Generous structure of laces and belts that creates a sense of unity
The upper features laces and a belt. The biggest feature of the SP Blade 9 upper is its outstanding fit performance that allows you to feel a sense of unity between your foot and the shoe. It uses HL-0 mesh material, which is not only very durable but also has a contracting feature. This feature allows the upper to adhere to the shape of the user's foot, creating a sense of unity. Additionally, this upper is equipped with a Diarup structure, which is also used in advanced spike models like Sonic Sprint Elite 2, preventing shifts and wobbles in the forefoot and midfoot. As a result, despite the contracting upper, it can withstand intense impact during grounding, allowing you to focus on your performance without feeling any shifts inside the shoe.
Standard Japanese foot width
The width is standard, and the shape becomes sharper towards the heel, making it a distinctive spike. The width features a Diarup structure as mentioned above, allowing for a fit that is not constrained by foot width. Therefore, unless the foot size does not match, it is an easy-to-wear spike that fits anyone. If you have experienced your toenails peeling off or feeling pain from pressure on the outside of your foot with your current spikes, I recommend wearing spikes that utilize Asics' Diarup structure. They relatively do not cause pressure or blisters on the foot, making them recommended for winter training or relatively long-distance running practices.
Sole that firmly grips the ground
The pin arrangement consists of a total of 8 pins, counting from the toe as 1-3 (fixed pins)-4, which is more than the 6 pins typically found in advanced spikes. This extra 2 pins help firmly grip the ground, supporting stable grounding and enabling smooth landings. On the other hand, due to the higher number of pins, there may be more friction with the ground, which could be a source of stress for advanced users running 100m in the mid-10 seconds. Additionally, the sole features a BD plate known for its excellent flexibility and stability, which is relatively soft among Asics plates. The heel area contains cushioning material, making it recommended for hurdle events or winter training where foot impact is present.
Relatively arched sole
The curvature of the plate is classified as significantly arched compared to standard spikes. Additionally, the relatively soft sole allows for bending without stress, providing a good feel for pushing off the ground, resulting in a pleasant takeoff sensation. Intermediate users are also recommended to utilize it to grasp the feeling of center of gravity movement from ground contact to takeoff. It is easy to shift body weight to the ball of the foot during takeoff, and even if you lack confidence in your skills for center of gravity movement from ground contact to takeoff, the sole will automatically assist you. As a caution, due to the high angle of the plate, individuals with weaker calf muscles may be more prone to injury, so please be careful.
