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=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 [[MinimaxMaximalist]] shoe, but I found it surprisingly comparable with a traditional shoe like the [[Asics GT 2000]]. While Asics market the Hyper Speed as having their Gel cushioning, in reality it only includes the tiniest sliver, as shown to the right. [[File:HyperSpeedGel.JPG|right|thumb|200px|The green area is the Gel, though it seemed to be more foam than the typical Gel found on Asics shoes. It's only about an inch square (25mm), so I suspect it's just enough for them to justify the Gel label.]]
* {{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.
{{FastBlr|asics/gel-hyperspeed-6-192|192|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6}}
=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 [[MinimaxMaximalist]] 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.
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-2-1062|1062|Hoka Clifton 2}}
==Asics 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 [[MinimaxMaximalist]] 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.
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