asics xima limited edition gel kayano 6 deep dive review

Preface

For runners, there are always a few marathons in the first half of the year that are the most anticipated events and the best platform to test the results of winter training.

The Wuxi International Marathon has been around for five years. Its beautiful course environment and the organizational capabilities of Huipao have made the Wuxi International Marathon increasingly popular and international.

Every March, when the cherry blossoms bloom, the Wuxi Marathon begins. Running along the cherry blossom-lined shores of Lihu Lake, the Ten-Mile Fragrant Path of Turtle Head Isle, and landmarks like Jiangnan University, one can feel the unique charm of the Jiangnan water town, as if running in an ink painting.

Running in a painting is the essence of the Wuxi Marathon.

With only 33,000 spots available, the Wuxi Marathon is highly sought after, and a lottery is inevitable. The total number of applicants exceeds 100,000, and this year the elite direct entry standards have been significantly raised, resulting in an overall lottery success rate of less than 25%. For someone like me, who never wins the lottery and isn't fast enough for direct entry, relying on luck is impossible. I can never win the lottery in this lifetime!

For a wanderer living in Wuxi, the advantage of competing at home without the hassle of traveling is obvious. Since luck isn't on my side and my ability is lacking, I had to think of other ways, like seeking sponsorship spots.

Asics is a sponsor of the Wuxi Marathon and has been collaborating for two years. They hold a large number of entry spots and release limited edition marathon shoes each year, offering entry spots with the purchase of these shoes.

Last year's limited edition was only the GEL-Nimbus 20. This year, they continued with the GEL-Nimbus 21 and added a more affordable option, the Tartherzeal 6, to meet the needs of different runners.

The Tartherzeal 6 is a more professional racing shoe. For someone like me, determined to achieve a personal best at the Wuxi Marathon and qualify for direct entry, the Tartherzeal 6 might be the best choice.

Thus, the limited edition Tartherzeal 6 for the Wuxi Marathon was added to my collection.

Unboxing

Cherry blossoms are a signature feature of the Wuxi Marathon. In March, Wuxi is filled with blooming cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque scene of pink and white walls, black tiles, and Jiangnan bridges and waterways. The custom-designed limited edition marathon shoes naturally incorporate cherry blossom elements.

When I opened the package, I was amazed. The white and orange shoe box was adorned with cherry blossom elements all around. The orange cherry blossoms, like silhouettes, were scattered beautifully. Honestly, no shoe box has ever excited me this much.

The large orange Asics logo on the shoe box extends to the sides of the lid, making it highly recognizable. The cherry blossom elements on three sides of the box are stunning.

The limited edition Tartherzeal 6 features an orange and white color scheme. The white is actually an off-white, and the logo and cherry blossoms on the heel are orange, even the lace tips are accented with orange! The color combination is harmonious, not flashy or abrupt, and matches well with Wuxi in March.

The Tartherzeal 6 is very lightweight. The men's size 42.5 weighs only 183 grams, and without the insole, it weighs just 150 grams.

The upper is made of suede and breathable mesh. The suede is soft and lightweight, providing a good fit. The mesh is also very thin, offering excellent breathability. The overall craftsmanship is top-notch.

The heel features the TARTHERZEAL 6 identity mark.

The insole has a serial number and production date underneath.

The tongue features the identity mark - Tartherzeal.

The Tartherzeal 6 is designed with an Asian fit, increasing the width of the forefoot for more room. The static feel is lightweight, comfortable, and grippy, but the fit is slightly weak, which is a common issue with racing shoes. The lightweight design inevitably sacrifices some fit, but serious runners with strong feet can support the lightweight shoes.

The forefoot and heel of the Tartherzeal 6 are equipped with Asics' core technology T-GE, which provides impact resistance and high cushioning performance, effectively absorbing landing impact.

The midsole uses innovative FlyteFoam technology. FlyteFoam is Asics' classic midsole technology, featuring organic fibers that are lightweight, resilient, and resistant to deformation. The on-foot feel is very responsive, making it easy to pick up speed.

The outsole is made of Asics' high-abrasion rubber AHAR+, which offers three times the durability of traditional rubber while being lightweight and slip-resistant. The forefoot outsole pattern is designed to mimic the paw prints of felines, providing excellent grip, which is why it's named Tartherzeal.

The outsole structure features a plate-like component from the midfoot to the forefoot, providing stability and rebound during high-speed running, improving running efficiency.

The midfoot connection area is reinforced with a TRUSSTIC midfoot stabilizer, enhancing rigidity and stability during movement. In simple terms, it provides a push-off feel and helps prevent ankle sprains. The feel is indeed superior to shoes without a physical midfoot support plate.

Performance Test

The Tartherzeal is indeed an excellent racing shoe. On my first run, I broke my personal records for both 5K and 10K!

Thanks to its lightweight design, it reduces the burden on the feet. The midfoot push-off plate provides a noticeable speed boost, and the forefoot and heel rebound well, allowing for a faster stride and increased cadence.

It performs best on the road, with excellent grip and noticeable friction, giving a strong sense of confidence. Even on wet surfaces, it maintains strong grip.

However, if your foot strength is insufficient, handling the Tartherzeal 6 might be challenging. Its pursuit of lightweight design inevitably compromises fit and cushioning, making it unsuitable for average runners.

The Tartherzeal 6 is clearly designed for elite runners aiming for a marathon time of under 3:30, or even under 3:00. Heavier runners should choose carefully. I plan to wear it for this year's Wuxi Marathon, aiming for a time of 3:15. I hope to succeed in this challenge.