Asics Hyper Speed 4 review

7 expert score
8.3 user's score
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples. We purchased this pair at Running Warehouse with our own money.
Review written on 17th July by Justin Alpaugh Ultrarunner and running shoes expert.
7 other reviews

Asics Hyper Speed 4 Verdict

The Asics Hyper Speed 4 is a great low budget option used for daily training. The Hyper Speed 4 is light weight and has been durable. For a shoe priced at 100 you definitely get value with every mile!

The pros

  • Price
  • Lightweight
  • Simple

The cons

  • Slappy

Where to buy

Best offers today in United States, all prices in USD

Rating breakdown

Comfort
7.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
6.0
Transition
6.0
Toe-off
7.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
10

Facts / Specs

Brand
Model
Hyper Speed 4
Previous model
Weight
7.4 oz (210 g)
MSRP
$100.00

Heel
32 mm.
Toe
25 mm.
Heel drop
7 mm.
Carbon plate
No plate

Size/Fit

Sizing
True to size
Heel fit
Normal
Midfoot fit
Normal
Toebox fit
Normal

Cushioning & ride

Type of cushioning
Responsive/balanced
Amount of cushioning
Medium cushioning
Stability
Some stability
Flexibility
Medium

Usage

Racing  
Speedwork  
Daily training  
Long distance racing
Ultra distance racing

Who should buy the Asics Hyper Speed 4 ?

If someone came up to me and asked “Hey I want to start getting into running what shoe should I get?” I would most likely throw the Hyper Speed 4 into that recommendation. Therefore, the beginner runner or those who consistently run but don’t put in a ton of miles should buy them!

They are built for the daily short miles maybe even some short fast running. I would say the Hyper Speed 4 could be used for the occasionally track workout as well.

Who should not buy the Asics Hyper Speed 4 ?

The runner who should not buy the Hyper Speed 4 is the elite marathon runner: there are other options that would be more beneficial. Fast runners who enjoy the new technology in the super shoe category would definitely not find any interest in the Hyper Speed 4.

Asics Hyper Speed 4 Introduction

Picture of ASICS Hyper Speed 4


The Asics Hyper Speed 4 is a shoe that perfects simplicity. The shoe gets the job done in almost any running scenario.

The Hyper Speed 4 is meant for those simple daily training miles but that does not mean you cannot take it for the occasional fast workout.

The best part of the shoe is the price and value that you get. The price is only 100 dollars! It makes them that more enjoyable to run in there is something about a shoe that can put the miles in and only purchasing them for 100 bucks!

The only considerable tech used in the Hyper Speed 4 is the well known FlyteFoam midsole. It is known for being a lightweight foam cushioned with a firmer and fast sensation underfoot.

Asics has the Speed line and the Hyper Speed 4 is known the be the little brother out of the other Speed models so it holds up and has a place among the more premium brothers.

Asics Hyper Speed 4 First Impressions

Picture of ASICS Hyper Speed 4

My first impression were better than I expected. I received them and told myself I was not going to be too excited about the hyper speed 4.

I just always imagine cheaper shoes being cheaper in quality. When I opened the box I was immediately drawn to the color the bright yellow shouted speed!

When handling the shoe I was surprised by how lightweight they were and the upper is what really got me excited : it has a plastic feel to it but it seemed super durable and having good quality.

When trying on the Hyper Speed 4 the fit was glove like and fit just about perfect around my feet. My first run was a simple 4 mile run that left me with no questions and only excited to go out for another run.

Asics Hyper Speed 4 Upper

Picture of ASICS Hyper Speed 4


The hyper speed 4 fits true to size I had no issues with the sizing.

They fit like a glove it had the perfect amount of space around the toes and snug in all the right places. The material is made of 75% recycled materials which makes it feel almost like plastic I personally loved the upper because it seems to be durable and also very lightweight and durable.

It is a simple upper so there is not much to it but having an upper that is not over engineered is not a bad thing it is simplicity done right.

Asics Hyper Speed 4 Sole Unit

Picture of ASICS Hyper Speed 4

The ride of the Hyper Speed 4 is really my one and only concerns. They boast the tried and true FlyteFoam midsole as mentioned in this review. I was imagining a more springy energy filled ride but in return I felt pretty slappy throughout my running gait.

