Details
Brand
Asics
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Asics High Abrasion Rubber used on the outsole is durable• Removable Comfordry sock liner adds extra cushioning• FlyteFoam Midsole technology provides lightweight cushioning• Seamless construction of the upper eliminates the risk of irritation
Upper
The upper of the Roadhawk FF has a seamless construction, which reduces the chance of potential blisters and other irritations. Reviewers were happy at how comfortable the upper was, and said they did not experience any irritation, even on long runs. The upper uses a breathable mesh material which keeps the foot cool and dry even on hot days. A seemingly small, but important detail is the design of the eyelets around the laces. This design reduces the tightness around the laces and provides a fit that is snug and secure without added tension. Runners can also expect to see supportive panels around the midfoot section. This keeps the shoe locked in place without eliminating flexibility.
Midsole
The midsole creates an extremely comfortable, durable ride for the runner. Because of the unique midsole design and materials, this shoe can be used for long as well as short distance runs and races. The Flytefoam technology of this midsole provides the runner with unbeatable responsiveness and energy return. This midsole is able to maintain its form and shape longer than other midsole foams due to the use of synthetic fibers used in the design process. Runners reported the cushioning provided by these midsole foams bounced back from long miles and didn’t lose its shape. There is also a microbial sock liner that not only adds extra cushioning and support, but also provides keep feet cool and dry by wicking moisture. This sock liner can also be removed and replaced with an orthopedic sock liner if a runner is in need of added arch or stability support. The entire length of the midsole is covered in a comfortable SpevaFoam which provides bounce and a good level of feedback.
Outsole
This outsole features one of the most durable outsole materials on the market today, Asics’s patented High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) material. This rubber is thicker in the highest wear areas and protects the runner not only from the elements of the road, but also protects the entire shoe from premature wear and tear. This outsole also features a better grip than other shoes in a similar class. On smooth surfaces, runners reported feeling protected and secure because of the powerful grip of the outsole. which worked well even in wet conditions.
Breathability
The material used in the upper of the shoe is a breathable mesh. The entire upper is covered in various sized ventilation holes for breathability that the runner can actually see. This material is designed to allow air to flow freely into the shoe and keep the foot cool and dry. Additionally, Asics designed the upper to be extremely lightweight to keep the overall feel of the shoe flexible and light. Runners reported that even on hot and long runs, their feet stayed cool and dry and never felt restricted.
Comfort
One word that was used over and over to describe this shoe was comfortable. This can be attributed to a few different design elements. The first is the use of the Speva Foam in the midsole. This foam runs the length of the midsole and provides a soft, cushion underfoot. Runners described this level of cushioning as luxurious. Additionally, the Flytefoam midsole technology provides a comfortable lightweight cushioning. Runners also appreciated the breathable, light upper. It also features a removable sock liner that offers extra cushioning to the runner. Because of the added cushioning and support provided by this shoe, athletes suggested it as a good option for those who work on their feet all day.
Style
This shoe features the classic style of an Asics running shoe. The color options include neutral and bright options too. Runners have the option to choose between black, white, orange, and various shades of blue with different accent colors. Runners reported that this shoe looked great with jeans as well as athletic gear.
Durability
The key to the high level of durability found in this shoe can be attributed to the High Abrasion Rubber outsole. This outsole is specifically designed to provide more protection against the elements of the road. Runners reported that this unique outsole material kept the shoe looking and feeling newer for longer. Another durability feature found in this shoe is the midsole foam. The midsole features a carefully selected variety of different foams that offer responsive cushioning. What is unique about this is that Asics designed this midsole to stand up against long and difficult miles. Runners reported that the midsole provided superior cushion but did not lose their shape. Finally, the upper features synthetic panels along the midfoot. These are designed to lock the foot in place, but they also provide an extra layer of durability. Runners appreciated the upper didn’t fray or tear.
Protection
The key protective element can be found in the outsole design. Asics’s High Abrasion Rubber outsole is designed to last, but it is also designed to protect the foot against the dangerous, harmful elements that can be found on the road. Additionally, this outsole features added traction which keeps runners safe on slippery or uneven terrain. Runners commented that even while running in the rain, they felt secure because of the traction from the outsole.
Responsiveness
The midsole of the Roadhawk FF has 2 layers of responsive cushioning. The Flytefoam midsole and SpevaFoam 45 Lasting Foam don’t just provide a comfortable, padded ride, but also provide excellent energy return. Runners felt connected to the road below them and thanks to the dual foam midsole, are able to adapt to changes in direction and speed quickly and efficiently. The powerful grip of the outsole provides the runner with a good amount of surface control.
Support
In terms of support, runners found this shoe to be versatile enough to support them through long, challenging runs, but also lightweight enough to work for speed training as well. The cushioning on this shoe provides the runner with enough support for neutral runners. The upper kept runners’ feet locked into place due to the panels that cover the midfoot section. These panels help keeps the foot in place without eliminating a flexible fit and feel. The shoe comes with a removable sock liner that adds extra support for the runner without weighing down the shoe.
Terrain
The Asics Roadhawk FF works best on roads, sidewalks, and other smooth, even surfaces. The lightweight and excellent traction make it a great choice for speed workouts. Runners also found this shoe to be versatile enough as a cross trainer and stated it worked well in the gym. While this shoe provides good traction on standard urban surfaces, this is not a shoe that is suggested for trail running because it lacks the lug system to protect the runner.
Price
The Roadhawk FF is priced slightly lower than the average running shoe on today’s market. In addition to the reasonable price tag, runners found the shoe to be a great value because it was well made and lasted for a long time.
Drop
This shoe features a 10-millimeter drop. This means that this shoe can work well as a speed shoe because of the higher heel drop, it actually propels the foot forward. A 10mm drop is a standard drop for a running shoe and most runners won’t have a problem with this drop.
Stability
This shoe does not provide the runner with added stability. This is not designed to support and correct runners who over- or underpronate. The Asics Roadhawk FF is a neutral running shoe for runners require no modification to their gaits.
Flexibility
Runners liked this shoe for its ability to move with the foot. The upper of the shoe, in particular, is very flexible due to its lightweight, breathable mesh material. In addition to this, runners found the midsole of the shoe to be very flexible too. Runners appreciated that although the midsole provides added cushioning, it still felt very flexible and supported the natural movement of the foot without added stability technology to get in the way.
Traction
The outsole of the shoe is designed using Asics’s patented High Abrasion Rubber. This durable outsole has a high level of traction. Runners reported feeling safe and secure in this shoe even on slippery surfaces or during rainy runs. This shoe will provide good traction on roads, sidewalks, and track, as well as a treadmill. It will not provide enough traction on trails.
Bottom Line
The Asics Roadhawk FF is a lightweight, cushioned, and durable shoe that can take the runner through long mileage training runs or short, speedy workouts. The upper is light, flexible and breathable. Runners commented that this shoe provides them with with a secure fit without sacrificing ventilation. The midsole features a unique dual foam design. It uses both Flytefoam Midsole technology along with a SpevaFoam 45. Both of these foams provide responsive cushioning without weighing the shoe down. Finally, the shoe features Asics’s patented High Abrasion Rubber outsole that is durable and provides excellent traction. For the runner looking for a companion for the road, track, or treadmill, the grip provided through this outsole is more than enough to keep you safe and secure. The shoe comes in a variety of different color options and runners appreciated the affordable price.
