ASICS Hyper Speed Review
July 19, 2021
The Hyper Speed is Taking Racing Back to Basics
These no-frills racers are available at a no-sweat price
Likes
- Bouncy foam
- Protective cushioning
- Great value
Dislikes
- Thick upper lacks support
- Loose fit for a racing shoe
What's New
The ASICS Hyper Speed's upper has been redesigned to provide an improved, more comfortable fit. ASICS has also added more rubber to the outsole to enhance the durability. Finally, the Seamless Upper design, which can be worn without socks if desired, is highly breathable and should not cause any irritation.
The Bottom Line
In a crowded field of racing shoes fitted with the latest and greatest technologies (and the high price tags that come with it), the ASICS Hyper Speed stands out for its effective simplicity.
For less than $200, you can get a racing shoe with a great mix of responsiveness and soft cushioning that can comfortably carry you from a 5K to a half marathon, and potentially even a full marathon. Although it's not the lightest, speediest, or most cushioned shoe in its category, you can't beat the level of performance given the price tag. Our testers echoed these sentiments and loved all the updates. Overall, this snappy racing shoe is a great option for runners who don't get the hoopla of carbon-plated or nitrogen-infused racers. Even those who do appreciate a more advanced race-day shoe might enjoy the Hyper Speed for tempo runs and track workouts.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to Low |
| Heel Width | Medium to narrow |
| Arch Height | Medium to High |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 7.9 oz (size 9) |
| Stack Height | 34 mm (Heel), 29 mm (Forefoot) - includes non-removable sock-liner |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
Mark: "The Hyper Speed's cushioning provides a soft underfoot feel upon impact and has a firm, responsive toe-off."
Matt: "This is the revamp that the Hyper Speed needed! The midsole in this model is soft but efficient. It took me a few runs to really break the shoe in, but there is enough softness there for longer workout efforts and races."
Ride/Energy Returni
Mark: "The Hyper Speed is a solid racing or speed training option with an impressively snappy underfoot feel. It has the ability to handle any faster run you need it to."
Matt: "I was pleased with the responsiveness of the Hyper Speed. The shoe has a quick rebound that is enhanced by the rocker shape of the midsole. It's not going to be the most propulsive or fastest ride, but for the value, this is a great option to use during a 10K or half-marathon race."
Underfoot Protectioni
Mark: "The Hyper Speed has a good amount of cushion for your typical racer but does not fall into the maximum-stack category. There are softer, more protective shoes out there."
Matt: "This shoe definitely has more stack height than a traditional flat. It also has some great rubber on the outsole. Combine these features, and you get a quality racing shoe with top-end durability, as well as solid protection for harder road sessions and races."
Flexibilityi
Mark: "The Hyper Speed provides a smooth heel-to-toe transition that allows your foot to do what you need it to do at a fast pace."
Matt: "Since it is a traditional road flat with some added cushion, the Hyper Speed doesn't have too much flex. I found that the rocker geometry allowed me to run efficiently and keep my stride natural and smooth."
Upper Supporti
Matt: "The fit of this shoe was a bit looser than I would have preferred for a racer. I generally like to toe the line with my foot completely locked in. However, the accommodating upper could be good for those who prefer a bit more space."
Mark: "The upper is the only thing I would change in the Hyper Speed. The upper fits like a traditional shoe but has a paper-thin tongue. This shoe would have been a home run if ASICS had used a more advanced or innovative upper. I still felt locked down and stable in the shoe without any slippage or hotspots while running."
Men's ASICS Hyper Speed Running Shoes
The ASICS Hyper Speed is a racing flat designed for distance road races from 5K up to the marathon.
Women's ASICS Hyper Speed Running Shoes
The ASICS Hyper Speed is a racing flat designed for distance road races from 5K up to the marathon.
Individual Thoughts
Mark8.5/10
The Hyper Speed has a combination of soft cushion and responsive energy return that is ideal for almost any distance. I wore this shoe for workouts at marathon pace, as well as runs at a 5K pace, and the Hyper Speed excelled at those paces. For longer efforts, the Hyper Speed provided the protection needed to save my legs late into the session. For the faster efforts, the shoe offered the lightweight responsiveness I needed to push the pace. The only complaint I had was with the upper, which had a little more give to it than I prefer in a racing shoe. If I'm going to run fast, I like a shoe that has a dialed-in upper. If you're seeking a versatile shoe that doesn't lean too far into the "too soft" or "too aggressive" categories, the Hyper Speed is the choice for you.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
Matt7/10
The ASICS Hyper Speed is a new take on the traditional road racing flat, and I liked wearing them for repeat workouts over longer distances. I could definitely see myself using the Hyper Speed for longer races as well. The midsole was soft and responsive, and the rocker shape efficiently transitioned me from heel to toe. Bottom line, the Hyper Speed isn't the lightest or fastest racing option, but it is a high-performing high-value option that I am happy is back in the ASICS lineup.
