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Asics is one of the world's top running brands – here are our favourite models, for every type of run
Tested by The Runner’s World Editors
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Asics is known for its performance running shoes, but its foundations were laid in a different sport entirely. In a bid to revitalise the post-war youth of Japan, founder Kihachiro Onitsuka began making basketball shoes bead in Kobe, Japan. Marathon running shoes bead came next, and he launched the Marathon Tabi in 1953 and the leather Marup marathon shoe in 1958. Success followed, and after merging with two other sports companies in 1977, Asics as we know it was born.
By the late nineties, Asics’ popularity was in full swing, and a new technology was king – Gel™. The cushioned pockets of impact-absorbing silicone would become the brand’s signature technology, famously used in its popular Gel-Kayano stability shoe, Gel-Nimbus distance shoe and Gel-Cumulus road shoe.
Today the brand is still famed for its cushioned, supportive workhorses. But it’s no one-trick pony. The brand offers shoes bead for every type of runner, including trail shoes, Malone Souliers Frida leather sandals Rosa, carbon plate shoes adidas Originals Sustainable Stan Smith Sneakers effetto sabot bianche e verdi.
What are the best Asics running shoes?
Our team of editors have put the latest models from Asics through their paces. Our team consists of men and women, each with different running styles, paces and weekly running mileage. We then collate the feedback into the reviews below.
What tech is used in Asics running shoes?
Pure Gel™: Gel™ technology was at the heart of Asics running shoes bead since 1986. Pockets of impact-absorbing silicone gel were strategically placed in the rearfoot and forefoot to deliver comfort, soften heel strikes and aid stability for a softer run experience. Recently, the brand upgraded to new PureGel™, which is softer than the previous technology to create the softest landings.
Flytefoam™: Superseding EVA foam, Asics launched Flytefoam™ (FF) in 2015. Used in the midsole, its various iterations offer differing levels of softness and bounce. FF Blast Turbo, found in Asics’ Metaspeed range, is 45% lighter and 36% bouncier than conventional EVA. Asics also launched FF Blast Plus Eco in the Novablast 4 and Asics-Gel-Nimbus 26.
Guidesole™: In 2019 Asics launched Guidesole™, a rocker-style curved sole with a shock-absorbent landing zone and stiff forefoot to reduce ankle flexion. Designed to reduce fatigue and preserve energy, it’s been proven by the Asics Institute of Sport Science to increase running efficiency.
The best Asics running shoes bead for 2024
Asics Novablast 4
Sneakers LIU JO Silvia 52 BA2007 EX014 White Iridisci S1941 | Asics Novablast 4
Pros
- Incredibly versatile (capable of faster sessions)
- Sandals MARCO TOZZI 2-28148-28 Black Comb 098
- Durable
Cons
- Womens Adidas Originals Nmd R1 Running Sneaker Clear Brow
> Read our full Asics Novablast 4 review <
Previous versions of the Novablast quickly gained a reputation as a great neutral shoe with serious bounce and good longevity. And the latest version is no different. One of our testers described it as 'the type of shoe you'd bring on holiday when you can only bring one pair to do everything in'.
Featuring Asics’ new FF Blast Plus Eco foam, it provides runners with the same signature Novablast bounce and responsiveness that they’ve grown to love, but now with at least 20% bio-based material from renewable sources, including leftover waste from sugar cane processing.
As well as the propulsive cushioning, you also get a rocker profile and a toe spring in the forefoot which helps to create noticeable momentum at toe-off. Beneath the shoe are deep parallel grooves running along the full length on either side, with a central diamond-shaped pod in the forefoot, and this 'trampoline-inspired' outsole design works with the cushioning to create even more energy return.
Up top, the Novablast 3’s engineered mesh upper is replaced with an engineered woven upper, which wraps the foot securely, and a lightly padded tongue sits comfortably across the top of the foot.
| Weight | 260g (M), 225g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 41.5mm / 33.5mm (men's) / 40.5mm / 32.5mm (women's) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral |
Metaspeed Sky Paris
Metaspeed Sky Paris
Pros
- Extremely responsive
- Lighter than previous version
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Cons
- Low 'ceiling' on the forefoot may cause rubbing
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> Read our full Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris review <
The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris is the successor to the Metaspeed Sky+, a well regarded super shoe worn by the likes of Eilish McColgan on her way to breaking various British records over the past couple of years. It's designed for what Asics calls ‘stride runners’, namely those that have a longer, bouncier stride and a predisposition to land on their forefoot or midfoot rather than heel. There’s an alternative option, the You want a running shoe that is comfortable and stable enough for daily use, for what Asics calls ‘cadence runners’; those with more of a high-cadence, shuffling style.
