[First Impression] ASICS Evoride Speed

_{Disclosure: The ASICS Evoride Speed is bought using our own money, ASICS has not paid us for the review or to write the review for this pair of running shoes. There are affiliate links in this post to help support Daily Running Co’s initiatives.}

Introduction

ASICS has been successful in grabbing the attention of many runners with their refreshed product offerings such as the Novablast and Metaspeed Sky+/Edge+. The Evoride Speed is one of the brand’s latest product releases which is part of the “RIDE” family. ASICS markets the Evoride Speed as a lightweight trainer that provide more energy savings with its cushioning and GUIDESOLE technology.

Additionally, ASICS also attempt to continue reducing their environmental impact. Evoride Speed’s sockliner is produced with a solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by approximately 45% compared to the conventional dyeing technology. Lastly, ASICS claims that at least 50% of the shoe’s main upper material is made with recycled materials to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

Product Specifications

• Price: US$140
• Size: US 11
• Weight: 261 grams (9.2 oz)
• Midsole Type: FF Blast w/ GUIDESOLE technology
• Stack Height: 26 mm to 36 mm (10 mm drop)
• Insole: OrthoLite X-30 Sockliner
• Forefoot Width: 10.9 cm
• Midfoot Width: 7.8 cm
• Heel Width: 8.0 cm

Runner’s Profile

Prior to the review, it is important to establish my runner profile to better gauge my opinions on the shoes. For example, a lighter runner will experience differently the effects of midsole compared to a heavier runner. I am on the heavy side for a runner (75kg – 80kg) range and stands at 1.75m tall. My average weekly mileage ranges from 25km to 35km. I am a mid-foot/fore-foot strike with a neutral foot. I am normally a US size 11, with 2E foot width, although it varies depending on brands.

FIVE KEY TAKEAWAYS

These five main key pointers are based off my first run(s) in the ASICS Evoride Speed. These key pointers can remain the same as I continue using the footwear or it could change as I go on. In the final review, after 100KM, additional pointers could be added to provide an accurate review of the footwear.

Pointer 1 – Excellent Upper for Lockdown, Breathability, & Comfort

The upper of the Evoride Speed has an excelled lockdown and comfort. Its jacquard mesh upper also provides a good amount of breathability for the feet. The combination of different materials helped the Evoride Speed to achieve the excellent upper. In comparison to the ASICS Magic Speed 2, the Evoride Speed’s heel counter is closer to my preference with a higher rigidity.

Pointer 2 – GUIDESOLE Technology Enhances Efficiency

ASICS GUIDESOLE technology provides high level of efficiency even without a plate embedded within the midsole. This is achieved through the high degree of curvature in the design of the midsole which promotes an easier and smoother turnover. This is definitely one of the items I like as it allowed me to maintain a fine balance between enhanced performance and control. If you want something that helps you go faster yet without a plate, do consider ASICS Evoride Speed.

Pointer 3 – Lightweight Package w/ Highly Cushioned Midsole

ASICS has been coming up with extended versions of their Flytefoam midsole. From Flytefoam Propel to FF Blast, FF Blast+, and FF Blast Turbo. The Evoride Speed is equipped with a single layer FF Blast which provides a good amount of cushion, compression, and consistency. Yet the FF Blast never felt overly squishy in comparison to FF Blast+ or FF Blast Turbo.

Pointer 4 – Attentive to Details for an Excellent pair of Footwear

I am very surprised with the overall fit and comfort of the upper for the ASICS Evoride Speed. In addition, ASICS has paid special attention to details by having a “pull-tab” at the tongue, this ends up serving as a cushion protecting the feet from any pressure points from the laces.  Aside from the upper, the midsole features multiple indentions and curves to create compressive feeling and added stability. These need to be pointed out about ASICS’s attention & efforts in making a great pair of footwear.

Pointer 5 – High Overall and Outsole Durability Expected

Based on the initial runs, I have not observed visible changes in the Evoride Speed even in the outsole. While there are lines of compression in the midsole, these are excepted given the design and choice of midsole. Having ran in ASICS running shoes prior (e.g., Magic Speed 2, Dynablast) the Evoride Speed, even with just AHAR outsole, I believe the outsole durability will be able to last for a long time. This is also enabled by the GUIDESOLE technology which promote an efficient gait cycle.

Concluding Remarks

The Evoride Speed is one of ASICS latest product to be launched in 2023. The Evoride Speed which has both the GUIDESOLE technology alongside the FF Blast makes it a very capable pair of footwear. It balances out the various needs of a runner without making it cost too much. The Evoride Speed is a softer, controlled, and capable pair of Magic Speed 2 without the plate.

In Singapore, it is priced at a same retail price as the Novablast 3 as well as the newly launched Gel Cumulus 25. Both has FF  Blast+ midsole, which is much more compressive than FF Blast. Therefore, at S$199.00, ASICS could have made the price point confusing for runners looking at the brand. However, after deeper analysis, this is how I would understand ASICS’s approach to these 3 pairs of performance footwear.

The key differentiation comes down to which geometric design and feel does the runner prefers and the types of workouts. Personally, I feel you could use any footwear to do any type of workouts you want but certainly some are designed to do it better. Here is my take on what ASICS might be trying to offer for runners. You can think of it as letting runners choose what they want instead of dictating which the runner should buy/use.

1. Evoride Speed – Runners who want efficiency and prefer to do their various workout at a faster pace.
2. Novablast 3 – Runners who want the high rebound provided by the midsole design and versatile all-rounder.
3. Gel Cumulus 25 – Runners who prefer the traditional design for footwear and a versatile pair of footwear.

Comparison Table

The table below highlights some of the key differences between the three products from ASICS.

Links to ASICS’s Webpage

ASICS Evoride Speed (Male)

ASICS Evoride Speed (Female)

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25 (Male)

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25 (Female)

On Foot Video of ASICS Evoride Speed