In 1949, Kihachiro Onitsuka of Kobe, Japan, began making basketball shoes in his living room, marking the beginning of what would become Asics. Soon after, in 1953, he branched out into making running shoes with the release of the Marathon Tabi. In 1977, with the help of a merger with two other companies, he entered the U.S. footwear market. Asics is an acronym for the Latin phrase "anima sana in corpore sano" (a sound mind in a sound body), which he used to rebrand the company with. After that, Asics took off and became a major player in the running shoe industry.
Top-Rated Asics Shoes for Jogging
For the purpose of improving the quality of their products, Asics opened the Institute of Sports Science in Kobe in May 1990. Asics' most well-known technology, Gel cushioning, was developed and perfected in this lab, along with other company staples like the GuideSole design (see below). A gel-like material is embedded in the midsole to mitigate the effects of footfall impact. The Gel-Cumulus, Gel-Nimbus, and Gel-Kayano are just a few of the company's most popular models that feature this technology. An additional technological advance is the Impact Guidance System, which offers runners more support by combining a heel counter with midsole plates and dual-density cushioning (called Duomax).
There is a difference between men's and women's stability models in the amount of midsole support they have.
When compared to regular EVA foam, this special formulation is both more lightweight and more durable.
Gel inserts in the shoe's heel and forefoot provide cushioning and absorb impact.
For unobtrusive support from heel to toe, a deep groove is machined into the outsole.
High-wear outsoles with flex grooves and heel pads increase responsiveness and grip.
The Next Step Past Gel
Asics, like many other shoemakers, has moved beyond EVA foam with its own proprietary cushioning, called FlyteFoam. FlyteFoam is a family of foams that have been engineered to be lighter and more durable than regular EVA. These foams are further subdivided into FlyteFoam Propel, which incorporates a unique elastomer to boost energy return, and FlyteFoam Lyte, an even lighter-weight variant. Recently, Asics developed the light and buoyant FlyteFoam Blast formulation, which is used to give the NovaBlast shoe a particularly pillowy and propellant ride. FlyteFoam Blast Turbo is the newest model of the company's foam, and it can be found in the racing-oriented MetaSpeed Sky. Nylon is used in the creation of this modern foam because it is flexible and resilient, making it ideal for underfoot comfort and providing excellent energy return.
Asics' lineup features a variety of cutting-edge technologies, foam included. GuideSole is one of the company's latest innovations, and it was first seen on the MetaRide. A rocker sole is designed to help runners roll through their stride and minimize ankle movement, resulting in more efficient form. Although the shoe is somewhat stiff and heavy when worn, the well-cushioned rocker guarantees a smooth and controlled ride with a surprising snap and responsiveness, as demonstrated in our testing.
Shoes like the Metaride and the Glideride have curved rocker soles that make walking and running more comfortable.
It's Trevor Raab, of course.
The external heel counter helps prevent the ankle from rolling while running, increasing comfort and efficiency.
Raab, TrevorMethods Used in Our Evaluations
The Asics footwear presented below includes models that have been evaluated by our team. For this reason, we have our team of over 350 dedicated runners each try out a new model by running at least 100 miles in it before providing feedback. In addition to the feedback from our on-foot testers, we also subject each pair of shoes to a series of mechanical tests in the RW Shoe Lab, where we can gauge the responsiveness of the Gel cushioning or the energy return of the FlyteFoam midsole. We base our judgments on the information we've gathered from our own research, our experience in the running shoe industry, our conversations with brand representatives, the credibility of online reviews and recommendations, and the information we've gathered from testing previous Asics models.
24-hour Gel-Nimbus
Weight: 10 2 oz (M), 8 7 oz (W)
Men's and women's drops are 10 and 13 millimeters, respectively.
Size 24 Asics Gel-Nimbus
In the 24th edition of the Asics Gel-Nimbus
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Pros
-
Permeable and lightweight construction
Cons
- Some reviewers noted a snug fit around their toes.
