7 Best ASICS Running Shoes in 2024

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best ASICS Running Shoes in 2024
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ASICS is a big name in the world of running shoes.

With such an extensive collection of ASICS shoes to choose from, there are options for all types of runners. Whether you need a comfortable cruiser for long miles, a carbon-plated racer for new PBs, or a stability shoe for overpronation, ASICS has got them all.

And we are here to help you find the best. We have tested all of these shoes in our lab and on the test runs. We wear test each of them to completely immerse ourselves in what they offer! And we dissect them and measure e v e r y t h i n g. Here are our top picks in different categories.

How we test running shoes

With nearly 200 ASICS running shoes on the market, our mission is to help you find the best one. We purchase all ASICS shoes with our own funds to keep the reviews honest.

Spending at least 7 hours on each shoe, we are dedicated testers that put it through the wringer in our shoe testing lab:

  • First, we run 30-50 miles on average to test the pair and provide comprehensive feedback.
  • Second, every ASICS shoe is sliced into pieces in our lab. Ever wondered what a Kayano looks like from the inside?
  • We use scales, durometers, callipers, and even a custom smoke machine to measure 30+ parameters. It helps us translate what "durable" and "breathable" look like in concrete data.

Finally, we list the cream of the crop right here.

Best ASICS running shoes overall

ASICS Novablast 4
92
Superb!

What makes it the best?

We crowned Novablast 4 as ASICS’ best running shoe after a series of runs and extensive lab tests. With this pair, we experience a premium level of comfort that doesn’t forego energy return and stability. It merges versatility and reliable durability, making this shoe an exceptional all-rounder.

Our feet feel great at any point in our run since we’re spoiled with a plush cushion that beats the average in terms of height and density. We measured its FF Blast+ ECO foam with our durometer and it stands 28.7% softer than average. Despite its cloud-like nature, it feels bouncy and responsive whenever we pick up the pace.

Novablast 4 cleverly adds generous width to its midsole to ensure safe and steady strides. Our calliper shows a very vast 122.8/94.7 mm landing platform. This is more than enough room for us to maintain our balance.

Finally, what seals the deal is its durability. Even after running double-digit miles on tough pavements, the outsole displays minimal wear. We couldn’t resist checking with our Dremel and Novablast 4 establishes its longevity by showing less indentation than average in our lab test.

While this pair performs great overall, it lacks the energy to sustain record-breaking paces. We recommend exploring other options for races.

Pros

  • Enhanced outsole offering better grip and durability
  • Improved upper comfort with premium materials
  • Upgraded tongue padding
  • Exceptional value at just $140
  • More cushion than ever before
  • Accommodates a wide range of foot sizes
  • The most stable Novablast yet
  • Retains most of its fun and energetic ride

Cons

  • Not the best for hot summer runs
  • Outsole still lacks grip in wet conditions
  • Minor weight increase compared to v3
Full review of ASICS Novablast 4

Best ASICS daily running shoes

What makes it the best?

The Asics Gel Nimbus 26 offers an unparalleled experience of foot euphoria, thanks to its exceptionally soft midsole, plush upper, and surprisingly firm landings. Among the ASICS models subjected to rigorous testing both in and out of the lab, this shoe stands out as the ultimate daily trainer.

The comfort level achieved with the Gel Nimbus 26 is simply off the charts. Our meticulous measurements reveal that its midsole foam is 21.6% softer than the average road running shoe, providing a sensation akin to running on clouds. Furthermore, its towering stack height of 40.4/32.0 mm boldly surpasses the average by 6.9/7.3 mm, elevating its cushioning to extraordinary levels. This supreme softness, coupled with the innovative PureGEL technology integrated into the heel, indulged us with luxurious comfort, effectively dampening ground impact even during gruelling endurance runs.

Despite its monstrous height, the Gel Nimbus 26 inspires confidence with every stride, offering stable and secure landings across varied terrains and sharp turns. Its wide base and stiff construction ensure a planted feel, while our manual torsional rigidity assessment awards it a perfect 5/5 rating, highlighting its resistance to twisting forces.

