7 Best ASICS Running Shoes in 2023

A combination of extensive lab tests and actual outdoor runs have cemented our pick for the best overall ASICS running shoe—which is none other than the ASICS Novablast 3. Superior comfort, merged with exceptional versatility and durability make it the perfect all-rounder.

During long runs, our feet felt great from mile 1 up to mile 13, and beyond. Checking the softness of the foam using a durometer in our lab, we found that it is 52% softer than the average of all road running shoes we’ve tested. Our lab flexibility test also showed that the Novablast 3 has a moderate level of stiffness which contributes to its responsiveness. We definitely felt its propulsive feel during easy runs and fartlek sessions.

We also loved how versatile this shoe is for different types of runs on both cold days and warm days. To test its breathability, we pumped smoke inside the shoe and saw that the smoke easily passed through the upper and the tongue—which means great ventilation for hot days. We also put the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes to simulate cold weather and found that the midsole was still much softer than most running shoes at room temperature—making the Novablast 3 absolutely perfect for training runs even on cold days. 

Finally, what seals the deal is its reliable durability. Even after running 100 miles on paved surfaces, dirt roads, and even wet and loose gravel, the outsole showed minimal wear and the midsole only had minor visual creasing. The comfort and the pop were all still there.

However, we measured the heel-to-toe drop to be 6.8mm, even though the advertised is 8mm. Runners who are very specific about this will want to look elsewhere.

A combination of outdoor runs and lab tests have concluded that the ASICS Gel Kayano 29 is the best stability shoe from the ASICS lineup. Its unmatched stability features, top-notch cushion, and durability provide a reliable support system for pronators.

The midsole material combined with the dual-density foam system gives much-needed stability for overpronators. During our long runs, we experienced how these shoes offered some help with overpronation — giving us a confidence boost like no other.

Our runs were much more enjoyable with the Flytefoam Blast+. Upon checking the foam's softness with a durometer, we found it to be 26% softer than the average of running shoes tested in our lab. Additionally, we measured the heel stack height to be 33.1mm, which is above average among our lab-tested running shoes. This superior combination of the midsole’s softness and above-average stack height gave us plenty of comfort as we racked up those miles.

The shoe also displayed excellent durability. We experienced minimal wear on the outsole after our numerous runs. In the lab, the outsole rubber was measured to be 4.1 mm, 15% thicker than the average, cementing the ASICS Gel Kayano 29 as a stability shoe built for miles.

However, the ASICS Gel Kayano 29 felt toasty on our feet during runs. The smoke test in our lab also showed the lack of ventilation in these shoes. Runners looking for more breathable options should look elsewhere.

After a series of interval sessions and uptempo runs, the ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ gets the medal for the best 5k/10k racing shoe in the ASICS range. Extremely light, exceptionally lively, and insanely breathable. After running in these shoes and testing them in the lab, no other ASICS shoe comes close.

The ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ is so much lighter than the average road running shoe (208 grams/7.3 ounces vs. 265 grams/9.3 ounces). It is also lighter than other plated shoes (246 grams/8.68 ounces). During our stride practices and interval sessions, we felt like we were running unburdened. Truly, the Edge+ is an enticing option for racing the 5k or 10k—a beast that destroys records.

The shoe also has an exceptionally responsive ride. The repositioned carbon-fiber plate creates a stiffer shoe and produces a snappier toe-off. In the lab, we tested its flexibility and found that the Edge+ needed more than twice the average force (63N vs 31.8N) to bend it. It also has a very smooth heel-to-toe transition thanks to the rocker design—every step and stride we took was crazy smooth.

The Edge+’s mesh upper is soft and breathable. During the breathability test, the smoke passed through the mesh upper in a quick and easy manner—a perfect race shoe even for hotter days.

Its main letdown is the price. At $250, it is much more expensive than most  “super” shoes which cost $212 a pair on average. 

After spending numerous hours in our lab and running various distances outdoors, we’ve chosen the best ASICS marathon shoe: the ASICS Metaspeed Sky+! Immensely comfortable, almost weightless, and exceptionally responsive—this shoe is the shoe to obliterate 26.2 miles.

The comfort we felt all throughout our marathon training blocks is almost indescribable. The liner over the padding felt buttery-smooth. The heel stack, which we measured at 33.5 mm, puts the Sky+ into the max-cushioned range. Every step and stride felt like we were soaring.

