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Asics Gel Hyper Speed

12,947 bytes added, 12:21, 19 January 2015
Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Asics Gel Hyper Speed Review}} The Hyper Speed is a wonderful balance of light weight and cushioning, making for a fast shoe. The cushioning is not as soft and..."
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Asics Gel Hyper Speed Review}}
The Hyper Speed is a wonderful balance of light weight and cushioning, making for a fast shoe. The cushioning is not as soft and plush as a Hoka by any means, but it's more than enough cushioning to provide the benefits to [[Running Economy]]. It may not provide enough cushioning for everyone, but I'd recommend trying it out. It's not a perfect shoe, it's one of the best I've found so far. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. If you're after a light shoe so you can run a little faster, this shoe should be high on your list.
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Hyper Speed is remarkably well cushioned for its weight, and it's one of the best cushioned shoes I have in the "optimal" category. It's not as well cushioned as a [[Minimax]] shoe, but I found it surprisingly comparable with a traditional shoe like the [[Asics GT 2000]].
* {{H:drop}}. The Hyper Speed has more of a drop than I'd like at 6mm. This is one of the few downsides to this shoe.
* {{H:structure}}. The Hyper Speed uses a single density of foam with some of Asics Gel in the heel. The inclusion of Gel doesn't produce any unevenness in the heel, and appears to improve the cushioning quite effectively. There's no noticeable "arch support" to cause problems. The rear edge of the heel does not have as much tapering, but this should not be a problem. The forefoot tapers slightly from the ball of the foot to the front of the shoe. There is a small gap in the midsole just behind the forefoot that could act as a stone trap. However I've not had any problems so far.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Hyper Speed is flexible due to the relatively thin midsole, the groves in the midsole and the breaks in the outsole.
* {{H:outsole}}. The Hyper Speed has a hard rubber outsole that covers nearly all of the contact areas. The midsole covering of the forefoot is in sections to provide flexibility. As you can see from the pictures of the underside of the shoe, the gaps in the outsole are in a zigzag pattern which seems to work well.
* {{H:shape}}. The shape of the Hyper Speed does not match the human foot, and narrows in the toe box. It's not as bad as many lightweight shoes, but I'd recommend [[Shoe Modifications| cutting open the toe box open]] to prevent toe problems.
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is inflexible and mostly seamless with no padding other than the ankle opening.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Hyper Speed has a traditional tongue that is has a tab to attach it to the laces. The tongue is padded at the top and comfortable.
* {{H:lacing}}. The Hyper Speed has traditional flat laces that are high friction and stay tied.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The heel counter is quite solid, but a little lower than in most shoes.
{{BuyShoes|RW=T|RRS=T|AZ=T|ZP=T}}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=How Far Can I Run in the Hyper Speed? =
Different runners want different levels of cushioning, so this shoe may not suit everyone. Some runners want a [[Minimax]] shoe when they run a 5K, while others will run a 100 mile race barefoot. Most people find that as the distance increases, they want a little more cushioning to protect their feet from the pounding and to offset a little of the fatigue that sets in over time. You can see from the charts below how the cushioning compares with other shoes I've tested for some comparisons. Remember that a thicker, firmer shoe would have the same cushioning rating as a thinner, softer shoe, but would feel rather different. Personally, I'm happy running in the Hyper Speed for the marathon distance, and I'd use it in a road 50 mile race without hesitation. For longer distances I'd probably use the [[Hoka Clifton]], either for the entire race or for the last portion.
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Asics Gel Hyper Speed and Nike Zoom Streak LT ==
The [[Nike Zoom Streak LT]] is quite similar to the Hyper Speed, and I love them both, but the Hyper Speed has the edge. While the Hyper Speed is a tiny bit heavier, it's also better cushioned. I also found the Streak has slightly little less even cushioning in the forefoot; it's a minor point, but enough for me to prefer the Hyper Speed over the Streak by a small margin. On the flip side, the Streak has slightly better grip, especially in the wet, so I'm more likely to put on the Streak for [[High Intensity Interval Training]].
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|}
==Asics Gel Hyper Speed and Saucony Type A6==
The [[Saucony Type A6]] is another shoe that's quite similar to the Hyper Speed. They are both lightweight, relatively well cushioned and reasonably comfortable. I think the Hyper Speed has the edge, being very slightly lighter and a little better cushioned. The cut away sections of the midsole are more likely to trap stones on the A6 than the Hyper Speed, which is another factor that tips the scale.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Type-A6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type A6 top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-A6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type A6 bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-A6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type A6 inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-A6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type A6 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|}
==Asics Gel Hyper Speed and New Balance RC5000 ==
While the Hyper Speed is remarkably light weight for its cushioning, the [[New Balance RC5000]] is quite stunning. The RC5000 is one of the most impressive shoes on the market right now, but it's not for everyone. The RC5000 is only half the weight of the Hyper Speed at 3.4oz/96g and is one of the lightest shoes available. The RC5000 provides more cushioning than you might expect, and I believe it's enough to improve [[Running Economy]]. This makes it the most efficient shoe I've found so far, as the slightly lighter [[Mizuno Wave Universe]] does not have sufficient cushioning to improve Running Economy. However, the RC5000 may not provide enough cushioning for everyone, and it's far from a soft, plush ride. You'll need to have good biomechanics and [[Running Form]] to benefit from the RC5000. I'm happy to run marathon distances in the RC5000, but by the end of that distance it starts to feel rather thin. The Hyper Speed by comparison is much better cushioned and more comfortable. The RC5000 has better grip than the Hyper Speed, but the cut outs in the midsole can trap stone, and digging them out in the middle of a race would really slow you down. If you think you can manage the ultralight RC5000, then I'd highly recommend it, but the Hyper Speed will suit most runners better.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 top]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 bottom]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 inside]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|}
==New Balance Hyper Speed and Hoka Clifton==
The Hyper Speed and the [[Hoka Clifton]] are both great shoes, and both offer outstanding cushioning for their weight. If you want more cushioning than the Hyper Speed provides, then the Clifton is a great choice.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]
|}
==New Balance Hyper Speed and Saucony Kinvara==
The [[Saucony Kinvara]] is a popular shoe, and is well worth considering as a transition between a traditional shoe like the [[Asics GT 2000]] and a highly cushioned [[Minimax]] shoe or a light weight optimal shoe like the Hyper Speed. While I like the Kinvara as a transitional shoe, it's heavier, but provides similar levels of cushioning. I find it hard to justify the extra weight of the Kinvara, and I'd put on the Hyper Speed over the Kinvara every time.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Outside]]
|}
==New Balance Hyper Speed and Asics GT 2000==
I like to compare shoes against the [[Asics GT 2000]] as it represents the traditional running shoe. The GT 2000 is over engineered and includes many things I dislike in traditional running shoes. These excessive features go against [[The Science of Running Shoes]] and are more likely to cause problems than solve them. The GT 2000 has an advantage over the Hyper Speed with better padding in the upper, especially in the tongue and ankle opening. However, in every other area the Hyper Speed is vastly better. The Hyper Speed is just over half the weight of the GT 2000, but provides better cushioning and is a lot more flexible. Running in the GT 2000 after the Hyper Speed feels like you've put on a wooden clog. The weight difference impacts your [[Running Economy]], and the calculations suggest that an average runner in the Hyper Speed is around 8 seconds/mile faster than in the GT 2000. (In practice, I feel like it's a bigger difference than that.)
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 top]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 outside]]
|}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}

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