A More Controllable Shoe! The Evolution of the ASICS MAGIC SPEED 5

The MAGIC SPEED series, inheriting the features and design of ASICS' top racing models, the METASPEED series, was launched as a thick-soled, carbon-plated shoe accessible to a broader audience of runners.

It has gained immense popularity as a race-day shoe for those trying carbon plates for the first time or aiming to shatter their personal bests. It's also a favorite training shoe for runners who use the METASPEED series on race day.

The latest iteration, the MAGIC SPEED 5, features a sole that's about 6mm thinner than its predecessor, with a maximum stack height of around 37.5mm. The shoe is now approximately 49 grams lighter (for a men's size 27.0cm). So, what kind of ride does this evolution deliver?

When runners who've conquered full or half marathons start aiming to break their personal records, it’s often the perfect time to try out carbon-plated racing shoes.

Thick-soled, carbon-plated running shoes first hit the scene in 2017. Initially, they were exclusive to elite athletes for racing, but they have since gone mainstream, with countless recreational runners now using them to tackle their races.

The ASICS MAGIC SPEED series is particularly popular among runners venturing into the world of carbon-plated shoes for the first time. That's because while you get the propulsive boost unique to carbon plates, the shoe offers superior stability compared to elite racing models, making it far more manageable for a wide range of runners.

Features a State-of-the-Art Material in the Midsole's Top Layer

The previous model featured FF BLAST PLUS in both the top layer (above the plate) and bottom layer (below the plate) of the midsole, with FF TURBO embedded beneath the plate in the forefoot. The new MAGIC SPEED 5, however, incorporates FF LEAP in the top layer, while retaining the FF BLAST PLUS in the bottom layer from the previous version.

"FF LEAP is the lightest and most resilient foam in ASICS' history, also featured in the METASPEED series. Compared to FF TURBO PLUS, this material is approximately 15% lighter, offers about 30% more cushioning, and provides roughly 13.7% more energy return," explains Hikaru Yamazaki from ASICS Japan Corporation.

Achieving Significant Weight Loss for a Nimbler Ride

The MAGIC SPEED 5 tips the scales at approximately 196g (for a men's size 27.0cm), a successful weight reduction of around 49g from its predecessor.

"One of the features runners have always loved about the MAGIC SPEED is its excellent cushioning. For this update, our goal was to reduce weight without sacrificing that signature cushioning. By incorporating the highly cushioned FF LEAP, we secured ample cushioning, which allowed us to make the sole thinner and achieve our weight reduction target."

The stack height of the MAGIC SPEED 5 is 30.5mm in the forefoot and 37.5mm at the heel, making it 5mm thinner in the forefoot and 6mm thinner in the heel compared to the previous model. To truly appreciate the material's evolution, we can look back at the MAGIC SPEED 3. That model had a stack height of 29mm in the forefoot and 36mm in the heel—technically a thinner shoe than the MAGIC SPEED 5. However, it weighed around 220g (men's size 27.0cm). This clearly demonstrates the significant contribution of FF LEAP to the shoe's lightness.

Thanks to its reduced weight and thinner sole, the MAGIC SPEED 5 has become a more controllable shoe. In fact, the shape of the carbon plate has also been updated.

"We've introduced a split at the tip of the plate in the forefoot, creating a forked shape. This has resulted in improved maneuverability and an easier-to-use feel."

And while it might not be a major factor for most recreational runners, the new maximum stack height of approximately 37.5mm means the shoe now complies with World Athletics' 40mm regulation. This makes it a race-legal option for student athletes competing in official road races and ekiden relays.

A Refined Introduction to Carbon Plate Shoes

From the moment you pick it up, you can feel it's remarkably lighter than its predecessor. Weighing under 200g per foot for a plated shoe used to be the territory of elite racing models, but the "MAGIC SPEED 5" achieves that same level of lightness. The thinner sole provides a better feel for the ground, and this, combined with its reduced weight, creates a synergistic effect that lets you glide forward effortlessly.

 Just like its predecessor, the midsole provides a stable platform without feeling overly plush. Thanks to the carbon plate, your center of gravity transitions smoothly with each stride. There’s plenty of responsiveness, offering solid support for runners aiming to shatter their personal records on race day.

It's a subtle but significant detail: the shoelaces have been upgraded to the non-slip, notched design found in the "METASPEED" series, further polishing its credentials as a sophisticated race-day shoe.