We Tested Every Running Shoe Asics Offers. These Are the Best

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Asics is one in all the hottest running shoe manufacturers on the market. Beyond the sheer variety of totally different footwear the model affords, Asics has a loyal following resulting from their constant year-over-year enhancements. In my expertise testing Asics footwear, the firm does an ideal job of maintaining what works and tweaking what does not. Slow, regular innovation results in a few of my favourite running footwear from any model (like my general finest decide, the SuperBlast).

The finest Asics running footwear share widespread traits, together with safe, comfy uppers and wonderful midsole foams. The numerous FlyteFoams—Blast, Blast Plus, and Blast Turbo—are significantly smooth and springy underfoot. And higher but, most of those footwear don’t take lengthy to interrupt in, so you possibly can take pleasure in consolation and efficiency nearly instantly.

Related: The Best Running Shoes Out There, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall Asics Running Shoe: SuperBlast

The Asics SuperBlast has been one in all my favourite footwear from any model this previous 12 months. Fun and versatile, this max-stack shoe is light-weight, quick, and comfy.

The Asics SuperBlast was one in all two pairs of footwear first out of my closet on any given future Sunday this 12 months (the different being the New Balance SuperComp Trainer 2). They haven’t got a carbon fiber plate, however they do not want one. I discover plates too inflexible for many training runs, and the attraction of those footwear is their very supple really feel underfoot. Plus, the FlyteFoam (FF) Blast Turbo foam is so peppy that no plate is required to attain pace. Even late in 10-plus mile efforts, the SuperBlast felt comfy, secure, and bouncy. I might fortunately race on this shoe, as a result of the low weight and high-energy midsole foam carry out nice.

Beyond the wonderful long-wearing efficiency, the Asics SuperBlast excels at quicker paces as nicely. I gravitated towards these footwear over different speed-oriented choices as a result of they’re so plush. Speed work could be exhausting on the ft, and the SuperBlast was a welcome consolation.

SuperBlasts are bought as gender-neutral footwear, and Asics has created a few of their coolest colorways for this shoe. I examined the White/Lilac Hint colour and it stays one in all my favourite trying footwear from this 12 months. My solely actual qualm with the Asics SuperBlast is their minimal outsole. The outsole is usually uncovered midsole foam, with some small sections of a low-tread rubber. Although this minimalist outsole helps preserve the weight down (solely 9 ounces), the uncovered foam has indents that decide up small rocks, and the rubber isn’t very grippy, particularly in moist climate.

Pros:

• Super plush and bouncy.
• More versatile than chunky look signifies.
• Lightweight and speedy.
• Comfortable higher.
• Very secure for stack peak.
• Great colorways.
• Dual foams (FF Blast Turbo and FF Blast Plus) are splendid combo.

Cons:

• Outsole isn’t very sturdy or cheesy in comparison with different high-performance trainers.
• Pricey for a coach.

Weight: 9 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm

Best Everyday Asics Running Shoe: NovaBlast 4

The new Asics NovaBlast 4 is as a wonderful throughout coach. I liked the NovaBlast 3 and named it finest Max Cushion shoe for our newest running shoe information. My two gripes about the earlier model had been that the higher wasn’t tremendous safe, and the excessively smooth foam led me to overpronate (and I don’t usually overpronate). The NovaBlast 4 fixes each of these earlier points. 

While the NovaBlast 4 isn’t a pace shoe, the new model feels a bit firmer underfoot (however nonetheless loads comfy). The higher is now barely thicker, which makes it simpler to lock your foot in—although this comes at the value of breathability. 

I really like how this shoe felt on lengthy, gradual efforts in addition to mid-length faster-paced runs. While I’d go for the SuperBlast over the NovaBlast for pace work, this fourth iteration remains to be extra light-weight and nimble than one thing like the Gel-Nimbus or Gel-Kayano.

Pros:

• A little bit firmer and peppier than the NovaBlast 3.
• Still extraordinarily comfy underfoot.
• Really clean transitions.
• New higher is simpler to lock-in match.
• Looks nice.
• Improved outsole.

Cons:

• New higher does not cool in addition to the earlier mannequin.
• Still not the most versatile—lackluster for pace work and different quick efforts.
• Outsole grip felt missing.

Weight: 9.2 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm

Best Value Asics Running Shoe: GT-1000 12

Also on our greatest running shoe information, the Asics GT-1000 12 supplies wonderful worth. While competitive runners would possibly discover it missing a few of the premium options of higher-priced footwear, like peppier foams or lock-down uppers, the newest in the ever-popular GT-1000 lineup packs lots right into a $100 shoe.

If you are inclined to overpronate, the GT-1000 12 is a secure, strong shoe for informal runs and strolling round city. It’s nice for runners of all sizes, and the breathable, pliable higher saved my ft comfy on scorching summer season runs. While this shoe isn’t performance-oriented, it is comfy, accessible in wide and trail variations, and weighs lower than 10 ounces. For $100, few footwear supply that a lot.

