adidas$140
Adizero Adios 9
A light, low-profile Lightstrike Pro shoe for track workouts, tempo runs and 5K–10K racing. It keeps a flexible feel without a full-length plate.
Recorded uses: Faster training, Race day · Information checked 2026-09-19.
ASICS$180
Magic Speed 5
A carbon-plated shoe for faster training and racing, pairing FF LEAP with FF BLAST PLUS cushioning.
Checked US price · 2026-09-07. Before tax and shipping. Selected Black/White colorway.
The shoe at a glance.
The Magic Speed 5 brings soft cushioning and a carbon plate to faster training and road racing. Its agile feel and strong traction are useful strengths for runners looking for a shoe to carry through demanding sessions and competition. Energy return falls short of the leading racing shoes, so the plated construction alone should not be taken as a promise of their performance. The interior is average in width but tapers slightly at the toes and has limited height, with a separate wide version also listed.
Pros and cons
Our summary of published testing and reviewer impressions. Checked 2026-10-03.
Pros
- Strong outsole traction for quicker running.
- The upper releases heat well.
- Nimble geometry and secure lacing suit workouts.
Cons
- Rebound does not match leading racing shoes.
- The geometry may feel demanding for heel landings.
A closer look
Where it fits in your running
Recorded uses: faster training, race day. Designed for road running.
Recorded racing distances: 5K–10K, half marathon, marathon.
Cushioning and ride
Independent testing found a nimble, race-inspired feel with more flexibility than many super shoes. It offers a lively workout experience without reaching their highest levels of energy return.
Our editorial ride category: soft.
Fit and sizing
Independent testing found average internal width, a mildly tapered toebox and slightly low vertical clearance.
Recorded widths: standard, wide.
Standard unisex listing plus explicit Wide version: source
Unisex listing; widths and linked price apply to the recorded product range. Check your size and stock at the retailer. An offered width does not guarantee personal fit.
Before you choose
The independent review found an agile ride and strong traction, but less energy return than top-tier racers.
Manufacturer specifications
Specifications from the brand’s product information.
- Listed weight
- Not verified
- Heel-to-toe drop
- 7 mm
- Heel stack height
- Not verified
- Plate
- Carbon plate / rods
- Support
- Neutral
- Recorded product range
- Unisex
- Widths offered
- Standard, Wide
Source: ASICS product page . Listed weights may refer to different reference sizes.
Follow the evidence.
Information checked 2026-09-07. Ride and fit descriptions use brand information and published reviews where available; matching categories are our editorial interpretation.
- ASICS product details Official identity, intended use and listed specifications. The linked market may differ from the US.
- US price and buying options Selected Black/White colorway.
Official Wide product title and description verify width despite a conflicting generic 'Standard' label. Weight and exact heel stack unverified.
Know what sits behind the advice.
Product information and editorial guidance help you compare. Catalog details checked 2026-09-07.
From the manufacturer
Identity, intended use, offered widths, and listed specifications. We label these as brand figures; reference sizes can differ.
Read ASICS’s specificationsFit and ride notes
Brand information and published reviews inform the descriptions of comfort, fit, and ride. Use these notes to choose pairs to try; your experience can differ.
Our matching categories
Ride labels and recommendation rules are editorial interpretations of the recorded sources. They describe catalog matches and cannot guarantee personal fit.
How the finder choosesA missing specification means “not verified,” not zero. Price and availability need a fresh check at the retailer.
Other shoes to compare.
These share a recorded surface and catalog category. Shared running uses guide the order; personal fit and performance are not guaranteed.
adidas$180
Adizero Takumi Sen 11
A lightweight road racer with glass-fiber rods, geared toward short races and fast workouts.
Recorded uses: Faster training, Race day · Information checked 2026-09-07.
ASICS$145
NOOSA TRI 16
A light, unplated trainer for daily running, quicker sessions and short races. Its breathable upper and FF BLAST PLUS cushioning keep the design straightforward.
Recorded uses: Everyday runs, Faster training, Race day · Information checked 2026-09-19.