With the advancement and release of many super shoes in the market, there seems to be little place for traditional racing flats. Yet, ASICS continues to develop its racing flat line up with the release of Tartheredge 3. The Tartheredge 3 received a comprehensive update from its predecessor in many ways. Additionally, the Tartheredge 3 design and style has also been modernised.
Specifications
The Tartheredge 3 is a lightweight performance running shoes designed for fast-paced training and race day. Designed with track and speed workout in mind, the Tartheredge provides excellent traction be it on the road or at the track. ASICS has made changes in its 3rd edition to better distinguish Tartheredge with the Tarther RP.
Weight: 205 grams
Stack Height: 12mm (Forefoot) and 22mm (Heel)
Drop: 10mm
Retail Price: SGD 199.00 (JPY 15,400)
Reviewer’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 and a 11.5cm at the widest point-to-point of my foot.
Note: This is an initial review of the Tartheredge 3 at 50km.
Upper
The upper of the Tartheredge 3 is made up of a stretchable film-like material and forms a netting that wraps the foot nicely. Additionally, the construction of the upper allows for many pockets allowing airflow into the shoes.
To improve the lockdown of the Tartheredge 3, ASICS incorporated a cup in the heel area which catches and hold the heel in place. This design change works with well as I felt no heel slippage during my runs. That said, the heel cup felt a little flimsy and compressible which raises questions if it was on purpose or otherwise to reduce weight. With the stretchable material, the Tartheredge 3 accommodates nicely for my wide feet. I usually wear a US size 11 for my running shoes but for this I had to size up to a US 12. Yet, the Tartheredge 3 did not felt too long and allowed my toes to spread comfortably.
Midsole
One of the key changes to the Tartheredge 3 is in the midsole. ASICS has increased the midsole by 2mm over previous generation to further segment the Tartheredge series from the Tarther RP series. This additional 2mm of midsole provide cushioning for the runner and allowing it to be used in longer distance runs. Additionally, the rebound from the Tartheredge 3 was further enhanced with the thicker Flytefoam. The Tartheredge 3 is a pair which caters for speed with enhanced cushioning. In my opinion, the additional cushion from the Tartheredge 3 helps to make the Tartheredge 3 more welcoming to a larger group of runners. I could do a medium distance run (~16 KM) in the Tartheredge 3 without an issue.
The insole of the TE3 is made up of Flytefoam Propel which gives it extra pop during runs. To aid in the breathability of the shoes, the insole has many holes punched into it. Personally, I believe these holes also serves as area for the insole to expand during compression and provide pop in return. Overall, the midsole of the Tartheredge 3 provides cushioning that does not bottoms out during my runs.
Outsole
Another key update to the Tarthedge 3 is in the outsole. To improve the durability of the outsole for the TE3, ASICS has employed 3 types of materials for its outsole – (i) 3D Tetra Sole, (ii) ASICS Grip, and (iii) AHARPLUS.
The 3D Tetra Sole is ASICS’s new material/design for the Tartheredge 3. Previously, Tartheredge features the Duosole technology which wears off quicker than preferred. With the 3D Tetra Sole, ASICS claimed that its durability for the outsole has increased compared to before. At the current usage, I do not see the 3D Tetra Sole wearing down prematurely. However, I will continue to run in it to see when will the outsole finally wear out.
The ASICS Grip is one of ASICS outsole technology that excels in trails and wet conditions. With this technology, the Tartheredge 3 will be able to handle the wet roads with ease. The AHAR™ and AHARPLUS™ are outer sole materials with excellent abrasion resistance and good cushioning characteristics. AHARPLUS has about 3X higher abrasion resistance than ASICS’s conventional rubber. Lastly, the Tartheredge 3 features a Trusstic System to help promote efficient transition and prevent excessive twisting of the shoes during runs.
Running Experience
Thus far, my experience running in the Tartheredge 3 has been very positive. I have take it for different types of runs ranging from speed repeats at the tracks to 16 KM medium distance runs. The increased midsole stack height allows me to take it for longer runs without feeling too beat up by the end. In addition, the lightness of the shoes help a lot especially during threshold effort over longer distance. While the midsole stack height is not very thick it remains resilient throughout the various workouts. There were no hotspots as well in the upper but the tongue did bunched up a little during my long run.
Although Tartheredge 3 does not have any rocker design, it was not difficult to maintain the pace during my runs. I suspect that this is part in due to the trusstic system which helps maintain the foot’s position in transition. Grip of the outsole were also fantastic on different surfaces especially at the track where the Tartheredge 3 shines.
Based on my runs thus far, the Tartheredge 3 is a race day shoes which provides you with the grip and cushioning you require. This is definitely not a full marathon shoes for me but if you are fast enough it could be. That said, with the many super shoes out in the market, the Tartheredge 3 would fall into the performance trainer category more than the actual race day shoes for many.
Next Step Forward
Moving forward, I like to bring the Tartheredge 3 closer to the half-marathon distance and see how it performs. Additionally, I will continue to run in it and see its long-term durability. I could certainly see this as a very trustworthy performance trainer on tracks as well as on the road.
Till next time, just keep running.
