Asics Gel Noosa Tri 11

Editor rating: 8.7 / 10

User's rating: based on 44 user ratings

1 star

2 star

3 star

4 star

5 star

93%

Add your Rating

By Cesar Marin

All ASICS Shoes

Asics Gel Noosa Tri 11 Review Facts

See more facts

The Asics Gel Noosa gets its name from the Noosa Triathlon in Queensland, Australia. This shoe is bold, loud, and commands attention in all the right ways. The Noosa is a mid-stability shoe designed for neutral runners and overpronators alike. Asics incorporates several technological feats to create a truly remarkable shoe both inside and out. The average runner will appreciate it as much as competitive triathletes for many of the same reasons. Let’s just say that if the Noosa Tri 11 were a sandwich, it would be made of several tasty ingredients that are sure to please many runners by sandwiching them all under a single shoe. This eleventh edition of the Gel Noosa Tri line has numerous upgrades that improve upon many elements. Featuring a now-seamless upper, this upgrade makes sure the runner is free from irritation and discomfort. A Bunion Window is now located on the medial side of the forefoot. In the Noosa Tri 11, the material overlays of the upper have been reduced significantly, instead of making great use of its printed overlay system, which blends with the upper fabric to facilitate a custom fit while reducing overall weight. In addition, a Propulsion Plate has been placed in the forefoot to enable the runner with an efficient toe-off, which forefoot strikers will find of great benefit.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

Lightweight and comfortable
Attractive bold styling
Great for running in warm weather
Highly breathable upper
Made from durable rubber compound materials
Elastic lacing system for quick transitions

Cons

Some users have reported a narrow toe box
Does not run perfectly true to size
Some runners required an extra bit of cushioning

Outsole

The outsole on the Noosa Tri 11 is made from Asics AHAR rubber. AHAR stands for Asics High Abrasion Rubber, which is a type of rubber compound that's infused with quality carbon materials that for boosted tread and overall durability. This rubber covers high-impact spots on the shoe to protect it from wear and tear over time. The outsole is Asics’ proprietary DURASPONGE OUTSOLE, which is made from soft blown rubber compounds and is placed on the forefoot part of the shoe.

Midsole

On the midsole of the Tri 11, Asics’ renowned gel technology vial gel inserts are located on the forefoot and heel. The gel cushioning system is designed for impact absorption, responsiveness, and to help overall ease throughout the gait cycle. Several other components make up the midsole, including Asics’ SOLYTE MIDSOLE, which is lighter than the standard EVA material that most running shoes use. Asics’ DUOMAX SUPPORT system and the IMPACT GUIDANCE SYSTEM are also part of the midsole unit, and both systems are designed to enhance support and stability.
We've also reviewed Asics Noosa Tri 13, so make sure you check out that model as well.

Upper

The Noosa’s upper is more than just cool paint splatter graphics. This graphically appealing upper hides the seamless nature of the upper through the use of thin overlays. While there are still some separate material overlays, many of them on the Tri 11 are printed on. Printed overlays reduce the need for material overlays, which helps reduce overall weight. The engineered mesh enhances the overall aesthetic while its perforated sock liner encourages breathability. Its elastic lacing system is in place to allow for lightning fast lacing, an especially important component of a triathlon when the time is of the essence.

Weight

The Noosa Tri 11 reigns supremely in this category, weighing not quite as light as a feather but light enough for runners to take notice. The men’s version weighs in at 9.3 ounces/264 grams and the women’s weighs 8.1 ounces/230 grams, making them considerably lighter than many other shoes in the support/stability category. Asics incorporates the TRUSSTIC SYSTEM technology, which connects the heel to the forefoot. This system specifically maintains the structural integrity of the shoe while reducing its overall weight. Designed for competitive racing in mind, it’s no surprise that Asics strove to find innovative methods to keep the shoe as light as possible. In fact, it’s lighter than its predecessors in the line.

Breathability

Summers in Noosa can be on the warm side so you can’t ignore breathability if a shoe is to be named after this sunny coastal town. So how does Asics get that nice sea breeze into the foot chamber of the Tri 11? Let’s begin with the engineered mesh on the upper portion of the shoe. This mesh creates an exceptional ventilation system to get air into the foot chamber to circulate around the runner’s foot. This form of mesh keeps a constant flow of air going so that the foot stays cool, dry, and comfortable. On the midsole, you’ll also find a perforated insole that allows moisture drainage. Perforations can also be found on the sock liner, which makes it possible to go on a sock-less run.

Comfort

The Noosa Tri 11 integrates gel cushioning, lightweight mesh, and seamless construction to protect against abrasions, irritations, and to maintain optimal levels of comfort. Many runners have praised this shoe for its comfort but a few reviewers expressed their desire for an extra bit of cushioning.

Style

The Tri 11 has an edgy, vibrant style with its use of paint splash designs on the upper. The warm color combinations fits within the theme of warm sunny climates--which it makes sense given that many of the physical properties of the shoe are intended for warmer conditions. There are four color combinations available for the men’s shoes and 5 for the women’s. Versions for both genders garner equally distinct color options: Island Blue, Jewel, Hot Orange, Cockatoo, Flash Coral, and others to inspire inner island vibes. These hot hues are not just for flash, however: the bright colors allow for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.

