Asics Noosa Tri 16 review

8 expert score
0 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 02nd October by Justin Alpaugh Ultrarunner and running shoes expert.
9 other reviews

Asics Noosa Tri 16 Verdict

The Asics Noosa Tri 16 is lightweight, comfortable, and affordable shoe. It is definitely an eye catcher. People will definitely wonder what you are wearing with these funky colorways. The only question is: where does it fit in a shoe rotation?

The pros

  • Lightweight
  • Colorways
  • Affordable

The cons

  • Durability

Rating breakdown

Comfort
9.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
6.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
9.0

Facts / Specs

Brand
Model
Noosa Tri 16
Previous model
Weight
7.5 oz (213 g)
MSRP
$135.00

Heel
34 mm.
Toe
29 mm.
Heel drop
5 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
Flexible

Usage

Racing
Speedwork
Daily training  
Long distance racing
Ultra distance racing

Who should buy the Asics Noosa Tri 16 ?

The Asics Noosa Tri 16 is for he runner who wants a shoe that can be used for everyday use at an affordable price point. The ideal situation where you would get the best usage out of the Noosa Tri 16 – for me – is a 6 mile run with 2 or 3 faster miles thrown into the mix. Although this model can definitely be used for just about any distance.

Who should not buy the Asics Noosa Tri 16 ?

Runners looking for the softest cushioning should look for a different shoe than the Asics Noosa 16.

Asics Noosa Tri 16 Introduction

Picture of ASICS Noosa Tri 16

The Asics Noosa Tri 16 is a lightweight, comfortable, affordable, and well rounded daily trainer that should suite just about every runners needs especially for beginners.

The shoe is meant for daily training. I would personally take the Noosa Tri 16 up to the marathon distance but it sits really nice around the 6-10 mile range.

It can be used for everyday miles from easy paces to some tempo/threshold runs. It is listed at $135 which we all know that is a great price in the running world: finding a solid daily trainer at that price point you just do not see very often.

Asics Noosa Tri 16 First Impressions

Picture of ASICS Noosa Tri 16

As one can imagine my first impressions were immediately drawn to the colorway. I received the bright yellow and orange graffiti like colorway. I have never owned a pair of shoes like that before so it definitely caught my attention.

I was not expecting the Noosa Tri 16 to be so lightweight but after slipping it on I wanted to go fast!

My first run was a 5 mile run with a 2 mile tempo effort and it suited that run perfectly.

There is nothing I would have changed from that first run.

Asics Noosa Tri 16 Upper

Picture of ASICS Noosa Tri 16

The upper is simple it is a breathable mesh upper. I mentioned it does feel cheap so it is a matter of time if my assumption is right about it wearing down fairly quick. It is breathable and light.

There are two pull tags one towards front near the top of the tongue and one on the heel this makes it easy to put the shoe on.

The heel collar is really comfortable and I had no issues with rubbing but for some reason it just feels cheap and I could probably assume in the future that the material might wear down fairly quick around the heel.

I could be wrong though so far no issues.

The laces lay nice on top of the foot and stay locked down really well during runs both fast and slow.

Picture of ASICS Noosa Tri 16

The tongue is lightweight and does not have much cushioning but it did not create any issues.

The pull tab is connected to a big hole right on the tongue. I assume that is for breathability? It is a cool idea but not sure if I noticed a huge breathability difference.

The upper is a standard mesh upper again the materials feel cheap. It is breathable and fits nice around the foot but I can see it wearing down fairly quick just based off of feel.

The shoe fit well for me and had a glove like fit snug and loose in all the right places.

Asics Noosa Tri 16 Sole Unit

Picture of ASICS Noosa Tri 16

The best part of the shoe in my opinion is the midsole. Asics equipped the Noosa Tri 16 with the FF Blast Plus foam. I never wore the Noosa Tri 15 but I have read and heard some people loved the old midsole foam.

I thoroughly enjoyed the new midsole material: I felt it was well cushioned for the stack height; it felt comfortable and provided sufficient toe off.

Finally, the outsole is great as always every Asics shoe I wear always has good grip: the Asicsgrip outsole is some of the best in the running shoe game!

The biggest difference from this years Noosa Tri model and last years is the midsole foam. Some people love the old flytefoam material and others love the new FF Blast Plus midsole foam.

Personally, I felt that the FF Blast Plus was pretty dang energetic and I did really enjoy the midsole foam in the Noosa Tri 16. It does provide very sufficient toe off.

The cushioning feels lightweight and bouncy underfoot but nothing special. The ride is just consistent and it gets the job done from easy to faster runs.

