SCORE: 9/10

Heel Drop: 7mm

Shoe Type: Uptempo running shoe

Terrain: Road

Pace: Racing/ Uptempo

Take Away

Asics Magic Speed 3 is more of a speed shoe; thus, it suits someone with an up-tempo pace. It doesn't offer pure speed like MetaSpeed Sky+ but something close and significant daily training. Magic Speed 3 has a snug-fitting upper, fits-true-to size with better cushioning than the Magic Speed 2. 

Pros

• Responsive though not like MetaSpeed Sky₊
• Lightweight
• Comfortable and breathable upper
• Soft underfoot ride
• Premium appearance
• Versatile
• Good pricing

Cons

• More of racing shoe than a daily trainer
• Not as fast as elite racing shoes

Introduction

The market is flooded with good training shoes competing against each other. It is even difficult to choose one over the other. The famous Pegasus 39 and 40, Puma Nitro models, Saucony Endorphin, Skechers Maxroad 5 ad 6, Adizero SL or Boston 11, and many different shoe modes offer almost similar experiences for runners. Only little things make the difference between them.

Asics is doing its best to cater to every runner. It has the Kayano 29, Kayano 30, and Evoride speed, which are daily trainers with stability features. There is Asics Nimbus 25, a max-cushioned daily trainer, Meta Speed Edge Plus for speeds, and countless premium and budget running shoes.

With the success of the Magic Speed 2, Asics released its iteration, the Magic Speed 3, which some runners think has close similarity with the Saucony Endorphin. Magic Speed 2 was enjoyable, but it would be better if Asics had given it a full-length Flytefoam Blast Plus.

Instead, Asics designers placed it on the top layer alone. So my immeasurable excitement for the Magic Speed 3 is because it comes with a full-length Flytefoam Blast plus foam in the midsole.

Specs First!

The Asics Speed 3 men's version has a heel stack height of 36mm and 29mm in the forefoot, making a 7mm heel drop. The weight is incredible since it stands at 7.7 ounces for my male version, size US size 9. The female version has a 35mm heel stack height and a 28mm forefoot drop.

What is New?

As I mentioned, the previous version had two foams: the Flytefoam  Blast and  Flytefoam Blast Plus. However, in this version, Asics has souped things up.

The magic is in the midsole courtesy of full-length Flytefoam Blast Plus foam sandwiching a carbon plate. The FF Blast Plus midsole foam is Asic's new premier daily trainer foam, and it is lightweight, bouncy, and cushioned, bringing the training sensation close to a racing session. Conversely, the FF Turbo foam is present in its race shoes. 

The most significant change in the upper is the material. Instead of the traditional mesh in Magic Speed 1 and 2, Asics has utilized the upper material in its Meta Speed series. The upper has slightly more padding to it. Also, the outsole rubber has extra thickness for protection and durability. The final big difference is in the weight. Asics Magic Speed 3 is lighter than Magic Speed 2. 

Asics Magic Speed 3 Upper Design and Fitting 

The motion wrap-upper is one of the most significant selling points for the Asics Meta Speed Sky. It is the flagship of Asics racers. Introducing this material in the Magic Speed 3 has improved the overall experience of the shoe. The fitting is true to size, and the toe box is roomy enough. However, it doesn't have the rigid heel counter, but I like the heel lockdown. I haven't experienced heel slippage or irritation. 

 I thought the upper in the previous version was less premium than this option wrap-upper in the Magic Speed 3.

Hence, Asics Magic Speed 3 is amazingly comfortable with a premium look. 

Asics Magic Speed 3 Midsole and Perfomance 

While the upper is the spirit of Asics Magic Speed 3, the midsole is its soul. It is where the magic happens. I am excited about the full-length Flytefoam Blast Plus midsole foam. The regular FlyteFoam in the heel felt somewhat firm. Still, this new Flytefoam Blast Plus has softened up the underfoot feel, making this shoe enjoyable to run with. 

Instead of the blended nylon and carbon fiber, Asics infused a full-length carbon fiber within the shoe. Hence, the new carbon is stiffer than the previous one. Still, Asics cleverly sandwiched it with the softer Flytefoam Blast Plus cushioning to eradicate the firm underfoot ride familiar in most carbon-plated running shoes. Due to this design, Asics Magic Speed 3 rides more like a racer shoe than a tempo trainer. 

Magic Speed 3 is as compliant as the Metaspeed Sky Plus. It feels snappy and stable. The full-length Flytefoam Blast Plus helps create a smooth heel-to-toe transition, unlike in the Magic Speed 2, where the forefoot is softer than the heel. Besides the consistent cushioning from heel to toe, the carbon plate offers a propulsive toe-off, making the ride peppy. I have noticed that it is not softer but milder than Asics Nimbus 25 or Novablast 3, which also has the Flytefoam Blast Plus foam. 

I love the stability created by the broad midsole base. Despite the lack of profound rocker, Magic Speed 3 rolls seamlessly and is stable across long runs. I have done fartlek runs, and the speed burst is impressive. The overall speed improvement, particularly minutes per mile, is excellent. It is also lightweight and fast during speed day. Hence, I rotate it with the Metaspeed Sky Plus because it does well in speed workouts.

Asics magic speed 3 feels different at recovery speed. It feels pretty firm. Hence, it is not suitable for easy runs.

Overall, Magic Speed 3 is more of a race shoe than a daily trainer, and this is evident by choice of a racing midsole foam and upper design. The upper part exudes a racer snug type of fitting. 

How Can You Use Asics Magic Speed 3

The Magic Speed 3 is best for uptempo workouts. It can complement the Metaspeed Sky 3, which is one of the most favorable marathon racing shoes among runners. Let's be clear that Metaspeed Sky Plus outperforms the Magic Speed 3 in high races.

While Asics Magic Speed 3 is suitable for daily training, especially where speed is involved, it is better to wear Novablast 3 or Nimbus 25 for recovery runs. They have maximum underfoot cushioning and a better-relaxed package than Magic Speed 3. Asics Magic Speed 3 is excellent for 5k and 10k. 

Comparisons to Endorphin Speed 2

The Endorphin Speed 3  is more versatile than the Magic Speed 3. While they are both uptempo trainers, Endorphin speed 3 is more bouncy and less stiff than Magic Speed 3. Hence it can perform in both speedy and slow runs.

 Most runners buy the Endorphin Speed as a do-it-all shoe. Therefore, runners are more likely to use Asics Magic Speed 3 and Endorphin Speed 3 similarly or interchangeably because of their slight differences. 

Revied by JohnSmith, an experienced runner from Florida. Smith runs for fun. He is into tempo runs and a bit of speed runs.