The pace partnerASICS Magic Speed 4
Running expert Essi Tesfom returns to put this turbo-charged tempo shoe to the test.
1 October 2025 · 3 min read
Looking for a premium race-ready shoe you can train in everyday? One that picks up the pace and promises durability, so you won’t be burning through expensive soles every few weeks? Meet the ASICS Magic Speed 4: a bold, stacked, fluoro machine made to turbo-charge your racing and tempo performance.
But is it as magic as it sounds? In this episode of Race Lab, we’re putting the Magic Speed 4 to the test through a series of purpose-built stations with one question in mind: does it deserve a spot in your rotation?
We’ve called back running expert Essi Tesfom to get his hot take on the shoe — but not before sharing some wisdom: “It’s all about maintaining the speed and energy you wish to withhold throughout the distance. I tend to focus on my stride and breathing during my longer runs while I focus more on my threshold during my shorter ones.”
The testing stations
In the Race Lab, Essi will be testing four key elements on the ASICS Magic Speed 4: Its responsiveness, sprint-friendliness, cushioning, and breathability. Let’s get to work.
Gives back what you put in
At tempo pace or marathon distance, this shoe comes alive — returning energy with every stride. At the responsiveness station, we find the magic lies in its design. The dual-foam midsole pairs FF Blast+ with FF Turbo: two layers that work together to absorb shock, add comfort and create a springboard-like feel at push-off. Beneath it all, a full-length carbon plate sits between the foams, distributing energy and adding stability.
Built for speed
Responsiveness translates into speed here: the dual-foam midsole and carbon plate work together to propel you forward. Add a rocker shape that shortens ground contact time for extra propulsion, plus max-stack cushioning (more on that in a minute) to reduce muscle fatigue — and you’ve got a shoe built to get the most out of every run.
Stacked to the max
The FF Blast+ and FF Turbo are a max stack dream team and offer some serious cushioning comfort. It’s not a squishy ride though. Despite its height, the cushioning is balanced, structured, and a little firm, making it especially great for shorter distances.
FYI: with a heel height of around 42 mm, the ASICS Magic Speed 4 falls into the “max stack” category. That’s above the 40 mm stack limit for some official competitions — but still great for everyday training runs.
Let it breathe
Nobody wants sweaty feet on race-day. These shoes are ultra breathable, thanks to the engineered mesh upper — a purposely-woven fabric that is lightweight, airy, thin, and designed for speed.
From 5k to marathons, training to race day, the ASICS Magic Speed 4 feels like a winner. “I could immediately feel like these were fast shoes,” says Essi after testing. “The feedback and sturdiness is made for fast, controlled running. It’s the kind of feedback you’d be looking for when running on concrete surfaces for a race.”
This shoe might be a winner, but the race doesn’t stop here. Stay tuned for the next episode of Race Lab, where we keep chasing the best in running.
1, 2, 3, race!
Meet the host
Essi Tesfom
Essi Tesfom is a Berlin-based runner and fashion model. Born in London to Eritrean parents and raised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Norway, Essi considers himself a “life enthusiast”, convinced that whatever you chase is within reach. Running is how he lives that belief. From marathons and ultramarathons to a six-day, 500km run from Berlin to Nuremberg, Essi has become one of the city’s go-to voices in the running scene.
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