Pros:

• Tons of choices to dial in match and utility.
• Great worth.
• Good mix of consolation and weight.
• Breathable higher.
• Stability options for overpronators.

Cons:

• Lacks some construction and rigidity of higher-priced choices.
• Lightweight higher doesn’t “lock-down” in addition to different footwear.
• Lacks premium foams present in different Asics footwear.

Weight: 9.5 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm

Best Asics Racing Shoe: Magic Speed 3

Don’t get me incorrect, Asics super-shoes like the Metaspeed Sky+ and Metaspeed Edge+ are wonderful marathon footwear. But I’m going to induce readers to think about the Asics Magic Speed 3 in your racing efforts.

The Magic Speed 3 bundle appeals to extra runners. Categorized as a pace coach and shorter distance racer (suppose lower than marathon distance), the Magic Speed 3 encompasses a full-length carbon plate, dual-density FF Blast Plus foam, and a light-weight higher. At 7.8 ounces, that is almost as mild as the high super-shoes, and the decrease profile design feels extra secure and fewer tippy than some higher-stack rivals.

And final however not least: You’d be exhausting pressed to seek out one other racing shoe so good for $160. I’m usually weary to interrupt out the $250-plus super-shoes for concern of carrying them out. But figuring out I can get a strong training life and racing life out of a pair of footwear simply over the $150 mark is admittedly interesting.

Pros:

• Extremely light-weight.
• Dual-density FF Blast Plus foam is comfy and quick.
• Full-length carbon plate.
• Surprisingly accommodating Motion-Wrap higher.
• Great heel-structure for racing possibility.
• Less costly than a super-shoe.

Cons:

• Lacks premium foams of Asics super-shoes.
• Lower profile design could not attraction to longer distance racers.
• Takes some mileage to totally break in.
• No FF Blast Turbo foam.

Weight: 7.8 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 7mm

More Asics Running Shoes We Love

Best Versatile Asics Running Shoe: GT-2000 12

The GT-2000 12 is a real jack-of-all-trades, which is precisely why it’s such a flexible coach. While I nonetheless choose the NovaBlast 4, if you would like one thing with rather less cushioning or somewhat extra stability, this can be a succesful coach.

At 9.5 ounces, it’s lighter than the max cushion choices, however at the identical weight as the GT-1000, the 2000 feels extra inflexible and responsive. Plus, it has higher foam (FF Blast Plus) and a greater higher. If the NovaBlast doesn’t attraction to you as a each day coach, the GT-2000 is a good different.

Pros:

• Lightweight.
• A tad extra rigidity and bounce than the GT-1000.
• Similar higher to different main Asics footwear.
• Gel and FF Blast Plus are improve over GT-1000 foam.
• Stability options for overpronators.

Cons:

• Less enjoyable than the similarly-priced NovaBlast.
• Use-case restricted to on a regular basis training.
• Added value over GT-1000 may not be justifiable for some runners.

Weight: 9.5 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm

Best Max-Cushion Asics Running Shoe: Gel-Nimbus 26

I broke out the Gel-Nimbus 26 on an excellent straightforward run after a 3 day drive dwelling to the midwest. I went as gradual as I might probably go, and the smooth foam gently helped my legs regain their poise. I examined a earlier model of the Gel-Nimbus a couple of 12 months in the past, and whereas the refinements aren’t drastic, refined enhancements to the higher and elevated softness in the midsole are welcome for a shoe in the max cushion class.

The Gel-Nimbus 26 isn’t for everybody. It can really feel somewhat clunky in the event you attempt to go quick or don’t are inclined to land in your heel. However, greater runners, walkers, or of us who need a ton of cushioning will love the newest Gel-Nimbus. I’ve been fortunately breaking these out on gradual runs and neighborhood walks. While this shoe is a bit dear for its considerably restricted use, you’re positive to seek out one that matches you completely, as the Gel-Nimbus 26 is accessible all the means as much as extra-wide.

Pros:

• Gel layer in heel lends to extraordinarily plush really feel.
• Comfortable, stretchy sock-like liner.
• FF Blast Plus Eco foam is smooth, bouncy and 20 p.c bio-based.
• Variety of widths, colorways and outsoles.

Cons:

• Transitions aren’t as clean as NovaBlast.
• Doesn’t carry out nicely when running quick.
• Expensive in comparison with different Asics.

Weight: 10.7 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm

Best Asics Stability Shoe: Gel-Kayano 30

This tremendous fashionable stability shoe appears like the Gel-Nimbus 26 out of the field. However, the Asics Gel-Kayano 30 has extra attraction for a lot of runners. I don’t are inclined to overpronate, however I often expertise inward collapse when my legs are gassed, and to assist ease the burden on my ankles, I usually don a well-cushioned stability shoe. Few, if any, are higher than the latest Gel-Kayano.

