Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
6 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Asics Hyper Tri 3
Terrain
Road
Type
Triathlon
Key Features
• Rearfoot Gel Cushioning System• Seamless Construction• DuraSponge Outsole• Perforated Sockliner• Magic Sole Outsole• Elastic Laces
Upper
Elastic laces are another feature that reviewers mark as a highlight. They’re a welcome option for athletes who need to slip in and out of them in a hurry, and no competitor wants to worry about untied laces during a race. Some reviewers report they needed to tighten the laces midway into their runs, but the mentions were noted as a personal preference. Athletes also have the option to skip the socks. The Hyper Tri comes with a perforated sockliner. The seamless construction also eliminates any irritation that might be present in other products with seams or stitching, especially across the toes.
Midsole
The vented midsole helps give the shoe its breathability, allowing an exchange of air and reducing heat from the inside. It also allows water to drain away from the skin during those rainy day runs. Reviewers appreciate the shoe’s rear foot gel cushioning system, which does its part to absorb the shock of each strike. Some reviewers note the gel gave more spring than they anticipated in their initial runs, but seemed to firm up somewhat over time.
Outsole
The Hyper Tri is made with AHAR, the company’s high-abrasion rubber compound, introduced to the public back in the 1990s. AHAR allows for enhanced cushioning and increased durability. In addition, the shoe’s DuraSponge technology adds flexibility and helps runners strike on the forefoot. The outsole gets high marks from reviewers for its flexibility, allowing the runner adequate cushion, while still making it possible to appreciate the natural movement of the foot.
Breathability
The Asics Hyper Tri is designed to breathe. Reviewers note that their feet stayed firmly in place, while they could still feel air circulating through the shoe. Keep in mind that this technology won’t keep you from sweating, but the mesh fabric encourages a flow of air that will keep you cooler during training. After a long run on a hot or rainy day, you’ll still want to let these shoes dry out before taking them out for another session, especially if you are taking advantage of the sockless option. Asics recommends runners allow about twelve hours for shoes to dry out completely, and that’s without using a heat source, which can change the shape of the shoe. If your nose determines your shoes have been in and out of moisture too long, you can always check out one of these deodorizing options.
Comfort
The tongue and collar are lightly padded, and overall reviewers find the seamless construction a bonus when it comes to comfort. They also report a comfortable toe box. The area doesn’t fold down the toes like some other brands. It’s important to note that because the shoe is on the narrow side and is designed to be comfortable without socks, runners who opt to wear socks might want to size up to ensure a good fit, and decrease the risk of the dreaded blisters. Sore feet can cut a training run short, or even ruin a race day. Most reviewers say they purchased a half size or even a full size larger than they usually wear, and found that the most comfortable choice.
Style
Asics as a whole does a nice job of producing a quality shoe that isn’t boring. The Hyper Tri is available in bold pink, yellow and grey for women, and black, yellow and green for men. In particular, runners who need a shoe in the upper range of the sizing scale report this styling actually made them feel less conspicuous. Reviewers consistently mention the bright colors as a selling point for this product, but a few feel that the words “swim” “bike” and “run” could be displayed a little less prominently. To be fair, including the wording on the shoe itself is a bit “on the nose”. But all in all, this shoe is praised as a wise fashion choice as much as it is for its functionality.
Durability
Running shoes can take a beating, but this product gets good marks for holding up mile after mile. Daily runners will obviously see more wear and tear, but the design is such that the carbon rubber heel extends the life of the shoe. Runners will wear down shoes differently depending upon their frequency in training, distance covered on each run, and their individual weight, so Asics doesn’t put a time limit on how long their shoes will last. They do, however, suggest replacing your footwear after between 450 and 550 miles. It’s best to keep off a log of your distance, and monitor your outsole, to make the best determination on when you’re ready to replace your running shoes. If you place your shoes on a bench and they don’t stand up straight and flat, it’s time to buy new.
