Asics EvoRide 3 Introduction
The EvoRide returns and it continues to get better.
The newest installment comes in lighter than before, under 8 oz., and with a softer mesh upper.
The 3 continues to be a firmer lightweight daily trainer but with a less harsh ride than before.
The rocker design and FlyteFoam midsole toes the line of both a daily trainer and uptempo/ longer racing shoe.
The 3 maintains many fit and feel qualities of the previous versions but has enhanced them creating a more comfortable and snappy daily trainer.
Asics EvoRide 3 First Impressions
I had the pleasure of reviewing the first version of the EvoRide and was quite impressed, but with any first version of a shoe, they certainly had some areas to improve upon.
Fast forward to the EvoRide 3 which after unboxing to my surprise initially looked as if they hadn’t really changed.
That first impression quickly changed after picking up and placing the shoes on my feet for the first time. The difference in weight was the first thing that I immediately noticed.
The shoes were incredibly light, airy, more sculpted, and had dropped that fat beefy tongue. The EvoRide 3 still had the same clean roll that I remembered but on my first run felt more forgiving and less firm that seemed to improve as my pace climbed.
Asics EvoRide 3 Upper
The fit of the EvoRide 3 is unique. Unique from the stand point that like the sole unit it falls somewhere in between the plush upper of a daily trainer and a snug performance fit.
The engineered mesh is soft, highly breathable and less dense than I remember. The material is pliable but wrapped my foot snug particularly through the mid-foot which requires only the use of simple overlays for reinforcement.
The tongue is thin and only slightly padded, a welcome change from the previous versions which were a bit much in my opinion. The tongue is still ungusseted but did not migrate at anytime for me so may not be an issue as in the past.
The heel has a moderately stiff counter with an adequate amount of cushioning present that provides good structure and lockdown without irritation. Some runners have reported heel slippage or a floaty feeling but has not been the case on any runs thus far.
My only complaint is that the toe box continues to be slightly narrow but not to the point where my toes felt cramped.
Asics EvoRide 3 Sole Unit
The soul of the EvoRide 3 is the sole. The rocker shape and heel bevel geometry continue to give this shoe an awesomely smooth ride. The forward roll behaves well at steady or fast paces but slightly awkward when going slower.
Just like the first version I found that my pace would accidentally evolve into a tempo run more often than not.
Having run in the first version I found the ride of the 3 still firm but less harsh than the first version with a bit more resiliency which is interesting as both use the same single-density FlyteFoam.
It seems, at least to me, that with the slightly softer ride the roll and toe spring is less exaggerated but a fair trade-off in my opinion.
Don’t get me wrong there is still plenty toe spring there that propelled me forward especially as I picked up the pace and increased my forward lean. The Stack height of the shoe provided enough cushioning for most efforts but not enough to make it a consistent higher mileage shoe like the Nimbus Lite or GlideRide.
The outsole works harmoniously with the midsole providing reliable consistent traction on the road. The coverage is good around the perimeter of the shoe with the forefoot being almost entirely covered in rubber. After about 40 miles mine show little signs of wear so durability shouldn’t be a problem and am confident saying that they should carry most any runner for 300(ish) miles.
Asics EvoRide 3 Conclusions
The EvoRide continues to check a lot of boxes for me making it a standout daily trainer.
I think that some of the things that I love about it are what this shoe is not. It is not a plated shoe, it’s not a high stack height shoe, and it doesn’t use any performance foams like those found in super shoes.
Don’t get me wrong I love a super shoe just as much as the next runner but sometimes it’s refreshing to put on a shoe that relies more on your body to put in an honest effort which is what the EvoRide 3 does.
I still stand behind my original review of the first shoe that the EvoRide falls squarely between a speed and daily trainer and a solid choice for a runner looking for that one shoe quiver for tempo training and marathon or half marathon Race day.
The EvoRide 3 has no major flaws its comfortable, secure, and durable and the smooth and snappy ride make it a fun shoe to run in.