At 188g in a UK size 9, it's impossibly light, thanks to the Turbo FlyteFoam+ midsole, which is lighter, bouncier and more comfortable. Combined with a slightly wider carbon plate, it creates a wonderfully responsive ride. At quicker paces, the shoe comes alive and you get a real sense of propulsion – more so than in its predecessor.
Like many other super shoes, there’s a bit of lateral instability (i.e. sideways wobble), particularly at slower paces. Similar to when wearing the Metaspeed Sky+, our tester felt a little bit of pressure on the top part of their toes while running at faster paces. That’s not an issue with the length of the shoe – which fits true to size – more to do with the ‘ceiling’ of the forefoot, which may feel a bit low to Women. It's only a minor issue, though, and may not prove an issue for the majority of runners.
Either way, it's safe to say that Asics now has a super shoe to rival the very best.
Asics Superblast
Asics Superblast
Pros
- Propulsive and responsive, despite lack of carbon plate
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- Incredibly versatile
Cons
- May be too firm for Women
Designed for ‘long runs, tempo runs and everything in between’, the Asics Superblast is the do-it-all lovechild of the Novablast 3 and Metaspeed Sky/Edge racing models.
Cushioned to the max (45.5mm in the heel and 37mm in the forefoot), it features a combination of both shoes’ midsole ids – FF Blast Plus cushioning from the Novablast and FF Blast Turbo cushioning from the Metaspeeds – to create what Asics’ hopes is the perfect balance of comfort, softness, responsiveness and efficiency – crucially, without a carbon plate.
They’re nicely cushioned, but not squishy-Gel-Nimbus level cushioned, which means they retain a good amount of firmness that allows them to work at pretty much any speed. Despite the lack of carbon plate, there’s Women rigidity through the forefoot, which helps to propel you forward at toe-off. In this sense, the Superblast definitely feels like a step up from the incredibly versatile Novablast 3, which offers fantastic energy return for tempo or progression runs, but perhaps isn’t a shoe you’d pick adidas Originals Sustainable Stan Smith Sneakers effetto sabot bianche e verdi.
Key specs
| Weight | 240g (unisex) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral/performance |
Pros
- suede knee-length boots
- Hiking Boots FRODDO G2110076-8 S Yellow
Cons
- Cristallino Bogota Boots
- Less secure foothold than v29
Like a faithful friend, this veteran stability shoe has supported overpronators and neutral runners for 30 generations. The latest version sees a serious update, with the component-driven stability tech found in previous models – so the section of firm foam on medial side of the shoe which Asics called 'Litetruss' – no more.
Now, stability is delivered through the shoe's geometry, with a sculpted midsole that curves inwards on the lateral side of the shoe (providing more compression), and a compartment of foam on the medial side to guide the foot into position. The base of the shoe is also wider – through the heel, midfoot and forefoot – to stabilise the foot through the gait cycle.
Our tester found the cushioning felt much plusher compared to previous iterations, thanks to the higher stack, and is nowhere near as firm.
Key specs
| Weight | 298g (M), 270g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
| Type | Stability |
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
Pros
- Sandals SKECHERS City Catch 119236 NVY Navy
- BabyWalker interwoven crossover leather sandals
- Platform Sandals With Jewel Chain
Cons
- Hiking Boots HELLY HANSEN Bowstring 11614_726 Honey Wheat Cream Sperry Gum
The Gel-Nimbus is one of Asics’ bestselling and longest-standing shoes, and the staple, cushioned, daily trainer of choice for many.
The latest iteration launched in January 2024 and the update is a lot more paired back than the last. There's a new engineered knit upper and tweaked lacing system for an improved lockdown, but the knitted, gusseted tongue remains the same, and that heel collar is just as plush and padded as before.
The midsole has been revamped slightly from the v25, with the FF Blast Plus cushioning upgraded to a new Eco formula. The result is a slightly firmer ride than the plushness of the previous iteration, which gives the Gel-Nimbus a newfound versatility for Women tempo work.