However, it's worth noting that the plush midsole prioritises comfort over energy return, making it less conducive to faster paces beyond moderate speeds. While perfect for leisurely runs, those seeking more responsiveness should check alternative options.

Pros

  • Premium all-around comfort
  • Enhanced toebox design
  • Exceptional durability
  • Best-in-series outsole
  • Ideal for long distances
  • Superb knit upper
  • Surprisingly stable
  • A dream for heel strikers

Cons

  • Increased weight
  • Limited energy return
  • Tongue lacks padding
Full review of ASICS Gel Nimbus 26

Best stability ASICS running shoes

What makes it the best?

Multiple tests in and out of the lab cemented the Gel Kayano 31’s position as the best ASICS stability shoe. Delivering steadiness and comfort like no other, it cleverly integrates subtle support elements such as the 4D Guidance System while maintaining a pleasantly plush ride.

What makes GK31 stand out is its ability to provide adaptive stability through its 4D Guidance System, making use of a softer foam under our arch. With further use, it adjusts to each unique foot shape. Along with the midsole sidewalls and expansive base, we felt confident with each landing. As our calliper shows, the forefoot is a massive 122.1 mm and the heel is 97.6 mm.

The midsole blew us away with its exceptionally soft mega-stack. It towers at 39.3/27.8 mm and is made of ASICS’ cloud-like FF Blast+ foam. Our durometer reading aligns with our sentiments, showing a result 27.1% softer than average. Further creating gentler landings is the PureGEL in the heel.

Because of the steep 11.5 mm drop and PureGEL’s position, we believe this shoe is best suited for heel strikers. Those who prefer less harsh offsets should check other options.

Pros

  • Excellent stability
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Good breathability
  • Comfortable and roomy upper
  • Great for easy paces
  • Maximalist cushioning
  • A bit lighter than v30
  • Plush FF Blast+ foam

Cons

  • Big and clunky
  • Not versatile at all
  • Outsole needs improvements
Full review of ASICS Gel Kayano 31

Best ASICS running shoes for 5K/10K racing

What makes it the best?

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 grammes/7.3 ounces vs. 265 grammes/9.3 ounces). It is also lighter than other plated shoes (246 grammes/8.68 ounces). During our stride practises 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-fibre 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 £210 a pair on average. 

Pros

  • Speedy all the way!
  • More cushioned for long miles
  • Buttery smooth transitions
  • Protective underfoot
  • Hell of a snappy toe-off
  • Super light
  • Very breathable
  • Nails the race-ready fit
  • Slip-free lockdown
  • More durable than most racers
  • Grips on dirt roads

Cons

  • Scratchy upper
  • Not for short runs
  • Expensive
Full review of ASICS Metaspeed Edge+

Best ASICS running shoes for race

What makes it the best?

After miles of heart-pounding and adrenaline-filled runs, we determined that the Metaspeed Sky Paris is the ultimate ASICS race shoe. One of the most exceptional supershoes in our lab, it’s designed to deliver winning performances and personal bests. Its plush yet energetic midsole steals the show, further enhanced by its nearly weightless and highly-ventilated experience.

The Sky Paris proves it’s an elite performer with its flat carbon plate nestle in between the soft yet powerful FF Turbo+ midsole. Every compression under our forefoot translates to substantial rebound, coupled with a late-stage toe rocker that makes us feel like gliding through the miles.

The comfort we experienced during testing was truly remarkable. The midsole is a soft 21.0 HA and fits just within the race-legal 40-mm limit with its 39.1/32.6 mm stack. Each landing feels highly cushioned, allowing us to race even up to marathon distances. 

Despite being a maximalist, the shoe only weighs 6.5 oz (183g), significantly lighter than our lab's 7.7 oz (217g) average race shoe. In our breathability test, the fine mesh upper allowed smoke to pass through with such ease that it almost instantly enveloped the shoe, receiving the highest 5/5 mark.

