Upper that conforms to and holds the foot
The belt is secured with shoelaces and tape. The upper of the SP Blade series is focused on fit/stability, which is its main point. As a result, it is a spike that is both firm and soft, conforming to the foot. With both shoelaces and tape, it securely conforms to and holds the foot. Made from synthetic leather with minimal seams, it connects seamlessly, providing a sensation of being wrapped around the foot. This allows for stable ground contact without the foot shifting inside the spike during high-speed races or cornering.
Standard Japanese foot width
The width size is standard, making it easy for anyone to wear. For athletes with narrower feet, there may be a slight gap in width, but this can be compensated by tightening the laces. Additionally, the shape of the toe is slightly rounded compared to other advanced spikes. Therefore, if you have experienced toenails peeling off or pain from pressure on the outside of your foot with your current spikes, I recommend wearing spikes with Asics' Dial-Up structure. They relatively do not cause pressure or blisters, making them suitable for winter training or longer distance runs.
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 provide firm ground grip, supporting smooth ground contact. However, due to the increased 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 second range. The sole also features the BD Plate, known for its excellent flexibility and stability, which is relatively soft among Asics plates. The heel section contains cushioning material, making it recommended for hurdle events or winter training where there is impact on the feet.
Sole with maximum curvature
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.
