Lightweight, fast-feeling trainer that blends speed work and daily comfort.
You want a shoe that helps you hit tempo runs and still feels fine on easy days. Maybe your old racers were too stiff or your trainers too heavy. The ASICS Magic Speed 4 aims to solve that gap. It promises a springy ride, breathable upper, and enough cushion for longer efforts. I tested it on intervals, steady runs, and short long runs to see if it really delivers the speed-versus-comfort balance most runners need.
Is ASICS Magic Speed 4 Good?
Yes — for many runners, the ASICS Magic Speed 4 hits the sweet spot between a fast trainer and a lightweight daily shoe. If you do tempo runs, club workouts, or shorter races and still want comfort on recovery days, this shoe is a solid option. It is not a pure carbon-plated marathon racer, but it gives a lively toe-off and modest cushioning that works for paces from easy to fast. I used the ASICS Magic Speed 4 for 5K-10K workouts and a couple of 10–12 mile easy runs. The shoe felt responsive on intervals and never beat up my calves on longer easy miles. For runners who want an everyday trainer that can also pick up the pace, ASICS Magic Speed 4 is worth considering.
My First Impression for ASICS Magic Speed 4
The box arrived neat and light. The shoe looked clean and well-made. The knit upper felt breathable and finely woven. On first touch, the midsole felt springy and not overly soft. Lacing was smooth and secure. I slipped them on and noticed a snug heel and a roomy forefoot. The fit gave me confidence from step one. My first short run showed a quick toe-off and responsive feel. I felt pleased and a little excited—this was better than I expected for a "fast trainer" price point. Overall, the initial build and comfort met my expectations and pushed them a bit.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Lightweight FF BLAST™ midsole foam for a snappy ride and good energy return.
- Topped with a breathable engineered mesh upper for airflow and comfort.
- Rocker geometry and tapered heel for smooth transitions and quicker toe-off.
- Secure heel counter and midfoot fit that reduce slip and hot spots.
- Durable rubber outsole in high-wear zones for traction and extended life.
- Versatile stack height that balances cushion and ground feel for varied workouts.
What I Like
- Responsive feel that makes tempo runs feel quicker.
- Comfortable upper that avoids hot spots over longer runs.
- Good balance of cushion for daily miles without feeling mushy.
- Stable ride through corners and quick changes of pace.
- Lively toe spring that helps with cadence and speed.
- Attractive, clean styling that works for casual wear too.
What Could Be Better
- Not as cushioned as max-cushion trainers for very long runs.
- Some runners may prefer a wider toe box than this model offers.
- Limited colorways in some markets.
My Recommendation
If you want a shoe that blends speed and comfort, the ASICS Magic Speed 4 is a smart pick. I recommend it for runners who do structured workouts and also log regular easy miles. It works well as a daily trainer that can pick up the pace when asked. The shoe costs less than many full-race carbon models while delivering a lively feel. For overall value, it’s hard to beat the Magic Speed 4 if you want one shoe that handles tempo runs and recovery days.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Tempo runs & intervals | Lively midsole and quick toe-off help maintain faster paces. |
| Daily trainers with speed | Balance of cushion and responsiveness fits varied weekly runs. |
| Runners wanting value | Good performance without the high price of elite racers. |
Alternative Products You Can Consider
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Nike ZoomX Streakfly — Best for racers who want a very light, race-day shoe with high energy return. Compared to the ASICS Magic Speed 4, the Streakfly is lighter and feels faster at top speed but offers less daily comfort for easy runs. Choose it if pure race performance matters most.
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Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 — Best for runners who want a versatile shoe with a nylon plate and smooth ride. The Endorphin Speed 4 offers slightly more cushioning and a different pop from the plate. It compares well with ASICS Magic Speed 4 on tempo days but leans more toward faster long runs.
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New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 — Best for those seeking a springy, budget-friendly fast trainer. The FuelCell Rebel is bouncy and agile. It is similar in intent to the ASICS Magic Speed 4 but may feel firmer underfoot and has a different fit profile.
Comparison table:
| Product | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| ASICS Magic Speed 4 | Versatile daily trainer that can handle workouts | Balanced cushion and responsiveness at a good value |
| Nike ZoomX Streakfly | Lightweight race days | Lighter and more race-focused, less daily comfort |
| Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 | Fast training and some longer races | Nylon plate and smoother long-run feel |
| New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 | Budget-friendly speed work | Firmer, more agile ride and different fit |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want one shoe that carries you through workouts and easy miles, pick the ASICS Magic Speed 4. It blends responsiveness and comfort in a way that suits many runners. Choose a dedicated racer like the Nike ZoomX Streakfly if you chase time on race day and want the lightest possible shoe. If you want a slightly cushier, smoother plate-assisted trainer, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is a solid alternative. Overall, ASICS Magic Speed 4 serves as a great everyday fast trainer that covers most bases without extremes.
FAQs Of asics magic speed 4 review
Is ASICS Magic Speed 4 good for long runs?
Yes, it works for medium-length long runs (up to ~15 miles for many runners). It is better for tempo and steady paces than ultra-long recovery days, where max cushion may be preferable.
How does the sizing run for ASICS Magic Speed 4?
I found the fit true to size. If you prefer extra toe-room, consider going half a size up. The heel and midfoot fit snugly, so don’t size down.
Can I use ASICS Magic Speed 4 for racing?
Yes, for 5K to 10K races it’s a great option. For marathon racing, a full carbon-plated racer may give better efficiency.
How durable is the outsole?
The high-wear rubber holds up well for regular training. Expect a similar lifespan to other light trainers—good for several hundred miles if rotated and used on mixed surfaces.
Does the shoe work for trail running?
No, it’s designed for roads and smooth surfaces. For trails, choose a model with a grippy, lugged outsole and reinforced upper.
Rubel Miah is the Senior Editor at MyStyleGrid.com, where he brings a sharp editorial eye and an unshakable love for fashion to everything he does. A true style addict, Rubel lives and breathes trends, from streetwear to high fashion, and has a knack for turning inspiration into impactful stories. With years of experience in fashion journalism and digital media, he curates content that empowers readers to express themselves through style. When he’s not editing features or forecasting the next big thing, you’ll find him hunting down vintage pieces or capturing street style moments around the city.
