Asics Noosa Tri 11
The Asics Gel Noosa derives its name from the Queensland, Australia Noosa Triathlon. The loud, bold shoe commands attention. It is a mid-stability shoe made for both over-pronators and neutral runners.
Several technological feats have been incorporated to create a remarkable shoe inside and out. Both competitive triathletes and average runners appreciate the shoes for the same reasons. The eleventh Noosa Tri edition has some upgrades that are improvements over previous versions.
The shoes now have a seamless upper which ensures runners are free from discomfort and irritation. On the medial side, there is a Bunion Window located on the forefoot. There is a significant reduction of material overlays in the upper.
A printed overlay system is used instead. It blends with the fabric in the upper to reduce overall weight and facilitate a custom fit. It also has a Propulsion Plate placed in the forefoot. The plate enables a runner with efficient toe-off. Forefoot strikers will find it beneficial.
- Attractive, bold styling
- Durable rubber compound materials
- Elastic lacing system
- Great for warm weather running
- Highly breathable upper
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Narrow toe box
- Runs half size smaller than normal
- Some runners need extra cushion
Outsole
Asics proprietary Durasponge Outsole is made from compounds of soft blown rubber and placed on the shoe’s forefoot. The gel sole is likely the feature that sells the footwear. The gel cushioning system is ideal.
The outsole is what Asics calls its Wet Grip Outsole. It works well. The outsole is basically a road sole. It is on the flat, smooth side and has classic hinge points for the balls of the feet. The bottom has a center line and a bit of a heel at the heel strike. It grips well in wet conditions.
Midsole
The midsole is made up of several other components that include the Asics Solyte Midsole. It is lighter than the EVA material that is used in most running shoes. The Impact Guidance System and the Duomax Support system are parts of the midsole unit. Both are designed to enhance stability and support.
Upper
Using printed overlays reduces the need for overlays made of material. Engineered mesh enhances the aesthetics, and the perforated sock liner encourages breathability. One of the best features of the shoe is that it comes with its own elastic laces.
They are easy to fit. One of the beauties of the shoe is that it is designed to take elastic laces. A typical running shoe and elastic laces may cause a grip in the wrong part. Getting it balanced can be difficult. Repeating; the shoe is designed for elastic laces.
The elastic lacing system allows for fast lacing. It is a critical component of triathlons when time is a factor. The shoes come with traditional laces that can be removed. The elastic laces are in the box. The tongue has a stitched in looping to use to put the elastic laces in place.
When putting the foot in the shoe, the tongue does not slide down the shoe. It is a clever addition to the shoe. This shoe is not the only one that uses it, but it is an excellent feature. There are no seams around the shoe.
Weight
Others claim the men’s Tri 11 weighs 264 grams or 9.3 ounces and the women’s 230 grams or 8.1 ounces. Any of the weights are considerably lighter than many running shoes in the support and stability category.
The Trusstic System technology is incorporated that connects the forefoot to the heel. The system maintains the shoe’s structural integrity while reducing the overall weight. Made for competitive racing, Asics strives to find innovative methods that keep the shoes as light as possible. The Tri 11 is lighter than its predecessor.
Breathability
The mesh system creates exceptional ventilation that gets air to the foot chamber and circulates it around the foot. This mesh form keeps air continually flowing so that the foot is comfortable, dry, and cool. A perforated midsole allows moisture drainage. There are also perforations on the sock liner that make sockless running possible.
Comfort
The shoe has been designed to be worn without socks. It is a barefoot running shoe. It is not a problem to wear socks, but sprinting an Olympic distance and running in bare feet is very comfortable. Reviewers who like the barefoot option for sprints prefer wearing socks for long distances.
Style
The Tri 11 has a vibrant, edgy style created by a paint splash design on the upper. Warm color combinations fit into the theme of a warm sunny climate. Many of the shoe’s properties are meant for warmer conditions.
Men’s shoes come in four color combinations. There are five for women. They are each distinct color options that include Flash Coral, Cockatoo, Hot Orange, Jewel, Island Blue, and others meant to inspire island vibes. The hot hues are more than flashy. They allow enhanced low-light condition visibility.
Durability
The use of carbon as a filler and the quality rubber components on the outsole affect how well the shoes will withstand constant pavement pounding. The carbon filler promotes the kind of protection vehicle tires do with resiliency against grazing, efficiency, and handling.
Protection
On the medial side, a Bunion Window protects against irritation. The insole and sock liner are perforated to help drain any fluid. The combination keeps the feet from harm and keeps them healthy. Being covered in highly visible colors keeps runners safe when they run at night.
Responsiveness
Support
Terrain
It offers excellent grip on terrain that is slippery. The shoe is excellent for quick runs under tropical rains. The shoe is not a trail shoe. It does have a reasonable amount of grip in the pattern. The shoe is ideal for a triathlon. Many triathlons are run around a park. They are not solely a road run shoe.
Price
Traction
Flexibility
Stability
A ‘checks and balances’ system is created by having a dual-density midsole that works between opposing forces. Single density midsoles address only one issue and under serve another. A simple density insole made for a plush feeling cushion feels unstable and wobbly.
Dual-density addresses two issues with a single unit. Some shoes feature multiple density midsoles. The Noosa Tri 11 is I.G.S. guided. It is specifically designed to address the natural gait of the feet from take-off to heel. Asics professes that the stabilizing guidance system allows the runner to keep the speed up for more extended periods.
Drop
Key Features
* Elastic lacing system
* Energetic, bold style
* Forefoot and rearfoot gel inserts provide impact absorption and extra cushioning
* Perforated sock line for improved moisture drainage
* Provides support and cushioning while maintaining stability
* Seamless construction reduces friction and irritation
* Several tough rubber compounds used in the outsole
* Traction on wet surfaces provided by Wetgrip Outsole
Bottom Line
All are offered in a complete package that serves as a stability shoe for runners suffering from mild over-pronation. Reviewers suggest buying a half size larger than a standard shoe. A lot of runners are very loyal to a brand.
Asics fans absolutely love the shoe. Those who have not previously worn Asics are encouraged to give the shoes a try. They are excellent shoes. Triathletes will find the shoes have features that will help along the way.