When I say the ride was slappy what that means is during each step I did not feel much energy return almost a dead sensation. The foam is meant to be firm and have a fast sensation but during toe off I could not feel that fast toe off.

I honestly do not mind the ride I just wanted to feel a touch more energy return through toe off.

I put the hyper speed 4 to test on a mountain road run. The run was 17 miles with a little over 2,000 feet of elevation gain so I got to experience the uphill and downhill running scenarios. During that 17 mile run the cushioning and traction performed well.

I had no issues with my feet or issues with slipping. The only shoe I can compare the Hyper Speed 4 to is the Magic Speed 2 which I once wore a few years ago.

Asics Hyper Speed 4 Conclusions

Almost any runner outside of the elite athlete should consider buying the Hyper Speed 4.

If you are the daily trainer, track runner, or gym goer this shoe would get the job done in almost any scenario and only for 100 dollars! Unbelievable!

Asics advertises the Hyper Speed 4 as no-nonsense simplicity, breathability, featherweight, fast, and fun.

They deliver on that promise.

If you are okay with a shoe that does not provide the most efficient energy return then I say just buy them it is worth a try!

I will never judge a shoe by its price ever again. They have been better for me than some other higher priced options I have tried in the past!

How does the Hyper Speed 4 compare?

Asics Hyper Speed 3
Asics Hyper Speed 4
Asics Magic Speed 3
Expert score
8
7
9
User score
Best price
Retail price
US$89.95
US$99.95
US$159.95
Brand
Weight
6.8 oz
7.4 oz
7.8 oz
Heel Drop
7 mm
7 mm
7 mm
Recommended for
Racing, speedwork
Racing, speedwork, daily training
Racing, speedwork, long distance racing
Cushioning type
responsive/balanced
responsive/balanced
responsive
Cushioning amount
Little cushioning
Medium cushioning
Medium cushioning
Flexibility
flexible
medium
rigid
Stability
some stability
some stability
some stability
Sizing
true to size
true to size
true to size

Why you can trust us

As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.
We purchased this pair of Asics at Running Warehouse  with our own money.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our policy.
Lowest price:

$99

Asics Hyper Speed 4 price comparison

Best offers today in United States, all prices in USD

Reviewed by Justin

This review was written by Justin Alpaugh on 17th July.
Justin Alpaugh lives in Pocatello, Idaho. A place where in any direction you look you will find mountains. He grew up hunting and currently pursues the challenge of archery hunting. Hunting was an outlet to get into ultra running back in 2019. Since then he has ran a handful of ultras including the 100 mile distance. Running on the roads and trails molds Justin into becoming a better husband and father. Finding the right running shoes is equally an important part of his journey.

User feedback (4)

  • avatar-comment-1041558
    Eliza P.
    2 months ago
    9 score

    The Asics Hyper Speed 4 really impressed me with its lightweight design and great energy return. I’ve noticed that it feels particularly fast during tempo runs, but what surprised me most is how comfortable they remain over longer distances. The fit is snug but not too tight, which helped avoid any heel slipping.

  • avatar-comment-1041450
    Samantha K.
    2 months ago
    7 score

    I gave the Hyper Speed 4 a shot after reading this review, and I’d say it holds up well for speed work! The shoe feels light, and I love how breathable the upper is. I wouldn’t call it the most durable shoe I own, but for shorter races and tempo runs, it’s become my go-to. The cushioning could be a bit more responsive, but at this price point, it’s hard to complain. A solid option if you’re looking for something lightweight without breaking the bank.

  • avatar-comment-1041267
    OElena
    2 months ago
    9 score

    I’m amazed by how breathable the upper material is! Just did a 10k, and I’ve never felt this comfortable with a racing flat before. They’re lightweight but still feel durable enough for many more races.

  • avatar-comment-1041191
    Emily R.
    2 months ago
    8 score

    I’m really impressed with how lightweight and breathable the Hyper Speed 4 is. It’s perfect for tempo runs and shorter distances in my experience. The cushioning feels responsive but not overly soft, which is great for speed day.

Lowest price:
$99

Where to buy

Best offers today in United States, all prices in USD

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