ASICS is one of running's most legendary brands. Founded in 1949 and originally named Onitsuka Tiger, it has since built a legacy rooted in consistency, durability, and that classic Japanese attention to detail. Across generations, the brand's core identity has remained the same: reliable trainers that feel well-made and trustworthy, as evidenced by long-standing staple series like the GEL-NIMBUS and GEL-KAYANO. Modern ASICS, however, doesn't just coast on that heritage. The brand is now pushing harder into innovation, rolling out new foam compounds and more ambitious, category-bending models that move well beyond the brand's old reputation.
We've bought and tested over 22 running shoes from the brand, and below are the best ASICS running shoes you can get from their lineup.
Updates
- 01/27/2026ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 reviewed
- 01/12/2026ASICS GLIDERIDE MAX 2 reviewed
- 12/17/2025ASICS MAGIC SPEED 4 reviewed
- 12/08/2025ASICS GT-2000 14 reviewed
- 11/27/2025ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 27 reviewed
We buy and test running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
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Best ASICS Running Shoes
Marathon Racing7.95K/10K Racing6.2Energy Return8.3Cushioning9.4Lateral Stability6.9Weight:229.9 g (8.11 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:8.7 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe best ASICS running shoes are the ASICS MEGABLAST, because they deliver a rare do-it-all mix of max cushioning, low weight, and lively rebound in an unplated package. It's versatile enough for most runners who want a single shoe to cover mileage, long runs, and faster sessions. The midsole feels soft yet highly responsive, delivering a lively toe-off that feels playful, and the high level of underfoot protection keeps it comfortable even when your legs get tired, which is exactly what you want from a versatile trainer. That said, the tall, soft platform can feel a bit wobbly, and the energetic bounce can come across slightly chaotic on pure recovery days where you just want a calm, predictable ride, which is where a simpler daily trainer makes more sense.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 is another highly versatile alternative that's especially well suited to long runs, thanks to its slightly firmer, more streamlined platform and stiffer rocker that keep your heel-to-toe transitions smooth and consistent as the miles pile up. It also feels more stable and controlled at easier paces, which makes it a nicer option for relaxed cruising when you don't want an overly bouncy ride. The trade-off is that it is heavier and not quite as lively as the ASICS MEGABLAST, so it doesn't cover quite as wide a pace spectrum, but it comes very close.
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Best High-End ASICS Running Shoes
Marathon Racing8.95K/10K Racing8.6Energy Return8.9Cushioning9.0Lateral Stability5.5Weight:129.3 g (4.56 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:6.8 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:Carbon FiberThe best high-end ASICS running shoes are the ASICS METASPEED RAY because they pack the brand's most advanced racing tech into an exceptionally lightweight build, pairing a full slab of FF LEAP A-TPU foam with a forefoot-only plate to deliver a soft, highly energetic ride. It's best if you can lock into marathon rhythm on straight courses, where the rocker and rebound keep transitions smooth and efficient. The main trade-off is stability, since the very soft foam and narrow platform can feel noticeably wobbly as fatigue sets in or when the course gets more technical, and the minimalist construction is designed more for race-day efficiency than long-term durability, so it isn't the most practical choice for everyday runs compared to the ASICS MEGABLAST.
If you want a more stable ASICS super shoe for long races, the ASICS METASPEED EDGE TOKYO is the safer option. For shorter-distance racing, the ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO is a great alternative: its unique dual-foam midsole feels naturally propulsive at faster paces, and its full-length carbon plate sits high and stays relatively flat, so the ride feels dynamic and snappy, which is great for shorter efforts at or above threshold. However, neither is a dramatically lightweight as the METASPEED RAY.
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Best Upper Mid-Range ASICS Running Shoes
Marathon Racing7.75K/10K Racing6.6Energy Return8.2Cushioning8.9Lateral Stability6.7Weight:256.1 g (9.03 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:9.9 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:3/4-Length Plastic PlateThe best upper mid-range ASICS running shoes are the ASICS SONICBLAST, because they deliver a true super trainer experience without going all-in on the extreme, race-day-only approach of the METASPEED line. They use a dual-layer midsole with FF Turbo² on top and FF Blast Max underneath, plus a 3/4-length plastic plate that adds structure and stability more than outright propulsion, so the ride feels bouncy and protective but still controlled enough for everyday training. That makes them a strong fit for runners who want a shoe for workouts like tempo runs and intervals, while still having enough cushion and consistency for regular mileage and the occasional race effort, as long as you aren't expecting a featherlight, highly efficient racer like the ASICS METASPEED RAY. Compared to the ASICS MEGABLAST, they feel more guided and slightly snappier up front thanks to the plate, but they're heavier, and the midsole is less bouncy overall.
