Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Racing
Key Features
• DuoSole sole outsole for grip and flexibility• AHAR heel plug for greater durability• Durable yet cushiony FlyteFoam midsole• Propulsion Trusstic provides greater liftoff• Adapt Mesh outsole conforms to the foot’s shape• Ecsaine overlays for structure and elasticity• Reflectivity for low-light conditions• Vibrant color options are available
Upper
The upper is constructed of Adapt Mesh, which completely conforms to the runner’s foot and follows its motions while remaining secure. The midfoot area consists of an open-weave design for greater, more targeted breathability. To ensure structure, and aid the laces in providing a customized fit, durable Ecsaine overlays are stitched on. They are elastic so as not to impede on the upper’s adaptive qualities. The collar and tongue are also lightly padded for extra comfort, and to keep the foot more secure. As an added bonus, and for safety reasons, reflective materials allow this shoe to be seen in low-light conditions.
Midsole
Asics’ trademarked FlyteFoam technology makes up the full length of the Tartherzeal 6’s midsole. Aside from being 55% lighter than standard EVA foam, as well as providing more bounce, it is constructed using organic super-fibers that ensure this feature retains its shape even after heavy usage. For even greater support, Asics’ Propulsion Trusstic is outfitted between the midsole and outsole. This plastic layer is described as an extension of the foot’s tendons and different muscles, which aid the runner in propelling further during runs. Runners say that this feature, combined with the shoe’s light weight, is what allows them to achieve their best speed possible.
Outsole
The Tartherzeal 6’s outsole features a decoupled platform, protecting the midfoot area from impact and leaving the heel and forefoot areas to absorb shock. Two different technologies make up the sole’s landing portions. The forefoot is constructed of PU DuoSole, which consists of rubber gripping lugs attached to a base made of polyurethane. This maintains a strong grasp and encourages true flexibility. The heel plug consists of AHAR, or Asics High Abrasion Rubber, which is more durable and aids in shock absorption. Deep flex grooves are carved into the forefoot and heel to further aid in its range of motion.
Breathability
To help the runner attain optimal speed, and ensure that they remain cool and comfortable, racing shoes are expected to be breathable. The Tartherzeal 6’s Adapt Mesh upper fits over the foot like a sock, conforming to its unique shape and following its movements while allowing much-needed airflow. Most of its breathability is positioned in the midfoot section thanks to its open-weave design. This allows for better targeting of hotspots, ensuring better temperature control and a drier foot.
Comfort
For the most part, the Tartherzeal 6 provides runners with a comfortable wear. Its midsole stays cushiony and pliable for much longer than a standard model, and its upper allows for a sock-like fit that completely adapts to the foot’s shape while still being breathable. Runners feel secure and supported as they’re kept cool and dry during their runs. Still, the overall brand has one unfortunate design flaw. According to critics and consumers alike, Asics has gradually been reducing the width of their newer releases. If those with wider feet are still interested in purchasing this model, they will have to buy it at least half a size up.
Style
Since Asics is known for eye-catching activewear, especially when it comes to shoes, the Tartherzeal 6’s style definitely doesn’t disappoint. Streamlined and simple with a traditional lacing system, this model is as perfect for races and workouts as it is for everyday wear. Its reflective qualities make it especially appealing for night-time runs. This is enhanced further in its popular safety yellow option, which features the brand’s striped design in contrasting black. Other options include black, white, indigo, and dark aqua. There’s a fitting color option for everyone, depending on how many heads they’d like to turn.
Durability
Though racing shoes never look all that durable, runners need to know that they can depend on their footwear for a long time. Tests performed on the Tartherzeal 6 have shown just how robust it truly is. Both primary materials on its decoupled outsole are engineered to resist the normal wear and tear that comes from continued use on paved roads. Its FlyteFoam midsole contains organic super-fibers that allow it to retain its natural shape. Even its Adapt Mesh upper is tightly woven to ensure that it resists tearing. When coupled with the Ecsaine overlays, runners have a shoe that won’t wear down or rip within a few months time.
Protection
Though it can do very little to protect the runner from the elements and certain forms of injuries, the Tartherzeal 6 still does a fair job at maintaining balance and reducing the impact felt by each step. The shoe’s FlyteFoam midsole runs the full length of the foot to provide proper cushioning and allow for more balanced energy transfer. Its outsole performs the dual task of ensuring a strong, stable grip on everyday surfaces and aiding the midsole in shock absorption. And aside from being completely breathable, reducing the likelihood of possible infections, its collar padding and adaptive mesh keep the foot locked in place to prevent accidental removal. Greater protection is offered via the upper’s reflective materials, which allow for visibility in low-light conditions.