However, it’s worth noting that the Sky Paris is built with mid-to-forefoot strikers in mind. Heel strikers searching for peak performance will be much more satisfied with other options.

Pros

  • Exceptionally lightweight design
  • World-class energy return
  • Versatile for distances from 5K to marathon
  • All-weather grippy outsole
  • Redesigned, improved upper
  • Incredibly cushioned
  • Perfect for midfoot and forefoot strikers
  • Fantastic durability

Cons

  • Narrow fit
  • Not suitable for heel strikers
  • Less stable than Sky+
Full review of ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris

Best ASICS running shoes for triathlon

What makes it the best?

We discovered the best ASICS triathlon running shoe through lab tests and road runs: the Noosa Tri 16. True to its name, its lightweight and flexible design, breathable upper, and plush cushioning make it ideal for Triathlons. Amazingly, it offers all these features without sacrificing speed and stability.

The best word to capture the sensation of running in this shoe is "refreshing." It weighs 18.1% below average at a feathery 7.7 oz (217g). Even in warm weather, our body heat escapes seamlessly. Under our microscope, we discovered a light engineered mesh for this purpose. Even if we went sockless, we had no issues—a plus for triathletes who want to save transition time. The upper and heel also include tabs for faster wear.

The pair feels comfy from recovery days to race pace. Its nonresistant midsole allows us to move freely, emerging 28.9% more adaptive than average in our bend test. Adding to our relief during brick runs is the soft and responsive FF Blast+ cushion. Our durometer shows it’s 14.1% softer than average. Despite this, the ride feels stable thanks to the sidewalls and sole flare of the 3D Guidance System.

However, exceptional breathability had durability as a tradeoff. Those who tend to break uppers with their toes should look for sturdier options.

Pros

  • Exceptionally lightweight
  • Attention-grabbing aesthetic
  • Gusseted tongue
  • Highly responsive and fun
  • Comfortable upper
  • Great for triathlon
  • Really versatile
  • Fantastic price point
  • Breathability

Cons

  • Upper longevity
  • Toebox volume
  • Minimal tongue padding
Full review of ASICS Noosa Tri 16

Best ASICS super trainers

What makes it the best?

In our runs, the plateless Superblast 2 emerged as our first-class super trainer with its dynamic midsole and high level of comfort and versatility. There’s so much to praise about this shoe, but its exceptional support and durability blew us away in the lab. It’s tailored for all kinds of training, regardless of distance or pace.

The responsive mega-stack delivers effortless speed and comfort. Our calliper reveals a massive 42.8 mm heel, among the tallest we’ve ever encountered in the lab. This stack has two distinct foams: a plush 18.5 HA on top for impact protection and a slightly firmer 20.5 HA below for stability.

Despite being a skyscraper, Superblast 2 surprisingly maintains surefooted strides. In addition to the firmer foam, it uses a wide midsole with sidewalls and a softer 65.8 HC ASICSGRIP rubber for enhanced traction. Our calliper confirms its vastness at 118.8/97.6 mm.

Superblast 2 displays remarkable wear resistance from top to bottom in our tests. Despite its softer outsole, it only obtained a minimal 0.5 mm dent against our Dremel. Further breaking standards is its 4/5 toebox durability rating despite its perfect breathability score—these two tend to perform inversely in our lab.

However, this remarkable trainer is not for budget-conscious buyers, and it has a hefty £200 price tag. But honestly, we think it’s worth the investment compared to the average £140 trainer.

