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Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Asics Asics TartherZeal 3 Review}} The Asics TartherZeal is a remarkably light, well cushioned shoe with outstanding grip on asphalt. The main flaw is that the..."
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Asics Asics TartherZeal 3 Review}}
The Asics TartherZeal is a remarkably light, well cushioned shoe with outstanding grip on asphalt. The main flaw is that the heel is much higher than the forefoot, creating an excessive drop. If you're transitioning from a more traditional running shoe and are okay with running in high heels, then the Tarther may suit you. I rate the Tarther "worth considering", and it would rate higher if it had less drop. (Note that the Asics TartherZeal and the [[Asics Tarther Kainos]] are nearly identical twins, differing only in their uppers, with the Zeal being slightly lighter than the Kainos.) {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
The Asics TartherZeal and Asics Tarther Kainos are nearly identical twins, differing only in their uppers''.'' {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Asics TartherZeal 3 top]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Asics TartherZeal 3 bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Asics TartherZeal 3 outside]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Asics TartherZeal 3 inside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. If you're okay with running in high heels, then this is an excellent shoe, combining good cushioning with light weight. Its grip on asphalt, even wet asphalt makes it a good choice for speedwork.
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Tarther has great cushioning for its weight, but the drop means that there's a lot more in the heel than the forefoot. The foam is Asics' Solyte, which is a lightweight EVA foam, combined with a Asics' Gel in the heel (a silicone based impact absorption material).
* {{H:drop}}. The Tarther has 9mm of drop when worn, which is way too much. I believe that running in high heels messes with your biomechanics, as well as biasing the cushioning to the rear.
* {{H:structure}}. There is no significant "arch support" to cause problems. The Tarther includes the "Propulsion Trusstic System" which is a plastic shank that links the forefoot and heel of the sole, which seems to be intended to create a little bit of a spring effect. I'm not sure it helps, but it doesn't cause any problems either.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Tarther is reasonably flexible, as you'd expect for a lightweight shoe.
* {{H:outsole}}. The outsole covers all the contact patches, and the forefoot has hard plastic "nubs" that provide outstanding grip on asphalt. Shoes with this style of plastic nubs seem to be growing more popular, and they are awesome for speedwork, especially in damp conditions.
* {{H:shape}}. The shape of the Tarther does not match the human foot, and narrows in the toe box, and I'd recommend [[Shoe Modifications| cutting open the toe box open]] to prevent toe problems. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is fairly thin, with no padding except a small amount around the ankle opening. The upper has some thin strips of plastic re-enforcement, but these shouldn't cause any pressure points. The open weave of the upper is highly breathable.
* {{H:tongue}}. The tongue is relatively thin, partly padded, and quite comfortable. It's not a thick plush tongue like you'd get on a heavier shoe, but it does the job nicely. The tongue design is traditional, with no attachments to the upper along the sides. It has a loop to attach it to the laces, and I found it stayed in place without any problems.
* {{H:lacing}}. The TartherZeal has traditional flat laces that stay tied.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The heel counter is quite solid and it's a little larger than most. The edges seem quite soft, so I doubt if it will dig in to your foot. I'd classify it as "useless, but mostly harmless."
