Disclosure: The ASICS Magic Speed 2 was purchased with our own money
Introduction to Footwear
The Magic Speed 2 is a re-work of the series by ASICS in 2022. The pair of shoes is nothing like its previous version but everything similar to the Metaspeed series. Most of the race day, top range running shoes do not have great durability in them and the industry was lacking training alternatives to their race day. Today, majority of the brands have a product sitting below the race day option in terms of price point. For the Metaspeed series, the Magic Speed 2 is their answer. Alphafly has the Zoom Fly 5 now and the Endorphin Pro 3 has its partner the Endorphin Speed 3 since the start.
For detailed information about the Magic Speed 2, please refer to my initial review of the product in the link below.
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 30km to 35km. I am a mid-foot/fore-foot strike with a neutral foot. I am normally a US size 11 although it varies depending on brands.
Does My Five Key Pointers Still Hold After 100 KM?
My five key initial pointers were:
- Firm, Snappy, & Rebound Midsole,
- Great for pace faster than 5.30mins/km,
- Superior lockdown and breathable upper,
- Solid, Grippy Outsole
- Is it an Everyday Trainer? No, it is An Affordable Race Day Option
The pace at which the Magic Speed excels in remains firmly in the faster than 5.30mins/km pace, it isn’t really for anything slower than that. To be honest, you might be using more energy to keep your slower pace with the Magic Speed 2 as it sends you rolling through your gait cycle smoothly. If you are looking to do your marathon at a sub 4 hours or even sub 3 hrs 30 mins finish time, the Magic Speed 2 will be up to the task. This is coupled by its snappy and bouncy midsole which has changed a bit over the 100 KM.
The lockdown and breathability continue to perform as when it was fresh out of the box. Looking at it the upper might be as soft to the touch as the upper in the Endorphin Speed 3 but it has the necessary comfort points where needed. With its semi-gusseted tongue, the lockdown has no issue at all. With a double knot or a runner’s knot, it prepares you for the launch during race day. No issue with the outsole grips even over some mildly wet surfaces but nonetheless do take note when running onto metallic surfaces during wet days.
What Has Changed Then?
Over the course of 100km, the midsole of the Magic Speed 2 has softened up noticeably. The FF Blast+ midsole feels much more compressible than it was initially. This change in midsole will be helpful in making the Magic Speed 2 slightly more forgiving underfoot. However, it should be noted that it is not as soft as the midsole found in the Saucony’s Endorphin Speed 3 or Pro 3.
Something I noticed in the Magic Speed 2 as my right ankle rolls inwards more than my left does due to the ankle injury. While I am not 100% certain this was caused by my injury; I believe this is something to notice for those who has overpronation. The width of the Magic Speed 2 from the heel to the arch is not very wide, a mere 7 odd cm in my US11.5. Additionally, the heel counter is not stiff more of a piece of stiffer material. This meant that the runners looking for a more stable and structured heel will not find it 100% here in the Magic Speed 2. However, it is relatively similar for many of the racer/tempo day shoes in the market today with the except of a few.
Durability of this Pair of Running Shoes?
At 100km, the Magic Speed 2 is holding up really well. Except the area where I often see high wear, the lateral side of outsole at the heel. The outsole has almost no signs of wear in other areas even at 100km, it is unbelievable. The etch patterns remains clearly seen.
The upper do not have any signs of wear & tear which should be the case. The midsole as mentioned did has slight changes to its properties, but it still retains the bounce and cushion. At 100km, the midsole is starting to break-in and provide a cushion ride.
How will I use the footwear moving forward?
The Magic Speed 2 will continue to be my training companion and the option for my race day. The only concern I have is my physical ability to keep up with the shoes’ capabilities. I’m worried about going too fast too early and crashing into the “wall”.
Conclusion
Readers have asked me which should they go for: (i) Magic Speed 2 or (ii) Endorphin Speed 3. I will use this as my conclusion as it nicely summarizes the pros and cons of the Magic Speed 2. Here is how I will recommend for those who are looking at these two pairs.
Key Factors
The key factors to consider are:
- The speed at which you will be going,
- The firmness of the midsole,
- The need for wider base for certainty and comfort,
- Price point,
- The types of workouts you are intending to use it for.
As mentioned earlier, the Magic Speed 2 is not really for paces too slow. Firstly, it has a firmer midsole and therefore works relatively better at the faster pace. You can still use it for slower runs, but I find it more tiring do control the pace at slower speeds. At the faster paces, you will find yourself compressing the FF Blast+ midsole with the aggressive roll provided by the Magic Speed 2. This pushes you to move faster with efficiency.
Endorphin Speed 3 – What you are looking for?
If you are looking for the more versatile training companion which you might also use as a race day option, then the Endorphin Speed 3 is your go-to. The softer and less aggressive actions in the Endorphin Speed 3 broadens its use cases compared to Magic Speed 2. The wider base of the Endorphin Speed 3 gives more assurance when landing, although the Magic Speed 2 likely works alright too.
The upper material of the Endorphin Speed 3 is more aligned with the daily trainer type rather than race day type. But it speaks comfort the moment you step in.
Equipped with the PWRRUN PB, the ride experience of the Endorphin Speed 3 is vastly different from the overall ride experience in the Magic Speed 2. The latter has a bigger responsive toe-off than the former. Lastly, the price point.
At retail, the Magic Speed 2 (S$239.00) is cheaper than the Endorphin Speed 3 (S$269.00). You choose your training companion carefully; price is but one consideration.
Other Potential Choices
There are other potential choices in the market if you are looking for Endorphin Speed 3 type. One of it is the Deviate Nitro 2 from Puma. Retailing at S$239.00, the Deviate Nitro 2 has improved significantly over its first iteration. The upper is more accommodating, the heel has a proper heel structure, and now equipped with a layer of Nitro Elite foam. Not to mention, the Puma Grip is so grippy even across some wet surfaces. So, do check it out!