Asics' Gel-Nimbus has been around for decades, and it's a neutral shoe made for running marathons. The newest update has been made to reduce weight—by 0. A men's version weighs 7 ounces, while the women's version weighs 0. 5-ounces for the ladies' version) without sacrificing comfort or responsiveness. The knit tongue wraps and supports your foot, and the redesigned 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 outsole rubber is another means by which weight is reduced without compromising durability. Another option is the Gel-Nimbus Lite 3, which is even lighter and has a more responsive and less cushioned underfoot feel.
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TOP CHOICE FOR MARATHON PREPARATION
Cucumulus-Gel 23
Weight: 9 9 oz (M), 8 1 oz (W)
The 10 mm Drop
Athletics Specialty Shoe Company Gel-Cumulus Size 23
Shoes: Asics Gel-Cumulus 23
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Pros
- Take it easy
- FlyteFoam is a responsive, lightweight cushioning material.
- Affordable
Cons
The Cumulus, like the Nimbus, has been a mainstay in Asics' lineup for decades thanks to its reputation for longevity, comfort, and responsiveness. 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. The upper is made of a seamless mesh material, making for a comfortable and secure fit. For the men's version, Asics reworked the sole to increase compression and cushioning in the heel, while for the women's version, they increased compression and cushioning in the heel and forefoot.
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Maximum Stability Footwear
It's Gel-Kayano 28.
Weight: 10 9 oz (M), 9 1 oz (W)
Men's and Women's Drop: 10 and 13 mm
Size 28 Asics Gel-Kayano
To be exact, a pair of Asics Gel-Kayano 28s.
Pros
- Upper that lets air in
Cons
Over the years, the Kayano has become one of Asics' most recognizable models, and it continues to sell well today. The Kayano 28 is a neutral running shoe with a new low-profile heel clip and FlyteFoam Blast cushioning for a plush, responsive ride. The dual-density midsole and medial plate collaborate to prevent overpronation, while the gel pods in the heel and forefoot provide additional shock absorption.
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GT-1000 10
Weight: 9 8 oz (M), 8 2 oz (W)
Drop: 8 mm
Size 10 Asics GT-1000
Size 10 Asics GT-1000
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Pros
- For midfoot strikers, the moderate 8-mm drop provides a more natural feel.
Cons
- Softness is reduced compared to the GT-2000.
The GT-1000 is a cheap but reliable everyday trainer. Asics upgraded the fit with a new engineered stretch mesh upper for the tenth version. Asics' Impact Guidance System (which includes a dual-density midsole design) is utilized to prevent overpronation, and the shoe features a Gel pod in the heel and FlyteFoam cushioning to absorb impact forces. In addition, the full rubber outsole can withstand rigorous workouts.
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MetaRide
Weight: 10 8 oz (M), 8 8 oz (W)
Drop: 0 mm
This is an Asics MetaRide.
Specifically, an Asics MetaRide
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Pros
- One's gait is facilitated by the rocker profile.
- Good energy return is guaranteed by the responsive midsole.
Cons
The MetaRide was built to make long-distance running easier by minimizing the amount of energy expended by the ankle joint during each stride. Supporting your feet and giving them a good energy return are Asics's new GuideSole design, which features a rocker-shaped sole to help you roll forward smoothly throughout your stride. One 70-mile-a-week tester said, "I did a lot of training for a marathon in this shoe and it ticked all the boxes." All three of my runs—long and short—felt great, and I even felt solid during my hill workouts. The heavier weight of the shoe is offset by the comfort the rocker sole provides on long runs. ”
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MetaRacer
Weight: 6 7 oz (M), 5 5 oz (W)
Drop: 9 mm
To be specific, an Asics MetaRacer
An Asics MetaRacer
Pros
- Shoes with a rocker sole make it easier to go from your heel to your toes.
Cons
- Long-distance testers preferred softer cushioning.
