Almost seventy years ago, in his home in Kobe, Japan, Kihachiro Onitsuka began producing basketball shoes. Soon after, in 1953, he branched out into making running shoes with the release of the Marathon Tabi. When it was time to expand into the American market, he merged with two other firms in 1977 and began manufacturing and selling shoes. In addition, he rebranded the company under the motto "a sound mind in a sound body," which he translated into Latin as "Anima Sana In Corpore Sano" (ASICS). Since then, Asics has become a worldwide leader in the running shoe industry.
Top-Rated Asics Sneakers
May 1990 saw the opening of Asics' Institute of Sports Science in Kobe, Japan, where the company runs tests on materials and performs biomechanical research to hone its designs. The Asics Gel Cushioning System, among the company's most recognizable innovations, was developed and refined in this lab. An impact-absorbing gel-like substance is injected into the midsole for a softer step and a more comfortable ride. All of the company's most popular models use it, from the Gel-Kayano to the Gel-Cumulus to the Gel-Nimbus. The external heel counter, midsole plates, and dual-density cushioning (called Duomax) that make up the Impact Guidance System are also noteworthy innovations.
All-Gender Midsole Support in Stability Models for Men and Women
This proprietary foam is an improvement over regular EVA in terms of weight and durability.
Gel cushions the heel and the ball of the foot, making these shoes very comfortable to wear.
For unobtrusive support from heel to toe, a deep groove is machined into the outsole.
Durable, high-wear outsoles with flex grooves and traction enhancing lateral grooves are ideal for a variety of terrains.
Above and Beyond Gel
Asics, like many other shoemakers, has moved beyond EVA foam with its own proprietary cushioning, called FlyteFoam. Designed to be less cumbersome and more durable than regular EVA, this foam comes in two distinct variants: FlyteFoam Propel, which incorporates a unique elastomer to boost energy return, and FlyteFoam Lyte, which is even more featherlight. The NovaBlast shoe features Asics' recent development of the lightweight, buoyant FlyteFoam Blast formulation, which contributes to the shoe's notably pillowy, propulsive ride. FlyteFoam Blast Turbo, the company's newest foam, can be found in the racing-oriented MetaSpeed Sky. Nylon, which is used in the production of this modern foam, is flexible and resilient when compressed (providing a comfortable underfoot feel) but quickly returns to its original form when released (offering excellent cushioning and energy return).
Aside from foam, Asics also features other innovative technologies in their footwear. New to the company with the release of the MetaRide is the GuideSole. The rocker sole design is shaped to help runners roll through their stride and minimize ankle motion, resulting in more efficient form. The shoe is a little stiff and heavy on the foot, but the well-cushioned rocker ensures a smooth and controlled ride with a surprising snap and responsiveness, as demonstrated in our tests.
Shoes with curved rocker soles, like the Metaride and the Glideride, make for effortless movement.
Raab, Trevor
Long distance runners benefit from the stability and reduced ankle movement provided by a heel counter.
Those words belong to Trevor Raab.Methods of Analysis
The Asics footwear presented below includes models that have been evaluated by our team. That entails having our team of over 350 dedicated runners try out each model by logging at least 100 miles in them before offering their thoughts. In addition to receiving feedback from our test team and staff, each pair of shoes undergoes a series of mechanical tests in the RW Shoe Lab. These tests include gauging the energy return of materials like Asics FlyteFoam and the comfort of materials like Gel. For the models we haven't tried on ourselves, we rely on our extensive knowledge of the running shoe market, our conversations with brand representatives, the reliability of user reviews found online, and the information we've gathered from testing previous Asics models.
Gel-Nimbus, Number Twenty-Four
Weight: 10 2 oz (M), 8 7 oz (W)
Male: 10 mm, Female: 13 mm
Size 24 Asics Gel-Nimbus
Size 24 Asics Gel-Nimbus
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Pros
-
Open architecture
Cons
- Some reviewers noted a tight fit around the toes.
The Gel-Nimbus is a neutral long-distance running shoe that has been part of Asics' lineup for decades. The newest update has been made to reduce weight—by 0. weights of 7 ounces for the men and 0 5.05 ounces for the ladies' version) without sacrificing comfort or responsiveness. The knit tongue wraps and supports your foot, and the reworked mesh upper has more perforations at the forefoot for increased breathability. The FlyteFoam and new FlyteFoam Blast Plus in the midsole work together to cushion your step and propel you forward. Asics Lite is a lightweight outsole rubber that doesn't skimp on durability. The Gel-Nimbus Lite 3 is a lighter alternative that provides a responsive but less cushioned ride.
