ASICS Magic Speed 5: Lighter, Faster and Built to Race

ASICS Magic Speed 5: Lighter, Faster and Built to Race

The ASICS Magic Speed 5 has landed at The Sports Room and it’s a very different shoe to the Magic Speed 4 - in a good way!

Where the ASICS Magic Speed 4 worked well as a daily speed shoe for longer intervals, the Magic Speed 5 is much more focused on fast workouts and racing. It feels sharper, lighter and more race-ready straight out of the box.

What’s new in the Magic Speed 5?

ASICS have made some big changes here and you really notice them when you pick the shoe up - and even more when you run in it.

• 50g lighter, now weighing just 196g

• New foam combination: FF LEAP and FF BLAST, giving a more responsive ride and an energised toe-off

• Lower stack height: down 6mm in the heel and 5mm in the forefoot

• Reduced drop: now 7mm, down 1mm from the previous version

• More sustainable upper: now made with 75% recycled materials (up from 25%)

All of this adds up to a shoe that feels quicker, more direct and better suited to high-intensity efforts.

What’s stayed the same?

Some of the key ingredients that worked in previous versions are still very much there:

• Full-length carbon plate

• Breathable mesh upper

• ASICSGRIP outsole, providing excellent traction across multiple surfaces

How it feels to run in

The Magic Speed 5 feels very different to the 4. Despite being carbon plated, it’s surprisingly stable and flexible, which makes it a great option if you’re considering your first carbon-plated shoe.

The fit is true to size, with a light, snug upper that feels secure without being restrictive. It’s comfortable straight away, which isn’t always the case with faster shoes.

We especially liked how it felt during track sessions and faster workouts - the cushioning is there when you need it but it never feels soft or sloppy. Overall, it’s a well-balanced shoe that encourages you to run fast without feeling out of control.

Final thoughts

The ASICS Magic Speed 5 is a big step forward in the range. It’s lighter, more responsive and more purpose-built for speed, while still being approachable and stable enough for a wide range of runners.

If you’re looking for a fast training partner or a race-day option - especially as your first carbon shoe - this one is well worth trying.

Pop into The Sports Room and we’ll happily talk you through whether it’s the right fit for your running and your goals.