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Best Mid-Range ASICS Running Shoes
Marathon Racing5.75K/10K Racing4.6Energy Return1.6Cushioning8.6Lateral Stability7.2Weight:272.9 g (9.63 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:6.4 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you want a premium trainer that puts comfort and protection first, the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 are the best mid-range ASICS running shoes, delivering a max-cushion experience that prioritizes comfort and impact protection for easy runs, recovery miles, and long days on your feet. The trade-off versus the higher-performance picks is straightforward: they aren't designed to feel snappy or propulsive like the METASPEED racers, and they don't bring the plated, workout-friendly edge of the SONICBLAST or the bouncy, do-it-all versatility of the MEGABLAST, but in return, they feel more straightforward, more forgiving, and more practical for daily and recovery runs when you just want plush comfort instead of a high-energy ride. They use a tall FF BLAST+ midsole with a gently rockered shape and a plush upper to keep the ride smooth and relaxed, and the design feels more cohesive and nimble than you would expect from a max-cushion shoe, so it stays easy to handle on everyday mileage instead of feeling bulky.
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Best Lower Mid-Range ASICS Running Shoes
Marathon Racing7.35K/10K Racing6.6Energy Return7.0Cushioning8.1Lateral Stability7.4Weight:248.2 g (8.76 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:8.2 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you want a lively daily trainer that feels modern without stepping into true super trainer territory, check out the ASICS NOVABLAST 5. Its FF BLAST MAX midsole delivers a plush, well-cushioned ride with enough spring to keep easy miles from feeling dull, and they still have the bounce to handle strides and occasional tempo efforts when you want to pick it up. The trade-offs versus the higher-end picks are that they're unplated and not efficient enough to handle very fast paces or racing, and while they stay comfortable for daily training, the cushioning properties of the shoes don't hold up over very long distances compared to a premium trainer like the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28. For those reasons, they work best as a rotation shoe for shorter, easier everyday mileage.
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Best Budget ASICS Running Shoes
Marathon Racing5.95K/10K Racing6.2Energy Return4.3Cushioning6.0Lateral Stability8.3Weight:264.7 g (9.34 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:7.0 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneIf you want a traditional support trainer that keeps things predictable and controlled, the best budget ASICS running shoes are the ASICS GT-2000 14. They focus on guidance and stability, using a moderate stack and a very wide, confidence-inspiring platform with the brand's 3D GUIDANCE SYSTEM to help keep your stride steady, especially if you overpronate or simply want a more planted feel for a mix of running and walking. The trade-off versus the other picks is that they feel noticeably heavier and far less energetic, with a midsole that stays muted and flat when you try to run fast, and cushioning that's not very plush, which can start to feel under-protective on longer efforts, particularly up front. On the plus side, they're available in wide and extra-wide options.
Compared To Other Brands
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Safe staple picks.
ASICS' identity is built on dependable, slow-and-steady evolution. Long-standing daily trainers like the ASICS GEL-KAYANO, ASICS GEL-NIMBUS, and ASICS GEL-CUMULUS keep their familiar feel while getting cleaner refinements over time, so you usually know what you're getting: a solid, well-finished shoe that simply works for high-mileage training, even if it is not the most exciting ride in the world. They're not the most versatile, but they're great beginner choices because they're predictable and comfortable.
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Stellar performance-oriented options.
ASICS isn't simply a reliable trainer brand. Their more forward-thinking models, such as the METASPEED race lineup, now compete directly with the most efficient shoes on the market, offering genuinely fast options rather than playing catch-up.
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King of versatility.
Few brands offer as many versatile trainers as ASICS, as shown by their BLAST family. Models like the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 or the ASICS MEGABLAST are built to cover a wide pace range with very few compromises, making them especially appealing if you want one shoe that can handle easy days, long runs, uptempo efforts, or even racing.
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Fit quirks.
ASICS shoes often run long internally while still fitting narrow or lower-volume up front, which can often make for a tricky fit. The substantially padded uppers tend to push the foot forward, so the extra length is usually not too noticeable. Wide options are rare, and the more performance-focused shoes often feel less accommodating.
