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Best ASICS Running Shoes 2024
Written on 29th February by Ruggero Loda Founder and Publisher, Running Shoes Guru
308 other reviews
308 other reviews
ASICS is a Japanese multinational corporation that produces sportswear. Kihachiro Onitsuka, aspiring to start a company that would contribute to nurturing youth and the development of society through sports, founded ASICS in 1949. The name is an acronym for the Latin phrase anima sana in corpore sano, translated by ASICS as "a sound mind, in a sound body". It is headquartered in Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture.It's not always easy for runners to choose the best ASICS running shoe for them. Here is ASICS lineup, with our selection of the best shoes for different runners and usage.
Table of content
Our favorite ASICS running shoes in 2024
Keep scrolling or click on a shoe to find out why we chose it and what other shoes you should consider.
Best Max Cushioned Trainer
Best for Daily Training
Best Supportive Daily Trainer
Best for Speed Training
An overview of ASICS technology
While looking into ASICS running shoes, you’ll bump into a series of materials and technologies with bold but unclear sounding names. Here are the most important ones for you to know:
FF Turbo
A nylon-based racing foam which is very similar to PEBA in terms of looks and feel. It returns the highest amount of energy and is the lightest in the ASICS foam range.
FF Blast+
A training foam made of a blend of EVA and OFC (Olefin Block Copolymers) for extra durability and elasticity. It recovers extremely fast after runs.
FF Blast+ Eco
An environmentally friendly foam that uses at least 20% bio-based materials from renewable sources such as sugar cane waste.
Flytefoam Blast
An EVA-based foam for training which is blended with polyethylene to make it lightweight and durable.
AHAR and AHAR+
Outer sole materials with excellent abrasion resistance. They improve the durability of shoes while maintaining necessary functions including grip.
DUOMAX
Reduces stress on the foot caused by overpronation (when the heel rolls inward at the end of a step), and supports the foot for a more comfortable running experience.
GUIDESOLE
A rocker-shaped midsole designed to ease you through transitions by propelling you forward.
Best Max Cushioned Trainer
These thickly stacked trainers are designed to be the plushest, most luxurious feeling in the range. They are designed to provide maximum impact protection with very little ground feel.
The winner
In short
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 is a cushioned daily trainer that is an everyday shoe for most runners of all abilities. It has great outsole grip, soft enough cushion, and a stable, responsive ride.Pros
- Versatile
- Stable
- Lots of cushion
- Great traction
- Eco-conscious
Cons
- On the heavier side
Who should buy it
If you’re looking for a shoe that can handle most types of runs while having a good amount of cushion, this is a great shoe. Beginner runners will love this shoe as an all-around shoe while intermediate to advanced runners will likely use this for recovery, easy, slower tempo, and long run days.
Who should not buy it
If you’re not a fan of a higher stack shoe or are looking for a fully plush shoe, then this shoe won’t be something you’ll love. Also, if you’re needing a shoe that is lighter in weight, I would also look elsewhere. If you’re an intermediate to advanced runner looking for a speedy shoe, this shoe will not meet your demands.
Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
10.7 oz
Heel
41.5 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
33.5 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
10
Upper
10
Sole unit
10
Landing
10
Transition
10
Toe-off
10
Traction
10
Durability
10
Value / Price
10
Team review
A thick midsole made from FF Blast+ Eco delivers a deeply cushioned ride with plenty of plush comfort. This is the softest, most cushioned trainer in the ASICS range. Read full reviewBest for Daily Training
Designed to be durable, comfortable, and versatile. If you were to only own one running shoe, it should be a daily trainer that can perform a variety of runs well.
