Asics Noosa Tri 14 Review (2023): Top Pick for Triathletes?
Consensus
Discover the latest version: Asics Noosa Tri 15
A colorful, versatile, high-performance triathlon running shoe that sockless fans will love for both workouts and races.
Don’t have time to read the full review? Here’s what you need to know.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Noosa Tri 14 is its color scheme. No matter how flashy or conservative your tri kit, this fun shoe will complement it. And, everyone will notice you out on the run course.
If you like running sockless, you’ll appreciate the seamless engineered mesh upper. And when every second counts in transition, the tongue loop and bungee laces will help you switch shoes and head out on the run leg in no time flat.
Triathletes and runners alike will appreciate the flexible outsole that’s durable enough to handle a moderate mileage load and the snappy, responsive ride. With a weight of 7.6 oz (215 g) for a men’s size 9 and 7.1 oz (201 g) for a women’s size 8, it packs a lot of performance into a light package.
If you want a lightweight, versatile training and racing shoe that will help you stand out from the crowd, consider the Asics Noosa Tri 14.
Please read our full review for more information.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Performance fit
- Durable outsole
- Fun, colorful design
- Smooth, responsive ride
CONS
- Toe spring could be too aggressive for some
- Poor traction for wet and off-road conditions
Complete Review Analysis
Introduction
Every review we analyzed was filled with high praise for this shoe, as you’ll see below. In fact, reviewers were surprised by the level of cushion offered by this model compared with version 13.
The newest Noosa Tri model is built to deliver performance and speed, with a more flexible outsole and a firmer ride that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. And with a bit more cushioning than last year’s model, you may find yourself with a new favorite pair of shoes.
But wait: remember, no shoe is perfect.
More than one review noted the lack of traction on anything but dry, paved surfaces. Remember it if you often train in the rain, snow, or on trails.
Does this shoe deliver enough other benefits to offset the traction issue? Keep reading this detailed analysis to find out.
Cushioning
The Tri 14 is worth considering at a time when carbon-plated trainers are widely celebrated. Its firm FlyteFoam midsole is softer than the previous model, and it’s reported to offer less impact vibration than the 13.
This model is also much more flexible through the midsole and has a slightly lower weight than its predecessor. Not only can this help you have a quicker leg turnover, but it can reduce fatigue during longer races like half-ironmans.
While it’s considered a neutral shoe, the Noosa Tri 14 does feature Asics Guidesole technology. This provides a bit of lateral stability and helps prevent the ankle from flexing up and the toes from flexing down.
The underfoot feel is balanced with a hint of softness. The stack height is moderate, with 26 mm at the heel for men and 21 mm for women (the drop is 5 mm).
Foot lockdown (upper)
The newest Asics Noosa offers a gusset tongue that helps it fit more securely through the midfoot than the Noosa Tri 13.
The breathable cushioned upper offers a performance or race fit, and this foot-hugging shoe offers a comfortable fit, whether wet or dry. Reviewers found that it keeps the foot locked in place even without using lace locking techniques.
Additionally, the seamless inner liner has fewer spots that could cause chafing and blisters. this is great news for anyone who’s hobbled to the finish line with a massive blister after racing sockless.
There’s no feeling like the frustration of fumbling through the process of switching from bike shoes to running shoes. trying to balance on one leg while you put your shoe on may seem impossible after miles on the bike. Triathletes will appreciate the loop on the tongue that makes them easy to pull on quickly in transition. Tri enthusiasts will also love the optional bungee laces that help save precious seconds so you can fly through T2.
The Noosa Tri 14 reportedly fits a bit snug, which is a great option if you want to go sockless, but it could be an issue for those with wide feet. However, there is a bit of stretch to the upper and the included bungee laces also allow for a little more room.
Grip and durability
The Asics Noosa Tri 14 uses the durable AHAR rubber outsole.
While reviewers reported a good performance on paved roads, it was noted that there’s very little traction for wet surfaces or trails. This could be an important consideration if you’re planning to race an off-road tri or you frequently train on unpaved trails.
The durable outsole should last better than softer shoes with more foam, so they can handle higher mileage and shouldn’t need to be replaced as often.
The ride
Reviewers reported a comfortable ride from the Asics Noosa Tri 14. Compared with the 13, it offers a snappy, smoother ride that keeps the foot locked down, thanks to Guidesole technology.
While the shoe reportedly felt great overall, it was noted that heel landings feel stiff until the trainers are broken in. But afterward, the transition improves and delivers a fast roll forward. This is especially true at faster paces, thanks to the toe spring return.
This shoe is designed with a slight heel rocker and a more aggressive toe spring. While some reviews noted that this made it feel short, the overall feeling was that the toe spring made it incredibly responsive at faster paces.
Although the outsole is firmer than the previous model, it also feels more cushioned. And the added flex helps provide a more natural roll forward without putting pressure on the forefoot.
The Noosa Tri 14 is a great shoe for both daily training and fast racing. It was designed for triathletes but is a comfortable shoe for any runner.
This shoe can really deliver as the pace picks up. It can accommodate fast pace runs like speed intervals and tempo workouts, as well as slow runs. You’ll notice more responsiveness as you run faster, which helps conserve energy for your finishing kick.
However, some reviewers noted that runners who are used to models with more cushioning may find the ride a bit too stiff for high-mileage runs.
With that said, however, reviewers praised this shoe’s overall comfort and responsiveness.
Conclusion
The Asics Noosa Tri 14 has a lot to offer, whether you’re a runner or a triathlete. It’s a lightweight trainer with a comfortable and firm ride, especially at faster paces.
This could be your new favorite pair of training or racing shoes with tri-friendly features like a tongue loop, bungee laces, and an engineered mesh upper that feels comfortable wet or dry.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Heel height | 26 mm |
| Forefoot height | 21 mm |
| Weight (men) | 215 g/7.6 oz |
| Weight (women) | 201 g/7.1 oz |
| Features | |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2022 |
| Price | Check prices |
Cushioning
| Softness | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | High |
Technologies
| Outsole | AHAR, Grip Sole Outsole |
| Midsole | FLYTEFOAM, GUIDESOLE |
| Upper | Engineered Mesh Upper |
Use
| Speed | Moderate, Fast |
| Distance | Short, 5K, Mid, 10K |
| Workout | Daily running, Racing |
Comparisons
Asics Noosa Tri 13
This new version is about .2 g lighter than the 13.
It features a softer FlyteFoam midsole than the previous model.
The new, more flexible outsole relieves pressure on the forefoot, which was problematic for some runners with the Noosa Tri 13.
Its heel counter is higher and has more stiffness, both of which better lock in the foot.
