An upper with a gentle fit that combines thickness and softness
The upper material is synthetic leather. Additionally, the upper features water-repellent materials. The upper has a combination of thickness and softness, and the first impression when worn is undoubtedly its comfort. The touch on the inside of the upper is very good, especially the tongue, which has a soft texture that does not rub against the top of the foot and fits gently. Moreover, the laces are of a type that stretch and are easy to tie, making it difficult to create gaps between the laces and the top of the foot when tied, resulting in an excellent fit. Overall, the upper is easier to wear compared to the Adizero Avanti 3.
An upper with a firmer heel counter to prevent slippage
The heel features a firmer heel counter. While the upper is generally soft, the firmness of the heel counter secures the heel and minimizes slippage. Additionally, the toe area is coated to make it slightly tear-resistant. The width is the widest at 8.3cm among ASICS long-distance spikes, but it is narrower compared to spikes from Adidas and Mizuno. It is slightly wider than the New Balance ULD5K (8.2cm) and narrower than other Nike spikes except for the Zoom Victory Elite 2.
A soft sole with high flexibility that easily grips the ground
The spikes are replaceable, with five metal 5mm double parallel pins included. ▶ Sole hardness The sole has high flexibility, feeling particularly soft from the area where the ball of the foot begins to arch to the toes, making it very easy to wear and conform to the foot. Additionally, compared to the Hyper MD, the cushioning of the outsole is spread throughout, providing high cushioning typical of long-distance spikes. However, the midsole at the heel does not have as much cushioning as it appears, and compared to the thicker Adizero 3 or Nike Matumbo 3, it offers a barefoot-like feel. ▶ Sole shape The design features a "groove" between the forefoot and the arch, making it very easy to bend.
Flat-shaped sole with no incline
The arch of the sole is flat as explained by the manufacturer in promotions, allowing for a running sensation similar to that of shoes. It has a very easy-to-wear shape without quirks. Similar spikes with the same arch of the sole include Nike's Zoom Victory Elite 2 and CosmORacer LD2. By the way, Mizuno's Geo Splash 7 (13°) and Chrono Dist 7 (14°) are top-class in terms of having no incline. For those who want a flat ground contact with a running sensation, wearing these types of spikes would be a good choice.
