A lighter alternative to the Nike Zoom Fly 5
I have been on a search for the replacement of my favorite shoe: Nike Zoom Fly 5. The biggest downside of that shoe was its weight. The Magic Speed 2 is an excellent alternative to that shoe. This shoe is extremely stable without it being a stability shoe. It is balanced and has the right amount of softness. It is light and extremely cruisy. It is moderately snappy. If you want to pick up the pace, it responds well. It also has a fantastic outsole grip. Heavier runners (175-200 lbs.+) would like this shoe because of how stable it is and can take advantage of the moderately snappy plate. This shoe feels like the MetaSpeed Edge+ but a firmer foam, snappy, but more stable. If you have a rolling stride, you'll like this shoe. Great if you are cadence runner.... Show more
ArjL
originally posted on asics.com
Bouncy but tight
My initial thoughts while taking these on a run were that they were so bouncy, light, and responsive. I was immediately sold! But, just about a mile in, my two smallest toes on both feet went numb. I've tried other shoe laces, as well as loosening them up quite a bit, and changing up my socks, but on every run my toes are totally numb within a mile despite the shoe being lose enough for heel slippage. I haven't had that issue in any other shoe before, so I assume the toe box is too tight on this model. I have extremely narrow feet so it surprises me, but I also have very high arches and maybe that is the cause.... Show more
knd88
originally posted on asics.com
Fast, light, fun
These are great neutral trainers and racers. Light and form fitting upper, easy to get good lockdown with the laces, feels like a shoe you want to go fast in. Toe box is plenty roomy and fits well. The forward propulsion from the plate and rocker is very apparent and awesome, I find these shoes to help me run downhill with less perceived effort versus shoes without a plate. It really is a funny feeling, the shoe provides a great pop when hitting those downhills hard.I've run two half marathons in these and these are perfect for that distance. You could easily run marathon distance in these as well. They are cushioned, but not mushy, and encourage you to keep the pace up.That being said I've taken these out on easy recovery days and they perform just as well as ... MoreThese are great neutral trainers and racers. Light and form fitting upper, easy to get good lockdown with the laces, feels like a shoe you want to go fast in. Toe box is plenty roomy and fits well. The forward propulsion from the plate and rocker is very apparent and awesome, I find these shoes to help me run downhill with less perceived effort versus shoes without a plate. It really is a funny feeling, the shoe provides a great pop when hitting those downhills hard.I've run two half marathons in these and these are perfect for that distance. You could easily run marathon distance in these as well. They are cushioned, but not mushy, and encourage you to keep the pace up.That being said I've taken these out on easy recovery days and they perform just as well as when racing. No issue with slower paces feeling awkward with the plate in there.... Show more
carrotguy
originally posted on asics.com
Fast, specialist tempo shoes
These definitely are not beginner shoes, and absolutely they are not walking shoes, so be aware. They are specialist tempo shoes and they deliver. These shoes are afforded more stability than NovaBlasts and Gliderides thanks to the carbon plate, but require significantly more mindful running technique and awareness of how you place your feet with each step. They start to sing after you speed up your cadence to 180 SPM or more, and I see a measurable improvement in my speed while keeping my heart rate at a sustainable level. The plates of course help in how your feet roll, giving you an edge in speed as compared to running in somewhat more generic trainers. Running in these shoes puts somewhat greater stress on the Achilles tendons. What surprised me is that my ... MoreThese definitely are not beginner shoes, and absolutely they are not walking shoes, so be aware. They are specialist tempo shoes and they deliver. These shoes are afforded more stability than NovaBlasts and Gliderides thanks to the carbon plate, but require significantly more mindful running technique and awareness of how you place your feet with each step. They start to sing after you speed up your cadence to 180 SPM or more, and I see a measurable improvement in my speed while keeping my heart rate at a sustainable level. The plates of course help in how your feet roll, giving you an edge in speed as compared to running in somewhat more generic trainers. Running in these shoes puts somewhat greater stress on the Achilles tendons. What surprised me is that my recovery time is pretty good with these despite that extra stress, provided I stretch comprehensively afterwards. These shoes will thankfully tolerate some heel striking, more like a safety net, but I would advise against doing that while running in them.... Show more
Przemek K
originally posted on asics.com
I PBd in these shoes - yet I miss a little bounce
I use the Magic Speed 2 on my speedwork mostly, and have also raced in them up to 10k.These are for sure fast, and you can really pick up the pace in them. I can't really complain on them, but if it's something I miss, then it's that extra bounce. These shoes will pivot you forward and are a perfect race shoe. The kinda stiff sole are perfect for races, but personally I like a bit more of support as I am a heavier runner. It's a lot about flavor and taste off course, but personally I prefer the likes of Metaspeed Sky+, where you get a little more bounce and support. Especially if you are going for longer runs or races.With that said, this shoe has great value and are a very good option in the price range. :)... Show more
JesperL
originally posted on asics.com
Light, comfortable and already hitting PBs.
