Which is better for race day?

The Magic Speed 3 is lighter and firmer, so it feels quicker over short races. The 4 is more cushioned and better if you want one shoe for training and racing.

The 4 has more midsole foam and a wider platform, which usually wears better over high mileage. The 3's thin, firm setup suits limited fast sessions.

Is the Magic Speed 4 worth stepping up to?

Yes if you run most days and want one shoe for everything. Stay with the 3 if you already have a daily trainer and want a dedicated speed shoe.

Is buying the 4 pre-owned a risk?

Relay sells zero-mileage returns and try-ons from authorized dealers with a 30-day unlimited-mile trial, so you can run in them and send them back if the fit is wrong.

Do they fit the same?

Both run true to ASICS sizing with a snug race fit. The 4's wider platform feels roomier through the midfoot.

ASICS Magic Speed 3 vs Asics Magic Speed 4

The Magic Speed 3 is the lighter, more aggressive racer: 7.7 oz with a 36–29mm stack and a stiff carbon plate, and owners describe it as firm and fast for intervals and race day. The Magic Speed 4 CP is a pre-owned, zero-mileage pair from Relay with a 30-day unlimited-mile trial, so it suits runners who want the newer model without paying new-shoe money. On features the 4 is the more versatile daily-to-race trainer; on build the 3 feels rawer and less forgiving.

Choose the Magic Speed 3 if you want a light, stiff carbon-plated shoe for speed sessions and races and you know your ASICS size.
Choose the Magic Speed 4 CP if you want the newer Magic Speed with a trial period and are comfortable buying certified pre-owned.

Prices

ASICS Magic Speed 3: $129.99 at Amazon (checked today)
Asics Magic Speed 4: $119.95 at Amazon (checked today)
Difference: the Asics Magic Speed 4 is $10.04 cheaper than the ASICS Magic Speed 3 today

What separates them

	ASICS Magic Speed 3	Asics Magic Speed 4
Weight	7.7 oz men's, 6.5 oz women's	Heavier than the 3; the 4 adds cushioning and a wider platform
Stack and drop	36–29mm, 7mm drop	Higher stack than the 3 with a similar drop
Plate and ride	Carbon plate, firm and snappy	Carbon plate tuned softer for daily training
Condition	New	Certified pre-owned, zero-mileage returns and try-ons
Trial and returns	Standard store return policy	30-day unlimited-mile trial through Relay
Sizing range	Men's 6–15, women's 5–12	US 6–13 listed
Best use	Intervals, tempo, race day	Daily miles through race day

Specs compared

Spec	ASICS Magic Speed 3	Asics Magic Speed 4
collection	ASICS Magic Speed 3 'White Black Pink' 1011B703…	—
silhouette	Magic Speed	—
Weight	7.7 oz (men’s); 6.5 oz (women’s)	—
Stack Height	36–29mm (men’s); 35–27mm (women’s)	—
Drop	7mm	—
Sizing	Men’s 6–15; Women’s: 5–12	—
Size (US)	—	13, 11, 12, 9.5, 10.5, 6.5, 8.5, 8, 9, 11.5, 7.…
Fastening	—	Laced
Color	—	Gray, Yellow
Age Group	—	Adult
Gender	—	Male
Upper Material	—	Suede, Leather

Show all 15 specs

Spec	ASICS Magic Speed 3	Asics Magic Speed 4
Width	—	Width Medium
Department	—	Women's
Style	—	Casual

ASICS Magic Speed 3 vs Asics Magic Speed 4

Prices

ASICS Magic Speed 3 vs Asics Magic Speed 4

Prices