The winner
In short
The ASICS Gel Cumulus is a plush riding, maximalist daily trainer. It's best suited to easy/recovery runs and it has plenty of long-distance comfort thanks to its thick midsole and comfortable upper. Version 25 has been completely revamped and it now has a softer, smoother, more modern ride.Pros
- Smoother transitions
- Great lockdown
- Lighter weight
- Softer ride
Cons
- Lack of traction
- Price increase
- Warm upper
Who should buy it
If you want a very plush daily trainer for mostly easy runs, the Cumulus 25 is your shoe. If the Nimbus 25 is too expensive or you don’t like its rockered ride, the Cumulus 25 is an excellent option. It has a softer midsole and a more flexible forefoot.
Who should not buy it
If you want a versatile daily trainer which can easily pick up the pace, the Cumulus 25 is not for you. It has relaxed ride transitions due to its flexible forefoot and it doesn’t have a bouncy ride.
Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
9.3 oz
Heel
36.5 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
28.5 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
9.0
Upper
7.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
5.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
9.0
Team review
A soft FF Blast+ midsole provides a really soft, cushioned ride. This is a durable workhorse for daily mileage. Read full reviewRunner up
In short
The ASICS Novablast 4 is a firm-riding daily trainer which is more suited to faster-paced runs than relaxed runs. It doesn’t quite have the same fun, bouncy ride that the early Novablasts had but it still has a relatively lightweight build.Pros
- Better stability due to the firmer midsole
- More comfortable upper
- Cooler upper
- Faster ride
Cons
- Not as fun/bouncy as previous Novablasts
- Weight increase
- Firmer ride
Who should buy it
If you’re looking for a lightweight trainer which has a firm but stable ride, the Novablast 4 is the shoe for you.
Who should not buy it
If you’re looking for something similar to the first 2 versions of the Novablast which were energetic and bouncy, the 4th version is not for you.
Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
9 oz
Heel
42 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
34 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
7.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
6.0
Landing
7.0
Transition
6.0
Toe-off
6.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
7.0
Value / Price
7.0
Team review
Another trainer with an FF Blast+ Eco midsole, the Novablast 4 has a firm but cushioned ride which can easily pick up the pace. Read full reviewAlso consider
In short
The Dynablast is a marvelous everyday shoe. The lightweight feel and additional midsole foam give the Dynablast a mildly lively ride that is uniform and classic. With a reasonable price tag this shoe is within reach of everyone’s budget, a solid choice for runners looking for an affordable daily shoe.Pros
- Responsive midsole
- Additional foam provides a more protective and consistent ride
- Budget friendly
- Lightweight
Cons
- Only available in standard widths
Who should buy it
The budget conscious runner wanting a durable and comfortable daily trainer that is multi-use for gym days.
Who should not buy it
Runners with higher volume feet or wanting a maximal cushioned shoe.
Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
9.3 oz
Heel
34 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
26 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
10
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
10
Value / Price
10
Team review
The Asics Dynablast is a superb all around shoe in a day and age where everything seems to be hyper specialized. Jogging, racing, lifting or leisure, this shoe fits in everywhere. Read full reviewBest Supportive Daily Trainer
These trainers are designed to help runners who overpronate excessively by providing guidance or support.
The winner
In short
The ASICS Kayano 30 is a top-tier stability trainer. Drawing inspiration from other ASICS offerings the Kayano has been completely rebuilt for its 30th edition. The result is an adaptable and stable shoe that provides comfort mile after mile. This overhaul continues Kayano’s run as one of the leaders of the stability field.Pros
- 4d Guidance System
- Completely Rebuilt
- Adaptive Stablity
Cons
- Midfoot tightness
Who should buy it
A runner who wants a rebuilt Eco-friendly stability trainer ready to take them through any training plan.
Who should not buy it
Main Specs
Type
Stability
Weight
10.7 oz
Heel
40 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
10 mm
Toe
30 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
10
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
10
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
9.0
Team review
FF Blast+ provides the deep cushioning while a 4D Guidance System provides the support in this incredibly comfortable and popular supportive daily trainer. Read full reviewRunner up
In short
The ASICS GT 2000 12 is a stability trainer that is both durable and versatile trainer built for comfort. Its small but noticeable changes have turned a good trainer into a great one.Pros
- Balanced Cushioning
- Transition from landing to toeoffs
- Versatile
Cons
- Break in time
Who should buy it
This would be for a runner who needs an everyday stability trainer to take them on any type of run.