About to enter the Triathlon circuits and bought the magic speed 2 as a training shoe (I'll be purchasing the metaspeed sky plus for races).Ordered two sizes (8.5 /9). The idea was to run the 8.5 as is and trial a 9 with a soreborthane double strike inner sole because I had concerns about how the shoe would transfer the load to my knees. I also wasn't sure whether the shoe could take the hard hitting, particularly on roads - i'm a heel striker (I land with my heel / mid-foot first). I thought adding the extra inner sole would limit the compression on the sole of the shoe. After a few tests runs, I can say that the cushioning on the Magic Speed 2 is fantasic. Having no issues running fast 5Ks and even set a 10K PB on a training day 😊.It's probably too early for me ... MoreAbout to enter the Triathlon circuits and bought the magic speed 2 as a training shoe (I'll be purchasing the metaspeed sky plus for races).Ordered two sizes (8.5 /9). The idea was to run the 8.5 as is and trial a 9 with a soreborthane double strike inner sole because I had concerns about how the shoe would transfer the load to my knees. I also wasn't sure whether the shoe could take the hard hitting, particularly on roads - i'm a heel striker (I land with my heel / mid-foot first). I thought adding the extra inner sole would limit the compression on the sole of the shoe. After a few tests runs, I can say that the cushioning on the Magic Speed 2 is fantasic. Having no issues running fast 5Ks and even set a 10K PB on a training day 😊.It's probably too early for me to comment on durability, but the shoes are light and appear to be well made.I have always ran in Nike trainers, but having bought the Magic Speed 2, I will now be using Asics going forward.Here's to see damage the Metaspeed Sky plus can do 😊💪... Show more
Andygramuk
originally posted on asics.com
Magic an reality: a combination for fast trainers
I have use them only for speed workouts. Excellent shoes, comfortable, responsive, also explosive if you keep slow and want to push to max speed suddenly. Looks smaller but fit perfectly. I will never use them to run slow, the amazing cushion only works when you go fast. The heel feels good when you are doing the workout but not during the recovery, I think is the 7 or 8 mm, flatter than more of my speedy shoes. I am sure these shoes will work for a fast 5k to a fast Half in addition to intervals. Too heavy for a marathon in my opinion. Also they are very durable, the grip keeps the same power at least the first 50 miles. Perfect for 300 miles minimum... Show more
Dan WV
originally posted on asics.com
Perfect midsole
Being in what seems to be a minority of runner of not being able to get on with the current trend of very soft midsoles, the Magic Speed 2 is a breath of fresh air. The upper fits well, the outsole provides good grip even on wet concrete footpaths, but it is the midsole that really shines. As someone who lands on the mid-foot, the midsole provides great support and cushioning. The combination of the stiffness from the plate, the responsive midsole, and the geometry provides a very natural and propulsive ride. One of the best shoes I've had in a long time - please don't ruin it by making it softer in version 3.... Show more
MikeS
originally posted on asics.com
Perfect running shoes for races!
The first model of the ASICS Magic speed sneaker delighted me, in autumn I ran my personal records for 10 km, half marathon and marathon. I finally discovered the perfect running shoe for my foot. Model Magic Speed 2 just continued my delight. This running shoe is light, with a mesh but high-quality upper layer material that is breathable. Around the Achilles tendon is a sock-like finish, soft and pleasant enough, that there is no fear of discomfort.Earlier, I used to have a problem with pain in the nail region after finishing races, although I always chose the appropriate size of sneakers. I finally got rid of that and found a running shoe in which my foot doesn't slip, they have perfect width for running, keep the foot in place, and are super comfortable.My ... MoreThe first model of the ASICS Magic speed sneaker delighted me, in autumn I ran my personal records for 10 km, half marathon and marathon. I finally discovered the perfect running shoe for my foot. Model Magic Speed 2 just continued my delight. This running shoe is light, with a mesh but high-quality upper layer material that is breathable. Around the Achilles tendon is a sock-like finish, soft and pleasant enough, that there is no fear of discomfort.Earlier, I used to have a problem with pain in the nail region after finishing races, although I always chose the appropriate size of sneakers. I finally got rid of that and found a running shoe in which my foot doesn't slip, they have perfect width for running, keep the foot in place, and are super comfortable.My first race in Magic speed 2 sneakers was the National Road Championship of Serbia at 10 km. Already in the first 300 m, I felt the incredible lightness of my steps, my legs seemed to be flying on the track at a pace of 3.15 per km, and then I realized that I still had to slow down a bit, against the will of my legs, in order to run the race to the end with ease. With the Magic speed 2 model, I became the state champion at 10 km on the road. A 10 km race has never been more beautiful and easier.Magic speed model is created to achieve new personal records!... Show more
Nora89
originally posted on asics.com
Review: Magic Speed 2
Real Magic, again!I have been running with Magic speed shoes since beginning and loved both versions. MS2 is has got alot of improvements like full plate, better grip and its eco shoe also!Running with MS2 is easy, shoe gives you more confidence to run relaxed and its very stedy!I use MS2 for faster runs and in races. Fit os perfect and it feels like a sock. I have been using size 9,5 in all of my Asics shoes and that is perfect also with MS2!Highly recommend Magic Speed 2!... Show more
Tomi AFR
originally posted on asics.com