The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 is a carbon-plated tempo trainer built to handle structured workouts and faster miles without committing to a full-on super shoe. It features a full-length carbon plate that holds the shoe together and provides a stiff yet smooth rolling geometry. The midsole is primarily FF BLAST+, with a small FF BLAST TURBO insert in the forefoot to add extra snap at toe-off, creating a ride that feels more snappy than bouncy. With its tall stack and ASICSGRIP outsole, it offers plenty of protection and good traction, but features a quite narrow, performance-oriented platform that's not the most stable. Overall, it's best suited for runners who want a cushioned yet propulsive feel for tempo runs and long runs with pace work, rather than a very energetic trainer.
Our Verdict
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 is a good marathon option for runners who want a protective, plated ride that can hold up well over long distances. Its generous cushioning and tall stack keep it comfortable deep into a race, and the full-length carbon plate helps the shoe feel smooth once you settle into a steady rhythm. That said, it doesn't deliver the lively, springy sensation of top-tier super shoes, and its slightly hefty build makes it better suited for training sessions than race day if you're chasing every last bit of efficiency. Overall, it's a solid marathon option for non-elites who want a carbon-plated shoe that's more approachable in geometry with enough protection for the full distance.
Very protective cushioning, especially under the heel.
Full-length carbon plate adds some snap.
Too heavy to feel truly race-ready.
High stack paired with a relatively narrow platform can feel a bit unstable.
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 works decently well for 5K and 10K efforts when you want a plated shoe that feels controlled and efficient rather than ultra-aggressive. The firmness of the plate, paired with the prominent forefoot rocker, works together to create a snappy, guided toe-off that suits faster running. However, it isn't especially light or explosive compared to dedicated short-distance racers, so it's best viewed as a tempo-focused trainer that can race shorter distances when needed.
Full-length carbon plate adds some snap.
Too heavy to feel truly race-ready.
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 delivers only a mediocre level of energy return overall, so it won't feel truly bouncy. The forefoot, which features a small patch of FF BLAST TURBO, provides some responsiveness that aids during toe-off, but the heel feels comparatively dull and contributes little rebound. Runners who land more toward the midfoot and take advantage of the FF BLAST TURBO insert in the forefoot will get the most out of the design, while heel strikers may find the ride more boring. Additionally, although the energy return is only adequate, the performance-oriented geometry partially compensates for it by enhancing propulsion.
Not very bouncy for a super trainer.
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 offers excellent cushioning that feels genuinely protective at both the heel and forefoot, making it well-suited for high-mileage training, long workouts, and marathon pace efforts. It provides a reassuring buffer from the ground without turning overly mushy, since both layers of soft foam are stabilized by the carbon plate. If you want a cushioned shoe that's still plenty capable of picking up the pace without feeling too sluggish, it fits that role very well.
Very protective cushioning, especially under the heel.
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 provides adequate lateral stability for a tall, performance-oriented shoe, helped by its rigid plate and a fairly supportive platform. Still, the softer, less supportive heel, high stack, and relatively narrow platform mean it isn't a confidence-inspiring choice for runners who require strong support features or those running on technical courses.
Full-length carbon plate helps to stabilize the two layers of foam.
Semi-gusseted tongue helps keep the midfoot secure.
High stack paired with a relatively narrow platform can feel a bit unstable.
Performance Usages
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We bought and tested the ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 in men's US size 9, as noted on the label for our pair. The pair we purchased is the Soothing Sea/Black colorway, but you can also buy the shoe in a few other options depending on the region, including White/Black, Flash Red/White, Black/Winter Sea, and Black/Tranquil Teal. This model is only available in regular width. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other sizes and gender variants to perform similarly.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 is a super trainer built with a dual-layer midsole around a carbon plate, offering a protective, structured ride with a crisp and direct toe-off. It's a much more versatile option than the previous MAGIC SPEED 3, which was a lower-stacked, shorter-distance specialist. In the broader category, some super trainers lean heavily into very firm, force-dependent propulsion, such as the adidas Adizero Boston 13. Meanwhile, other shoes rely almost entirely on highly energetic foams to deliver bounce and versatility, even without a plate, as seen in the adidas Adizero EVO SL or the ASICS MEGABLAST. The MAGIC SPEED 4 sits in as a balanced option for your faster training, where its midsole compound isn't very bouncy, but it also doesn't fully lean into firmness and snap for propulsion.
Rather, the MAGIC SPEED 4 gets its responsiveness from its geometry and stiffness more than from foam-driven bounce, giving it a distinct character. It delivers excellent shock absorption, but does not provide the same natural rebound as full PEBA or A-TPU midsoles. That said, the carbon plate does make the forefoot quite stiff, resulting in a snappy, responsive toe-off that rewards efficient mechanics. This also explains why it can feel less forgiving and less exciting at easy paces, especially compared to dual-layer designs like the HOKA Mach X 3, which manage to feel both cushioned and energetic under the forefoot.
Within ASICS' lineup, the MAGIC SPEED 4 sits below the METASPEED race shoes as a reliable training companion. The ASICS SONICBLAST offers a more cushioned take on the super trainer concept, blending protection with a 3/4 plastic plate rather than a full-length carbon plate. The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 moves firmly into the modern daily trainer category, prioritizing comfort and bounce without a plate for easier days. The ASICS MEGABLAST is a do-it-all trainer, delivering a lighter, bouncier, unplated ride that can cover daily runs and faster efforts with fewer tradeoffs.
