Asics S4+ Yogiri Introduction
If you happen to didn’t learn my evaluation 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 secure, extra sturdy and cheaper than most flagship marathon racers.
This idea is a superb one as a result of most long-distance racing sneakers obtainable 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 sneakers 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 value of $200, nonetheless, is way increased than in Japan (round $50 extra).
Once I reviewed the S4, I stated that it was a wonderful selection for a runner seeking to obtain sub-4 within the marathon. I might have chosen the S4 after I tried to run my first sub-4. It was a significantly better selection than the ASICS Magic Pace 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 “Night time Fog” in Japanese they usually 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 journey felt similar to the earlier model. It was one of many firmest driving sneakers 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 snug and the only 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 a brilliant shoe but it surely felt snug going at 5:40 per km (9:07 per mile) tempo which is what it was designed for. I used to be a bit disillusioned 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 toes) not like the comfortable, racing match of the Metaspeed Sky and Edge Paris. It’s true to measurement and also you don’t must go a half measurement up just like the earlier model.
The engineered mesh is softer and extra snug 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 delicate collar and heel tab so consolation is excessive and foot lockdown is superb. 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 pace coach. The principle 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 fair firmer foam than FF Turbo+. This makes the midsole actually secure, which is the S4+’s essential promoting level.
It’s designed to be secure sufficient and supply sufficient assist for not less than 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 wanted it had extra power return as a result of the flat journey made the run really feel boring.
For me, the S4+ solely feels snug for my regular tempo (round 5:40 per km). It’s too agency for my straightforward runs and it’s not propulsive or energetic sufficient for uptempo runs so I don’t view it as a really versatile shoe. If you happen to’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 very best 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 displaying on my pair after 120 kilometres. You may get loads of coaching and racing out of this outsole.
Asics S4+ Yogiri Conclusions
If you happen to’ve run within the ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge or another tremendous shoe, you received’t be pleased with how the S4+ Yogiri rides as a result of it’s noticeably firmer and fewer partaking. As a way 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, uninteresting midsole foam from the stone ages. The Superblast 2 feels much more thrilling and engaging- it additionally prices $200.
I didn’t take pleasure in testing the S4+ Yogiri and it received’t keep in my rotation. I want the journey of the ASICS Magic Pace 4 which has a thicker midsole with extra cushioning and is simply as secure because the S4+. The Magic Pace 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 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 energetic and cheaper than the S4+ Yogiri. They’re additionally good sub-4 marathon racing choices.