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Crowded lineup.
ASICS has a shoe for almost every niche, but there's also an overlap that makes choosing harder than it needs to be. If you don't want a deep rotation, you may spend more time figuring out which model best matches your needs than you would with brands that keep clearer separations between their daily trainers, super trainers, and race options.
ASICS vs Nike
ASICS and Nike are two of the most well-known running brands, each with an extensive lineup. Nike is historically seen as the more innovative brand, focusing on racing performance with models like the Alphafly and the Vaporfly. Meanwhile, ASICS is known for prioritizing balance, consistency, and functionality, especially in training shoes. Models like the SUPERBLAST offer a seamless mix of cushioning, energy return, and weight, making them easy to recommend for everyday mileage. That said, the old narrative of Nike as the innovator and ASICS as simply the reliable workhorse no longer holds. The METASPEED series has closed the gap with Nike's elite racing models and, arguably, surpassed them in pure efficiency. Along with other standout models like the MEGABLAST, ASICS has firmly positioned itself as one of the most forward-thinking brands in the market. That said, Nike still pushes out creative, tech-loaded models like the Nike Vomero Premium, one of the most cushioned shoes on the market.
ASICS vs Mizuno
ASICS and Mizuno are both Japanese running brands known for well-made, forward-thinking shoes, but they chase performance in different ways. ASICS pairs its traditional, reliable daily-trainer identity with a more innovative push into next-gen tech, moving quickly into A-TPU-based foams and ultra-light builds, which show up in shoes like the ASICS MEGABLAST and the ASICS METASPEED RAY. Mizuno is also willing to experiment with modern compounds and designs, but it isn't quite the same trend-setter as ASICS overall, aside from its notably early adoption of the Wave Plate concept years ago. Still, Mizuno isn't afraid to try bold, unconventional ideas, with standout, modern models in the Neo Zen and Neo Vista lines, yet that experimentation can feel less consistent from shoe to shoe. In practice, ASICS tends to be the safer bet for most runners because the lineup is more consistent, while Mizuno can be more hit-or-miss, sometimes nailing a great ride but occasionally held back by minor shortcomings like fit or an upper that doesn't feel as dialed in.
ASICS vs Brooks
ASICS and Brooks both have reputations for reliability and comfort, but ASICS pushes further towards the performance ceiling. Brooks is still the comfort-first brand with a wide range of widths and well-established support models, making it a no-frills choice for predictable daily mileage. That said, Brooks does offer some performance shoes, especially in the Hyperion family, with models that use modern foams and plated designs. The difference is that Brooks has fewer of these top-line options, and they tend to feel less cutting-edge than ASICS' most forward-leaning shoes, which more consistently chase the lightest, aggressive race builds and the most experimental midsole concepts. If you value comfort, width options, and a set-it-and-forget-it daily trainer that's easy to shop for, Brooks is often a solid pick; if you want that same trustworthy foundation plus a deeper bench of modern, high-ceiling performance shoes, ASICS is usually the more ambitious brand.
ASICS makes running shoes that cover everything from daily trainers to modern super trainers and race super shoes, but most share some common DNA: a well-balanced mix of relatively low weight, lively energy return, and protective cushioning. That combination makes a lot of ASICS shoes more versatile than their category label suggests, so they often handle a wider range of run types than you would expect, which is especially appealing if you want a simple one-shoe rotation that can cover most of your training. The brand also tends to prioritize dependable traction and durability with grippy, hard-wearing outsole and midsole compounds across much of the lineup. Fit is the biggest consistent caveat: ASICS often runs long internally but still feels narrow or lower-volume through the toe box, and wide sizing is usually easier to find in the staple daily-trainer lines than in the more performance-oriented models.
Lineup
ASICS organizes its road-running shoes into a few buckets, covering stability, traditional daily training, versatile bouncy trainers, plated trainers, and race-day super shoes. In practice, the brand's lineup sometimes overlaps in usage, but the categories below are the simplest way to understand what each family is built to do. The upside is that ASICS almost always has a well-designed option that fits your needs once you narrow down what kind of ride you want.
Support Shoes
ASICS' support models use guidance features to help manage overpronation and keep your stride more aligned, usually with a more supportive platform and a more controlled ride.
- GT-1000: The more basic, no-frills stability option. It's designed to deliver guidance at a more approachable cost, making it a practical choice for newer runners, mixed running and walking, or anyone who wants support but doesn't need a premium feel.
