Asics FF Turbo Squared

Sagasu Running states that FF Turbo Squared is an ATPU-based foam.

Sagasu Running describes FF Turbo Squared as a training foam specifically, not a watered-down version of FF Leap, but a foam developed specifically for training — which the reviewer finds brilliant.

Sagasu Running describes FF Turbo Squared as AS6's performance training foam — an ATPU foam tuned for bounce or energy return and protection — and emphasizes it is not a watered-down version of FF Leap.

kofuzi states that the Sonic Blast uses FF Turbo Squared as its top-layer midsole foam, describing it as the same type of ATPU midsole foam seen in the ASICS Megablast.

Sagasu Running states that [brand] lists the selling points of FF Turbo Squared as being 32% bouncier, 9.6% softer, and 2.8% lighter than FF Turbo Plus.

Sagasu Running observes that [brand] is basing FF Turbo Squared off of their previous race foam (FF Turbo Plus), which the reviewer sees as a big glimpse into where AS6 is headed with their foams.

Sagasu Running observes that the FF Turbo Squared core sits independently in a wrapper of FF Blast Max, and the forefoot experience of the shoe is approximately 95% FF Turbo Squared, with two rails of FF Blast Max on the sides containing the core.

Sagasu Running states that the FF Turbo Squared part in the forefoot is not just a narrow pod — it spreads out to be essentially the entire forefoot, narrowing down to the visible pod on the bottom, and he considers this good engineering.

Sagasu Running observes that the Sonic Blast has a combination of FF Turbo Squared and FF Blast Max.

kofuzi states that beneath the FF Turbo Squared there is a layer of FF Blast Max, the same daily-training foam used in the Novablast.

Sagasu Running reports that Asics told him the FF Turbo Squared foam in the Nova Blast 6 forefoot is the same formulation as in the Mega Blast; it feels softer because of the engineering and shape of the core, but it is not a softer formulation.

Sagasu Running finds the Nova Blast 6 softer overall than the Nova Blast 5, though not in a mushy way; he acknowledges another reviewer (Kuzi) found the Nova Blast 6 firmer and speculates the difference may be due to testing in different temperatures.

Sagasu Running reports testing the Nova Blast 6 predominantly in extremely hot temperatures (36-38°C / upper 90s °F) on hot roads that cause foams to fatigue and soften, and the shoe performed well under those conditions.

Sagasu Running reports he put approximately 50 miles (83 km) into the Nova Blast 6 for testing and found the shoe very consistent, with no issues of the two foams breaking in or fatiguing at different rates.

Sagasu Running observes that after about 50 miles of testing in the Nova Blast 6, he sees no visible wear on the outsole — no wear on the AHAR low rubber, no wear on the Asics Grip rubber, and no wear on the lateral forefoot where he typically sees some smoothing or roughing by that mileage.

Sagasu Running speculates that FF Blast Max will still likely pack out at the same pace as the Nova Blast 5, but because the forefoot experience is essentially FF Turbo Squared, that should take pressure off the FF Blast Max and make the shoe more durable; the forefoot experience will be very durable because FF Turbo Squared is known to be a very durable foam.

Sagasu Running attributes to a conversation with Asics's Paul Lang that the second reason for putting the FF Turbo Squared core in the Nova Blast 6 was durability, and that Asics is disappointed with the durability of FF Blast Max.

Sagasu Running speculates that FF Blast Max will still likely pack out at the same pace as the Nova Blast 5, but because the forefoot experience is essentially FF Turbo Squared, that should take pressure off the FF Blast Max and make the shoe more durable; the forefoot experience will be very durable because FF Turbo Squared is known to be a very durable foam.

kofuzi finds that the interaction of the three elements (FF Turbo Squared, FF Blast Max, and the plate) produces a pleasant softness on impact but also feels like something is pulling the shoe down and holding onto it longer before release, leading to a feeling of sluggishness.

kofuzi finds that when running faster, the bounciness is nice and the FF Turbo Squared feels good, but the overall weight and lagginess in foam response time were not quick enough.

kofuzi finds that when slowed down to easy-effort paces, the shoe felt really nice; both FF Turbo Squared and FF Blast Max were enjoyable.

kofuzi finds the shoe feels cumbersome, fights when trying to run faster, and gives a stabilized sensation where the rocker and Astro Plate try to control foot movement.

kofuzi speculates that a cutout on the outer skid of rubber at the back of the shoe signals the shoe may be intended for more heel-striking runners, because it allows the foam more area to compress without rubber encapsulation.

kofuzi speculates that the cutout in the heel outsole and the rigid front rocker indicate the shoe is designed to be rolled through and pushed off of (heel-strike / midfoot-to-heel strike) rather than landed on in the front and pushed off of, which is how the reviewer prefers to run.

kofuzi speculates that the shoe will be perfect for heel strikers who want a plated Novablast feeling, or for runners who previously could not run in Novablast because it was too chaotic or too squishy.

Sagasu Running finds the Nova Blast 6 maintains the same stability/support as the Nova Blast 5, but the 6 feels more nimble and agile and less bulky — an attribute he confirms Asics told him they worked on via parametric design to optimize flex and structure and reduce bulk.

Sagasu Running finds the Nova Blast 6 as stable as the Nova Blast 5, but the 6 feels more nimble and agile and not as bulky.

Sagasu Running finds that FF Turbo Squared can be used for training and for everything FF Blast Max could do, but has similar performance to FF Leap and is a little more stable, making it a good compromise for a lot of runners.

Sagasu Running believes that AS6 is probably making the best training foam right now with FF Turbo Squared.

Sagasu Running finds that in his initial testing (50 miles/80 km), he did not feel a prominent trampoline effect from the FF Turbo Squared pod, even when intentionally running on sections of road designed to push the pod into his foot.