Wondering which ASICS running shoes are worth trying out? We’ve logged the miles so that to could find the best options for every type of runner. Find out why these made our list!
Founded in 1949, by Kihachiro Onitsuka in Japan, ASICS is an acronym for the Latin expression “Anima Sana in Corpore Sano” (“healthy mind in a healthy body”).
The company released a basketball shoe in 1950, followed by running shoes in 1953. Among those running shoe products included the Onitsuka Tiger, still a popular shoe today, though mainly used as a casual shoe as opposed to a marathon shoe.
Shoes have come a long way since that first model (cough hello massive cushion) and we’re pretty excited about what Asics is putting out right now.
Best ASICS Running Shoes
No matter your speed or shoe need, Asics has a massive line up to help cover your needs. What we’re most happy about though is from a lot of testing, we would absolutely recommend these shoes to family and friends! All right, let’s talk about the best Asics running shoes right now.
Best All Around Daily Trainer- ASICS Novablast 5
The Novablast has been a favorite cushioned running shoe since it first launched and each update brings more cushioning while reducing the weight. It’s not the plushest shoe out there, but it’s a great amount of cushion in a weight that’s going to translate to a lot of miles for the average runner from training even to race day.
The 5 has a completely new full length midsole with their FF Blast Max foam. This shoe is a more responsive cushion that you’re not going to sink into as much.
We really like this level of cushion for every runner. It’s going to hold up for LONG runs and lots of daily miles.
While this is a neutral shoe, with no guiderails or anything for stability, it absolutely has some of that built into the design. The width of the platform from toe to heel reduces pronation and provides a really good ride.
- Will take you from training through race day for mid-pack runners
- Weight: 7.9 oz Women’s, 9.1 oz Men’s
- Heel toe drop: 8mm
- 8 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available at Asics.com and Zappos $160 (my favorite for easy returns)
- Read our review of the ASICS Novablast 5 >>
Best Max Cushioned Running Shoe- ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27
Ready for some serious cushion to cover the miles or just for an easy recovery run? The inclusion of FF Blast foam and GEL offers cushioned support that’s hard to beat.
It’s not a snappy shoe, but for the crazy stack height it is stable and will work for our heavier runners. The wider base creates stability without the stiffness of a traditional stability shoe.
We think it’s a great fit for those wanting a long run or easy run day shoe. It’s not your fast run shoe, but an excellent choice for a 5 hour marathon to have cushion and support.
The midsole is still FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning, made from 24% bio-based materials to keep moving toward a goal of sustainability.
- Good for recovery runs, longer miles for middle and back of the pack
- Weight: 9.2 oz Women’s, 10.7 oz Men’s
- Heel Drop: 8mm
- 4 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available at Asics.com for $160
- See our full Asics Gel Nimbus 27 review >>
Best Middle of the Pack Marathon Shoe- ASICS Superblast 2
The Asics Superblast 2 is a non-plated super trainer that’s incredibly lightweight and still cushioned. It’s a great race day option for many runners.
Finding a lightweight shoe that feels comfortable over many miles isn’t always easy if you aren’t talking about a bouncy carbon plated high end shoe. But the Superblast has quickly become a favorite of many and within a few runs our team quickly agreed, it’s special.
One of our big questions at 45mm stack height is always does it feel stable and the answer is absolutely. This is due to the flare you see along the midsole and the extended heel.
The entire shoe is just wider, which controls that lateral movement without a rigid guide. That makes this really good for long runs and marathon runs.
This shoe hits the mark as one that can do a LOT of things for runners at a lot of paces. If you don’t need a lightweight option, then we think the Novablast is a stellar choice for the cost savings.
- Non-plated super trainer perfect for many runners
- Weight: 8.8oz Unisex sizing
- Heel toe drop: 8mm
- 4 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available at Asics.com for $200
- Read my review of the Asics Superblast 2 >>
Best Stability Running Shoe- ASICS Gel-Kayano 31
The ASICS GEL Kayano was first released in 1993 and due to its popularity is now on the 31st edition! This shoe was introduced as one of their first for the “high mileage runner” and clearly has a loyal following for a stability shoe.
It’s more cushioned than most stability shoes and thus has remained a favorite of many runners for a very long time. To be clear, it’s not that plush max cushion feel, but a moderate underfoot feel that allows for pronation correction.
The fit is in line with most shoes, but you will notice a bit more of a heel lock. This is ideal for runners who have Achilles Pain or ankle pain while running, along with overpronation, because it will reduce the stress on those areas.
