Asics S4 Introduction
Once I ran my first marathon, my goal was sub 4 hours. I wasn’t positive what shoe to go along with however I selected the Reebok Floatride Run Quick as a result of it was mild, energetic and comfy.
I completed with a time of 4:38 however that was resulting from my coaching and never the shoe selection.
For those who’re a mid-pack runner and also you’re trying to run your first marathon, you want a shoe which is well-cushioned, steady, snug and energy-saving.
Right now, many of the carbon-plated racers available on the market are designed for the elite runner, a runner able to breaking world data. These runners have wonderful kind and effectivity so their racing sneakers don’t have to have a lot stability or consolation. These racing sneakers are additionally not designed to be sturdy as a result of most elite runners get a number of free sneakers from the manufacturers.
ASICS has now provide you with a singular racing shoe, a racer designed for runners trying to run beneath 4 hours for a full marathon. Based on an article on the ASICS web site, for a person, something beneath 4 hours could possibly be thought of a superb marathon time, placing you within the prime 43% of runners.
S4 stands for pace, stability, security and sub-4. The S4 seems much like their flagship marathon racers, the Metaspeed Sky+ and Edge+ however there are a number of huge variations. The S4 has a dual-density midsole, a wider base and extra outsole rubber.
The S4 weighs 240 g (8.5 oz) for a males’s US9 which is the very same weight because the Magic Velocity 2. It is a bit disappointing contemplating the S4 has FF Blast Turbo (ASICS’ premier racing foam) in its midsole whereas the Magic Velocity 2 doesn’t. It prices about 150 USD however at present, it’s solely accessible for buy in Japan.
Asics S4 First Impressions
My first run was a pace exercise of 10 x 500 m. It felt a bit stiff and agency on that first run however over time, it softened up and have become a bit extra versatile. It feels manner totally different after 50 km in comparison with straight out of the field.
The shoe felt firmer than I anticipated it to. It felt steady and snappy however not as energetic because the Metaspeed Sky+. The forefoot rocker additionally wasn’t as pronounced because the Sky+.
It took a bit extra effort to extend my pace and cadence than a top quality tremendous shoe however the exercise was pleasing. The agency toe-offs allowed me to extend my tempo simply and transitions felt very clean.
The shoe that it jogged my memory of most was the Magic Velocity 2 however the S4 felt extra energetic. It was simpler to select up the tempo within the S4. It felt like a hybrid of the Magic Velocity 2 and the Metaspeed Edge.
Asics S4 Higher
The S4’s higher seems prefer it was lifted straight off the Metaspeed collection, and that’ a superb factor. It’s mild, breathable and really snug. Total foot lockdown is superb and the laces really feel like premium racing laces.
The skinny tongue will not be gusseted and it does slide down throughout runs however it doesn’t trouble me as a result of the laces don’t lower into the highest of my ft.
Identical to the Magic Velocity 2, the S4 matches a half dimension small so I went up a half dimension and the match is ideal. It has a slender midfoot so if in case you have flat arches, you would possibly really feel some strain in your arches.
Asics S4 Sole Unit
A median tempo of 5:40 per km (9:07 per mile) is required to run a sub 4 hour marathon so for the long term check, I intentionally ran at that precise tempo for 32 kilometres. Whereas the journey wasn’t very partaking or thrilling, I discovered that that tempo is the candy spot for the S4. The delicate forefoot rocker helps the S4 really feel energy-saving over lengthy distances.
The midsole is the precise setup that I wished within the Magic Velocity collection: FF Turbo on the highest, Flytefoam on the backside. The Magic Velocity collection doesn’t have FF Turbo, which is the premier ASICS midsole foam that they use within the Metaspeed collection so the S4 is barely softer.
I discover the journey of the S4 to nonetheless be on the agency aspect so for those who like actually plush, squishy rides, this shoe isn’t for you. I might have preferred it to have been round 20% softer. The vitality return isn’t as excessive as one thing just like the Superblast however there’s extra floor really feel within the S4.
Other than long-distance racing, the S4 is nice for tempo and regular runs, and respectable at interval exercises. For straightforward and lengthy runs, I choose one thing softer with extra squish.
The S4 has a full-length carbon plate which is extra versatile than those within the flagship racing collection. It makes the shoe a bit extra steady and makes the forefoot really feel extra snappy however it doesn’t provide you with a springboard sort of ahead propulsion.
The outsole’s sturdiness is spectacular. There’s thick, sturdy rubber on all of the excessive put on areas and the uncovered Flytefoam midsole doesn’t present a lot put on both. It is a racer that may double up as a coach due to how sturdy it’s.
Asics S4 Conclusions
If I used to be working my first marathon once more, I might positively race within the S4. It has an reasonably priced value, it’s steady and could be very able to holding a 5:40 tempo for 4 hours.
Proper now, my marathon goal is nearer to the three hour mark so I wouldn’t race within the S4 as a result of it doesn’t supply as a lot pace help because the Metaspeed Sky+ or different flagship tremendous sneakers.
For those who’ve raced in any of the top quality tremendous sneakers earlier than, then you definately’ll be a bit disillusioned racing within the S4 as a result of its journey isn’t as quick or as enjoyable but when it’s your first carbon-plated racer, you’ll be more than pleased with it.
I feel the S4 is a good thought as a result of not all runners can afford top quality tremendous sneakers. Slower runners don’t want as a lot propulsion and so they worth stability/consolation in a racer extra. The S4 ticks all these bins.
You may race in an ASICS pace coach just like the Noosa 15 or the Evoride Velocity however they’re carbon plateless in order that they don’t provide you with that carbon-loaded race day really feel once you lace them up.
The closest shoe to the S4 is the Magic Velocity 2 (I haven’t run within the Magic Velocity 3).
The S4 is barely cheaper however it’s a must to order it from Japan which could work out to be extra ultimately. The S4 is extra energetic than the Magic Velocity 2 resulting from its FF Turbo and it affords barely extra pace help.
Hopefully ASICS brings the S4 to extra areas sooner or later.
