
Correct - there is indeed Turbo Plus foam in the Superblast 2, and not the Magicspeed 4. Thanks for pointing that out!
Maybe you can help me understand what happened within ASICS corporate about 5 years ago? That company was dead!! Suddenly they are at the forefront of the running shoe world.
Trying to figure that out myself!
For me, Magic speed 4 is the only option to race, because I'm a super pronator runner and the new form of SKY/EDGE at the midsole (more narrow) it's bad for me, instead, magic speed 4 is more stable
Thats the magic of the Magic Speed… a workout shoe that can easily work as a racer.
Hoka is comming out with the mach 2 X looks promising
Can’t wait!
I have both and they are the ultimate marathon prep combination. Magic Speed 4 for speed days, Superblast 2 for everything else.
And will you be breaking out the Metaspeed for that marathon?
Why make shoes with the stack height more than 40mm knowing the fact that they are illegal for Marathon
Sometimes, it’s for training purposes. The idea is to wear an illegal-for-racing, super-cushioned shoe in training, and then have a legal pair for races. Speaking of illegal shoes, check out these 58 mm stack height kicks from Puma: marathonhandbook.com/puma-fast-rb-nitro-elite/
Asics. Specially if they can release more sizes of the hits shoes
It does seem like replenishing the online stock has been a challenge, especially with the Superblast 2.
give it Asics🎉
✅✅
Novablast will do me plus Puma Diviates
Lets make asics great again! Japan quality product and the factory glue really last like forever unlike other brands their factory flue causes sole separation in a short period og using
ASICS has had a major glow-up this year; and it's not just the glue.
I never understood the hype of SB, they are bulky and mushy. Returned mine . Hyperion Max2 better jn every aspect, except weight
If you’re not a fan of bulky and mushy, I can see how the Max would please you more. Less plush, more recoil!
Asics