Who should not buy it
Main Specs
Type
Stability
Weight
9.5 oz
Heel
mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
10
Landing
9.0
Transition
10
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
8.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
10
Team review
The GT 2000 has a FF Blast+ midsole for cushioned strikes with a 3D Guidance System for support. This is a lighter, faster version of the Kayano but with less comfort. Read full reviewBest for Speed Training
These uptempo trainers are designed to be fast and durable at the same time. This includes being as lightweight as possible and often having responsive foams and plated technology in the midsole.
The winner
In short
The ASICS Magic Speed 3 is a budget friendly workout/race day shoe that is very light and very responsive. The shoes sole purpose is to go fast!Pros
- Pleasing pricetag
- Propulsive midsole
- Lockdown of the upper
- Lightweight
- ASICSGRIP outsole
Cons
- Rigid carbon fiber plate can cause some discomfort
Who should buy it
The ASICS Magic Speed 3 is intended for fast days, whether for a workout or on race day. It also has enough midsole to help protect your feet on longer distances.
Who should not buy it
The shoe is not intended for easy running as the rigidness of the carbon fiber plate can get a little uncomfortable, especially around your forefoot/toe area.
Also, if you are thinking the ride of the shoe is bouncy it is not. The midfoot of the shoe is also a little narrow so if you have a wider feet it can cause some stability issues.
Main Specs
Type
Racing
Weight
7.8 oz
Heel
34.5 mm
Carbon plate
Full length carbon plate
Heel drop
7 mm
Toe
27.5 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
8.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
10
Value / Price
10
Team review
A full-length carbon plate is sandwiched between layers of FF Blast+ in the Magic Speed 3, a lightweight trainer built to go fast. Read full reviewRunner up
In short
The ASICS Noosa Tri 15 is a fast-looking and feeling shoe. It’s marketed as a Triathlon shoe that is easy to get on and off I can see why. I thoroughly enjoy wearing these for fast training runs under 10k and even for some longer distances.Pros
- Lightweight and Breathable
- Easy to get on and off
- Unique colors
Cons
- Outsole is slippery on wet surfaces
- The tongue rides up a little high
Who should buy it
These are geared towards the runner who is looking for a fun daily trainer that is great for speed workouts. It’s also a good choice for those individuals who are triathletes, due to the easy on-and-off capabilities.
Who should not buy it
These are not for the individual who is looking for a shoe that can wear many hats. It’s pretty much a shoe that can only be worn on the road/track in dry conditions. I also wouldn’t recommend it to anywho who doesn’t like attention-drawing shoes because they are eye-catchers.
Main Specs
Type
Lightweight
Weight
8 oz
Heel
mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
5 mm
Toe
mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
9.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
7.0
Durability
7.0
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
A lightweight trainer with a Flytefoam midsole and GUIDESOLE technology for fast transitions. Read full reviewBest for Road Racing
Built to be lightweight and propulsive, racing shoes contain the most cutting-edge and innovative technologies that brands have to offer. They are designed to make you run as fast and efficient as possible.
The winner
In short
The ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ is still one of the top-tier marathon racers. It has a great combination of propulsion, cushioning, efficiency and stability. The Sky+ has more midsole foam, especially in the forefoot which increases the cushioning but it has a flatter carbon plate profile which makes it feel slower. The Sky+ is better for long distances at slower paces compared to the original Sky which provided more propulsion.Pros
- More cushioned than V1
- Improved upper comfort
- More premium laces
Cons
- Carbon plate is not as aggressive as V1
- Less outsole rubber
- Heavier than V1
Who should buy it
Who should not buy it
Main Specs
Type
Cushioning
Weight
7.20 oz
Heel
mm
Carbon plate
Heel drop
5 mm
Toe
mm
Rating breakdown
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Team review
Built for runners who increase their stride to go faster, the Sky+ uses FF Turbo foam and a very stiff carbon plate to give you a high level of speed assistance. Read full reviewBest for Trail Running
Trail shoes have protective uppers, tough outsoles and lugs to help with traction. They are built to withstand the elements that runners encounter on uneven terrain.
