ASICS Magic Speed 5 vs ASICS Megablast
On paper, compared with the ASICS Magic Speed 5, the ASICS Megablast is 20 g heavier, 2.9 mm more drop, 8.1 mm more heel stack, ₹11,200 pricier, Ride +2.
 ASICSMagic Speed 5 |  ASICSMegablast | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 7 | 9 |
| Ride | 7 | 9 |
| Design & Comfort | 8 | 8 |
| Value | 7 | 9 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹12,799 | ₹23,999 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Race day | Versatile trainer |
| Weight | 200 g | 220 g |
| Heel stack | 37 mm | 45.1 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 30 mm | 35.2 mm |
| Drop | 7 mm | 9.9 mm |
| Foam | FF Leap with FF Blast Plus carrier | FF Turbo Squared |
| Plate | carbon plate | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | – | – |
| Fit | narrow | narrow |
| Sizing | – | – |
| Recommended runner weight | Lighter runners (under about 70 kg) | All runners, including heavy (85 kg+) |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Tempo | Long runsTempoRace dayRunners 85 kg+ |
| Pros | About 200 g in UK 8, much lighter than the Magic Speed 4 · Stable thanks to the carbon plate · Superb ASICSGrip traction · Breathable mesh with a snug fit · Suited to interval and track sessions | Explosive, springy FF Turbo Squared ride · Light at 220 g for its stack · Soft, breathable, durable woven upper · ASICSGRIP outsole rated for 1,000 km · One shoe for training, long runs and races |
| Cons | Not explosive at 5:00/km, firm at moderate paces · Narrow fit, pressure on the right arch · Hard to survive a half marathon unless you run fast · Puma Deviate Nitro is better at the same price | ₹23,000–24,000 price · Narrower than the Superblast 2 and 3 · Overkill for beginners and slower runners |
| Avoid if | You run slower paces, want a bouncy shoe for extra push, or need a wider fit. | You are a beginner, run slower than about 5:00/km, or cannot comfortably spend ₹24,000. |
My verdicts
ASICS
Magic Speed 5
For interval and track work it is light, stable and grippy, but at my pace it felt firm and not explosive, somewhere between good and excellent. At the same price I would highly recommend the Puma Deviate Nitro instead.
Avoid if: You run slower paces, want a bouncy shoe for extra push, or need a wider fit.
Read reviewASICS
Megablast
The Megablast is one of the best running shoes ever, with an explosive, springy FF Turbo Squared ride I have never felt before. It is only worth ₹23,000–24,000 if you run 2:30–5:00/km and can spare the money.
Avoid if: You are a beginner, run slower than about 5:00/km, or cannot comfortably spend ₹24,000.
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