QUICK ANSWER
It depends. The ASICS Magic Speed 4 is worth buying for tempo sessions and cushioned speed workouts, not for maximum race-day bounce. Its carbon plate and tall midsole give a guided, protective ride. Independent tests found 61.8% forefoot energy return, close to the 61.5% shoe average. Narrow-footed neutral runners benefit most; support seekers should skip it.
- Best use: intervals, tempo runs, and marathon-pace training.
- Big advantage: impressive road grip and deep heel cushioning.
- Main drawback: firm snap rather than explosive bounce.
Tempo-workout pick
RunRepeat score
Cushioning
Energy return
Responsiveness
Best for: Neutral runners seeking plated speed training.
Skip if: You want wide-fit stability or elite-level bounce.
US launch price: $170. Live Amazon offer may vary.
RTINGS LAB CATEGORY SCORES — OUT OF 10
Independent RTINGS scores, not original testing or Amazon customer scores.
I’m Steven Tyler. For this review, I compared ASICS specifications with independent lab findings and published wear tests. I did not personally mileage-test this pair, so all measurements below credit their sources. Here is where the shoe earns its price—and where it falls short.
What Is the ASICS Magic Speed 4 and Who Is It For?
The ASICS Magic Speed 4 is a neutral road shoe for faster training and selected races. It pairs a full-length carbon plate with mostly FF BLAST+ foam and a smaller FF BLAST TURBO forefoot insert.
- Run intervals or tempo workouts each week.
- Like a firm, rolling carbon-plated shoe.
- Want substantial protection without super-shoe prices.
- Need strong stability or a broad platform.
- Want a softer daily trainer.
- Prefer a spacious forefoot fit.
ASICS Magic Speed 4 Pros and Cons
- Deep cushioning: RTINGS measured a 43.7 mm heel stack.
- Strong traction: RunRepeat measured 0.81 forefoot grip.
- Carbon plate gives a clear rolling toe-off sensation.
- Breathable mesh performed well in independent lab tests.
- Only 61.8% forefoot energy return in RunRepeat testing.
- Narrow base can feel insecure on sharp turns.
- 237 to 242 g is heavy for a racer.
- Pointed front may bother wide or high-volume feet.
ASICS Magic Speed 4 Key Features — What Tests Show
Does the Carbon Plate Make It Fast?
The full-length carbon plate adds stiffness and helps guide toe-off. RTINGS gave responsiveness 7.5/10, but rated energy return lower at 6.1/10.
Takeaway: A stiff, snappy ride is not the same as a high-bounce race shoe.
How Bouncy Is the FF BLAST TURBO Midsole?
The ride is more protective than explosive. RunRepeat measured 61.8% forefoot energy return against a 61.5% lab-category average.
Forefoot Energy Return — RunRepeat Lab
Measured percentages; not subjective performance scores.
Takeaway: The carbon plate does not turn average foam rebound into exceptional energy return.
Is the Cushioning Enough for Long Runs?
Yes, heel protection is a clear strength. RTINGS rated cushioning 8.3/10 and measured a 43.7 mm heel stack.
Takeaway: Tall foam makes hard sessions less harsh, even without huge bounce.
RunRepeat recorded 144 heel shock-absorption units against a 131-unit test average. That matters as distance grows and legs tire.
Does the ASICSGRIP Outsole Hold on Wet Roads?
Grip is one of its best features. RunRepeat measured 0.81 in forefoot traction, above its 0.53 laboratory average.
Takeaway: Better grip helps confidence on damp pavement during intervals.
How Does the Upper Fit and Breathe?
The engineered mesh upper is breathable, but the toe area feels tapered. RunRepeat rated breathability 5/5 in its older test method.
Takeaway: Confirm toe room before choosing this for long races.
Is the Shoe Stable Enough for Every Runner?
No. RTINGS rated stability 7.2/10 and noted its high stack and narrow landing base.
Takeaway: Neutral runners are the safer match than runners needing motion control.
Fit tip: If your little toe presses against the upper, do not expect the narrow toe shape to disappear with use.
How Does the ASICS Magic Speed 4 Perform in Real Tests?
RTINGS Measured Performance Scores
ASICS Magic Speed 4 Full Specifications
Brand and independent lab measurements may differ.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Design and Fit | |
| Model | Magic Speed 4 |
| Men’s style | 1011B875 |
| Category | Neutral road performance trainer |
| Upper | Engineered mesh |
| Fastening | Laces |
| Midsole and Geometry | |
| Plate | Full-length carbon |
| Foam | FF BLAST+ with forefoot FF BLAST TURBO |
| Advertised drop | 8 mm |
| ASICS men’s stated weight | 242 g / 8.6 oz |
| Advertised men’s heel/forefoot stack | 43.5 / 35.5 mm (RoadTrailRun) |
| RTINGS measured heel height | 43.7 mm |
| RTINGS measured drop | 9.8 mm |
| Traction and Details | |
| Outsole | ASICSGRIP rubber |
| Removable insole | Yes (RunRepeat) |
| Reflective details | No (RunRepeat) |
| RunRepeat breathability | 5/5 under prior test method |
How Does the ASICS Magic Speed 4 Compare to Competitors?
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is the more versatile pick for most runners. The adidas Adizero Boston 12 costs less at its original list price and uses energy rods instead of carbon.
