Details
Brand
Asics
Breathability
8.2/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Triathlon
Key Features
• Seamless construction reduces the potential for irritation and friction• High-abrasion rubber outsole provides great traction and grip• FlyteFoam® midsole provides great cushioning and springy energy return• Breathable upper will keep the foot cool and dry throughout a run• A versatile trainer that’s good for both long or short distance runs
Upper
The upper of the Noosa FF has been modified from its previous edition to include more perforations on the surface to provide more efficient ventilation, in effect helping instantly dry and cool the foot while the triathlete transitions from one sport to the next. This seamless upper’s inner surface is smooth to the touch, allowing for runners to comfortably wear these shoes without having to wear socks to protect against irritation. A pull tab at the rear of the upper helps slip the shoe on and off, while a high-grip material has been used for both the pull tab and the tongue to prevent slippage and hold the foot firmly in place in the foot chamber. In addition, the Noosa FF comes with both traditional shoelaces and elastic laces that make transitioning between triathlon events much smoother.
Midsole
One of the main features of the Noosa FF is its extremely comfortable midsole. Made of Asics’ proprietary FlyteFoam ™, this revolutionary material uses organic fibers to bind EVA molecules together to provide a more durable midsole when compared to a regular EVA midsole. This guarantees a longer lasting cushioning from this midsole, which is springy and not too plush.
Outsole
Made of Asics’ patented AHAR carbon rubber, the outsole of the Noosa FF is effective in protecting the shoe from abrasions and wear and tear. This durable rubber also provides wet-grip when traversing on wet surfaces. This is complemented by sections that are covered in blown rubber, which is flexible, lightweight, and provides a good bounce during a run. Besides this, the Noosa FF features an extension of the rubber that goes beyond the edges of the outsole that run along the medial and lateral part of the foot. This provides more stability and aids in firmly gripping the road.
Breathability
One major update the Noosa FF has received is its improved upper, which features a highly ventilated mesh that allows for air to enter the foot chamber. Incorporating numerous perforations for maximum breathability, the Noosa FF keeps the foot cool and dry throughout a run.
Comfort
One of the main selling points of the Noosa FF is the high level of comfortability it provides. Its midsole is constructed of FlyteFoam® technology, a lightweight synthesis of organic fibers and EVA foam that’s super-responsive and comfortable while its seamless upper’s interior feels smooth on the skin, allowing runners to not even wear socks if they choose. However, the Noosa FF is also a relatively firm shoe, so it never feels too plush.
Style
The first takeaway when looking at a pair of Asics Noosa FF’s is, “That looks like a comfortable sneaker.” Of course, since comfort is one of its selling points, it helps that it looks as comfortable as it is. The overall aesthetics of the Noosa FF also signals it as a running shoe. It’s a bit too ostentatious to be an everyday shoe, with its brightly tricolored uppers that have a gradient fade from one color to the next and similarly chunky outsoles with the Noosa logo emblazoned on the side. Eye-catching and highly visible (at least, depending on which color scheme you choose), the Noosa FF is not going to be mistaken for a casual everyday shoe but it looks rather slick as a trainer.
Durability
Built out of sturdy materials, the Noosa FF is a durable trainer. Its FlyteFoam® midsole is made of a compound of organic fibers and EVA foam, providing a long-lasting, responsive midsole that won’t lose its spring or cushioning until after many, many miles of wear. In addition, its synthetic upper is made of durable materials, while its carbon rubber outsole is sturdy and highly resistant to wear over time.
Protection
Over standard running surfaces like asphalt, pavement, and tracks, the Noosa FF will protect your foot to a nominal degree. In particular, its outsole, which wraps up and around higher than most standard outsoles, will protect the sole of your foot well, while its wet grip will keep you safe on slick surfaces. However, its breathable upper mesh, made of synthetic material, is not going to provide either warmth or protection from harsher elements. While its thin, comfortable midsole absorbs impact and provides a nice energy return, this is not a tenacious trail runner.
Responsiveness
Two great features of the Noosa FF make it a highly responsive trainer: its wet-grip outsole and FlyteFoam® midsole. The outsole, which is made of three different rubber compounds, grips slick surfaces with tenacity, providing the runner with a great amount of surface control and traction. Meanwhile, its FlyteFoam® midsole is a composite material of EVA foam and organic fibers that provides great energy return and cushioning for a highly responsive ride.
Support
The Noosa FF is a neutral shoe, which means it only offers standard arch support for neutral runners. Those who suffer from over- or underpronation or have fallen arches may need additional support insets for this shoe. Simply put, this is not specifically a support shoe.
Terrain
Made for smooth running surfaces such as asphalt, pavement, and track and outfitted with solid wet-grip outsoles, the Asics Noosa FF is best in dry conditions but can handle slick surfaces relatively well. However, these are not made for trail running or more extreme activities. The Noosa FF is best for triathletes who need a solid shoe that will perform well on the standard surfaces they find themselves encountering.
Price
While not exorbitantly expensive, the Noosa FF is also not exactly a budget trainer. Instead, its price falls in the “slightly above average” range. However, for the amount of comfort it provides, its durability, and its versatility, it’s a fair price for a brand-name shoe.
Drop
Featuring a standard 10mm heel-to-toe drop, the Noosa FF drop is standard for most trainers and will present no surprises to those used to this average drop height.
Stability
While well-balanced, the Noosa FF is not specifically a stability shoe. Instead, this is a neutral shoe for those that have a neutral pronation. Overpronators will need to find a good inset to provide them the additional stability they need, as this is not specifically a stability shoe.
Flexibility
With a synthetic upper mesh that wraps firmly around the foot after lace-up for a great fit, the upper of the Noosa FF is certainly flexible enough. However, its outsole and midsole, particularly the platform of the shoe, is somewhat stiff, which some runners may enjoy while others may find a little too firm for their tastes.
Traction
With its outsole made of three different rubber compounds, AHAR (high abrasion rubber), blown AHAR, and Wet Grip, this outsole is made to keep traction on slick surfaces and wet conditions. This rubber also aids in providing a great deal of traction during a workout or run on regular dry running surfaces.
Bottom Line
The Asics Noosa FF are made for triathletes but are equally adept at both long and short runs. This firm but the comfortable trainer is made for the neutral runner who is looking for lightweight but soft cushioning in their running shoe and requires an outsole that can provide excellent traction in both dry and wet conditions.;With an improved upper that features more perforations to allow for better airflow in the foot chamber and coming with both standard and lock laces for quicker transitioning between activities, the Noosa FF has certainly tweaked its formula since its last edition for better overall efficiency and breathability. While some of its features have retained the same parameters, like its 10mm standard drop, overall Asics has taken a look at what worked and what could be improved upon from the last edition of the Noosa and adjusted accordingly.;Asics has been producing some of the most reliably comfortable shoes on the market for years now. Having earned a dedicated following and clientele, the Noosa FF goes one step further by being a comfortable neutral running shoe for triathletes in mind. Of course, daily runners looking for a little more comfort in their shoe may also find this a comfortable everyday trainer, as well. Another solid entry in the Asics output, the Noosa FF is a shoe made for triathletes but will work just as well as an everyday trainer for long and short runs alike.
