Asics S4+ Yogiri Introduction
Should you didn’t learn my evaluation of the S4, the 4 S’s stand for velocity, stability, security and sub-4. The S4 is a pleasant racer designed for runners trying to obtain a sub-4 hour marathon time. It’s extra secure, extra sturdy and cheaper than most flagship marathon racers.
This idea is a good one as a result of most long-distance racing footwear accessible for the general public to purchase are the identical actual fashions that elite athletes use. Elite athletes have superior operating type so it doesn’t make sense for informal runners to make use of the very same racing footwear as world-class athletes.
The S4, which was launched in 2023 was unique to Japan. The S4+ Yogiri is now accessible within the USA, at each Operating Warehouse and the ASICS web site. The worth of $200, nevertheless, is way increased than in Japan (round $50 extra).
Once I reviewed the S4, I stated that it was a wonderful alternative for a runner trying to obtain sub-4 within the marathon. I’d have chosen the S4 once I tried to run my first sub-4. It was a a lot better alternative than the ASICS Magic Velocity as a result of it had extra cushioning and used a greater midsole foam. It was additionally extra secure, extra sturdy and cheaper than the Metaspeed Sky and Edge.
Yogiri means “Evening Fog” in Japanese they usually named it this due to the launch colourway which evokes imagery of velocity, silence and stealth. The S4+ Yogiri weighs 235 g (8.3 oz) for a males’s US 9, which is 5 grams (0.2 oz) lighter than its predecessor. It has stack heights of 40 mm/34 mm.
Asics S4+ Yogiri First Impressions
My first run was a moderately-paced 12 kilometre run. I anticipated it to be noticeably softer however the journey felt similar to the earlier model. It was one of many firmest driving footwear I’ve examined in a very long time. There additionally wasn’t a lot vitality return from the brand new FF Turbo+ midsole foam.
The positives have been that the brand new higher was supremely comfy and the only real was very secure due to the agency journey. The carbon plate was nonetheless very stiff, which was one of many issues that I preferred about model 1.
It didn’t really feel as propulsive or energetic as an excellent shoe but it surely felt comfy going at 5:40 per km (9:07 per mile) tempo which is what it was designed for. I used to be a bit upset that it didn’t really feel like an enormous enchancment over its predecessor.
Asics S4+ Yogiri Higher
The S4+ Yogiri’s higher has a roomy inside (appropriate for broad toes) not like the cosy, racing match of the Metaspeed Sky and Edge Paris. It’s true to dimension and also you don’t must go a half dimension up just like the earlier model.
The engineered mesh is softer and extra comfy than the plastic-like higher of the S4 however breathability isn’t nearly as good. The flat tongue is just not gusseted however I didn’t expertise a lot tongue slide throughout runs.
There’s ample padding within the smooth collar and heel tab so consolation is excessive and foot lockdown is excellent. There’s no reflectivity however the laces are notched, racing laces that really feel very premium.
Asics S4+ Yogiri Sole Unit
The S4+ Yogiri is marketed as a highway racing tremendous shoe however the dangerous information is that it doesn’t really feel like one; it feels extra like a velocity coach. The primary purpose for that is that it’s midsole feels agency and flat with none bounce or squishiness.
It looks like they’ve tuned the FF Turbo+ foam within the S4+ to be denser and firmer: it doesn’t really feel the identical as within the Sky Paris/Edge Paris or the Superblast 2. The underside layer of froth within the midsole is Flytefoam, a good firmer foam than FF Turbo+. This makes the midsole actually secure, which is the S4+’s primary promoting level.
It’s designed to be secure sufficient and supply sufficient assist for a minimum of 4 hours of racing. I did a 40 km coaching run which lasted longer than 4 hours and it provided sufficient assist all through the long term. I needed it had extra vitality return as a result of the flat journey made the run really feel boring.
For me, the S4+ solely feels comfy for my regular tempo (round 5:40 per km). It’s too agency for my straightforward runs and it’s not propulsive or full of life sufficient for uptempo runs so I don’t view it as a really versatile shoe. Should you’re utilizing it for racing, it’s solely appropriate for marathon tempo.
The complete-length carbon plate within the S4+ is wider than within the Metaspeeds to extend stability. It has some flexibility to make the journey really feel extra pure at slower speeds.
The outsole is the most effective function of the S4+. It consists of an abundance of thick, ASICSGRIP rubber that gives wonderful traction on moist and dry surfaces. It’s additionally extremely sturdy as there isn’t a lot put on displaying on my pair after 120 kilometres. You will get loads of coaching and racing out of this outsole.
Asics S4+ Yogiri Conclusions
Should you’ve run within the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge or every other tremendous shoe, you gained’t be proud of how the S4+ Yogiri rides as a result of it’s noticeably firmer and fewer participating. As a way to improve the soundness, ASICS has made the midsole too agency.
They need to have used FF Blast+ Eco as the underside midsole layer (just like the Superblast 2) as an alternative of Flytefoam which is an previous, uninteresting midsole foam from the stone ages. The Superblast 2 feels much more thrilling and engaging- it additionally prices $200.
I didn’t get pleasure from testing the S4+ Yogiri and it gained’t keep in my rotation. I want the journey of the ASICS Magic Velocity 4 which has a thicker midsole with extra cushioning and is simply as secure because the S4+. The Magic Velocity 4 is $30 cheaper than the S4+ but it surely has a heel stack peak above 40 mm, making it unlawful in World Athletics races.
The velocity trainers from different manufacturers such because the Hoka Mach X 2, PUMA Deviate Nitro 3, Saucony Endorphin Coach and New Steadiness SC Coach V3 are all extra full of life and cheaper than the S4+ Yogiri. They’re additionally good sub-4 marathon racing choices.
