Colourful Speed

Itmay sport the loudest colour scheme on the market, but this shoe hits the pavement softly. The Tri 8 has dropped about an ounce in weight from last year’s model, while maintaining the support and performance attributes of its earlier versions. Triathletes will love the perforated sock-liner and open mesh upper, which combine to keep feet cool and dry. The comfortable sock-free fit and elastic laces make for fast transitions off the bike. ( They also come with standard flat laces). Although lightweight, the Gel-Noosa Tri 8 features a firm arch, courtesy of its Propulsion Trusstic, which Asics says mirrors the foot’s connective tissue, facilitating the phase from mid-stance to toe- off.

The supportive Dynamic Duomax medial post encourages an even distribution of pressure and helps prevent pronation. If the colour scheme doesn’t make you want to run fast, the detailed ref lective panels will. Small graphics of cyclists, runners and swimmers appear animated by the ref lective rainbow hue. With such attention to form on the GEL- Noosa Tri 8, you know the function is intact.– SZ