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0 What is the News?
In ASICS’s product lineup, the “Speed” series covers a wide spectrum of runners with varying budgets and needs. It starts from the most basic – Hyperspeed 4 – to the most elite – Metaspeed Edge/Sky. Among them is the EvoRide Speed, a non-plated trainer, which that shares a lot with the Noosa-Tri series. Recently, ASICS Japan released the new EvoRide Speed 3 in three different colourways.
The new EvoRide Speed is technically the same as the earlier released Noosa-Tri 16. The main difference between the two is its upper. The Noosa-Tri 16 has a long history of being a product targeted at Triathlon races where athletics can save transition time by going sockless.
The EvoRide Speed 3 is now equipped with FF Blast+ as compared to FF Blast in its previous iteration. At the same time, the design of the product has changed significantly to match the new language. The EvoRide Speed 3 now shares the same midsole and outsole design as the Hyperspeed 4 and the Magic Speed 4.
Why does it matter?
Since the release of Adidas’s EVO SL and the New Balance Rebel v4, compeititon has heat up in the speedy non-plated trainer segment of ther market. There is a demand for running shoes that can provide similar experience to plated trainers that does not put strain on both the leg and the wallet. These trainers are responsive, lightweight, and easy to pick up pace in yet delivers a great amount of cushion for the legs. Most of these trainers are in the range of about SGD 200 to SGD 220.
While ASICS has its Gel-Cumulus 27, it is not comparable with the EVO SL or Rebel v4. Now that ASICS has given its EvoRide Speed a refresh with its new design language, runners who love ASICS’s midsole technology have a choice. If the price remains the same as previous iteration, the EvoRide Speed 3 should come in at SGD 199.
Whats Next?
In my review of the Hyperspeed 4, the use of the FlyteFoam helped its cost-effectiveness and a certain level of resilience. However, it felt lacking and uninspiring when it comes to pushing the limits during the intervals or taking it for longer runs. This is as compared to the Nike Rival Fly 4 which allowed me to do both. Perhaps, skipping the Hyperspeed series will be more suited for my running style and needs and move up to consider the EvoRide Speed.
I have ben introduced to the EvoRide Speed when it first came out and I really enjoyed my time with the first version of EvoRide Speed even today. I did not picked up the EvoRide Speed 2 as the update was mainly the upper. However, with my experience from the Hyperspeed 4 and my positive view of the EvoRide Speed, the EvoRide Speed 3 is an attractive option. Will the EvoRide Speed 3 be able to go ahead competition in the market, only after a run will we know!
Currently, the EvoRide Speed 3 is available in Japan only but we should be expecting its arrival in other markets soon. If you cannot wait, then you can always grab the Noosa-Tri 16 at a slightly higher price but more striking design and upper.
