Discount ASICS GEL-Hyper Speed 4 Running Shoe

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I have become a "Minimalist" when it comes to running shoes. Even before reading "Born to Run" (by Doug McDougall) I've been running exclusively in racing flats. After reading the book, I had to try out the Vibram five-fingers, but they just didn't work for me (I have a crooked little toe from an old poorly-healed fracture, and the five-fingers wanted to force this a direction it didn't want to go). I still wanted a lightweight shoe; roomy enough to leave my toe alone. For me, this has narrowed down to the Asics Hyperspeed 4.

Advantages: Extremely lightweight. Thin sole. Low cost (usually less than $70. A huge relief over the $130 shoes I used to buy). Even the design and trim look leaner and less cluttered than its predecessor, the Hyperspeed 3.

Disadvantages: Perhaps no surprise, but they wear out quickly. Having said this, I can usually eke out 250 miles or more per pair. But when they wear out, they really disintigrate in a hurry. Another problem is that the "holes" in the uniquely designed sole (which helps them to be lightweight) seem to suck up tiny little pebbles. So far, my only solution to this is to select my running routes carefully.

I have run two half-marathons withe these, with no problems. And this includes all my training as well.

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I've already gone through three pairs of Hyperspeeds and about to purchase a 4th. I use these for any speed work, triathlon run legs (up to 13.1mi) and road races from 10k-half marathon and couldn't be happier with their performance. While the outsoles tend to wear down faster than I like, and they aren't the lightest racing flats around, these shoes just have something special that keeps me coming back.

Pros

Excellent mid/forefoot cushioning despite weighing only 6 oz.

Uppers are airy/flexible while still providing support

Shoes allow for drainage through vents in outsole

Very inexpensive compared to racing flats of the same caliber

Cons

Low durability (I'm replacing them every 125-150 miles)

Outsole can pick up pebbles in drainage holes

Other notes:

Toebox is a bit wider than Nike, but on the medium/narrow side

Not a great shoe to wear after any rain, or on dewy offroad courses since water comes in through outsole

Definitely NOT a stability shoe.

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I have run several marathons in these shoes and for the price they can't be beat! These shoes are light, fast and inexpensive. Lots of room in the toe box area and just enough cushion to run a marathon. I use these shoes for all my speed work, tempo runs and races. Other shoes comparably built are $30-$40 more and I have fould these shoes usually in the $60-$75 range. They are a deal and definitely worth it!!

Honest reviews on ASICS GEL-Hyper Speed 4 Running Shoe

Ok, all you minimalist, Born to Run enthusiasts, if you are thinking of getting this shoe, for the price, my recommendation is a cautious yes. I've purchased 2 pairs and they are light weight and fairly durable. I've run a 5K, 10K and 1/2 marathon in these and they've held up ok. I use these for the treadmill as well and they are perfect for that. I wanted to get the Mizuno Wave but I got 2 pairs instead for the price of one set of those.

I took out the shoes inserts and they fit better so I'd say they run a half size small. The waffle design on the bottom, although contributing to the lighter weight, is a bad design that lets rocks and dirt travel up into the bottom of the shoe as another reviewer pointed out. After the 1/2 marathon, my socks were black with road dirt. If you keep the inserts in however, it shouldn't be a problem.

Hope this helps....

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I am primarily a Brooks runner, I thought i would try these though. its not a 0 drop shoe. i thought it would be close enough to not be able to tell. I was wrong. I ran 50 miles in these before i ran a half marathon and i got the most wicked blisters in these. my feet get extremely hot in these...not good. i dont recommend these to anybody with serious mileage. maybe for 5k and less. for more mileage i would recommend something else.