If there was an award for the most fun-looking shoe, it might be the ASICS Tri Noosa 15. It looks fast, feels fast, but doesn’t have a carbon plate. Before the rise of carbon and nylon plated shoes, the ASICS Tri Noosa 15 might have been considered one of the faster options. It was a heavy hitter for triathletes.
ASICS Tri Noosa 15 Quick Facts:
Price: $130.00
Heel Drop: 5 mm
Weight: 6.9 oz
ASICS Tri Noosa 15 Fit:
Just looking at the ASICS Tri Noosa 15, you are like wow that shoe is fun. They have some more muted colors but since it’s always hard to find “crazy colors,” in running shoes, I always try and go for the more fun color. It’s usually a mixture of all of the random colors splattered together with no rhyme or reason.
Like most ASICS running shoes, it uses an engineered mesh upper. It’s breathable and I haven’t really had any complaints about it. If you’ve never run in an ASICS running shoe, I suggest going up a half size because they do run more narrow. Other than that, it’s breathable and I don’t have any hot spots. Seems like a winning combination to me.
Unique to the ASICS Tri Noosa 15 is the triathlete tech tabs which makes it easier to pull on and off during triathlon transitions. Not that I’m doing that, but it’s a fun feature not a lot of shoes have.
In running shoes, I tend to wear between a size 10-11 wide. In ASICS running shoes, I tend to wear a size 11 and the ASICS Tri Noosa 15 is no different. The size 11 fits well.
ASICS Tri Noosa 15 Ride:
Unlike shoes like the Cumulus and Nimbus, the Tri Noosa 15 is much lighter. It’s not a “speedwork shoe” in this modern day, but it is designed to run faster. If you’re someone who likes a lightweight but minimal shoe, you might prefer the ASICS Tri Noosa 15. If you miss the “good old days” of lightweight training shoes, then this is a good option for you.
But let’s get into the technology. The FLYTEFOAM cushioning is lightweight but absorbs impact so your body doesn’t have to. If you flip the shoe over, you’ll notice the GUIDERAIL technology which helps you propel forward and feel light on your feet. ASICS claims it improves your running efficiency. At just 6.9 ounces, this shoe is light. I’m talking light light. These types of super lightweight shoes are becoming a thing of the past as more shoes opt for carbon plates and the super trainers take over.
Where does the ASICS Tri Noosa 15 fit in my rotation? I prefer it for faster long runs, or shorter daily runs that I’ll likely go faster. It’s a great tempo work shoe or something to run “fastish.” If I’m doing a hard workout, I likely prefer something with a plate or faster and if I’m doing an easier run I’m going to prefer the Superblast or Novablast.
Outsole:
I wasn’t surprised to see that the ASICS Tri Noosa 15 doesn’t have the greatest outsole because of how light it is. They had to make sacrifices somewhere. It’s fine for daily road runs that aren’t in inclement conditions. It’s not my first choice for taking it on sandy trails or in inclement weather. Usually, ASICS running shoes last between 300-400 miles. I don’t think the Tri Noosa 15 will, my guess is with the lack of rubber around 250 miles.
ASICS Tri Noosa 15 Conclusion:
I really like the Tri Noosa 15 for what it is, a lightweight minimal running shoe. These shoes are slowly becoming a thing of the past but the Tri Noosa 15 remains as a good option. Plus, if you are looking for a fun shoe, you can’t go wrong.
Who should buy the ASICS Tri Noosa 15? If you are looking for a lightweight, minimal shoe or don’t like “heavy running shoes.” Or those just looking for one of the most fun-looking shoes in the running industry, I hope ASICS never changes their signature look.
Who should not buy the ASICS Tri Noosa 15? Those who are looking for a shoe with a lot of cushion or a dedicated speed work shoe. Or if you run somewhere that gets a ton of rain and slick roads.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: ASICS Tri Noosa, Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Brooks Caldera 6, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro , Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the ASICS Tri Noosa 15?
What is your favorite running shoe?
I might go with this shoe now that it doesn’t have the old bottom on it any longer from the previous architecture that I could run in, just did not enjoy the run. The color scheme has always made me want to love it more than how it fit me back in 2015 – 2020 (not exact on when it switched to the more modern design on the bottom).