ASICS Magic Speed 4

Matt frames the Magic Speed 4 as the firmer, snappier, more racing-leaning sibling to the Endorphin Speed 4 — better for short-to-moderate fast efforts but less suited to long runs.

Best for: Shorter, faster workouts and 10K-to-half-marathon racing; works for marathon training when you want a snappier tempo shoe.

Kofuzi calls it the best Magic Speed ASICS has made and the training companion he has been waiting for, but notes the tempo-shoe market is crowded and the Deviate Nitro 2 still edges it for him at $10 less.

Best for: Tempo and threshold workouts, mile repeats, half- and full-marathon training blocks; suits Metaspeed Sky-leaning runners and bigger/taller runners who want extra firmness across paces.