The winner
In short
The Fuji lite 4 is a fantastic versatile trail shoe for the masses. The updates have made the shoe livelier and improved outsole traction leaves no trail unobtainable.Pros
- Amazing traction
- Nimble and quick
- Comfortable well fitting upper
- Durable construction
Cons
- No rock plate
- Outsole has the ability to clog in muddier terrain.
Who should buy it
Trail runners wanting a versatile and quick shoe for daily mid distance mileage over all types of terrain.
Who should not buy it
Runners that like a highly or softer cushioned shoe.
Main Specs
Type
Trail
Weight
9.4 oz
Heel
33 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
4 mm
Toe
29 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
10
Build quality
10
Upper
10
Sole unit
10
Landing
10
Transition
10
Toe-off
10
Traction
9.0
Durability
10
Value / Price
10
Team review
A versatile, beginner-friendly trail running shoe that is tough enough for every kind of terrain. Read full reviewRunner up
In short
The Asics Trabuco Max 2 is an excellent choice for anyone spending time on the trails. It's very lightweight and responsive. I immediately felt like I was bouncing over rocks and tricky terrain from the first moment I put these on. They've quickly become my go to shoe for most of my moderate 1-13 mile trail runs.Pros
- Excellent traction
- Very comfortable
- Built for speed
- Propels you forward
- Lace grip on top
Cons
- Wide
- Long laces
- Not waterproof
Who should buy it
This shoe is made for someone who’s looking to move quickly and efficiently on the trail. It’s designed to handle even the most difficult terrain. You can feel confident that this shoe will grip and propel you forward even on the most technical up and downhill sections.
Who should not buy it
This shoe definitely runs wide so it’s not ideal for someone with a narrow forefoot. It also doesn’t have any waterproofing on the outer surface.
Main Specs
Type
Trail
Weight
10.8 oz
Heel
43 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
5 mm
Toe
38 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
9.0
Landing
10
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
10
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
10
Team review
An FF Blast+ midsole provides responsiveness and speed while the GUIDESOLE design improves efficiency. The Trabuco Max 2 is max-cushioned, neutral trail shoe. Read full reviewAlso consider
In short
The Asics Trabuco 11 is a shoe that both the seasoned trail runner and newcomer can appreciate. It gives a fast and firm ride that can handle rough terrain thanks to a grippy outsole and rockplate.Pros
- Comfortable and fast ride.
- Exceptional Traction.
- Rock plate provides good protection.
Cons
- Tongue rides inward
- So-so lacing system.
Who should buy it
This is ideal if you are looking for something that has moderate support. Works exceptionally well if you are tackling trails with mud, rocks, or roots.
Who should not buy it
I wouldn’t get this if you want something that has a close to the ground feel as the stack height is on the higher side.
Main Specs
Type
Trail
Weight
10.6 oz
Heel
35.5 mm
Carbon plate
No plate
Heel drop
8 mm
Toe
27.5 mm
Rating breakdown
Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
9.0
Sole unit
10
Landing
10
Transition
10
Toe-off
9.0
Traction
10
Durability
10
Value / Price
8.0
Team review
A moderately supportive trail shoe which is firm, fast and adaptive. It has an FF Blast midsole and a rock plate for protection from sharp rocks. Read full reviewQuick Questions you might have
What does "ASICS" mean?
It comes from the latin "Anima Sana in Corpore Sano" which means "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body".