Pros

  • Fantastic new upper
  • Massive energy return
  • Improved overall comfort
  • Grippier outsole without cutouts
  • Durability enhancements
  • Excellent weight/cushioning ratio
  • Supreme stability
  • Works at every pace and distance
  • Exceptional performance without a carbon plate

Cons

  • Slight weight gain
  • Fit remains tight
  • Minimal tongue padding
Full review of ASICS Superblast 2

How to find the best ASICS running shoes

To get the best possible experience from a pair of ASICS shoes, you need to consider the following factors:

  • Terrain: Will you be running on paved roads or trails?
  • Use: Daily runs, speed training, or competition?
  • Cushioning: How much cushion will benefit you the most?
  • Arch support: Do you need more stable and supportive running shoes?

Not to mention other factors like breathability, durability, size, fit, and price. This guide will help you answer these questions and find a perfect match among ASICS shoes.

how-to-choose-asics-running-shoes.jpg

ASICS running shoes for road and trail

Gliding on paved roads is very different from traversing rocky and muddy trails. That’s why you should start by choosing the right category of ASICS shoes.

90% of the brand’s running shoes are made for road running but there are still a few solid options for going off-road.

ASICS road shoes

Designed for running on smooth roads, pavements, tarmac, and treadmill, ASICS road shoes have a lighter build compared to trail shoes. They have thinner and more breathable uppers as well as smooth rubber outsoles.

asics-road-shoe-outsole.jpg
Example of an ASICS road shoe outsole

ASICS trail shoes

Trail shoes from ASICS have a more hard-wearing construction and deep lugs to tackle unfriendly terrain. They also tend to be heavier than road shoes (1.5 oz/42.5g heavier on average).

asics-trail-shoe-outsole.JPG
Example of an ASICS trail shoe outsole

We measure lug depth on ASICS trail shoes to check their readiness for various types of terrain. Here is a quick tip:

  • If lugs are 3 mm or less, the shoe is best for road-to-trail use and hard-packed trails.
  • If lugs are 4 mm or more, the shoe has enough bite for mud, slush, snow, and sand.

lug-depth-measurement.jpg

ASICS shoes for daily miles, tempo runs, and competition

ASICS running shoes range from heavily cushioned and cosy beaters to ultra-light and carbon-plated marathon shoes.

Your running goals largely determine the type of ASICS shoe you need.

Daily running shoes from ASICS

This is the largest category of ASICS running shoes which are intended for:

  • clocking up daily miles
  • long and slow runs (10K or more)
  • easy recovery runs

You can expect a great deal of cushioning and comfort from ASICS daily trainers. Beginner runners will also find a suitable option in this range.

Speed training shoes from ASICS

Lighter and faster than daily running shoes, speed trainers are perfect for picking up the pace during your runs. This is the right category for:

  • tempo runs, fartlek, and cardio training
  • training for a race

You can see that ASICS’ speed trainers are notably lighter than daily running shoes: 8 oz (225g) and 9.7 oz (275g) respectively. Studies show that with every 3.5 oz (100g) added to your running shoe, your speed goes down 1%.

That’s why it makes sense to get a speed training shoe if you’re looking to set a new personal best.

Competition running shoes from ASICS

The brand’s Metaspeed race shoes have made it to our top picks multiple times. It is a fierce competition to the record-shattering Vaporfly and Alphafly from Nike.

Packed with super foam, high energy return, and propulsive carbon plates, these ASICS shoes are ideal for setting records. You can count on them for any race distance, from 5K to a full marathon.

You can reap the benefits of a high-end ASICS race shoe if:

  • you are an experienced runner
  • you maintain a faster pace
  • you have a forefoot/midfoot striking pattern

If you want to know exactly how carbon-plated shoes can improve your running performance, see our in-depth research on the topic.

asics-carbon-plated-running-shoes.JPG
Example of a carbon plate inside an ASICS shoe (the long black piece)

How to choose the right cushioning in ASICS shoes

You will be treated to an amazingly cushioned experience in almost every ASICS shoe you get.

But if you want a truly customised underfoot experience, there are a few factors to consider:

  • heel stack (the amount of material between the heel and the ground)
  • heel-to-toe drop (the difference in midsole thickness between the heel and forefoot)
  • cushioning foam (softness and energy return)

Heel stack height

As a leading manufacturer of running shoes, ASICS does not skimp on cushioning.