- Expensive
The MetaRacer is an accumulation of Asics' cutting-edge innovations. Asics claims that the rocker sole used in the GuideSole construction will help you roll easily onto your toes and increase the efficiency of your stride. The FlyteFoam in the sole absorbs shock, and the carbon fiber plate in the midsole provides stability and a jolt of energy return.
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Like a Flash!
Weight: 8 1 oz (M), 6 5 oz (W)
Drop: 5 mm
Lightning-Fast Asics
Superfast Asics Shoes
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Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Shoes without a full carbon-fiber plate are not as responsive as those with one.
Unfortunately, the cutting-edge technology in today's super shoes (say it with us: carbon-fiber plates) is reflected in the steep $200+ price tags they carry. 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. Low-cost materials in shoes like the NovaBlast play a role in this. The FlyteFoam Blast in the midsole of the Magic Speed provides responsive cushioning. Although it excels in cushioning, energy return, and durability, it can't compare to the nylon-based foam found in the MetaSpeed Sky. Half of the sole is replaced by a carbon and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) plate rather than a full-length carbon-fiber plate. Those who regularly complete marathons in under four hours should find the end product to be a viable option on race day.
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MetaVelocity Sky
A 7-ounce (M) version, a 5-ounce (S), and a Toss: 9 oz (W)Drop: 5 mm
Sneakers Asics MetaSpeed Sky
MetaSpeed Sky Asics
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, 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 a smoother transition from heel to toe. In general, it's one of the most competent substitutes for Nike's groundbreaking Vaporfly.
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The Second Edition of NovaBlast
Weight: 9 7 oz (M), 7 8 oz (W)
Drop: 8 mm
Shoes: Asics NovaBlast 2
Adidas EQT Support RF Mid Socks
Pros
- The FlyteFoam Blast midsole provides responsive cushioning without adding unnecessary bulk.
- Enhancements to the upper's stability
Cons
- More cushioning is required for overpronators.
Asics' original NovaBlast was a groundbreaking design—a neutral shoe with a thick wedge of lightweight foam (and no support tech) tuned for superb energy return. The second version is essentially the same, but with some updated features. As before, the FlyteFoam Blast midsole cushions your step and propels you forward with exceptional bounce. In order to increase the energy return during toe-off, Asics updated the shoe with a TPU heel clip on the upper and a reworked tread on the outsole.
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"BEST FOR MILD OVERPRONATION"
GT-2000 10
Weight: 9 9 oz (M), 8 4 oz (W)
Drop: 8 mm
Size 10 Asics GT-2000
A pair of Asics GT-2000 10
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Pros
- Flexible, comfort-enhancing padding
- Silent but effective aid
Cons
- Some runners may find it to be too stiff.
Runners who don't require a lot of support but want something with a little more stability than a neutral shoe will benefit from the GT-2000. This model features a FlyteFoam midsole, Gel pods in the heel and forefoot, and a layer of FlyteFoam Propel for enhanced responsiveness. Moreover, Asics reduced the drop to 8 millimeters, which strengthens the forefoot cushioning and encourages a more effective stride.
Male Fashion | Female Fashion
In other words, the Fuji Lite 2
9 oz (M), 7 oz 3 oz (W)
Drop: 4 mm
Fuji Lite 2 by Asics
Fuji Lite 2 by Asics
Pros
- Supportive and easy to carry
- Footwear with a nonslip outsole
- Affordable
Cons
- More cushioning is required for overpronators.
As a lightweight trail shoe intended for neutral runners, the Fuji Lite 2 lacks the support features of many other Asics models. The FlyteFoam midsole absorbs shock without adding unnecessary weight, and the lugged rubber outsole grips muddy and unsteady surfaces. The upper is made of breathable mesh, and it has a "lace garage" in the tongue to prevent your laces from getting caught on trailside twigs and rocks.
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Michael CharboneauThe Charboneau, Michael
Michael is a freelance writer who has spent many years writing about outdoor gear and activities for Runner's World and other publications. When he isn't working, you can find him biking, hiking, or running in the beautiful mountains that surround his Los Angeles home.
