SCORE: 9.8/10

 Weight: 9.9oz (M) 8.8 oz (W)

 Heel drop: 5mm

 Shoe Type: Daily Trainer

 Running terrain: For road running 

 Pace: Easy, moderate, and fast

Take Away

Asks Noosa Tri 15 is a triathlon shoe designed to support competitive fast pace running. It has a super comfortable upper, is lightweight, and rides fast and stable. 

Asics Gel-Noosa Tri 15 has a sufficiently breathable snug-fitting upper that allows comfortable sockless wear, which is necessary for quick transitions, especially when running a race. The full-length FlyteFoam midsole ensures that it is not excessively squishy. Besides being versatile, the wacky color combinations make them amazingly adorable. 

Pros

• Comfortable fitting and plush cushioning
• High efficiency over long-distance running
• Springy midsole
• Highly breathable upper
• Lightweight
• Versatile for various workout sessions
• Eye-catching unique design
• A range of colors to choose from

Cons

• Not highly durable, especially when used on trial conditions
• Wide for a person with narrow feet

Introduction 

The Asics Noosa Tri is a great shoe in terms of design, comfort, and ride. I first tried the Noosa Tri 14, which is still fun to run in. It even rides better than the Novablast 3, which I feel rides  differently comoraed to the original Novablast V1.

With the release of the Asics Noosa Tri 15, the previous versions have significantly dropped in price, thus accessible to someone who couldn't meet the price tag, cost-conscious ones, or discount lovers. 

While Asics is known for overhauling its shoe models the way it did to Nimbus, Cumulus, Novablast, and many other series, Asics resolved to stick to what works and bring minor changes to avoid upsetting traditional Noosa Tri fans. 

This new version comes with slight updates like the raised stack height. Though Asics doesn't mention this, so you have to be keen to notice the rise in stack height. You will feel additional foam underfoot but softer. My measurements state that it has a 27mm heel stack and 22mm on the forefoot, making a 5mm heel drop. 

Asics Noosa Tri 15 Upper Design and Fitting

There is little Asics could do about altering this shoe's upper part. If it is not broken, why fix it? I guess more colorways were the only thing lacking. In this case, like its predecessor, the Noosa Tri 15 features a breathable engineered mesh upper with a gusseted tongue that provides a glove-like fitting. 

The generous padding in the heel collar and tongues, together with the soft inner lining, offers a comforting feel. It is comfortable that I sometimes wear them without socks (because it is a triathlon shoe). The toe box runs moderately, excellent for someone with average foot size like me. The lacing system is neat and functional. The lacing system also exudes style. It doesn't look cheap. 

The glove-like fit guarantees a comfortable and secure snug-fitting. It has room in the right areas, especially the toe box, which is roomy enough for the toes to splay naturally. There is also a subtle elasticity in the front. The heel-to-toe lockdown is fantastic; hence no need for a runner's knot. Also, it has new magical colorways.

Asics Noosa Tri 15 Midsole Design and Performance 

The midsole still features full-length FlyteFoam cushioning for lightweight underfoot impact absorption. The difference is a 1mm additional foam that offers a more forgiving landing and smooth ride than its predecessor. The AHAR carbon rubber spreads over the entire shoe's base to protect the soft FF foam from abrasion and provide stability. The grip is excellent even on wet surfaces but won't do enough on overly slippery surfaces. Hence, the grip is the same as its predecessor. Besides, I wouldn't use it on trails to make it last longer.

 Covering the full-length FF rubber with the AHAR outsole is to make this shoe as energy-saving as possible. There is a balance of softness. It is not overly marshmallow-like in Nimbus 25. The FLYTEFOAM™ technology has a reputation for being comfortable and lightweight.

The Ride

The Noosa Tri 15 is fast and lightweight. It has a snappy ride, especially when picking up the pace. The responsiveness, comfort, and lightweight combination enable Noosa Tri 15 to perform well in easy, marathon, and relatively fast paces like fartlek running. The heel-to-toe is seamless, and stability, especially in sharp corners, is amazing.

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Who Should Buy Asics Noosa Tri 15?

Asics designed Noosa Tri 15 for all levels of triathletes seeking running shoes with a balance between lightweight, cushioning, response, and comfort. It fits runners with neutral strides. 

The Noosa Tri 15 is capable of doing fast paces like 6 minutes a mile or 4.5 minutes a kilometer, depending on a runner's level. A beginner runner may take longer but with speed improvement.  

It also fits someone looking for a versatile running shoe. For instance, I use mine for interval sessions, tempo runs, and long runs. Hence it can handle more workout sessions than easy recovery runs. 

 You can also use Asics Noosa Tri 15 as daily wear since it is comfortable, lightweight, and stylish. Finally, it fits anyone who loves the previous version.

Final Thought 

Asics Noosa Tri 15 is an excellent shoe with almost similar performance to the previous version. The 1mm additional FlyteFoam foam gives it a smoother ride than its predecessor. It is a versatile shoe that can feature in your rotation. The new colorways make it a great addition to summer wear.  

Reviewed by Mike Hardy