Magic Speed 4 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Saucony wins for bounce and all-round training. RTINGS measured stronger energy return and stability in the Endorphin Speed 4; the ASICS offers taller cushioning and a firmer plated feel.
Magic Speed 4 vs adidas Adizero Boston 12
The Magic Speed 4 wins for heel cushioning and lower measured weight. Boston 12 offers a lower original price, a less carbon-plate-like ride, and broad training use.
| Feature | Magic Speed 4 | Endorphin Speed 4 | Boston 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original MSRP | $170 | $170 | $160 |
| Plate system | Carbon plate | Nylon plate | EnergyRods |
| Advertised drop | 8 mm | 8 mm | Approx. 7 mm |
| Men’s reference weight | 242 g | 233 g | 260 g |
| Main strength | Protective tempo ride | Versatile fast trainer | Durable fast mileage |
| Main caution | Narrow base | Less rigid plate | Heavier design |
ASICS Magic Speed 4 Pricing — Is It Worth the Price?
Yes, for a runner who wants a plated tempo shoe at a discount. At its $170 launch price, the Magic Speed 4 was level with the Endorphin Speed 4.
ASICS still lists $170 on its US product page. The verified Amazon listing showed no featured offer during this check, so its live Amazon price is unavailable. An unrelated retailer price-history listing recorded a low of $121 for certain sizes; that is not a confirmed Amazon low.
ASICS Magic Speed 4 Carbon-Plated Tempo Running Shoes
Check size, color, seller, and final total before ordering.
Who Should Buy the ASICS Magic Speed 4?
- Neutral runners adding a second shoe for fast days.
- Tempo runners who prefer firm, predictable toe-off geometry.
- Runners who land well on a narrow platform.
- Your feet need a broad, soft, stable platform.
- You want one comfortable shoe for every easy run.
What Are Real Buyers Saying About the ASICS Magic Speed 4?
The verified men’s Amazon listing showed 4.4/5 stars from 134 ratings at research time. That is encouraging, but not enough to claim a large-sample buyer consensus.
Review totals vary by listing. The themes below come from published expert tests, not unverified Amazon comments.
Amazon listing snapshot: 4.4/5 stars · 134 ratings · men’s ASIN B0CTB8X4JQ
- Plenty of heel cushioning for tempo and long workouts.
- Strong forefoot traction on damp paved roads.
- Breathable upper and effective carbon-plated rolling geometry.
- Less foam bounce than the carbon plate suggests.
- Pointed toe shape creates fit pressure for wider feet.
- High midsole stack can feel unstable while cornering.
Final Verdict — Is the ASICS Magic Speed 4 Worth Buying?
Yes, if you want a firm, protective carbon-plated tempo trainer and find a fair price. The Magic Speed 4 offers deep cushioning and impressive grip. Its plate creates a clean, guided toe-off, but the foam does not return much more energy than the lab average. That makes it a better training partner than a pure personal-best racer. Neutral runners with a secure fit can enjoy it. Runners who need stability or a roomy forefoot should pass. Compare the Endorphin Speed 4 for more bounce, and check the Magic Speed 5 before paying full price.
ASICS Magic Speed 4 — Carbon Plate and ASICSGRIP
Check fit and price.
👉 Buy ASICS Magic Speed 4 — Check Price ↗
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ASICS Magic Speed 4 true to size?
Generally yes. RTINGS assigned a 9.2/10 true-to-size score. Yet RoadTrailRun reported a tapered, slightly short-feeling toe area on some feet. Start with your usual size, then check that your toes can spread while standing and during a brief jog.
Can I run a marathon in the Magic Speed 4?
Yes, recreational runners can use it for long races if the fit stays secure. Its tall 43.5 mm advertised heel stack offers protection. Still, independent reviewers found limited bounce compared with premium racers. Check event-specific shoe rules if you enter regulated competition.
Is the Magic Speed 4 good for beginners?
Only for beginners who already run comfortably and want a separate fast-workout shoe. Its full-length carbon plate and 8 mm listed drop target speed sessions. New runners are usually better served by a flexible, forgiving daily trainer before adding a plated model.
Is the Magic Speed 4 good for wide feet?
Not usually. RoadTrailRun warned that runners with wider or higher-volume feet may feel squeezed at the front. Lab testing also showed a relatively narrow platform. If your toes contact the sides when standing, try a roomier model instead of hoping the upper stretches.
How durable is the ASICS Magic Speed 4?
The rubber and upper tested well. RunRepeat measured just 0.9 mm of outsole wear in its abrasion test, versus a 1.1 mm shoe average. Actual lifespan varies with road surface, body weight, gait, and rotation. Check rubber wear before relying on it for race day.
Does the Magic Speed 4 have a carbon plate?
Yes. The Magic Speed 4 uses a full-length carbon-fiber plate, confirmed by ASICS and independent testing. It helps the shoe stay stiff and roll forward. However, RunRepeat measured only 61.8% forefoot energy return, so a carbon plate alone does not promise exceptional bounce.
For source methods and original measurements, see ASICS model specifications, RTINGS laboratory scoring, and RunRepeat shoe lab measurements.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Steven is a former sportsperson and now a full-time businessman and research writer. He is the mastermind of this site, and he created this site to help people who need specialized shoes for different activities. When he was a sportsperson, he was very passionate about different types of shoes for his sports purpose. The passion he had for shoes at that time now turned into his profession. Besides his shoe business, he loves sharing his knowledge and experience with people and helping them maintain healthy feet.
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