Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
6 mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Triathlon
Key Features
• DuraSponge Outsole Technology• ASICS High Abrasion Rubber used in the outsole• Guidance Line for improved foot strides• Breathable mesh no-sew upper• Perforated removable sockliner• Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel Cushioning Systems• WET GRIP Outsole preventing slippage on wet surfaces• 6-mm heel-to-toe drop• 3M Reflective Material for improved night visibility• Elastic shoelaces for fast and smooth transitions
Upper
The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 has elastic laces and features seamless construction through the upper. This seamless construction minimizes foot irritation and friction. The breathable mesh upper provides good ventilation. The upper features a lace pocket that keeps the laces from getting knotted and coming untied. The perforated sockliner in the interior provides the athlete with good moisture drainage. This sockliner is easily removed if you want to change it out for your own or simply wear the shoe without it. The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 gives runners a snug fit. This shoe is meant to be worn sockless. The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 is built with a narrower toe box. Some reviewers preferred a wider toe box. The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 features a lower heel tab. This minimizes heel friction and improves the overall comfort of the shoe.
Midsole
The midsole construction did not change from the first edition of the Gel Noosa Fast. The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 has a small amount of cushion. The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 works well for training at moderate distances or as a shoe worn daily. Reviewers found the ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 performs well in high-intensity activities such as the triathlon and interval training. The Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel cushioning systems, that ASICS wearers have become accustomed to, are responsive and provide good shock absorption. The midsole of the ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 is made with ASICS’s exclusive Solyte material. The Solyte is a lightweight sponge, weighing about half the weight of traditional midsole materials. The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 features Magic Sole technology, which provides adequate ventilation and easy drainage, keeping the foot cooler and drier. This Magic Sole technology keeps the weight of the shoe low while enhancing the breathability of the shoe.
Outsole
The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 features a DuraSponge outsole technology, which provides the runner with a good amount of responsive cushioning in the forefoot. The ASICS High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) is used in the heel, giving the shoe more durability. This High Abrasion Rubber is placed in a latticed pattern that covers most of the shoe. ASICS developed this abrasion resistant rubber compound in order to extend the life of their running shoes. The outsole contains an S-shaped, vertical flex groove known as the Guidance Line. This Guidance Line runs from heel to toe and encourages the runner’s foot to engage with the shoe along its natural line of movement. This inventive addition to the ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 decreases the likelihood of fatigue and injury.
Breathability
The seamless mesh upper, perforated sockliner, and Magic Sole technology used in the midsole provide the runner with excellent airflow. These features make the ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 a good shoe for use during hot environments. Increased breathability reduces the likelihood of blisters.
Comfort
The seamless mesh upper of the ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 keeps the foot comfortable by minimizing foot irritation and allowing the foot to breathe. The Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel Cushioning Systems give the foot a good amount of cushioning without making the shoe feel bulky or heavy. The combination of the Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel Cushioning Systems used in the midsole and the DuraSponge technology used in the outsole provide the athlete with a responsive ride. The spongy Solyte midsole material absorbs shock, minimizing knee and foot pain. Some reviewers shared that they used a Dr. Scholl’s gel insole after removing the perforated sockliner because they preferred a thicker insole.
Style
The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 comes in normal width and reviewers found the shoe to run smaller. In fact, many reviewers purchased this shoe a half size bigger than their normal running shoe size. The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 comes in Glow-in-the-Dark prints that are very bold and give the runner a stylish ride. The men’s version comes in royal blue with flash yellow and black accents. The women’s version comes in two different color patterns. Runners can choose between flash yellow with grape and hot pink accents or glacier (very light blue) with hot pink and navy accents.
Durability
The DuraSponge technology and AHAR compound used in the outsole help extend the life of the ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2. The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 is built to last through sprint Triathlons or even a half Ironman or full Ironman competition.
Protection
The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 is made with a 3M reflective material, making it visible during night runs. The Guidance Line featured in the outsole protects the foot as it tires during long runs or long periods of time on your feet. The Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel cushioning systems provide the runner with the perfect amount of padding, protecting the knees and joints. The WET GRIP Rubber used in the outsole gives the runner a better grip on wet surfaces, protecting the runner from losing his/her footing. The top of the tongue features a Lace Garage to stash the shoelaces out of the runner’s way. This helps the laces stay tied and untangled during use.
Support
The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 does not provide a large amount of arch support, but the overall structure was positively reviewed. Runners found this shoe to be comfortable enough for 6-10 miles and perform well during 5K races. In fact, some reviewers found their 5K time to be slightly faster when running in the ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2. Even though they have a light feel, runners found the ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 to provide good support during long distance running. Reviewers also liked the support this shoe provided during weight training and cardio workouts at the gym.
Terrain
The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 is an excellent racing shoe. It works well when worn for road races as well as 5K and 10K track distances. The WET GRIP outsole improves performance on wet surfaces.
Price
The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 comes with a lower price tag than other ASICS running shoes. The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 includes many features and modern technologies that guarantee a longer-lasting shoe. The AHAR rubber compound ensures a running shoe that withstands a log of high mileage before needing to be replaced. The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 provides a good quality running shoe for a reasonable price. Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced runner, the ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 is an affordable running shoe.
Drop
The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 features a 6-mm heel-to-toe drop. This lower drop lets the runner feel closer to the ground. The heel height is 14 mm in the men’s version and 13 mm in the women’s version. The forefoot height is 8 mm in the men’s version and 7 mm in the women’s version.
Stability
The Guidance Line feature of the ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 outsole helps to stabilize the foot and provide a more natural heel-to-toe transition during impact. The WET GRIP feature of the outsole guarantees a firm ride during wet road conditions. The seamlessly constructed upper hugs the foot and keeps the foot secure during endurance races or interval training.
Flexibility
The DuraSponge outsole technology provides the runner with a flexible shoe that lasts for many miles. The perforated liner conforms to the runner’s foot and can be easily removed or swapped out for a different insole. The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 comes with traditional laces as well as elastic laces, allowing it to be customized for the athlete. The elastic laces provide an easy on and off experience during a triathlon.
Traction
The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 has great traction on wet surfaces. The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 features a WET GRIP outsole, which is intended to improve traction on all surfaces, including wet ones. The ASICS High Abrasion Rubber keeps the outsole from wearing prematurely as the runner logs miles on the ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2.
Bottom Line
The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 is built with the competition and racing athlete in mind. The seamless upper allows the athlete to perform sockless and the 6-mm heel-to-toe drop provides a closer-to-the-ground feel. The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 is a light and fast neutral competition shoe. This running shoe offers a lightweight feel without sacrificing durability, responsiveness, and support. The ASICS Gel Noosa Fast 2 features drainage holes to keep the foot dry and elastic shoelaces to optimize transitions during a triathlon.
