Asics Magic Speed 5 Review (2026): A Rocket for Training?

Carbon plate running shoes have taken the running market by storm and are generally well known among runners. But this is a recent phenomenon, and brands are still trying to figure out how to refine their product lines.

The Asics Magic Speed series, although very popular, is a good example of this: it’s a series that has changed significantly, with many twists and turns.

The previous version had taken a radical, maximalist turn (43.5 mm of sole thickness under the heel!), but the brand has backtracked with this Magic Speed 5, featuring a significant reduction in stack height.

Does it fit your running profile and your goals?

That's what we'll find out in this comprehensive review.

Our verdict

Cushioning

After a rather unexpected shift toward maximalism in version 4, the brand is returning to more reasonable dimensions, closer to those of the series' early days.

With 37.5 mm under the heel and 30.5 mm under the forefoot, these are still substantial but are nonetheless closer to the ground.

Another point: we’re back under the 40-mm mark. In practice, it doesn’t really matter since the rule mainly applies to elite athletes, but it’s good to know: these shoes are allowed in official racing events.

Shock absorption is excellent and helps you run longer distances. But not everyone agrees: some runners find the shoe less suitable for long runs than the v4.

In my opinion, it depends on the runner. I've had no trouble running longer distances and going beyond 30 km, I can definitely see myself using this shoe all the way up to a marathon.

But others say they can't go more than 10 km.

This is in line with the brand's recommendations, which suggest the Magic Speed 5 for short-distance racing, like 5K and 10K. Again, I think it is best for a wider range of purposes depending on your profile.

In terms of design, Asics sandwiches its carbon plate between a layer of FLYTEFOAM LEAP foam (made of A-TPU) on top and a layer of FLYTEFOAM BLAST PLUS foam on the bottom.

This is an improvement over v4, which had only two layers of FF BLAST+ and a very small block of FF Turbo. Keep in mind FF LEAP is the brand's best-performing foam.

It's worth noting that the carbon plate covers about 70% of the midsole and is more supple and flexible than on the Metaspeed models, making it more accessible to beginners.

The ride still feels quite firm, yet well-balanced.

Finally, the 7-mm drop is fairly standard and shouldn't pose any problems.

Energy Return

The weight of the shoe in size 42 is 195 g, which is about 50 g lighter than the v4.

While it isn't as light as its MetaSpeed counterparts (since the Magic Speed is designed to be more durable), it weighs less than 200 g, and that really shows in its responsiveness.

The propulsion is excellent, with very smooth transitions (noticeable rocker).

The bounce, however, is less pronounced than on the premium models; Asics might have been better off replacing the FF Blast+ with the FF Blast Max to pair with the LEAP.

The responsiveness is excellent, so this shoe will be a great, less demanding option for speed workouts.

Support and Stability

The upper part fits very well, and the traction is powerful.

Even though the platform isn't wide, these features give the shoe good stability.

This shoe is designed for a neutral stride (universal support).

Foot lockdown

The brand is bringing back its multidirectional engineered mesh upper to provide additional support in key areas.

The design is quite different, though, and is more similar to what we see in the MetaSpeed series.

Breathability is excellent; the single-layer construction on the front allows for very good airflow. On the other hand, it offers less warmth in cold weather.

The seamless upper offers excellent comfort. Of course, it’s nowhere near as comfortable as a Nimbus, but these aren’t in the same category.

It's no problem to wear these shoes for long periods of time.

The semi-rigid, lightly padded heel counter provides good heel hold.

The lacing system also does its job, with notched laces that I find very comfortable (and that should become standard).

One disappointment for me: the tongue isn't gusseted. You have to position it just right for it to stay in place. Some testers with narrow feet might also experience slippage.

Still, we can confirm that the foot lockdown is secure.

Designed with speed in mind, the fit is very snug. Too snug, according to some testers, who find the shoe narrow.

I have to admit that I had a hard time putting them on, and my wide foot would have appreciated a little more room. Fortunately, the stretchy upper meant I was able to keep the shoes on.

To put it simply, it's best to try them on before buying, if possible, or even go up half a size if you're unsure.

Traction

For the outsole, the brand has once again opted for ASICSGRIP outsole rubber over most of the surface, featuring a deep central groove that exposes the plate.

This provides good flexibility; the stiffness is less noticeable than on a Metaspeed. Another difference: the layer is thicker (for greater durability).

Traction is very good, even on wet surfaces (no slipping to speak of).

Finally, you can wear these shoes on dry, non-technical trails, as well as on pavement.

Usage

With a thinner sole than the version 4, this new Magic Speed 5 is best for a somewhat different experience.

Shock absorption remains very good, but will still be somewhat limited.

This explains why some testers or runners consider the shoe less suitable for long-distance running and recommend it for shorter distances, whether in racing or during training.

I admit I’m a little skeptical about that claim. A shoe like this, had it come out just 7 or 8 years ago, would have been considered maximalist. I think we also need to put things in perspective and not forget the market’s shift toward maximalism.

In my opinion, it’s entirely possible to push hard in these shoes (though less so for beginners and heavier runners). I really enjoyed this shoe for my usual long tempo runs in training. I think a large portion of the running community will be able to use these shoes for half-marathons.

The firmness can also be a drawback, although even here I find the shoe to be well-balanced (not that firm, really).

In terms of performance, it’s also worth noting that it doesn’t quite measure up to a Metaspeed. But it’s also significantly less demanding, with less bounce and a more flexible plate for reduced stiffness.

It also offers better durability, which makes this shoe a hybrid between a racing shoe and a training shoe.

Quality and Lifespan

The ASICSGRIP outsole rubber is very high quality and has a thicker layer than the Metaspeed models (which explains the extra weight). The same goes for the mesh, which shows no signs of premature wear (even though it’s fairly thin, so you’ll need to watch out for various obstacles).

The foams are fairly dense and will retain their properties well.

All of these features ensure good durability, making the shoe a good value for money.

The main material used in the shoe's upper is made up of at least 75% recycled materials in order to reduce waste and CO2 emissions.

The solution-dyeing process used to manufacture the insole reduces water consumption by approximately 33% and CO2 emissions by approximately 45% compared to the conventional dyeing method.

Finally, the Magic Speed 5 is vegan (made without animal products).

Conclusion

The Asics Magic Speed 5 may throw off those who loved version 4, while pleasing those who missed the earlier versions. It’s a bit lower in height, and it’s best for different activities.

With good propulsion and a lightweight design, this shoe is a great choice for racing (especially over shorter distances) or for speed workouts. While it doesn’t quite match the performance level of a Metaspeed, it’s also more affordable and, above all, less demanding.

Our Field Test on Video

Technical Description

Technical Specs

Terrain	Road
Pronation type	Neutral
Drop	7 mm
Heel height	37.5 mm
Forefoot height	30.5 mm
Weight (men)	195 g/6.9 oz
Weight (women)	180 g/6.3 oz
Features	Carbon-fiber plate, Vegan, Recycled materials, Unisex
Athletes
Release year	2026
Price	Check Prices

Cushioning

Softness	Firm
Responsiveness	High

Technologies

Outsole	ASICSGRIP
Midsole	FF LEAP, FF BLAST PLUS
Upper	Engineered Mesh

Use

Speed	Fast
Distance	Short, 5K, Mid, 10K, Half marathon
Workout	Daily running, Racing

Reference: Asics official website