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Asics TartherZeal and Asics Tarther Kainos ==
It seems odd that Asics would make two shoes that differ only in their upper. The Kainos looks like a far more modern shoe, as the reinforcement overlays are thin strips of plastic that are embedded into the upper rather than thick plastic or pseudo-leather strips that are stitched on. I much prefer the look of the Kainos over the Zeal, but the two uppers feel the same. The biggest difference is actually the weight, with the Zeal coming in just over half an ounce lighter. That's not a huge difference, but it's enough to tip the scales in favor of the Zeal. That said, unless you're concerned with the weight because you're choosing a shoe for a race, I'd recommend going for whichever is cheaper.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 top]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 outside]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 inside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics Tarther Kainos 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics Tarther Kainos 3 top]]
|[[File:Asics Tarther Kainos 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics Tarther Kainos 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics Tarther Kainos 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics Tarther Kainos 3 outside]]
|[[File:Asics Tarther Kainos 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics Tarther Kainos 3 inside]]
|}
==Asics TartherZeal and Saucony Kinvara==
I classify both the Tarther and the Kinvara as good for transitioning away from traditional shoes like the [[Asics GT 2000]]. The [[Saucony Kinvara]] and the Tarther are close cushioning and helpful in this transition, but they are rather different in style. The Kinvara is a little heavier than the Tarther and doesn't have the outstanding grip, but the Kinvara has a much lower drop. If you're looking for a lighter shoe but maintaining the higher drop, then the Tarther is well worth trying. However, I'd recommend migrating to a lower drop shoe like the Kinvara.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 top]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 outside]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 inside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony Kinvara 6-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Saucony Kinvara 6 top]]
|[[File:Saucony Kinvara 6-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Saucony Kinvara 6 outside]]
|[[File:Saucony Kinvara 6-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Saucony Kinvara 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony Kinvara 6-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Saucony Kinvara 6 inside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|saucony/kinvara-6-952|952|Saucony Kinvara 6}}
==Asics TartherZeal and Asics Gel Hyper Speed==
The Tarther provides more cushioning and better grip for only slightly more weight than the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]]. If it were not for the excessive drop, the Tarther would be a strong competitor for the Hyper Speed. So the decision between the two shoes comes down to how you feel about running in high heels. If you're transitioning from a traditional shoe, then the Tarther could be an awesome shoe, but if you want something more natural, then stick with the Hyper Speed.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 top]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 outside]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 inside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|asics/gel-hyperspeed-6-192|192|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6}}
==Asics TartherZeal and Hoka Clifton==
The Tarther and the Clifton are not really competitors; the Clifton is about 30% heavier and provides massively more cushioning. If you're after cushioning then the Clifton is the best choice.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 top]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 outside]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 inside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-2-1062|1062|Hoka Clifton 2}}
==Asics TartherZeal and Asics GT 2000==
I tend to compare shoes against my benchmark "normal running shoe", the [[Asics GT 2000]]. The GT 2000 weights just over half as much again as the Tarther, but actually provides less cushioning. The GT 2000 has a more padded upper, but the comfort is not as different as you might think. What the GT 2000 does give you that the Tarther lacks is lots of over engineered attempts to manipulate your stride, attempts that [[The Science of Running Shoes]] indicates are all in vain. The main similarity is the drop; both are high heels.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 top]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 outside]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 inside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 top]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 outside]]
|}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
The Asics TartherZeal is a remarkably light, well cushioned shoe with outstanding grip on asphalt. The main flaw is that the heel is much higher than the forefoot, creating an excessive drop. If you're transitioning from a more traditional running shoe and are okay with running in high heels, then the Tarther may suit you. I rate the Tarther "worth considering", and it would rate higher if it had less drop. (Note that the Asics TartherZeal and the [[Asics Tarther Kainos]] are nearly identical twins, differing only in their uppers, with the Zeal being slightly lighter than the Kainos.) {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
The Asics TartherZeal and Asics Tarther Kainos are nearly identical twins, differing only in their uppers''.'' {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Asics TartherZeal 3 top]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Asics TartherZeal 3 bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Asics TartherZeal 3 outside]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Asics TartherZeal 3 inside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. If you're okay with running in high heels, then this is an excellent shoe, combining good cushioning with light weight. Its grip on asphalt, even wet asphalt makes it a good choice for speedwork.
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Tarther has great cushioning for its weight, but the drop means that there's a lot more in the heel than the forefoot. The foam is Asics' Solyte, which is a lightweight EVA foam, combined with a Asics' Gel in the heel (a silicone based impact absorption material).
* {{H:drop}}. The Tarther has 9mm of drop when worn, which is way too much. I believe that running in high heels messes with your biomechanics, as well as biasing the cushioning to the rear.
* {{H:structure}}. There is no significant "arch support" to cause problems. The Tarther includes the "Propulsion Trusstic System" which is a plastic shank that links the forefoot and heel of the sole, which seems to be intended to create a little bit of a spring effect. I'm not sure it helps, but it doesn't cause any problems either.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Tarther is reasonably flexible, as you'd expect for a lightweight shoe.
* {{H:outsole}}. The outsole covers all the contact patches, and the forefoot has hard plastic "nubs" that provide outstanding grip on asphalt. Shoes with this style of plastic nubs seem to be growing more popular, and they are awesome for speedwork, especially in damp conditions.
