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Further Speed Achieved! The Evolution of ASICS "Evoride Speed 3"
The guide sole structure reduces energy consumption while running, allowing for a more efficient forward motion of the foot. Featuring the "ASICS" Evoride Speed series. With exceptional cushioning, responsiveness, and lightweight midsole material, it is designed for easy acceleration.
This speed model does not include a carbon plate, making it a popular choice among elite runners for training. What kind of evolution has the latest entry in the series, the "Evoride Speed 3," gone through compared to its predecessor?
A Model Lighter & More Responsive than Its Predecessor
"The key feature of the Evoride Speed series is its lightweight design that makes it easier to achieve speed. The midsole, not too thick or thin, has a moderate thickness, allowing for easy flexing with the foot, enabling smooth running and supporting an efficient running form with minimal quirks."It's a shoe that makes it easy to grasp the feeling of pushing off the ground with your own feet, making it ideal for training to get stronger and faster," explains Hikaru Yamazaki from ASICS Japan Corporation regarding the Evoride Speed series.
The stack height (sole thickness) of the "Evoride Speed 3" is 34.5mm at the heel and 29.5mm at the forefoot (for men). Compared to the previous model, it is 0.5mm thinner, yet it remains a moderate thickness that is neither too thin nor too thick. The unique guide sole structure with a heavily curved toe design is also retained, facilitating smooth and efficient running.
The stack height (sole thickness) of the "Evoride Speed 3" is 34.5mm at the heel and 29.5mm at the forefoot (for men). Compared to the previous model, it is 0.5mm thinner, yet it remains a moderate thickness that is neither too thin nor too thick. The unique guide sole structure with a heavily curved toe design is also retained, facilitating smooth and efficient running.
Similar to its predecessor, the midsole's upper (heel area) adopts a 3D space structure embedded with hexagonal grooves. These grooves encourage midsole deformation upon landing, providing adequate cushioning.
Having confirmed the features of the Evoride Speed series, let us look at the update points for this model.
"The change and lightweight nature of the midsole material is a significant update for this model. The previous model used FF BLAST, but this time we have employed the lighter and more responsive FF BLAST PLUS. We have adjusted the firmness to balance necessary cushioning and stability for training while making it easier to feel the push-off with your feet. The weight of the shoes is approximately 220g (for men's size 27cm), making it about 10g lighter than the previous model."
The upper features a lightweight and soft mesh material. Similar to the previous model, the tongue and upper form an integrated structure inside the shoe, enhancing midfoot support and fit while reducing instability during speed runs.
Supporting Elite Runners' Speed Training
With the arrival of carbon plate-equipped thick-soled shoes, the selection of footwear by athletes during training has grown increasingly important. To mitigate injury risks and enhance training effectiveness, it is common to switch between multiple shoes based on the content and goals of the training.Katsuhiko Hanada, the Ekiden coach of Waseda University's track team who appeared as a guest at the ASICS EVORIDE SPEED 3 experience event, said, "While shoes with carbon plates offer propulsion, they also put stress not only on muscles but on bones as well. If you're only wearing carbon plate shoes during training, the risk of injury increases.
"However, if you don’t wear them, you won’t learn to use them effectively. For instance, during interval training like 1000m x 10, I practice running the first eight reps in non-carbon shoes, then switch to carbon plate shoes for the last two reps."
The ideal shoe for interval training and fast-paced runs, which require speed, is the "Evoride Speed 3."
Shinsaku Kudo, the player known as the great detective of the mountains, and Shunpei Yamaguchi, who ran the 3rd section of this year's Hakone Ekiden, differentiate their shoes as follows.
"Including the Metaspeed I wear for races, I have five pairs of shoes. For a slow jog, I use the Gel Nimbus; for a faster-paced jog, NovaBlast; for pace runs and long runs, I wear the SuperBlast; and for speed-focused training like interval training, I opt for the Evoride Speed 3.
"I liked the ground feel of the Evoride Speed 1 and 2, and used them during faster jogs. I felt the previous models were a bit tough for intervals, but version 3 has become easier to speed up, and I mainly use it for speed-intensive training" (Kudo).
"I have four pairs, including the racing shoe Metaspeed. For jogs, I use NovaBlast, and for pace runs or speed training, I wear the Evoride Speed 3. For speed training, I use the Evoride Speed up to a pace of 3 minutes per kilometer, and for paces under 2 minutes and 50 seconds, I switch to the Sortie Magic.
"In the past, I didn't use the previous Evoride Speed for speed training, but I've started using it for that since version 3" (Yamaguchi).
The latest model in the Evoride Speed series, which players from Waseda University unanimously agree has made it easier to speed up. In fact, when trying running in the "Evoride Speed 3," while it doesn't have the strong rebound of shoes equipped with carbon plates, it provides a natural and moderate rebound feel. Due to that rebound, lightweight construction, and the synergy of the guide sole, it gives a sensation of agile footwork.
It also seems to be a good option for those who struggle with shoes that have carbon plates in races.
PROFILE
Hikaru Yamazaki
ASICS Japan Corporation, Category Management Department, Performance Running Footwear & Apparel Equipment Division, FW Planning MD Team
Responsible for the merchandising (MD) of racing shoes, including the METASPEED series and track and field spikes. Drawing from experience supporting top athletes and strong universities in Ekiden, they engage in their daily work.
Text by Fumihito Kouzu
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