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0 The ASICS Hyper Speed series is one of ASICS’ more affordable products in its line-up. The latest edition sees some important changes to the product while its price remains at USD100 or SGD139. According to ASICS, the 4th edition of Hyper Speed is designed to complement your training and racing routine. In today’s competitive market, will the ASICS Hyper Speed still have a role to play?
Product Specification & Comparison
| Specification | Hyper Speed 4 | Hyper Speed 2/3 |
| Size | US11 | US11.5 |
| Weight | 230 grams | 231 grams |
| Midsole Technology | Flytefoam | Flytefoam |
| Stack Height (Forefoot – Heel) | 24mm – 34mm | 23mm – 33mm |
| Insole | 2mm undetachable | Unknown |
| Outsole | 2mm | 2mm |
| Width (Forefoot) | 10.5cm, 6.5cm, 8cm | 10.5cm, 7cm, 8cm |
Hyper Speed 4 – Five Key Takeaways
Pointer 1 – Increased level of stability
The change in design of the outsole and the midsole has resulted in a more stable platform. This also meant that it is slightly less nimble compared to its predecessor. This is also due to the changes made to the medial side of the heel where it flares outwards.
Pointer 2 – A much more comfortable upper material and design
The upper material and design of the Hyper Speed 4 is significantly more comfortable than its predecessor. The coarse and stiff design used in the 2nd edition is no longer even while ensuring high level of breathability.
Pointer 3 – Change in design of midsole & increased stack height
ASICS has increased its midsole stack only slightly, hence there is not much of a difference. However, the design of the midsole has changed which contributed to a different running experience – the stable feeling. The point where the midsole transits from converging to diverging in the Hyper Speed 4 occurs near the middle across the length while it was near the heel in earlier editions.
Pointer 4 – Different experience despite very similar specifications
The running experience delivered from Hyper Speed 4 differs significantly despite having very similar specifications. Thus, if you loved the earlier versions of Hyper Speed, you need to know that it is different in this 4th edition.
Pointer 5- Poor performance for outsoles
Lastly, I need to highlight that the performance of the outsole for Hyper Speed 4 is poor. I think this might come down to the way the outsole pattern is being laid out. The grip does not seem to be there once it encounters liquid/water even during dry surfaces. The hypothesis I have, through observing the 2 versions, is the lack of depth in the pattern of the outsole.
Hyper Speed 4 – Conclusion
The Hyper Speed 4 is not a bad pair of running shoes, but it seems to perform better as a lifestyle shoes. In today’s competitive market, the Hyper Speed 4 is losing out to competition even with its lower retail price. Its attractive price factor is quickly eliminated when consumers are willing to wait or pay more. Competitors of ASICS periodic will put out a very attractive discount on their products thus eliminating the sole competitive factor of Hyper Speed 4.
The continued use of Flytefoam as its midsole resulted in sub-optimal experience. This is evident even during shorter runs and speed workouts. The brand’s main competitors, such as Nike and Adidas, have both improved on its older midsole technology, the Cushlon and Lightstrike respectively. Perhaps, ASICS will need to look at how it can innovate its Flytefoam to keep up with competitors.
I will continue to put in more runs in the Hyper Speed 4 to further discover and identify its pros & cons. Till then, just keep running.
