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.
Quick review of the Blast vs Gel line ups:
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.
Specs
- Weight: 7.9 oz Women’s, 9.1 oz Men’s
- Heel toe drop: 8mm
- Available in 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 here>>
Quick Take
- Versatile trainer
- Comfortable with a roomy toebox
- Just the right amount of cushion for support + bounce
- The upper is a little thick, not making this a hot weather shoe
- Question about the durability of the outsole
- Doesn’t do great on rainy routes
Best Max Cushioned Running Shoe- ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
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.
Specs
- Weight: 8.5 oz women’s, 10 oz men’s
- Heel Drop: 8mm
- 4 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available at Asics.com for $170
- See our full Asics Gel Nimbus 28 review >>
Quick Take
- Cushion has a very long life
- Really comfortable underfoot
- Lighter max cushion shoe
- Some still find it a little warm
- Price increase again
- Long tab on tongue might bother some
Best Middle of the Pack Speed Shoe- Asics Megablast
I am thrilled to see a brand spend some time thinking about the gait and the needs of those not just running a 3 hour race, but those who are ready to have a really strong race day at 5 hours! Lighter weight can add up over the miles and the rocker, geometry and bounce will definitely help with the stride continuing to feel good.
Not a shoe for walking around, but the shoe you want when you’re putting in some longer miles or those days where you’re playing with speed.
No, we don’t all need or want a plate. The foam plays a huge role in a shoes ability to pick up the pace and you’ll find that here.
Unlike a standard max cushion running shoe, say the super comfy Asics Gel-Nimbus, you won’t be sinking in to the cushion or losing energy to it’s softness.
Some folks may not love that feeling and would prefer the softer shoe overall, so it’s going to come down to a bit of personal preference underfoot.
Specs
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- Stack: 46 mm
- Weight: 7.8 oz women’s, 9 oz men’s (note actual weights are coming in lighter than specs list)
- Available in 3 colors
- Not available in Wide
- Available on Asics.com $180
- Read our full review of the Asics Megablast and how it compares to the Sonicblast here >>
Quick Take
- A shoe to pick up the pace
- Non-plated option
- Light weight comfort
- Unisex sizing can get tricky
- Not a front of the pack shoe
- Question on durability when it comes to the outsole
Best Middle of the Pack Marathon Shoe- ASICS Superblast 3
The Asics Superblast 3 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.
Is a 46.5mm stack racing legal? No, but that only applies to the front of the pack aiming to win races. For the rest of us, get down with your rule breaking self and enjoy some serious max cushion with a side of speed.
The Metaspeed feels fast. The foam it in it is nothing but bounce, which can feel very unstable and makes it really for those fast runs and not for doing a ton of corners.
Superblast 3 is giving you that enjoyable feeling, but in a much more stable package to go for many many miles. I still believe this is a middle of the pack race day shoe. It’s lightweight and because of the foam you sort of naturally find yourself picking up the pace.
Specs
- Weight: 8.4 oz (Unisex sizing)
- Stack Height: 46.5mm
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- Not available in wide
- Available in 2 colors
- Available on asics.com for $210
- Read our full review of the Asics Superblast 3 here
Quick Take
- Best possible cushion in a daily trainer
- Lightweight
- Ability to refine the fit
- Price
- Really big stack height
It’s true there are other fast options like the new Sonicblast and Megablast, but for us they don’t rank as the best.
Best Stability Running Shoe- ASICS Gel-Kayano 32
The ASICS GEL Kayano was first released in 1993 and due to its popularity is now on the 32nd 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.
Specs
- Weight: 10.7 oz Men’s, 9.1 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 40 mm
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- Available in nine colors
- Available in wide and narrow
- Available at Asics.com for $165.00
- Read our full review of the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 here >>
Quick Take
- Always a top pick for stability
- Smooth heel to toe transitions
- Super comfortable
- Runs on the heavy side
- Too structured for neutral runners
- Lack of energy return
Fastest Carbon Plated Racing Shoe- ASICS Metaspeed Sky and Edge
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.
Specs
- Weight: 5.8 oz Unisex sizing
- Heel drop: 5 mm
- 4 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available from Asics.com for $250
- Read our guide to understand the Asics Metaspeed Sky vs Edge
Quick Take
- Super lightweight shoe
- Lots of energy return from the cushioning and plate
- Depending on your stride, these may feel uncomfortable
- Laces tend to come undone very easily
- Not available in wide
Best Trail Running Shoe- ASICS Gel Trabuco 14
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!
Specs
- Weight: 8.8 oz Women’s, 10 oz Men’s
- Heel toe drop: 8 mm
- Availabe in 2 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available at Asics.com for $170
Quick Take
- Takes a lot of miles to shoe any wear and tear
- Rockplate underfoot so that you can keep up the pace running across roots and rocks
- Designed for mixed terrains
- Not available in wide
- Some have said the heel counter is a little stiff and may cause blister
- Not a pick up the pace shoe
Best Walking Shoe- Asics Gel Cumulus 28
Any time a shoe has made it up to version 28 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.
Specs
- Weight: 7.9 oz Women’s, 9.1 oz Men’s
- Heel toe drop: 8mm
- Not available in wide
- Available in 9 colors
- Available at Asics.com for $145
- Our team hasn’t tested the most recent model yet, but you can read our full review of the Asics Gel Cumulus 27 here >>
Quick Take
- Versatile shoe that’s going to be good for a lot of runners
- Lots of great colorways
- Thicker upper mesh that’s maybe not as breathable in the warm temps
- Question about the durability of the outsole
- Runs a little narrow
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.
Specs
Quick Take
- Affordable price for a great shoe, quality isn’t a question here
- Great entry level shoe
- Versatile for roads, trails and hiking
- There’s a question on durability when it comes to the upper material
- For some, the shoe felt a little stiff while running
- Heavier shoe
Which ASICS Running Shoes to Skip
There’s been a lot of chatter lately around several Asics Running Shoes, and while some of them deserve the hype, not every model hits the mark.
After putting a number of them through real-world testing, a few just didn’t stand out the way we hoped. Here are the ASICS shoes we think you can skip:
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Skip: Metaray Speed – it’s an incredible shoe, but only for those hitting that sub-3 marathon, which is a small %
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Skip: Sonicblast in favor of the Magic Speed 5
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Skip: Glide Ride Max 2 super trainer for Megablast
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:
The post Best ASICS Running Shoes for 2026 (And Which Ones to Skip) appeared first on RunToTheFinish.
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