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SUPERIOR FOR MARATHON PREPARATION
Gummy 23
Weight: 9 9 oz (M), 8 1 oz (W)
The 10 mm Drop
Women's Size 23 Asics Gel-Cumulus
Shoes: ASICS Gel-Cumulus 23
Reduced by 22%!
Pros
- Tension-free travel
- FlyteFoam is a responsive, lightweight, and highly cushioning foam.
- Affordable
Cons
The Asics Cumulus has been around for decades, much like the Nimbus, and is renowned for its durability and plush cushioning. This version maintains the 22nd edition's upgraded FlyteFoam midsole and Gel pod in the heel for a plush, long-lasting ride that can withstand a lot of miles. Uppers made of seamless mesh ensure a secure fit. With the men's version, Asics modified the sole to increase compression and cushioning in the heel, while the women's version enhanced cushioning in the heel and forefoot.
Stores for Men and Women
Maximum Stability Footwear
No. 28 Gel-Kayano
Weight: 10 9 oz (M), 9 1 oz (W)
The sizing chart for this item shows a drop of 10 mm (M) and 13 mm (W).
Size 28 Asics Gel-Kayano
This is a pair of Asics Gel-Kayano 28s.
Pros
- Upper that lets air in
Cons
There's a reason the Kayano has been a staple in the Asics collection for so long: it's one of the brand's best-selling models. The Kayano 28 has a new low-profile heel clip and FlyteFoam Blast cushioning for a plush, responsive ride that's ideal for neutral and overpronating runners. The dual-density midsole and medial plate collaborate to prevent overpronation, and gel pods in the shoe's heel and forefoot further cushion your steps.
Stores for Men and Women
GT-1000 10
Weight: 9 8 oz (M), 8 2 oz (W)
Drop: 8 mm
A size 10 Asics GT-1000
Shoes: Asics GT-1000 10
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Pros
- The moderate 8-mm drop provides a more natural experience for midfoot strikers.
Cons
- Compared to the GT-2000, it has less padding.
The GT-1000 is a cheap but reliable everyday trainer. For version 10, Asics upgraded the shoe's fit with a new engineered stretch mesh upper. There's a Gel pod in the heel and FlyteFoam cushioning to absorb shock, and the Asics Impact Guidance System (which includes a dual-density midsole design) helps control overpronation. In addition, the training schedules can be as rigorous as you like because the full rubber outsole is so sturdy.
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MetaRide
Weight: 10 8 oz (M), 8 8 oz (W)
Drop: 0 mm
Adidas MetaRide
This is an Asics MetaRide.
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Pros
- The rocker profile allows for a more natural walking motion.
- Midsole response yields optimal energy return.
Cons
The MetaRide is built to reduce motion at the ankle joint, where the majority of your running energy is dissipated, making long distance running easier. GuideSole, a rocker-shaped sole that helps you roll forward smoothly through your stride, is at the heart of this new design from Asics, and it works in tandem with FlyteFoam Lyte and FlyteFoam Propel to support your feet and provide a good energy return. One 70 mile-per-week runner who tested the shoe said, "I did a lot of training for a marathon in this shoe and it ticked all the boxes." My long runs were easy, my interval training was fast, and my hill workouts were solid. The heavier weight is offset by the rocker sole's effortless feel over long distances. ”
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MetaRacer
Weight: 6 7 oz (M), 5 5 oz (W)
Drop: 9 mm
To be specific, an Asics MetaRacer
To be specific, an Asics MetaRacer
Pros
- The rocker sole design makes it easier to roll off of your heel and onto your toes.
Cons
- For greater comfort over longer distances, some testers wished for softer cushioning.
- Expensive
When it comes to Asics' latest innovations, the MetaRacer is where it's at. According to Asics, the rocker sole used in the GuideSole construction aids in the transition to the runner's forefoot, which increases the effectiveness of each stride. The FlyteFoam in the sole absorbs shock, while the carbon fiber plate in the midsole provides stability and a jolt of energy return.
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Amazing Quickness
Weight: 8 1 oz (M), 6 5 oz (W)
Drop: 5 mm
Superfast Asics Shoes
Acceleration Boosted by Asics' Magic Speed
Discounted by a Ratio of 55%
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Shoes without a full carbon-fiber plate are not as responsive as those with one.
