Asics GlideRide 2 Intro

The Asics GlideRide 2 is a shoe designed to make running feel easier. Asics uses a reinforced plate in the midsole to achieve this feeling. You will find this in ASICS GUIDESOLE technology.

ASICS states that the GlideRide 2 is scientifically proven to save energy over the long run.

By reducing energy through the phases of the gait cycle from foot strike to toe-off, this running shoe can help you cover greater distances.

I would always find myself running at a faster pace on my longer runs without feeling like I was putting in any extra effort.

They first debuted the technology last year with the GlideRide 1 and since then, they have made improvements to it. The GUIDESOLE technology in this updated version creates a firmer platform, especially in the heel.

It has an aggressive toe spring in the forefoot which allows for a smooth toe-off. The rocker in the midsole mimics a rocking chair and it reduces the load on the feet and ankles. From heel to toe, the transition is flawless.

Looking back to the GlideRide1 to the GlideRide 2 the most significant improvement would be the upper. In addition to that improvement, they have all around made this shoe a standout superstar.

The technology this shoe brings to the table is top of the line. This includes AHAR Plus Outsole, FLYTEFOAM Propel Technology, FLYTEFOAM Technology, GUIDESOLE Technology, Engineered mesh upper, and 3D print on the upper.

To add to this, Asics even uses at least 20% of the main material of the shoes upper is made with recycled materials. This helps to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

It weighs in at 8.3oz/235g for women and 10.2oz/290g for men. They have a stack height of 30 mm heel/ 25mm forefoot for men and 31mm/26mm for women.

Both the men’s and women’s models offer a 5mm drop. It might seem a bit heavy but the way the shoe runs makes it feel lighter.

The price of this shoe is on the higher end, it will cost you around $150.00. I believe that this price is a fair price considering how much technology, thought, and care is put into this shoe.

I have run over 150 miles in them so far and there is no sign of wear. The durability and life of the shoes should also be accounted for when validating this price point.

Comparing the GlideRide 2 to another ASICS shoe would be the EvoRide2. When you place them side by side it’s very hard to differentiate between the two. ASICS’ have honed in on creating a perfect upper.

Both shoes offer the same engineered mesh upper with 3D overlays for added support. Each of these models is built on ASICS GUIDESOLE technology and is a part of the Energy Savings Series.

This series was created by ASICS’ to help runners of all levels be able to run far with ease. Another shoe that is similar to the GlideRide 2 would be the HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7.

Asics GlideRide 2 First Impressions

Asics GlideRide 2 – Pair

My first impression when I opened the box was a surprised one. I knew the stack height was going to be pretty significant but in person, it looked much higher than what I anticipated.

They reminded me of the platform flip-flops I used to wear back in the day when I was dressing to impress. Overall, they looked very modern and just screamed new technology from just looking at them.

From the previous model, Asics’ has refined its upper to a much nicer engineered mesh and added a more stable platform.

Putting them on for the first time was so weird. It caught me off guard with how much my feet were going to rock forward. All I had to do was lean ever so slightly in them and I would tip forward.

This is because of the position of the rocker in the shoe. It’s placed at the forefoot of the shoe. When I took them out for a run for the first time it did take a little until the rocker feeling disappeared.

The stack height made me feel extra tall and a little uneasy. I have had ankle injuries from years of playing soccer and higher stack heights always make me think about how bad it would hurt to roll my ankle in them.

I tested them out on flat surfaces only because of this. I did many runs over 10 miles, two that were around 20 miles, and all in dry and wet conditions with no major issues.

Looking at them, they look very cushy. When I first stepped into them I noticed right away how firm they were and not a max cushioned feeling. I love the feeling of the updated upper and had plenty of room in my toe box area.

The mesh had an elastic feel to them and they fit true to size.

Asics GlideRide 2 Sole Unit

Asics GlideRide 2 – Sole

The outsole of the shoe is made of a rubber called AHARPLUS. The job of this is supposed to improve the durability and extend the lifetime of the shoe.

The midsole of the shoe is made up of Asics’ FLYTEFOAM, which is a lightweight foam.

The cushioning is placed on the top layer of the midsole for a comfortable landing, while the lower layer of FLYTEFOAM Propel technology makes for more of a responsive feel.

Between these two layers near the forefoot is a plate that helps keeps the unity of the midsole. The FLYTEFOAM is a lot firmer than what I am used to but the high stack height helps to provide ample protection.

Asics’ GUIDESOLE technology is what makes this line what it is. There is a plastic plate that runs the length of the guide sole to help create the forefoot rocker.

Asics GlideRide 2 – Lateral Side

The forefoot rocker is a toe-spring and this helps to create a fast turnover and helps to move you forward.

This technology helps to reduce ankle flexion and give a landing zone that absorbs the impact of the foot striking the ground.

Asics GlideRide 2 Upper Unit

Asics GlideRide 2 – Top

The biggest change lies in the upper. While the midsole and outsole stayed mostly the same, Asics’ have made updates to the upper since first releasing the original GlideRide 1.

They have taken the time and effort to create an upper that is pretty much flawless in my book. The upper is made of engineered mesh that adjusts to the foot. This mesh material is soft and has a satin feel to it.

It’s extremely breathable and allowed for room for my feet to swell during longer runs. To save on adding any extra weight to the shoe they implemented 3D overlays for some support around the midfoot.

The 3D overlays for the shoe do not have any stitching throughout which I always like. The tongue and collar stay true to the Asics brand.

They are plush and padded, but not overdone. The heel counter is very firm and helps lock you in place.

Asics’ has taken a step towards being sustainable by making its upper from recycled materials to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

If you’re an early morning runner or evening runner then I would suggest you consider looking at the GlideRide 2 LITE-SHOW.

This model offers reflective accents throughout the shoe, which helps you to be seen in lower lighting conditions.

Asics GlideRide 2 Conclusion

Asics GlideRide 2 – Closeup

The GlideRide 2 remains a fantastic option for anyone looking for a stable but fun ride. I will say that if you’re looking for a daily trainer that this shoe might be on the hefty side compared to other daily trainers.

But, it is a great choice if you want a daily trainer that lasts for hundreds of miles. Durability is the word that comes to mind when describing the shoe.

I would think it would be hard to find anyone who wouldn’t find the upper of this shoe to be pleasant. I could understand why this shoe wouldn’t be for everyone.

The midsole of the shoe is not as plush as you would anticipate and the rocker design is very abrupt. If you want something with a similar feel to the GlideRide 2 but lighter and faster, the EvoRide 2 is a firm choice.

All and all the GlideRide gets the job done whether you use it for long runs, daily trainer or recovery runs. This shoe worked extremely well for long runs and I did find myself picking up the pace.

We purchased a pair of Asics GlideRide 2 from runningwarehouse using our own money. This did not influence the outcome of this review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.