The Metaspeed Sky+ only weighs 6.8 oz (193g), which makes it way lighter than the average race shoe (7.3 oz or 207g). When we conducted our smoke test to test its breathability, we pumped smoke inside the shoe. The ease and speed at which the smoke passed through the shoe's mesh upper was amazing—smoke almost enveloped the shoe.

Finally, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ was exceptionally responsive during our marathon training. While the carbon plate definitely helped, our lab test results also gave the shoe a score of 5/5 for stiffness. This was extremely helpful, especially on the last two miles of a long run. We felt like it helped us move forward, crushing those double-digit miles along the way.  

However, the rubber outsole is a mere 2.0 mm thick. This is significantly less than the average of 3.5 mm. Thus, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ is best reserved for the actual marathon and a few marathon pace runs. 

The ASICS Noosa Tri 14 is as exceptional as it is flashy. Immensely comfortable and versatile, and durable, it is our best pick for triathlons in the ASICS range. On our runs and in the lab, these shoes definitely had the last say. 

Our off-the-bike runs were comfortable and enjoyable. The upper’s mesh construction is seamless, which enabled us to easily slip the shoes on (with and without socks) during the transition from the bike leg to the run leg. We also tried running sockless in these shoes just like many triathletes. Even after double-digit miles, we were still ready to keep going. Our lab’s breathability test also showed that smoke pumped in the shoe effortlessly passed through its upper and tongue.

We love how versatile the Noosa Tri 14 is. It felt light and responsive on our uptempo runs but had enough cushion for slow and steady runs. Our lab measurements backed this up—the heel stack is at 30.2 mm, just a little lower than the average of 33.2 mm and the midsole foam is a whopping 57% softer than most running shoes. 

Lastly, the outsole rubber is 4.1 mm thick, while the average is only at 3.4 mm. It is also 5.6% denser than average running shoe rubber outsoles, which contributes to its readiness for triathlon training and racing.

Its downside is its grip and traction. We’ve experienced slipping on wet surfaces and dirt roads, so the Noosa Tri 14 is not recommended for racing along mixed terrains.

The ASICS GT 2000 10 is comfort, durability, and stability all wrapped up in a shoe that won’t break the bank. Based on its performance on our runs and the awesome results from lab tests, it is the best budget shoe in the entire ASICS running shoe range.

At $100, the GT 2000 10 is a great value proposition for its price—given that the average price of ASICS running shoes we've tested is $120. It's definitely a bang for one's buck.

On its 10th iteration, the GT 2000 is a very plush shoe that oozes next-level comfort. Its tongue is 12.8 mm thick, way above than the 5.8 mm average for road running shoes. The dual-density midsole foam system makes the GT 2000 flexible and insanely soft. The Gel material also makes an appearance on the heel of the shoe—making it an absolute joy to run in. 

The rubber outsoles on the GT 2000 10 are notably durable. We’ve yet to see any signs of wear and tear even after a decent amount of runs. At the lab, we measured the outsole to be at 3.5 mm (on par with the average) and 7% denser than the average of road running shoes. This makes the shoe definitely worth way more than its price. 

However, as a result of the ASICS GT 2000 10 focusing on its plushness and cushion, it sacrifices its breathability. Runners will want to explore other options if breathability is a priority.

The Asics Gel Nimbus 25 provides an unmatched level of foot euphoria due to its uber-soft midsole, plush upper, and surprisingly solid landings. Among the ASICS stable, this is the shoe with the best plush cushioning. There's absolutely no doubt about it, and our outdoor runs and lab tests solidified this. 

The comfort level on the Gel Nimbus 25 is off the charts! Based on our measurements, the shoe’s midsole foam is 25% softer than the average road running shoe and softer than 80% of road running shoes we’ve ever tested in our lab. This top-tier softness—combined with a cushioned heel collar and padding around the ankle—kept our feet comfortable all throughout easy runs and even long runs. 

The Gel Nimbus 25 is a stable shoe despite its above-average stack height. Its wide base is 9.3 mm wider than average on the heel, and 6.9 mm wider on the forefoot. This gave us stable and planted landings across twists and turns on the road. 

As a side effect of the plushness, the midsole felt too spongy. While the Gel Nimbus 25 is fantastic for easy runs, there are more responsive shoes for runs that require faster paces.