Asics Noosa Tri 16 Conclusions

Picture of ASICS Noosa Tri 16

I am just not sure where The Asics Noosa Tri 16 fits in my shoe rotation.

I have the Magic Speed 4 and the Superblast 2 and I would wear those any day over the Noosa Tri 16.

The Noosa Tri 16 is a very good shoe for what it is.

I think it could definitely be a solid option for runners who want a more affordable price point but still have a fun time getting their daily miles fast or slow.

How does the Noosa Tri 16 compare?

Asics Hyper Speed 4
Asics Noosa Tri 16
Saucony Axon 3
Expert score
7
8
10
User score
Best price
Retail price
US$99.95
US$134.95
US$89.95
Weight
7.4 oz
7.5 oz
8.5 oz
Heel Drop
7 mm
5 mm
4 mm
Recommended for
Racing, speedwork, daily training
Daily training
Daily training
Cushioning type
responsive/balanced
responsive/balanced
balanced
Cushioning amount
Medium cushioning
Medium cushioning
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
flexible
medium
Stability
some stability
some stability
not particularly stable
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.

Reviewed by Justin

This review was written by Justin Alpaugh on 02nd October.
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 (3)

  • avatar-comment-1053826
    Sarah K
    1 day ago

    Hey runners! I’m dealing with some mild overpronation but want to move away from heavy stability shoes. Anyone try these coming from something like the Kayano or Adrenaline? Also trying to figure out sizing since my Brooks are 9 but my old ASICS were 8.5. Training for my first tri and don’t want to mess this up!

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  • avatar-comment-1053772
    Michael Thompson
    3 days ago
    9 score

    As a triathlete who’s raced in every Noosa version since the 13, I can say the 16 is a fantastic evolution. Done several Olympic distance triathlons in these and they perform brilliantly in quick transitions. The FF Blast+ midsole hits the sweet spot between responsiveness and cushioning – felt fresh even after hard bike segments. While not as light as carbon racers, the versatility for training and racing makes these my go-to triathlon shoe. Durability has improved from the 15, though the outsole still shows wear after about 200 miles.

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  • avatar-comment-1053536
    David Barnes
    2 weeks ago
    9 score

    As a triathlete who’s raced in every version since the Noosa Tri 13, I can say the 16 is the best yet. Used these for a recent Olympic distance tri and they performed beautifully – quick transitions thanks to the pull tabs, and no issues running sockless. The lightweight design really shines during the run leg when your legs are already fatigued from the bike. While the durability isn’t great (I get about 250 miles before significant wear), the performance makes up for it. The fun aesthetics are a bonus – I always get comments during races. Compared to tri-specific offerings from other brands, these offer the best value.

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  • avatar-comment-1053453
    Marcus Chen
    2 weeks ago
    8 score

    I’ve put about 200 miles on my Noosa Tri 16s and they’ve become my go-to shoes for tempo runs. The lightweight design really shines during speedwork, though I wish they were a bit more durable – I’m already seeing significant wear on the outsole. Compared to my previous Noosa Tri 15s, these feel more responsive but less stable. The funky colorways definitely turn heads at my local running group! They performed great during my recent half marathon (1:45), though I wouldn’t recommend them for full marathon distance. The cushioning sweet spot works best for distances up to 13.1 miles in my experience.

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  • avatar-comment-1052046
    Mike Peterson
    1 month ago

    Got my first sprint tri coming up in June – anyone use these for racing? Really need something I can slip on fast in T2, and I’m worried about my feet getting swampy if I’m going sockless. Local tri group recommended these but would love some real-world feedback!

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  • avatar-comment-1052013
    TriGuy83
    1 month ago

    Finally got to check these out at my local tri shop. Love the quick-lace system and drainage features, but wish they had more stack height for longer training runs. Might work better as a race-day only shoe for Olympic distance.

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  • avatar-comment-1046180
    A.K. Smith
    3 months ago

    Prepping for my first sprint tri this summer and need some quick transition shoes! Can anyone tell me how these work sockless? Also got some rainy races coming up – do they drain well or turn into swimming pools? Trying to decide if they’re worth the extra cash over my regular running shoes.

  • avatar-comment-1041015
    Sophie A.
    7 months ago

    The colorway is quite bold but I’m torn about the rigidity of the shoe. Do you feel it breaks in well after a few runs or does it stay kind of stiff?

    • avatar-comment-1041028
      Justin Alpaugh
      7 months ago

      I feel it softens up as you continue to wear it I actually really enjoy wearing it on light to moderate trailsas well. Call me crazy but if there was more cushion to the Noosa Tri 16 and the upper was different. I would probably take it over the magic speed 4.

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