We have never had a bigger response on social for any shoe than we have for the new NOOSA Tri 13 from ASICS. This includes shoes like the Alphafly, Adios Pro, and more. There is something about the shoe that just turns heads and while it is billed as a triathlon shoe, we can tell you this does it a tremendous disservice. It truly is a shoe for runners and triathletes alike and while it is primarily based on the EvoRide 2 platform, there are some subtle differences that we actually think make it even more enjoyable.
Quick Details, Specs, and Availability
- Twinsies with the EvoRide 2, BUT with some upper changes we just love.
- Weighs in at 7.9oz or 224g for a US Men’s 9, 6.5oz or 184g for a US Women’s 7.
- Features 25mm of cushion and has a 5mm heel/toe drop.
- Retails at $130.00 USD and comes in 2 colors for Men and Women.
Run Test
As we mentioned, the NOOSA Tri 13 is really a carbon copy of the EvoRide 2 from the midsole down. It is based on the ASICS GUIDESOLE platform with that nice rocker design and geared for a more up-tempo run style. This makes the NOOSA can be a capable speed or tempo shoe as well as a racer depending on what you’re looking for. The real change in the NOOSA is in the upper and while some of those changes are meant for triathletes, there are elements about it that we think will cater to runners as well. Those choices will dictate whether you’re interested in this or the EvoRide 2.
Probably the best part about the NOOSA Tri 13 comes when you first put your foot in. The silkily lined interior of the upper just feels really good against your foot. So with socks or without socks, ASICS has done a great job making sure it not only feels good but that it still breathes well. If you are a triathlete and you want to use the included elastic laces, then getting these on and off is super fast and will make transitions all that much simpler. It does have a nice wide platform just like the EvoRide 2 and even in that forefoot, there is plenty of room which allows for a more relaxed overall feeling. It definitely feels wider and more accommodating than other NOOSA models we have seen prior.
The run feel is going to be highly subjective. The reason for this is the entire GUIDESOLE platform while providing a more up-tempo experience also has a firmer ride. So this is not a soft shoe in any way and while there is a decent amount of cushion, you won’t feel any real sponginess. These are shoes that want to go and even when you try to back off a little bit, it almost has a carbon level of responsiveness where it just wants to maintain speed. It is also a very fun shoe to run in. Not only does it look great in motion and draw a lot of attention, but it really lets you pick it up and while a lot of people could use this as an everyday shoe, it truly is race-ready and definitely good for your faster training days.
The challenge we are left with is choosing between the NOOSA Tri 13 and EvoRide 2, but for us it’s an easy choice. We definitely prefer the NOOSA and here is why. The upper is really incredibly comfortable, including the addition of the gusseted tongue, and even the heel pull just push it over the top. If you need a more substantial upper and heel counter, then you will want to go with the EvoRide 2, but the NOOSA has just enough for us so we will stick with this one.
Construction: Upper
The upper on the NOOSA Tri 13 is an engineered mesh and the ASICS logo on the side is an overlay that ads side to side stability and prevents the upper material from flexing too much. The interior has a much smoother layer of fabric to provide a sock-like interior which is obviously geared to sockless running but really improves the on-foot experience. The tongue has also been changed from the EvoRide 2. It is now gusseted, features much less padding, and is aerated for even more readability. The heel counter has been reduced in terms of stiffness, but we find it still holds you really well. They have also added a heel pull for easy on and off and the shoe does come with two sets of laces, standard and elastic obviously geared to triathletes. We tested both and they work equally well, but the elastic laces are a lot of fun and make on and off really quick. You just can’t get them cinched down as much as you can with the standard laces.
Engineered mesh upper 
Gussetted tongue with higher breathability 
Heel pull and nicely padded collar 
Elastic laces included as well
Construction: Midsole
The midsole uses ASICS GUIDESOLE technology which is supposed to improve overall efficiency by decreasing overall flexion. This leads to a firmer more responsive feel as the midsole wants to rebound faster and inevitably help acceleration. You should expect a faster more performant ride because of that. The landing area is also widened giving you more foot on the ground contact which increases overall stability and control.
Midsole – lateral front 
Midsole – lateral rear 
Midsole – medial rear 
Midsole – medial front
Construction: Outsole
The outsole uses a very thin layer of rubber that encircles the foot and then a much larger swath has been placed in the center of the forefoot. It is the one drawback we found in the because the grip isn’t simply all that great in wetter weather or on slippery surfaces. It also will fever forefoot strikers because there is very limited rubber on the heel.
Outsole overhead
Style & Aesthetics
As we continue to point out, we love color when it comes to running shoes but the NOOSA Tri 13 really knocks it out of the park. It will definitely not be for everyone we understand, but we love it and every variation of this paint splatter design just looks so cool. It always garners attention when you are on the road, so expect to turn some heads.
Overall Conclusion
If it isn’t clear after all of this, but we had a great time testing the ASICS NOOSA Tri 13. While it does share the same midsole and outsole as the EvoRide 2, we really appreciate the changes to the upper which are targeted to triathletes, but runners, in general, will really enjoy it. That silky smooth interior really just works so well and the fact that the upper overall just has less structure than the EvoRide makes it feel a bit faster and lighter. The look will not be for everyone, but clearly, we are fans and we are so happy that this shoe is something any type of runner can enjoy. Our only drawback is obviously the outsole, but for most road conditions it will be just fine.
Learn more on the ASICS website
Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