We haven’t come across an ASICS shoe with less than 30 mm of heel stack. And some of the tallest platforms reach as high as 42.7 mm in the heel!

asics-stack-and-drop-measurements.jpg
We measure each shoe’s heel and forefoot stack following the guidelines set by the World Athletics. That said, our measurements sometimes differ from the brand’s official specs.

As a beginner, you may be enticed into getting the thickest midsole. However, research shows that runners who are new to max-cushioned shoes are at risk of amplified impact loading, leg stiffness, and even injury.

To avoid potential stress and strain, we recommend that beginner runners go for the moderate heel stack of 30-35 mm.

ASICS shoes with heel stack above 35 mm offer plenty of cushioned support for running long distances (10K and above).

Heel-to-toe drop

Most ASICS shoes have an average heel-to-toe drop which is suitable for 90% of runners, beginners included.

Ranging from 8 to 12 mm, this setup is ideal for runners who strike the ground with their heels first.

asics-tunning-shoe-drop.jpg
Example of a 12.0 mm drop (the heel is notably thicker than the forefoot)

If you are a forefoot or midfoot striker, stick to ASICS shoes with a drop lower than 8 mm. Or consider getting a daily trainer from Hoka as it has options with a drop of 5-6 mm.

To learn more about the effect of heel-to-toe drop on the runner’s performance, see our comprehensive guide.

Cushioning foam

Depending on what kind of underfoot experience you are looking for, ASICS offers a wide range of cushioning foams:

  • firm and stable (AmpliFoam)
  • ultra-light and soft (FlyteFoam)
  • light, soft, and bouncy (FlyteFoam Blast)
  • light, firm, and incredibly bouncy (FlyteFoam Turbo)

Example of a shoe with the FF Blast foam

Here is a more detailed overview of each foam as well as ASICS running shoes that use them. The table is sorted by the category of foam - from basic (cheap) to premium (expensive).

Foam

Used in

Characteristics

AmpliFoam

Pulse

Excite

Contend

  • EVA foam
  • Firmer and more stable

FlyteFoam

Noosa Tri

GT 1000

  • EVA mixed with ecological polyethylene
  • Ultra-lightweight but durable
  • Not as bouncy as the FF Blast

FlyteFoam Blast/Blast+

Novablast

Nimbus

Cumulus

Kayano

GT 2000

Magic Speed

Dynablast

  • EVA blended with OBC (thermoplastic elastomer)
  • Lightweight, bouncy, and responsive
  • 55% lighter than standard EVA
  • One of the fastest-recovering foams

FlyteFoam Blast Turbo

Metaspeed Sky

Metaspeed Edge

Superblast

  • Premium PEBA foam
  • Incredibly bouncy yet stable
  • 45% lighter and 36% bouncer than standard EVA

Learn more nuances about running shoe foams in our extensive guide.

In our lab, we measure the foam softness of each ASICS running shoe precisely using an HA durometer. The lower the reading indicates a softer foam.

asics-midsole-softness-durometer-measurement.jpg

For beginners, it is advisable to choose a moderately soft or even slightly firm cushioning (20-30 HA). Research shows that overly plush running shoes can lead to muscle fatigue, especially when there is not enough energy return.

We were surprised to find out that ASICS uses a firmer PEBA foam for its elite race shoes. Unlike other super shoes on the market, the brand’s Metaspeed series feels quite stable thanks to the FF Turbo's firmness.

Example of a shoe with the FF Turbo foam

As you can see in the comparison table below, Nike race shoes are way softer than ASICS shoes.

Where is ASICS Gel?