Current high-performance footwear uses cutting-edge materials and design (say it with us: carbon-fiber plates) but comes at a hefty price tag of $200 or more. Although $150 is still too expensive for a larger portion of our community, Asics designed the Magic Speed with some trickle-down knowledge from shoes like its MetaRacer. That's because inexpensive parts in shoes like the NovaBlast make this possible. FlyteFoam Blast, used in the midsole of the Magic Speed, provides a springy and buoyant ride. It's a step down from the nylon-based foam found in the MetaSpeed Sky, but it does a great job of balancing cushioning, energy return, and durability. Half of the sole is replaced by a carbon and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) plate rather than a full-length carbon-fiber plate. In the end, it's a great choice for marathon runners who aim to finish in under four hours.
Stores for Men and Women
Speeding Through Space in a MetaVerse
7 oz (M), 5 oz Weight: 9 ounces (W) Depth: 5 millimeters
MetaSpeed Sky Asics
Aesthetic Running Shoes: Asics MetaSpeed Sky
Pros
- Fast
- Lightweight
- Superb alternative for marathon runners.
Cons
- Approximately a half size too small
- Expensive
The Asics MetaSpeed Sky is a top-tier racing shoe built for a responsive and cushioned ride suitable for marathons. Latest in company technology can be found in The Sky. The FlyteFoam Blast Turbo midsole is a new nylon-based foam that is soft and springy for maximum energy return, and the shoe also features a full-length carbon fiber plate that, in conjunction with the shoe's curved rocker sole, facilitates forward motion as you run. As a whole, it's a fantastic option if you're looking for a replacement for Nike's groundbreaking Vaporfly.
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The Second Generation of NovaBlast
Weight: 9 7 oz (M), 7 8 oz (W)
Drop: 8 mm
NovaBlast 2 from Asics
This is the second edition of the Asics NovaBlast.
Pros
- FlyteFoam Blast is a responsive, cushioned, and ultralight midsole.
- The upper has been improved with additional stability features.
Cons
- More cushioning is required for those who overpronate.
In the first iteration, the NovaBlast was an innovative design for Asics because it was a neutral shoe with a thick wedge of lightweight foam tuned for exceptional energy return but without any form of support technology. The second version is mostly faithful to the original, though it does include some updated features. The FlyteFoam Blast midsole is back to cushion your step in exceptional fashion and keep you from feeling like you're walking in a brick because of the material's lightweight design. The outsole's tread was redesigned by Asics to increase energy return at toe-off, and a new TPU heel clip was added to the upper for support.
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BEST FOR SLIGHT OVERPRONATION
GT-2000 10
Weight: 9 9 oz (M), 8 4 oz (W)
Drop: 8 mm
These Asics GT-2000 10
Men's Asics GT-2000 10
Markdown to 31%
Pros
- Cushioning that responds and helps out
- Invisible aid
Cons
- Some runners could find it too stiff.
To sum up, the GT-2000 is a great option for runners who don't require a ton of support but still want something with a little more stability than a neutral shoe. The FlyteFoam midsole, Gel pods in the heel and forefoot, and FlyteFoam Propel layer all contribute to the shoe's impressive shock absorption, while the latter also contributes to the model's responsiveness. The 8 millimeter drop that Asics implemented in these shoes allows for a more natural and efficient stride while providing additional protection for the forefoot.
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The Second Generation Fuji Lite
Men's (M): 9 oz., Women's (7 3 oz (W)
Drop: 4 mm
Fuji Lite 2 by Asics
Fuji Lite 2 by Asics
Pros
- Soft and feathery
- Shoes with a traction outsole
- Affordable
Cons
- More cushioning is required for overpronators.
In contrast to many other Asics models, the Fuji Lite 2 is not equipped with special support features for overpronators, making it an ideal trail shoe for neutral runners. The FlyteFoam midsole absorbs shock without adding unnecessary weight, and the lugged rubber outsole grips uneven ground. It has a mesh upper for breathability and a "lace garage" in the tongue to prevent your laces from getting caught on trailside twigs and rocks.
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It was Michael Charboneau who authored this.
Michael is a freelance writer for Runner's World and other publications who spends his time biking, hiking, and running in the mountains near his home in Los Angeles when he's not working on his next article.
