Shoe Preview: Asics Solution Speed FF 3

When a shoe has “speed” in its name, it’s no secret what it’s designed to do. But any shoe can be lightweight and low to the ground. The trick is still provide enough stability and support to withstand the rigors of serious competition. Successfully juggling these requirements is what has made the Asics Solution Speed so appealing to aggressive movers.

The latest installment of the fast-feeling shoe marks the third edition with FlyteFoam cushioning. Adopted from the brand’s running lines, it provides the requisite padding and shock absorption while keeping the weight down. It returns to provide a smooth ride, along with some other notable improvements:

• The outsole has been reconfigured. The new Precision-Sole technology uses less material to lower weight and increase flexibility as it improves its grip on the court.
• Thick woven mesh replaces TPU on the upper. This also lowers weight while raising the breathability, pliability and comfort. Yet it’s still tough enough not to sacrifice durability.
• The Twisstruss support shank in the midsole has been updated—now called Speedtruss—to be more flexible without losing any of its sturdiness. The modification encourages quicker recovery time for a split-second head start to the next shot.
• A final addition won’t help on-court performance, but may give more peace of mind off it. In an effort to create a lighter environmental footprint, Asics will note the carbon emissions produced to manufacture each shoe.

The Asics Solution Speed FF 3 is set to release on Jan. 15 and is priced at $140. Check back in the coming weeks for a more detailed review.