Asics Magic Speed 3 'Blue Expanse Illuminate Green'
Colorway: Blue Expanse/Illuminate Green · Style code: 1011B703-401 · Release date: December 10, 2023 · Price: $242 · Availability: Available now
More colorways: ASICS Magic Speed 3 'Black White' (1011B703-001) · Asics Magic Speed 3 'White Black Pink' (1011B703-100) · Asics Magic Speed 3 'Illusion Blue Glow Yellow' (1011B703-400) · ASICS Magic Speed 3 'Sunrise Red Black' (1011B703-600) · Asics Wmns Magic Speed 3 'Sunrise Red' (1012B518-600)
The third Magic Speed is where the line stopped being a compromise. The plate became full-length carbon fibre rather than the mix of carbon and TPU the previous version used, delivering stiffness measured in the same range as far more expensive racing shoes. The midsole moved to FF Blast Plus throughout, replacing the arrangement in the Magic Speed 2 where a softer top layer sat over ordinary FlyteFoam.
The shoe got lighter in the process, down roughly half an ounce to about 7.4 ounces, helped by a cutout milled into the underside of the midsole and a single-layer mesh upper that also breathes better. Measured stack came in at 36.3mm heel and 26.5mm forefoot. Outsole rubber was extended, particularly on the medial side and at the heel, which is unusual for a shoe chasing weight.
What it still lacks is the FF Turbo foam reserved for ASICS's top racers: the plate is race-grade, the foam is a tier below.