Durability

It’s natural to associate strength and toughness with heavier materials, as the Tri 11’s density makes them more pliable against the elements. However, this shoe challenges that notion by producing a trainer that retains its integrity after many miles of wear despite the use of lightweight materials. Quality rubber components and the use of carbon filler on the outsole affect how the shoe withstands the constant pounding on the pavement, while carbon filler promotes the same type of protection as a vehicle’s tires does with handling, efficiency, and resiliency against grazing.

Protection

The Noosa Tri 11 has proven to be a shoe that’s good for one’s running health. To recap on its breathability functions, its upper mesh system provides air circulation that wicks moisture away and keeps the foot cool, helping to eliminate the chance for overheating. A Bunion Window is located on the medial side to protect against irritation, and both a perforated sock liner and insole also help drain out any fluid. The combination of these features is put in place to keep the foot healthy and out of coming to harm. When it comes to the rest of the runner’s body, the DUOMAX support system keeps the foot aligned and stable with each step. Its gel cushion inserts in the midsole protect during landings and takeoffs, and let’s not forget the added bonus of the shoe being covered in high-visibility colors to keep runners safe during night runs.

Responsiveness

Asics’ standard Speva midsole provides a better bounce with each step while protecting the shoe’s undercarriage. The Speva midsole is also lighter and stronger, which results in SPEVA delivering greater responsiveness for shoes that utilize it. Similar to this well-employed standard midsole, the Noosa Tri 11 features the Solyte midsole, an upgrade from the Speva that essentially provides the same benefits but is even better in that it’s lighter, more durable, and more responsive than the Speva midsole.

Support

The DUOMAX system is the main support component of the Tri 11 that enhances the shoe’s platform performance. This system helps keep the foot stable during movement and reduces over-pronation. Together with the gel cushioning function, runners end up with a shoe that keeps them stable and minimizes shock impact so that their feet are not bending in dangerously awkward angles.

Terrain

It comes as no surprise that a shoe named after a triathlon event is going to be intended for road use. Not only is this a great shoe for long distance running but it also works well as a daily outdoor trainer. This shoe contains the WET GRIP OUTSOLE, which offers great grip on slick terrain and acknowledges that some runners still go running, rain or shine. Great for tackling a quick run under the tropical rain, the Noosa Tri 11 is the shoe to do it in.

Price

A highly breathable, stable, responsive running shoe that offers solid traction, especially on slick terrain, the Noosa Tri 11 is made from lightweight--but quality materials. As such, it’s a pricier trainer than many other comparable trainers, but due to its durability, this is more of a good investment than a thrifty footwear purchase.

Traction

The Wet Grip outsole delivers exceptional traction on wet surfaces. Constructed from organic and non-organic compounds, the Tri 11 also features a Durasponge outsole composed from soft blown rubber. This provides durable cushioning for the forefoot and offers great grip on the road.

Flexibility

This review has already covered the use of lightweight materials throughout the Noosa Tri 11, but one of the main benefits from this is that lightweight usually translates to greater agility. With its seamless upper and engineered mesh, which were chosen for weight reduction, the Tri 11 is a very limber training option.

Stability

Despite it being a lightweight shoe, the Noosa Tri 11 still falls under the support/stability genre. It’s suitable for a large population of runners who struggle with mild over-pronation. Several components work together in creating its stability system, but the main component of this is the DUOMAX support system, which is a dual-density midsole.

The benefit of having more than one density is that you have a midsole maintaining a “checks and balances” system between opposing forces, as opposed to a single density midsole only addressing one issue but underserving another. For instance, a single density insole designed for cushioning will feel plush yet wobbly and unstable. A dual density insole, on the other hand, can address two issues into a single unit. Some shoes also feature multiple density midsoles. In addition, stability on the Noosa Tri 11 is guided by IGS (Impact Guidance System), which is a design specification that addresses the foot’s natural gait from heel to take off.

Drop

The Noosa’s drop measures 10mm, making the heel to toe height differential very similar to many other running shoes. It’s a bit surprising, considering that lightweight stability shoes such as these usually have lower drops.

Key Features

• Provides cushioning and support while maintaining stability

• Outsole composed of several tough rubber components

• WETGRIP OUTSOLE delivers great traction on wet surfaces

• Seamless construction reduces the possibility of irritation and friction

• Perforated sock liner improves moisture drainage and makes it possible to go sock-less

• Rearfoot and forefoot gel inserts add extra cushioning and impact absorption

• Elastic lacing system for quick transition

• Energetic, bold style

Bottom Line

The Asics Noosa Tri 11 does not disappoint. Rather, the disappointment would come if Asics decided to discontinue this line, leaving its fans in the dust. This shoe delivers a beautiful bouquet of features that spoil bratty runners who forever demand more and more from their next pair of running shoes—enhanced mechanics, superior comfort, overall protection, and a creative style. The Tri 11 offers all of these in one complete package while also serving as a stability shoe for those who suffer from mild over-pronation.

The Noosa Tri 11 could be considered a “knight in shining armor” of shoes. Sure, a few minor areas could use improvement, the major one being its sizing. It would also be ideal if Asics lowered the drop by a few millimeters. But for now, let’s appreciate this trainer for what it is: a stability/support shoe that’s light on the scale on heavy on innovation.