Asics S4+ Yogiri Introduction
In the event you didn’t learn my overview of the S4, the 4 S’s stand for pace, stability, security and sub-4. The S4 is a pleasant racer designed for runners seeking to obtain a sub-4 hour marathon time. It’s extra steady, extra sturdy and cheaper than most flagship marathon racers.
This idea is a good one as a result of most long-distance racing footwear obtainable for the general public to purchase are the identical precise fashions that elite athletes use. Elite athletes have superior working 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 obtainable 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 mentioned that it was a superb alternative for a runner seeking to obtain sub-4 within the marathon. I’d have chosen the S4 after I tried to run my first sub-4. It was a significantly 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 steady, extra sturdy and cheaper than the Metaspeed Sky and Edge.
Yogiri means “Night time Fog” in Japanese and so they named it this due to the launch colourway which evokes imagery of pace, 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 trip felt similar to the earlier model. It was one of many firmest using footwear I’ve examined in a very long time. There additionally wasn’t a lot power return from the brand new FF Turbo+ midsole foam.
The positives had been that the brand new higher was supremely comfy and the only real was very steady because of the agency trip. The carbon plate was nonetheless very stiff, which was one of many issues that I favored about model 1.
It didn’t really feel as propulsive or energetic as a brilliant shoe nevertheless it 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 a giant enchancment over its predecessor.
Asics S4+ Yogiri Higher
The S4+ Yogiri’s higher has a roomy inside (appropriate for large ft) in contrast to the comfortable, racing match of the Metaspeed Sky and Edge Paris. It’s true to measurement and also you don’t have to go a half measurement 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 pretty much as good. The flat tongue shouldn’t be gusseted however I didn’t expertise a lot tongue slide throughout runs.
There’s ample padding within the tender 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 street racing tremendous shoe however the dangerous information is that it doesn’t really feel like one; it feels extra like a pace coach. The principle purpose for that is that it’s midsole feels agency and flat with none bounce or squishiness.
It appears 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, an excellent firmer foam than FF Turbo+. This makes the midsole actually steady, which is the S4+’s principal promoting level.
It’s designed to be steady sufficient and supply sufficient assist for at the very least 4 hours of racing. I did a 40 km coaching run which lasted longer than 4 hours and it provided sufficient assist at some stage in the long term. I wanted it had extra power return as a result of the flat trip 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. In the event 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 trip really feel extra pure at slower speeds.
The outsole is the most effective characteristic of the S4+. It consists of an abundance of thick, ASICSGRIP rubber that gives glorious traction on moist and dry surfaces. It’s additionally extremely sturdy as there isn’t a lot put on exhibiting on my pair after 120 kilometres. You will get loads of coaching and racing out of this outsole.
Asics S4+ Yogiri Conclusions
In the event 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. With a purpose to improve the steadiness, 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, boring 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 desire the trip of the ASICS Magic Velocity 4 which has a thicker midsole with extra cushioning and is simply as steady because the S4+. The Magic Velocity 4 is $30 cheaper than the S4+ nevertheless it has a heel stack top above 40 mm, making it unlawful in World Athletics races.
The pace trainers from different manufacturers such because the Hoka Mach X 2, PUMA Deviate Nitro 3, Saucony Endorphin Coach and New Stability SC Coach V3 are all extra full of life and cheaper than the S4+ Yogiri. They’re additionally good sub-4 marathon racing choices.
