Asics Magic Speed 5

Summary

Average Weight: 190g
Stack Height: 7mm (heel: 36mm, forefoot: 29mm)

Fly through your races with the Asics Magic Speed 5 road-racing shoe – light, lively and built for strong, controlled speed. Sound mind, Sound body.

Asics Magic Speed 5

£170

Features

Upper

Breathable engineered-mesh materials in the upper give the shoe a secure fit and race-ready fit, allowing airflow and keeping the feet cool.
The lightweight structure reduces unnecessary bulk, helping you to run more efficiently.

Midsole

Made with FF LEAP™, Asics’ lightest and most responsive foam, to provide an energetic toe-off and an almost weightless feel underfoot.
FF BLAST™ PLUS foam adds softer cushioning and a smoother ride.
An improved full-length carbon plate makes each stride speedier, snappier and more controlled.

Outersole

Uses Asics® proprietary ASICSGRIP™ technology to deliver optimal grip, that will boost your confidence and give greater durability across different road surfaces.
A lower stack-height and improved grip on the outsole makes cornering easier and gives the shoe a more grounded feel.

Pros

Super light, almost weightless feel, allowing you to improve athletic performance and conserve energy as you run.
A full-length carbon plate propelling you forwards and giving you that extra boost.
Made with breathable materials which enhance comfort and help to keep your feet cool in warmer weather.

Cons(iderations)

Would be too stiff for easy runs at slower paces – that's not its intended use.

In Testing

My initial reaction to this shoe was positive. It felt surprisingly light on the foot and not overly cushioned, which is something I personally prefer in a running shoe. I also really like the thinner laces; they make it easier to double knot and use the loop-lacing technique securely. The tongue wraps nicely around the foot, and overall, the shoe feels very secure around the ankle and midfoot.

One thing I did notice was that I could feel my arch being lifted slightly. However, this was not uncomfortable in any way, it just felt different compared to other shoes I have worn before. After a few minutes, I became more accustomed to the sensation, and it did not distract me while I was running.
Despite the adjustment, everything else about the shoes felt great, so I decided to take them out for a longer run. Once I got moving, I felt noticeably light and nimble on my feet. The shoes held my feet securely, helping me to feel both comfortable and confident whilst running.

I could also feel the sudden snappiness of the carbon plate with each stride I took, along with the responsiveness of the foam underfoot. The combination made the shoe feel energetic and fast, without being too aggressive or uncomfortable. I especially noticed how easy it felt to pick up the pace and maintain momentum during quicker sections of the run.

I think these shoes would work particularly well for shorter faster runs, tempo sessions, and interval sessions, where responsiveness matters. I would also recommend them for beginners who are not fully used to wearing carbon-plated shoes but would like to try one for short training sessions or racing. Compared to some more extreme carbon shoes, these feel approachable while still giving that fast propulsive sensation.

Overall, my first impression was very good, and I am looking forward to putting more miles into them.

Verdict

The Magic Speed 5 is perfect if you are new to carbon-plated shoes. It feels light, snappy and sharp underfoot, giving you that extra boost on race day while still feeling comfortable and controlled. The secure, almost weightless fit, combined with the responsive foam, helps you to maintain a strong pace for longer without feeling overly tired. It is a great option for runners wanting the benefits of a carbon-plated shoe without it feeling too aggressive.

Asics Magic Speed 5

£170