The ASICS Noosa Tri 16 continues the long-standing Noosa tradition of looking a little crazy. It has always been one of the brightest and most outlandish shoes on the market. In a sea of running shoes that have changed designs, gone muted, gone brighter, matched trends, and then reversed course again, the Noosa has always just been…bright.
It honestly feels like a blast from the past. This is not a carbon-plate “super shoe,” but a lightweight racing shoe that is often chosen for triathlons. If you miss running shoes from 10–15 years ago, the ASICS Noosa Tri 16 may be a good option.
I may need to start adding a sustainability section on running shoes reviews but I also appreciate that ASICS has started using more sustainable options. In the Noosa Tri 16, they use FF BLAST PLUS with 20% bio-based content and recycled polyester in the upper. Of course, I would like to see even more sustainable materials across the board, but this is a solid step in the right direction.
The first impression is the obvious one: it is light, and it feels like it. That sounds basic, but a lot of shoes in this category claim to be “lightweight,” and they really are not. The transition feels smooth and natural.If you are exhausted by the trend of shoes getting taller, softer, and loaded with stack height, the Noosa Tri 16 is not that.
Before trying the ASICS Noosa Tri 16, I had a few questions.
Is the ASICS Noosa Tri 16 good for everyday running?
Yes. While the Noosa Tri 16 is marketed toward triathletes, it works well as an everyday running shoe for runners who prefer a lighter, lower-profile feel. It handles easy runs, steady efforts, and faster workouts without feeling overly specialized or awkward outside of triathlon training.
Can you use the ASICS Noosa Tri 16 for long runs or marathon training?
You can use the Noosa Tri 16 for long runs if you prefer a firmer, lighter shoe, but most marathon-focused runners will likely want more cushioning. For higher mileage weeks or peak marathon training, it works better as a rotation shoe rather than a primary trainer.
How does the ASICS Noosa Tri 16 fit compared to other ASICS running shoes?
The Noosa Tri 16 fits true to ASICS’ typical sizing, which means it runs slightly narrow. Runners with wider feet may want to consider sizing up a half size. The fit is secure and performance-oriented, without excessive padding.
Is the ASICS Noosa Tri 16 a good shoe for triathlon transitions?
Yes. The lightweight build, breathable upper, and easy on-and-off design make it well suited for fast transitions. The shoe dries quickly and feels comfortable without socks, which is why it has remained a popular triathlon shoe for years.
What type of runner benefits most from the ASICS Noosa Tri 16?
The Noosa Tri 16 is best for runners who want a lightweight daily trainer that feels quick and responsive. It works especially well for runners doing workouts, shorter runs, brick workouts, gym sessions after runs, or events like Hyrox where versatility matters.
Is the ASICS Noosa Tri 16 good for Hyrox?
Yes, I believe the ASICS Noosa Tri 16 is one of the best running shoes for Hyrox because it’s lightweight and you’re able to pick up the pace for running. Then it’s not a high stack height that it will interfere with the weightlifting portion.
Now, let’s get into an honest ASICS Noosa Tri 16 review.
Quick Facts:
Price: $135 MSRP
Weight (men): 7.6 oz
Weight (women): 6.6 oz
Stack height: 34 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot
Drop: 5 mm
Intended use: Lightweight daily trainer that can handle uptempo runs, workouts, and triathlon training
ASICS Noosa Tri 16 Upper
The upper is breathable and clearly built with ventilation in mind, which makes sense for triathlon use and also makes sense if you live somewhere hot or run in conditions where your shoes feel like ovens. I live in the Mojave Desert, and there are certain shoes I simply cannot use in the summer because they do not breathe at all.
The fit lands firmly in performance-trainer territory. It holds the foot securely and is not overly padded.
The best running shoes disappear off your feet, and for the most part, the ASICS Noosa Tri 16 does just that. If you have never worn ASICS before, they tend to fit on the narrower side, so you may need to go up a half size. The lace system makes it easy to get on and off, which seems like it would be great for triathlons. Do I do triathlons? No. But it still makes sense.
In running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10–11 wide, and the size 11 fits me best here. As mentioned, ASICS does run narrow, so that is something to keep in mind. I generally tell people they will likely need to size up a half size…even if its too the biggest size you’ve ever worn.
ASICS Noosa Tri 16 Ride
FF BLAST PLUS is the midsole foam here, and the Noosa uses it in a way that keeps the shoe quick and light. The ride is responsive, which you would expect from a lightweight, no-frills shoe. There is not a ton to say about FF BLAST PLUS in this case. It does its job, and it feels like a classic lightweight running shoe.
Where does the ASICS Noosa Tri 16 fit into my rotation? This part is slightly complicated. It works best as a lightweight, uptempo shoe that leans toward racing. You can use it as a trainer if you are not running high mileage or if you prefer something light, but it is not going to last as long as a traditional daily trainer.
If you are someone who runs a few miles and then goes straight into a gym workout, this is a great option. If you are training for a marathon, you will likely want more cushion.
In my opinion, the ASICS Noosa Tri 16 is also one of the better options for Hyrox. You want a shoe that is light enough to run fast but flat enough to handle strength workouts, and this checks those boxes.
Outsole and Traction
ASICS has always done a good job with traction, and the Noosa Tri 16 is no different. I have used it in inclement weather and on sandy trails without any issues, which is appreciated considering how wet this winter has been in the California desert. ASICSGRIP does its job here.
In terms of durability, the Noosa Tri 16 is light and borders on a minimalist shoe by today’s standards. That means durability will reflect that. It is not the shoe you are going to put thousands of miles on, but it should hold up well for daily training and workouts. I have about 100 miles on mine and I think it will last about 300 total miles.
ASICS Noosa Tri 16 Conclusion
The ASICS Noosa Tri 16 is a lightweight trainer that feels like it was built for running first. It is quick, responsive, and reminds me of the past running shoes.
It is not a plush recovery shoe, and it is not a towering super trainer. It is a fast-leaning daily option that works especially well for workouts, steady efforts, and runs where you want the shoe to feel awake right away and no, you do not need to be training for triathlons to wear it.
Who Should Buy the ASICS Noosa Tri 16
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Runners who want a lightweight daily trainer without a lot of stack height or cushioning
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Triathletes who want a shoe that supports quick transitions but still feels legit for training
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People who are tired of “super trainer” weight without wanting to jump straight to race-only shoes
Who Should Not Buy It
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Runners who want max cushion and a soft, pillowy ride for recovery days
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Anyone who needs stability or more cushioning
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Runners who hate feeling the ground at all
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, On Cloudboom Max
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, adidas Prime Strung X3,
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: ASICS Metaspeed Ray, Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Vaporfly 4
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the ASICS Tri Noosa 16?
What is your favorite running shoe?