* {{H:shape}}. The shape of the Tarther does not match the human foot, and narrows in the toe box, and I'd recommend [[Shoe Modifications| cutting open the toe box open]] to prevent toe problems. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is fairly thin, with no padding except a small amount around the ankle opening. The upper has some thin strips of plastic re-enforcement, but these shouldn't cause any pressure points. The open weave of the upper is highly breathable.
* {{H:tongue}}. The tongue is relatively thin, partly padded, and quite comfortable. It's not a thick plush tongue like you'd get on a heavier shoe, but it does the job nicely. The tongue design is traditional, with no attachments to the upper along the sides. It has a loop to attach it to the laces, and I found it stayed in place without any problems.
* {{H:lacing}}. The TartherZeal has traditional flat laces that stay tied.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The heel counter is quite solid and it's a little larger than most. The edges seem quite soft, so I doubt if it will dig in to your foot. I'd classify it as "useless, but mostly harmless."
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Asics TartherZeal and Asics Tarther Kainos ==
It seems odd that Asics would make two shoes that differ only in their upper. The Kainos looks like a far more modern shoe, as the reinforcement overlays are thin strips of plastic that are embedded into the upper rather than thick plastic or pseudo-leather strips that are stitched on. I much prefer the look of the Kainos over the Zeal, but the two uppers feel the same. The biggest difference is actually the weight, with the Zeal coming in just over half an ounce lighter. That's not a huge difference, but it's enough to tip the scales in favor of the Zeal. That said, unless you're concerned with the weight because you're choosing a shoe for a race, I'd recommend going for whichever is cheaper.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 top]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 outside]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 inside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics Tarther Kainos 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics Tarther Kainos 3 top]]
|[[File:Asics Tarther Kainos 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics Tarther Kainos 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics Tarther Kainos 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics Tarther Kainos 3 outside]]
|[[File:Asics Tarther Kainos 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics Tarther Kainos 3 inside]]
|}
==Asics TartherZeal and Saucony Kinvara==
I classify both the Tarther and the Kinvara as good for transitioning away from traditional shoes like the [[Asics GT 2000]]. The [[Saucony Kinvara]] and the Tarther are close cushioning and helpful in this transition, but they are rather different in style. The Kinvara is a little heavier than the Tarther and doesn't have the outstanding grip, but the Kinvara has a much lower drop. If you're looking for a lighter shoe but maintaining the higher drop, then the Tarther is well worth trying. However, I'd recommend migrating to a lower drop shoe like the Kinvara.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 top]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 outside]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 inside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony Kinvara 6-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Saucony Kinvara 6 top]]
|[[File:Saucony Kinvara 6-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Saucony Kinvara 6 outside]]
|[[File:Saucony Kinvara 6-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Saucony Kinvara 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony Kinvara 6-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Saucony Kinvara 6 inside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|saucony/kinvara-6-952|952|Saucony Kinvara 6}}
==Asics TartherZeal and Asics Gel Hyper Speed==
The Tarther provides more cushioning and better grip for only slightly more weight than the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]]. If it were not for the excessive drop, the Tarther would be a strong competitor for the Hyper Speed. So the decision between the two shoes comes down to how you feel about running in high heels. If you're transitioning from a traditional shoe, then the Tarther could be an awesome shoe, but if you want something more natural, then stick with the Hyper Speed.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 top]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 outside]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 inside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|asics/gel-hyperspeed-6-192|192|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6}}
==Asics TartherZeal and Hoka Clifton==
The Tarther and the Clifton are not really competitors; the Clifton is about 30% heavier and provides massively more cushioning. If you're after cushioning then the Clifton is the best choice.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 top]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 outside]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 inside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-2-1062|1062|Hoka Clifton 2}}
==Asics TartherZeal and Asics GT 2000==
I tend to compare shoes against my benchmark "normal running shoe", the [[Asics GT 2000]]. The GT 2000 weights just over half as much again as the Tarther, but actually provides less cushioning. The GT 2000 has a more padded upper, but the comfort is not as different as you might think. What the GT 2000 does give you that the Tarther lacks is lots of over engineered attempts to manipulate your stride, attempts that [[The Science of Running Shoes]] indicates are all in vain. The main similarity is the drop; both are high heels.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 top]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 outside]]
|[[File:Asics TartherZeal 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Asics TartherZeal 3 inside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 top]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 outside]]
|}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}