- Good for recovery runs, longer miles for middle and back of the pack
- Weight: 9.3 oz Women’s, 11 oz Men’s
- Heel drop: 10 mm
- 9 colors
- Available in wide
- Available at Asics.com for $165
- Read our review of the Asics Gel-Kayano 31 >>
Fastest Carbon Plated Racing Shoe- ASICS Metaspeed Sky
The Metasped Sky is a maximum cushioned carbon fiber plate for the marathon runner in you. It’s going to give you both that feeling of comfort over the miles along with the pop that’s often lost in a highly cushioned shoe.
We did find that like many carbon plated shoes it doesn’t feel super stable, so if you have any ankle issues or need that wider base probably not a good fit. It’s also most ideal for the front of the pack forefoot to midfoot strikers.
It’s not a back of the pack speed shoe, you won’t get the benefits because your gait is different.
- A go-to pick for speed workouts and marathon efforts
- Weight: 5.8 oz Unisex sizing
- Heel drop: 5 mm
- 4 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available from Asics.com and RunningWarehouse.com for $250
Best Trail Running Shoe- ASICS Gel Trabuco 13
We’ll be super honest and say that Asics hasn’t traditionally been a go to for us when it comes to trail running. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t in the space and figuring something out with the cushion that we already love.
If you’re looking to pick up the pace on the trails, this is going to be a great option. Asics used it’s FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning in the midsole to help absorb impact underfoot.
There’s also a rock protection plate at the front of the shoe to help protect your toes if you kick a rock or two while running!
The outsole is designed with the ASICSGRIP rubber to keep you steady on uneven ground and slippery conditions, which is perfect for slippery, more technical trails!
- A great shoe to pick up the pace while on the trails
- Weight: 8.8 oz Women’s, 10 oz Men’s
- Heel toe drop: 8 mm
- 4 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available at Asics.com for $140
Best Walking Shoe- Asics Gel Cumulus
Any time a shoe has made it up to version 26 I say something good is happening. That’s a sign that people are coming back again and again for that model, which should give you some comfort.
The outsole is made of rubberized EVA helping to provide a smooth ride. If you’re looking for something that isn’t following the max cushioned trend but still feels good, this is going to be a great option.
Think of the Cumulus as the sibling of the Novablast but just not as much pop. We think that it’ll be great for easy runs, long walks and heading out to run some errands.
An added bonus is it comes in numerous color combinations.
- Perfect for those looking for a daily trainer to use for easy runs or long walks.
- Weight: 7.8 oz Women’s, 9 oz Men’s
- Heel toe drop: 8mm
- 12 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available from Asics.com for $110 (currently on sale!)
Best Budget Shoe- ASICS Gel Venture 9
When you think of a budget shoe, don’t assume we are giving you something from the clearance bin (although, who doesn’t love a good clearance bargain?).
Built to tackle various terrains, this shoe is designed to provide ankle support and stability while navigating uneven surfaces from roads to light hiking trails.
Plus, it features ASICS’ signature Gel cushioning system strategically placed in the rearfoot to absorb shock upon impact. This means a smooth transition through each step, which is helpful for ankle support by reducing the jarring forces that can affect ankle stability on rough trails.
This definitely isn’t ASICS’s most cushioned shoe, but it’s specifically designed with neutral and underpronators in mind to reduce injury. Just remember that often their budget shoes aren’t using the newer foams and may not have as long of a lifespan.
- Perfect for those looking for a shoe with no frills
- Weight: 8.8 oz Women’s, 10.5 oz Men’s
- Heel toe drop: 10mm
- Available in lots of colors
- Available in Wide
- Available from Asics.com and Zappos for $60 (my favorite for easy returns)
What Sets ASICS Apart?
There are so many shoes in the market today, but what makes ASICS stand out? No matter which pair you choose, you’ll find a few features that set them apart. Let’s take a look at what makes them unique before diving into what we think are the best models!
Fit
ASICS shoes have a more snug fit, particularly in the heel and midfoot. An external heel clutch delivers targeted fit and support, while the Gel technology allows for foot movement in various directions as the foot transitions, reducing heel strike.
ASICS also features a shoe fit guide, it takes a little sleuthing to find but we did that for you!
Cushioning
ASICS uses Flytefoam technology that provides bounceback and responsiveness with each step. It gives a bit less energy return than say Brooks shoes, but the two technologies are fairly similar.
The company has been using its famous Gel technology for more than 30 years. It works well to absorb the shock with each step.
Stability
ASICS shoes provide stability through a dual density midsole system called Duomax, which enhances support and stability. That, along with the external heel clutch allow the foot to continue its natural movement while running.
There you have it! A breakdown of the best ASICS running shoes. We know that a big part of buying a new pair of running shoes is figuring out how they might feel compared to what you currently run in.
That’s why I’ve compared different brands and models against Asics to help you find the perfect shoe:
Mizuno Neo Zen Review | Lightweight Comfort
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