Similar to the Gel-Nimbus, the Gel-Kayano can really feel a bit clunky in transitions in the event you get shifting too shortly. But for a slower-speed each day coach, the 4D Guidance system could be very noticeable at balancing the inward roll overpronators expertise. The gel heel is smooth as ever, and the sock-liners are actually supple. The stability options and extensive, planted geometry additionally make this an ideal alternative for greater runners.

Pros:

• Excellent alternative for greater runners.
• Wide sole geometry makes for very secure trip no matter pronation.
• FF Blast Plus foam has stunning bounce for a heavier stability shoe.
• Gel is nice for heel-strikers.
• Similarly high-quality higher to Gel-Nimbus.

Cons:

• Midfoot strikers could expertise a clompy trip.
• Not versatile or quick.
• Stability may be overkill for a lot of runners.

Weight: 10.7 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 10mm

Best Everyday Trail Running Asics Shoe: Gel-Trabuco 12

The Asics Gel-Trabuco 12 is a real workhorse path shoe, not not like its competitor the Brooks Cascadia. It wasn’t the quickest or lightest shoe I ran trails in, nevertheless it’s a stiff, secure, and sturdy shoe designed for meat-and-potatoes path runs. 

My closing check run in these was a straightforward effort in a neighborhood desert wash. The path had free filth, jagged rock, clean granite, tree roots, and many puddles from current rain. The Gel-Trabuco was completely suited to the various footing. The built-in rock plate and firm midsole foam felt protecting however adaptable to situations. And the higher, whereas stiff, felt protecting and saved my ft dry in the puddles (for much more wet-protection, go for the GTX version). If you’re on the lookout for one thing extra enjoyable, see the Fuji Lite 4 beneath. But in the event you want a flexible, long-wearing path running shoe then the Gel-Trabuco 12 ought to serve you nicely for the bulk of your path miles.

Pros:

• Stable and poised on number of surfaces.
• AsicsGrip outsole surprisingly grippy.
• Integrated rock-plate and firm, comfy foam created protecting really feel.
• Gel in heel softened exhausting landings.

Cons:

• Not significantly nimble or peppy.
• Heavy-feeling on the foot.
• Upper takes some break-in.

Weight: 11.1 Ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 8 mm

Most Fun Asics Trail Runner: Fuji Lite 4

The Asics Fuji Lite 4 makes up for what the Gel-Trabuco lacks in pleasure. This light-weight path runner is fast and nimble, and the versatile higher and smooth cushioning make for an ideal expertise proper out of the field.

Like with the Gel-Trabuco, I’m actually impressed with the AsicsGrip outsole, which feels cheesy however not overly stiff. However, this shoe does lack a rock plate. Despite the plush cushioning, I obtained a ton of path suggestions due to the smooth really feel. The mesh higher is admittedly breathable, so these are nice desert bombers and heat climate path footwear. Also, the decrease drop makes them really feel a bit extra comfy when running downhill.

Pros:

• More enjoyable out of the field than the above Gel-Trabuco.
• Really comfy bio-based FF Blast cushioning.
• Soft and breathable higher.
• Well-performing AsicsGrip outsole.

Cons:

• Less protecting and fewer secure than Gel-Trabuco.
• Upper extra vulnerable to put on.
• Sometimes extra midsole squish results in exhausting path impacts.

Weight: 9.5 ounces

Heel-Toe Drop: 4mm

Related: The Best Marathon Shoes to Run Your Next PR

Why You Should Trust Me

Over the previous 12 months, I ran lots of of miles in over 60 pairs of running footwear. I’ve been testing many of those Asics footwear since early 2023, and have even had the alternative to check older and newer variations side-by-side for a lot of of the selections on this record.

In addition to my particular person testing, I labored with a workforce of testers over a wide range of critiques and gleaned perception from all sorts of runners, from heavier males on the lookout for most help to elite, sub-4:00 minute milers. There had been totally different Asics fashions that appealed to each runner I labored with this 12 months. Some footwear, like the SuperBlast and NovaBlast, appealed to a variety of testers.

As a mean runner, I discover lots to like about Asics running footwear. They make the finest footwear for the cash. Not many corporations have high high quality racing footwear for beneath $200 or a number of versatile trainers for beneath $150. No matter your funds and running objectives, Asics appears to supply a wonderful alternative for everybody.

What We Look for in a Great Running Shoe

My three go-to questions when testing running footwear are as follows:

1. Do I need to put on it once more?
2. Is it holding as much as frequent put on?
3. Does it serve its meant function?

Indeed, our testing workforce at Men’s Journal is worried with recommending comfy, sturdy footwear that carry out the job they had been designed for. That means a racing shoe ought to present speedier transitions, long-wearing consolation and light-weight match, an on a regular basis coach ought to present sturdy outsoles, accommodating match and loads of help, and a path running shoe ought to present wonderful tread and enhanced safety.

Asics footwear test all the packing containers. They’re sturdy, comfy, and versatile running footwear that look basic and speedy. 

Related: We Tested Every Hoka Running Shoe—These Are the Best

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