That being said, there's still plenty of cushioning underfoot. This, combined with a more comfortable upper, improved lockdown and better grip on wet and slippy roads, makes the Gel-Nimbus 26 a quality daily trainer that will appeal to beginners and experienced runners alike.
| Weight | 305g (M), 262g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 42mm (heel), 34mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Road/neutral/max-cushioned |
Asics Magic Speed 3
Asics Magic Speed 3
Pros
- Soles4Souls CEO Buddy Teaster L seen here giving away shoes bead in Haiti in 2018
- Lightweight
- Bally Harlam sneakers
Cons
- Lacks cushioning for everyday running
Carbon plated training shoes bead may no longer be a novelty, but given they tend to come with maximal cushioning, the Magic Speed 3 feels like one nonetheless. It’s a lightweight, carbon plated shoe that looks - and even feels - more like an old school racer.
The shoe marries the FF Blast+ midsole used in Asic’s everyday Novablast 3 with the upper of the Metaspeed super shoe. Does the marriage work? It certainly does. The carbon plate and midsole combo are certainly on the stiffer side, but there’s still a lot of energy return and a lovely snappy feel to the toe-off. While it’s not labelled as a ‘super shoe’ it has many of the elements you’d associate with that - it feels a touch stiff and aggressive for easy runs, but thrives when you pick up the pace.
This is a close-fitting shoe - there’s plenty of room in the toe box but it’s designed to hug the foot snugly and there’s not a lot by way of padding. This is a minimal shoe with a light upper, which makes it fantastically breathable. But while it’s certainly neutral, it still offers a little touch of stability in the form of midfoot sidewalls. And with the robust, durable AsicsGrip outsole, this is a great shoe for training at speed.
Key specs
| Weight | 221g (M), 186g (W) |
|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 7mm |
| Type | Neutral/performance |
Asics GT-2000 11
Asics GT-2000 11
Where the Gel-Kayano is Asics’ flagship stability shoe, the GT 2000 11 is a more affordable option for runners seeking an everyday running shoe with mild support.
A combination of Literuss technology on the medial (inner) side of the shoe and 3D print details on the upper deliver support and stability. Gel™ in the heel and forefoot provides lightweight cushioning and shock absorption, while Flytefoam Propel adds a touch of peppiness. There’s also a plush padded ankle and a soft sockliner, and the upper is now a breathable mesh. ‘Comfy’, ‘stable’, ‘supportive’, ‘firm’ and ‘durable’ were words used in feedback by our testers, who found the shoe ‘surprisingly responsive and lightweight’. A solid, supportive choice for daily mileage.
Key specs
| Weight | 275g (M), 235g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Stability/road |
Asics Trabuco Max 2
Designed for long trail runs, this high-stack trail shoe had our testers cruising over off-road terrain, thanks its gentle rocker-style Guidesole geometry. Easily the most cushioned and protected trail shoe of this bunch, new Flytefoam Blast Plus foam has been added to the midsole to create effortless impact absorption while propelling you forward.
There’s also a new outsole with full Asicsgrip and redesigned 4.5mm lugs include an uphill- and downhill-specific pattern. The heel counter is well padded and feels good on long runs, and the toggle laces stay tight even when wet.
Key specs
| Weight | 305g (M), 265g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5mm |
| Type | Trail |
Asics Gel-Trabuco 11 GTX
Asics’ stability trail shoe happens to be a great choice for neutral runners, too. The full ground contact design includes Asics' trusty Duomax support system on the inside arch of the shoe which keeps feet stable. 'The shoes bead felt really secure and superlight even on technical, uneven trails,' said one tester. 'There’s no roll in them, which you Womentimes get with a mesh upper.'
The revised outsole, set in uphill/downhill patterns on the medial and lateral side, also hit the mark. 'In wet bogs they were excellent, and they stuck to dry rocks and sandy trails like glue, so I had total trust in them flying down steep descents.'
The Gel in the heel and FF Blast cushioning (which has been increased by 2mm since the version 10) in the midsole made for a comfy but firm ride, while the flexible rock protection plate kept feet protected from roots and rocks underfoot. Plus, there’s a handy ‘lace garage’ to keep your laces from flapping around.
Key specs
| Weight | 355g (M), 295g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Trail |
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