Asics Noosa Tri 14 Review

Pros	Cons
Light shoes	Poor wet and off-road traction
Precise fit	Limited cushioning
Pretty solid overall
Fun design with bright colors Smooth and responsive running

Introduction

All the comments we analyzed were very positive about this shoe. The testers were above all surprised by the level of cushioning offered by this model compared to version 13.

This new Noosa Tri is built for performance and speed, with a more flexible outsole and a firmer ride that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.

However, as we will see, no shoe is perfect.

Thus, the traction is not optimal, for example, especially on wet surfaces.

So which way does the scales tip? Is this a good shoe for triathletes and people who only do running? This is what we will see in this analysis.

Cushioning

The Tri 14 has the merit of offering a bouncy ride with a rather classic configuration. This is an important point at a time when carbon shoes dominate the market for everything related to performance.

Shoe geeks like us will have noticed that the Japanese brand no longer calls its shoe the Gel Noosa. And for good reason: its midsole now uses FlyteFoam. Runners note that the cushioning is softer and absorbs impact better when running than on the 13.

This model is also much more flexible in the midsole and its weight is a little lower. Along with this, it offers efficient rolling for easy heel-to-toe transitions. The comfortable cushioning and this fluidity are perfect for less fatigue during longer courses such as half-Ironman’s.

Although it is considered a shoe for universal stride, its GUIDESOLE technology provides good lateral stability to prevent the foot from rolling too much during the stride.

Underfoot feel is balanced with a hint of softness. The sole is moderately thick or even thin with 26 mm under the heel (21 mm for women) with a drop of 5 mm.

Foot support (upper)

The latest Asics Noosa features a mesh upper with a gusseted tongue. Overall, testers note that they fit the foot better than the Noosa Tri 13.

The padded and breathable upper is suitable for competition and it is possible to wear these shoes without a sock for more comfort. Indeed, the absence of seams avoids chafing and irritation (and therefore blisters). It is even essential after the swimming test during a triathlon where the transition to running is crucial!

In addition, the testers note that the foot support is precise even with simple lacing.

Triathlon enthusiasts will also appreciate the optional elastic laces, which save precious seconds when traversing the T2 course.

Finally, it should be noted that the Noosa Tri 14 fits a little tight. This is great news for people with thin feet who don’t wear socks, but it could be a problem for those with wide feet. However, the upper is slightly stretchy and the included elastic laces save a little more space.

The Asics Noosa Tri 14 uses a durable AHAR rubber outsole.

While riders report good road grip, they were less impressed with wet or trail traction.

The outsole is remarkably durable and should last better than softer shoes with more foam. You can therefore use them for your long training sessions (if the comfort is to your liking) and your official races.

Racing feeling

Testers found the Asics Noosa Tri 14 to provide a smooth, comfortable, and fast ride with secure footing and good stability.

The heel can be a little stiff at first but it gets better once the shoes are more broken in. There is a slight bounce on landing followed by a more aggressive thrust under the toes which gives easy forward propulsion. This makes it a model of choice for going fast in training and competition.

However, as we noted above, the cushioning remains limited which may not be suitable for everyone. The lightweight structure of the Noosa Tri 14 and its thin sole make it a responsive shoe for speed.

Conclusion

The Asics Noosa Tri 14 is a unique shoe in the Asics range. It has reigned over the triathlon for more than a decade, while attracting a wider audience of runners thanks to its versatile configuration. This new version only reinforces its reputation.

Triathlete or not, you will appreciate it if you are looking for a light, simple, dynamic and solid shoe for fast paces and medium distances. Available at a base price of 140 euros, the price-performance ratio is correct.

Where to buy it?

We trust the following merchants:

>> i-Run <<

>> Alltricks <<

Note: this site exists thanks to your support. We receive a commission when you use the links to our partners for your purchases. It does not cost you more and does not influence our analyses.

Comparisons – Asics Noosa Tri 14 vs:

Asics Noosa Tri 13

This new version is about 6g lighter than the Noosa Tri 13 .

It features a more flexible FlyteFoam midsole.

The new outsole is more flexible and puts less pressure on the forefoot, which was problematic on previous models.