Protection
The cushioning in the rear foot is designed to help absorb the shock, and protect the runner’s joints, a design that seems to be effective. As one reviewer put it, “I’m running 25 miles per week on asphalt, and my knees feel just fine.” This shoe is also known to help correct slight overpronation but overall is best for a neutral foot.
Responsiveness
The light weight of the shoe gives this product a high rating in responsiveness and ground feel, a fact mentioned even by reviewers who were mostly logging treadmill miles. Again, the light mesh allows for maximum flexibility and a more natural movement of the foot. Some reviewers even credit the shoes’ responsive nature by helping them earn a PR on race day! While the pacing is up to you, the spring you’ll get off each step goes a long way toward a successful race showing.
Support
If you’re looking for a shoe with a ton of support, you’re not going to find that here. The flexibility and lighter weight are given more priority with the Hyper Tri, and support, while present, is on the back burner. Most of the small group of reviewers who were unhappy with the Hyper Tri cited lack of support as the main issue, especially among those who were used to wearing a thicker heel. Shoes that offer more arch support can be found here. However, this shoe gives enough cushion to make most neutral runners happy.
Terrain
This shoe is built for triathletes, and competitors will be pleased with its performance on gravel or pavement. Most reviewers were running on the flat, or logging training miles on a treadmill. Those who ran on wet, rainy days reported that the mesh construction did its job. Water did drain out of the shoe, especially for those who chose to go without socks!
Price
While this isn’t the cheapest running shoe on the market, Asics has done a nice job of offering quality at a fair price. The company has gone on to create several new versions of this model, which has dropped the price on the original and made it more of an affordable option for the average runner. A quick search will find plenty of discounted options, however, veteran runners will usually cut costs on other running accessories, and put their money where their …errrr….feet are. Taking the cheap route when it comes to footwear can cost a lot more in injuries and off time in the long run.
Drop
The Hyper Tri has a moderate drop. On the men’s shoe, the heel sits at 16mm and the toe drops to 10mm. For the women, those numbers drop to 15mm and 9mm. This is all part of the intentional lightweight and flexible design of the shoe. Competitive athletes might find this product as a good transition shoe, if they are considering a move into zero drop territory.
Stability
This isn’t a motion control shoe, but it will help runners who tend to overpronate, providing them with a little extra stability. The lighter weight does not allow for an excess of control, so runners who are looking for a more stabilizing midsole may not be satisfied with what the Hyper Tri offers. However, it’s important to note that too much stabilization can actually lead to injury because a runner’s foot is desensitized from actually feeling the ground.
Flexibility
This shoe bends and flexes easily, on account of the seamless mesh component. Runners will notice how naturally the foot is able to move on each step. Shoppers doing the twisting “flex test” will be pleased with the Hyper Tri’s ability to allow the foot to move freely in various directions. Reviewers who tried the Hyper Tri for group classes and boot camp-style training appreciated this flexibility.
Traction
The company’s high-abrasion compound on the outsole provides plenty of traction for the athlete. It isn’t suited for gripping muddy or rocky terrain, but it will do its job on the flat or even slippery pavement. Reviewers reported no problems with the shoes’ ability to grip the running surface.
Bottom Line
In the Hyper Tri, Asics designed a quality shoe for the triathlete, without sacrificing style or comfort. Reviewers consistently prefer the look and feel of this lightweight option to other brands. The most common criticism of this model is on sizing, but most reviewers simply exchanged their purchase for the next size up and were more than satisfied with the fit as a result. On race day, athletes will appreciate the smooth transition in and out of this shoe, with the elastic laces and perforated sockliner saving them precious minutes, when even seconds count. And for those weekend warriors, the cushioning and rugged outsole will keep them springing forward mile after mile, increasing their stamina and love of running. Overall the Hyper Tri is fairly priced to fit most budgets and gets a thumbs up for being stylish and functional.
