A carbon-plated shoe that weighs less than plenty of racers and looks super clean with black tights? That's what the ASICS Magic Speed 5 White Black brings: the white version with black details of the speed trainer ASICS dropped in December 2025. It's lighter and lower than its predecessor, and its plate finally flexes.
The ASICS Magic Speed 5 White Black is the white-with-black-details version of ASICS' carbon-plated speed trainer. It combines FF LEAP foam over FF BLAST+, a split forefoot plate and a weight of around 195 grams. It's built for intervals, tempo runs and 5K and 10K races.
Magic Speed 5 vs Magic Speed 4: what's changed
You feel the generational leap as soon as you pick it up. According to specialist reviews, it weighs about 50 grams less than the Magic Speed 4, roughly 20% lighter, landing at around 195 g. ASICS also cut the height: 6 mm less at the heel and 5 mm less at the forefoot.
The result is 37.5 mm of stack at the heel and 30.5 mm up front, with a 7 mm drop. On paper it looks like a simple trim, but testers agree the ride is more direct, more connected to the ground and much more agile. It's the feeling of the first Magic Speed.
The split plate: carbon that flexes
This is the geekiest detail, and the most interesting one. Instead of a rigid sheet from tip to heel, the carbon plate splits in two at the forefoot, a solution borrowed from competition trail shoes. Translation: more natural flex at toe-off and goodbye to that stiff, cardboard-like feel typical of carbon.
Dual-layer foam: FF LEAP + FF BLAST+
The midsole puts FF LEAP on top, the more responsive layer, with FF BLAST+ underneath to stabilize the platform. Down below there's an ASICSGRIP outsole with subtle lugs that grips well on mixed asphalt.
ASICS Magic Speed 5 reviews: the good and what could be better
We cross-checked the reviews from RunRepeat, Road Trail Run and RTINGS with what runners are saying on forums, and the consensus is pretty clear. Here's what comes up most:
- Shines at fast paces: at threshold pace or quicker, the transition is very fast and control is excellent.
- Top-tier breathability: its ultralight mesh is among the most ventilated ever measured on a tempo shoe.
- Ideal for 5K and 10K: the aggressive toe-off rewards high paces.
- Gateway to ASICS carbon: a feel close to the Metaspeed family, without being a super shoe.
The downsides? Cushioning is moderate, so if you want plush landings for long, slow runs, this isn't its territory. Plus, the upper mesh showed wear in RunRepeat's durability tests, so it's best saved for your quality days.
How does the Magic Speed 5 fit? Quick guide
Most reviews say it fits true to size, with a snug, race-style fit. That said, some testers find it runs slightly small: the forefoot is narrow and tapers quickly along the side.
- Normal or narrow foot: your usual running size.
- Between two sizes: go for the larger one.
- Wide foot: consider going up half a size.
If you're unsure, check the available sizes for this model and remember that at Next Step you have 14 calendar days from delivery to return it.
The White Black colorway: carbon with a minimal look
The White Black (style code 1013A183-100) is the cleanest version in the line. The upper is almost entirely white, with black reserved for the ASICS logo, the outsole and the details. It's one of those combos that always looks good in your post-workout story.
Ideas for wearing your ASICS Magic Speed 5 White Black beyond the stopwatch:
- Black tights and a light windbreaker: the Sunday run club uniform.
- Technical shorts and a white tee: a monochrome look that visually lengthens the leg.
- A grey or black tracksuit for coffee after the long run.
- White crew socks for a full racer vibe.
Who is the ASICS Magic Speed 5 for?
It's for the runner who wants to make the jump to carbon without going straight to an elite racer: intervals, tempo runs, fartlek and 5K or 10K races. It also fits if you already have a cushioned shoe for easy miles and want a second, fast and responsive one for quality days.
If your priority is maximum protection on long, slow runs, it's not the best pick. For that, ASICS itself has more cushioned models.
Ready to set new PRs? At Next Step we have the ASICS Magic Speed 5 White Black brand new and 100% authentic, with fast shipping to Spain and all of Europe. See all the details and photos of the model and grab your pair.