Responsiveness
Racers know that they can depend on the Tartherzeal 6 to adapt to their movements and bring them to a greater speed. The DuoSole and AHAR materials constructing its outsole permit a flexible, durable wear as it firmly grips the road underneath. The FlyteFoam midsole not only provides more balanced impact absorption and energy transfer but also provides sturdier cushioning that enables it to quickly bounce back into shape. The shoe’s Propulsion Trusstic gives the sole an added boost by offering further support and protection against impact as well as propelling the runner forward during liftoff. The upper proves to be its most adaptive feature, conforming to the foot’s unique shape and moving with it completely as air vents on either side of the midfoot region work to control hotspots.
Support
A frequent complaint about many racing shoes is how little support they actually offer, focusing instead on being lightweight and breathable. While the Tartherzeal 6 offers both of these qualities, which reviewers are extremely happy with, its supportive features are truly what make it stand out. Between its durable outsole and cushiony yet midsole is Asics’ Propulsion Trusstic. Consisting of only a thin plastic layer, this feature strengthens support and protects the foot from possible injuries caused by impact. Even its Adapt Mesh upper is unique to other racing designs, as it fits like a sock for greater security. Padding around the collar and at the tongue help to support the ankle while keeping the foot from wobbling.
Terrain
As a competition shoe, the Tartherzeal 6 is specifically designed to withstand heavy use on paved roads and other everyday surfaces. This is thanks to the lightweight yet sturdy traction of its DuoSole forefoot outsole as well as its AHAR heel plug, which provides greater durability and aids the midsole in shock absorption. There is, however, no indication that this model would work for trail running, as its lightweight materials and lack of protective features suggest that it would damage easily when used on rocky terrains. For those interested in more rugged outdoor sports, it’s best to put these aside and look for another option within Asics’ catalog.
Price
The Tartherzeal 6 can be found on the Asics website for $140. While this is considered average pricing for most of the brand’s models, it still may be a lot for the average runner to spend. Yet, when looking over the quality of this shoe’s materials, as well as its high level of durability, it will undoubtedly prove to be worth every penny in the long-run. If consumers are still in need of a lower price, they can always find deals from a number of reputable sellers on Amazon and eBay.
Drop
The Tartherzeal 6 features a heel-to-toe drop of 10mm, with a heel height of 20mm and a toe height of 10mm. While this is considered a standard height for running shoes, racing models typically feature a low-drop platform to improve the runner’s posture. Despite this, reviewers appreciate the added support and never note any additional pain after continued use of this shoe. In addition, the extra heel cushioning makes this an acceptable choice for quick errands or gym sessions.
Stability
All of the Tartherzeal 6’s stabilizing features work towards maintaining the shape of the shoe and keeping the foot locked in place during high-speed runs. With combined engineering of its DuoSole and AHAR materials, the outsole provides a sturdy yet flexible base the keeps the runner propelling forward to long distances. The organic super-fibers of its FlyteFoam midsole offers a springier stride while still retaining its original shape. These two features are aided further by the Propulsion Trusstic, which offers greater support and acts as an extension of the foot’s individual muscles for a greater boost forward. The comfortable yet secure combination is the shoe’s Adapt Mesh upper, elastic Ecsaine overlays, and padded tongue and collar ensure that the foot is kept in place.
Flexibility
The Tartherzeal 6 provides all of the flexibility that runners will need during races and workouts. It all starts with the outsole’s decoupled platform, which directs all impact to the heel and forefoot and enables a greater range of movement. The PU DuoSole that supports the forefoot area provides the greatest amount of flexibility, as its polyurethane base is able to completely follow the foot’s movements. This is aided even further by the inclusion of deep flex grooves. The organic super-fibers constructing its midsole allow it to remain pliable while still retaining its original shape. Finally, its Adapt Mesh upper provides a sock-like fit that conforms entirely to the foot’s shape without being at all restrictive. With the inclusion of elastic Ecsaine overlays that add structure, runners know they can depend on this shoe to be equal parts sturdy and flexible.
Traction
The majority of the Tartherzeal 6’s superior traction lies in its DuoSole outsole. Triangular rubber gripping lugs keep the runner stabilized as they speed across paved roads, while its polyurethane base completely follows the foot’s movements. Racers feel completely secure and balanced as they run and are more enabled to reach their maximum speed without a high risk of accidents. According to some reviewers, this shoe’s grip stays just as strong even in rainy conditions. That said, it is still not marketed as an all-weather shoe and should be treated as such.
Bottom Line
Though the Tartherzeal 6 manages to successfully draw consumers in with its eye-catching color options, it’s this model’s surprising levels of durability, support, and comfort that enable them to rely on it for competitions and basic workouts. Runners know that they can depend on this shoe for strong traction and lightweight stability that allows them to safely and competently reach their optimal speed and maintain it for long distances. It is quite unfortunate, however, that buyers with wider feet seem to continually be required to size up while purchasing their Asics running shoes. As the brand has a fairly good track record of listening to the public’s concerns, there is some hope that they will eliminate this design flaw and go back to providing truly comfortable shoes for runners of all types.