The brand’s renowned Gel technology is evolving into PureGel. Unlike the original, it is now hidden inside the shoe’s midsole. Placed under the heel, it is just as effective in providing impact protection but is claimed to have 4% more energy return and to be 65% softer than the original Gel.

asics-puregel-cushioning.jpg
PureGel inside the ASICS Gel Nimbus 26

Arch support in ASICS running shoes

ASICS is one of the most trusted footwear brands when it comes to conditions like:

  • flat feet (low arches)
  • overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the feet and ankles)

If you are not sure about your case, we recommend consulting a podiatrist or checking our guide on pronation. Also, one quick way to tell if you need supportive footwear is when your shoes wear out faster on the inner side.

Some running shoes from ASICS are packed with stabilising components that help to keep the gait straight, preventing discomfort and potential injuries.

The Kayano is ASICS’ top stability shoe

As opposed to bulky and stiff stability shoes of the past, ASICS proves that you can have a plush and buttery smooth ride alongside arch support. This is achieved by:

  • targeted use of firmer foams
  • structured heel counters
  • wide platforms

Torsional rigidity test

We measure and assess each of these parameters in our lab to give you an overview of the most stable ASICS running shoes. The table below is sorted by the level of support (most supportive first).

Heel counter stiffness test

Torsional rigidity and heel counter stiffness are assessed on a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the stiffest. Midsole width is measured at the widest points of the heel and forefoot using a calliper.

asics-kayano-midsole-width.jpg

As you can see from the table, more supportive shoes come with a bit of a weight penalty. But you can opt for a little less support in favour of a lighter shoe.

Size and fit of ASICS running shoes

More often than not, ASICS shoes are predictable in their size and fit. The brand’s size chart is also consistent with other major brands like New Balance, Brooks, and Saucony.

But if you’re coming from Nike or Adidas, sizing down may be necessary.

Foot length (mm) ASICS Nike Adidas
Men's US sizes
260 8 9 8.5
270 9 10 10
280 10 11 11
Women's US sizes
230 6 6 6.5
240 7 7.5 7.5
250 8 8.5 8.5

asics-running-shoes-fit.jpg

If you’re getting your very first pair of ASICS shoes and you don’t have the option to try the shoe in person, we highly recommend:

It is just as important to consider the width of your future pair. Luckily, ASICS is one of those brands that takes good care of runner’s feet by offering multiple widths for its models.

asics-running-shoes-toebox-width.jpg

Are ASICS running shoes breathable?

ASICS shoes hardly ever disappoint us in the breathability department. On a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the most breathable, the brand’s running shoes average at 4.

Only 30% of ASICS shoes got a score below 4.

We test breathability using a smoke-pumping machine

Here is the overview of the most breathable ASICS running shoes for your summer runs, based on our thorough lab tests:

Are ASICS running shoes durable?

As far as road running shoes go, ASICS shows average results when it comes to durability. Most running shoes from this brand are expected to last the regular 300-500 miles.

asics-running-shoes-outsole-durability-ahar.jpg

Unless we’re talking about the magical AHAR outsole! This rubber compound consistently shows impressive results in our durability tests. That’s why the outsole is usually the very last part of ASICS shoes to give up.

We use a Dremel with a sandpaper tip to test the abrasion resistance of running shoes in our lab. The speed and pressure are consistent.

We measure outsole durability by the depth of the dent that appeared in the rubber after 22 seconds of drilling. Here is the overview of ASICS shoes with the most durable outsoles:

The smaller number indicates a more durable rubber.

The uppers of ASICS running shoes aren’t as hard-wearing as the outsoles. They give up sturdiness in return for lightness and breathability.

But if you’re wondering, here is the list of ASICS shoes with most durable uppers:

Rated on a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the most durable.

Price of ASICS running shoes

The average price of the currently available ASICS running shoes is £140. This is on par with other popular brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance.

ASICS has a lot of affordable options within the £60-100 range. But if you’re looking for the best performance, we recommend looking at soes with an MSRP of £130-160.

Finally, the brand’s elite race shoes come in at £250 which is a standard price for this category these days.

asics-running-shoes-price.jpg

Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.