For additional options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, the best long-distance running shoes, and the best shoes for running a marathon.
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 and ASICS SONICBLAST both sit in the super trainer space, but they approach performance from very different directions. The MAGIC SPEED 4 is lighter and feels closer to the ground, using a full-length carbon plate to create a firmer, more traditional plated sensation with a sharp and direct toe-off. Its forefoot is stiffer and snappier, rewarding runners who apply force and want a clear, mechanical response at faster paces. The SONICBLAST, by contrast, runs higher off the ground and uses a three-quarter-length plastic plate that focuses more on stability than propulsion. Its midsole is noticeably bouncier and more forgiving, delivering better overall cushioning and protection, especially as distances increase. While it still retains enough stiffness to remain engaging, its ride becomes smoother and more comfortable over time, making it easier to sustain longer efforts. Both shoes lean firm, which most runners won't love, but if you load them with just the right amount of pressure, they can hit a surprisingly nice sweet spot.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 and ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 target different ends of the performance-training spectrum despite some overlap. The MAGIC SPEED 4 is lighter and sits a bit lower to the ground, using a full-length carbon plate to deliver a firmer ride that feels best during shorter, focused workouts and uptempo sessions. The SUPERBLAST 2, on the other hand, uses a much wider base and an unplated construction, which makes it noticeably more stable and confidence-inspiring. Its midsole is both more cushioned and more bouncy, offering greater protection and a livelier feel that holds up well over long runs. That combination gives the SUPERBLAST 2 a broader pace range and the ability to retain its ride quality deep into long efforts, whereas the MAGIC SPEED 4 is better suited to shorter, structured training where snap is the priority.
The adidas Adizero Boston 13 and ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 are both super trainers built for uptempo training, but they go about it in very different ways. The MAGIC SPEED 4 is lighter and uses a full-length carbon plate, with a more cushioned underfoot experience. The Boston 13 relies on ENERGYRODS instead, pairing them with a Lightstrike Pro-based midsole in the forefoot that feels bouncier, but the shoe is also noticeably firmer overall. That firmness is a big part of the Boston’s identity: it can feel snappier and more aggressive, but you have to load it with higher force and commit to the pace to really unlock the payoff. The adidas is also flatter, with a less pronounced rocker, so it doesn't feel as smooth when rolling forward. The MAGIC SPEED 4 is less demanding and retains more of its cushioning performance, making it the more reliable option when distance starts to pile up.
We've recently started buying and testing running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 feels reasonably nimble for a high-stack, plated trainer, and it's noticeably lighter than bulkier super trainers like the ASICS SONICBLAST. It still isn't a true featherweight shoe, but the lighter build makes it suitable for tempo runs and marathon-pace workouts where you want a less cumbersome ride.
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 sits very high off the ground, delivering a modern, protective feel that takes the sting out of longer efforts. That said, it doesn't keep you quite as perched from the road as some taller super trainers like the HOKA Mach X 3 or the ASICS SONICBLAST.
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 uses a relatively narrow platform, especially through the forefoot, which makes it feel less inherently stable than wider super trainers like the adidas Adizero Boston 13 or the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5.
This shoe stands out in the super trainer space with a full-length carbon plate, a feature more commonly reserved for race shoes. Compared to the plastic plates used in many competitors like the HOKA Mach X 3 or the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, the stiffer carbon setup means it's slightly stiffer to bend, which gives the ride a more distinct, snappy character, especially when you load the forefoot.
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 feels fairly muted in the heel. The FF BLAST+ compound (mix of EVA and Olefin Block Copolymers (OBC) foam) does a good job of smoothing impact, but it doesn't provide much spring back, so heel landings don't feel very lively.
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 uses a mixed setup in the forefoot, with FF BLAST+ above the plate and a rectangular FF BLAST TURBO insert underneath to add some extra rebound. That PEBA-based insert gives toe-offs a noticeable bit of pop compared to the heel, and it helps the shoe feel quite energetic once you're loading the front at faster paces. Still, because most of the surrounding midsole is FF BLAST+, the bounce is more subtle than in other dual-foam super trainers like the HOKA Mach X 3, which executes on that idea more convincingly.
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 provides excellent heel cushioning that feels genuinely protective, making it well-suited for longer workouts and runs, wether you apply a little or a lot of force when you hit the ground. However, some other plated trainers, like the Brooks Hyperion Max 3, are even more protective in that region.
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 also offers great forefoot cushioning, providing plenty of protection for sustained running without feeling overly mushy either. It’s a strong choice for longer workouts where you want to stay efficient while still keeping the forefoot from getting beat up.
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 has a soft heel that contributes to its smooth, protective ride, but it still feels firmer than alternatives like the ASICS MEGABLAST or ASICS SONICBLAST.
The forefoot leans on the firm side, which creates a punchy, guided toe-off. It isn't as rigid as very firm super trainers like the adidas Adizero Boston 13, but it's noticeably firmer and stiffer than the ASICS SONICBLAST, another super trainer that feels a bit more forgiving. Runners who apply low-medium forces will find it quite firm, whereas very powerful runners who put down even more force will find it less firm than other shoes at those levels, where it comes alive the most.
The ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 provides good long run forefoot cushioning, with protection that holds up fairly well as distance piles on. The drop-off in absorption over distance is fairly gradual, but since the cushioning doesn't start out especially impressive, by the time you reach 40km, it still feels decent, just not exceptional.