- GT-2000: The middle ground stability option, with a mix of support features and some cushioning. It's a good fit if you want stability that still feels natural and easy to handle for everyday training.
- GEL-KAYANO: ASICS' premium support trainer, built for runners who want cushioning but aren't willing to compromise on stability. It's the most protective stability option in the lineup and works best for daily mileage, recovery runs, and long runs when you want extra confidence underfoot.
Daily Trainers
These trainers are the long-standing, reputation-building shoes ASICS is known for, offering reliable, durable, cushioned mileage for everyday running.
- GEL-CUMULUS: The classic daily trainer in the lineup. It's a simple, predictable option for runners who prefer a traditional trainer experience over a more specialized, modern design.
- GEL-NIMBUS: ASICS' comfort-first premium daily trainer. It prioritizes a plush, protective feel for easy runs, recovery miles, and all-day wear, with a ride that stays calm and forgiving rather than speed-focused.
- GLIDERIDE MAX: A cushioned daily trainer with a pronounced rocker and partial plate, built to keep transitions smooth and rolling. It's a strong choice when you want a long-run-friendly shoe that helps you stay consistent as fatigue builds.
Blast Series
ASICS positions these as its bouncier, more premium trainers, built to stay versatile across a wide range of runs. They span everything from do-it-all daily mileage to workout-ready options, but they all share a lively, energetic midsole feel.
- NOVABLAST: The more approachable modern trainer. It's a great fit if you want a bouncy feel to keep daily miles fun, with enough pep for strides and light pickups.
- SUPERBLAST: The long-run-focused cruiser in the Blast lineup. It's designed around a super protective but firmer feel, a streamlined platform, and a stiff rocker that keep transitions smooth and consistent over steady miles, while staying versatile enough for pace variations and tempo intervals.
- MEGABLAST: The high-end, modern "do almost everything" trainer. It's designed to blend big cushioning with a lively, energetic ride, making it a strong one-shoe option if you want to cover easy runs, long runs, and faster sessions in a pinch.
- SONICBLAST: The plated, workout-oriented option in the Blast family. It's built for faster training like intervals and tempo runs, plus the occasional race, offering more structure and snap than the unplated Blast shoes.
Super Trainer
While ASICS does have options in the Blast series that overlap this category, this is the pure, purpose-built super trainer in the lineup, featuring a plated design for repeatable speed work.
- MAGIC SPEED: ASICS' carbon-plated trainer that bridges the gap between training and racing. It borrows cues from ASICS' race shoes, but it's built with more structure and durability to better handle repeated training. It's a great choice for hard track workouts and race-pace efforts, offering more comfort than a super shoe while still providing some propulsion.
Super Shoes
These are race-day models designed for maximal efficiency, with less emphasis on durability and stability than the rest of the lineup.
- METASPEED SKY: These are the more aggressive, stride-based racing options in ASICS' marketing, aimed at runners who naturally speed up by lengthening their stride. They feel most at home for shorter-distance racing and faster efforts, where the propulsive geometry rewards a hard push and quick toe-offs.
- METASPEED EDGE: These are marketed as the cadence-based counterpart to the SKY, for runners who tend to increase speed by turning over faster rather than stretching their stride. They generally make more sense as the longer-distance race-day choice, with a more stable and steady feel when you are trying to hold rhythm for longer.
- METASPEED RAY: These are the most specialized, tech-forward race-day options, built around extreme weight savings for racing. They're best saved for race day rather than daily training, since the design prioritizes speed and efficiency over durability and can feel less confidence-inspiring if the course is technical or your form fades.
- S4+ YOGIRI: These are the "people's super shoe", trading some of the METASPEED efficiency for more control and stability, which suits middle-of-the-pack marathoners around four hours and beyond.
- HYPERSPEED: These are a modern take on old-school racing flats, staying light and stripped back while providing enough cushioning for fast training sessions or shorter races.
Conclusion
ASICS blends old-school reliability with a newer wave of genuinely modern performance shoes, making it one of the most complete road-running lineups you can buy into. Whether you want a plush, comfort-first daily trainer or a race-day super shoe, the brand most likely has a well-executed option that fits the job once you know what kind of ride you want. If there's an ASICS model you want us to test, you can vote for it to help decide what we buy next. To learn more about each model, check our full list of the best ASICS running shoes in the table below.