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Best Asics Running Shoes 2020

Asics Gel Cumulus 22

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Asics Gel Nimbus 22

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Asics Gel Excite 7

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Why you should trust us

We purchase all the shoes we review at retail with our own money, then we run in them for at least 50 miles. We don't receive free samples from companies and provide only expert, unbiased opinions.

So you want to run in ASICS? With all their different shoes to choose from, how do you know what will work best for you? Here we will break down the ASICS lineup and help you better understand the perfect shoe for you.

ASICS breaks their shoes into a few categories, which we will explain in a minute. All of these shoes will use a lot of the same cushioning components, such as FlyteFoam for foam material and GEL for cushioning units.

Asics Neutral GEL Running Shoes

GEL is possibly the most famous of Asics' cushioning technologies. GEL refers to pockets of gel material that are inserted within the midsole of a running shoe to absorb the shock of the impact.

Shoes in this collection are characterised by a recognizable soft landing and plush cushioning. They are amongst Asics' most popular and best selling shoes.

1
Asics Gel Nimbus 22

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The Asics Nimbus is a highly cushioned, and highly structured, neutral trainer that has been the flagship plush trainer of the Asics line for twenty years. Read full review »

Pros

  • Comfort of the ASICS Gel Nimbus 22 far exceeds its competitors
  • The responsiveness of the ASICS Gel Nimbus 22 and the overall cushioning leads to comfort
  • The ASICS Gel Nimbus 22 offers a stable and steady feel

Cons

  • The cost is on the high end for a pair of running shoes

2
Asics Nimbus 22 Lite

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The Gel-Nimbus Lite line of shoes from Asics takes the tried and true comfort of their regular Gel-Nimbus shoes and somehow manages to reduce the weight to the level of a shoe that some could even race in. Read full review »

Pros

  • Noticeably soft cushioning
  • Not heavy or restrictive like other Gel-Nimbus shoes
  • Highly breathable
  • Ample rubber coverage

Cons

  • Not very durable upper

3
Asics Gel Cumulus 22

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The ASICS Cumulus 22 is a running shoe that offer good support and good comfort. I liked them.
They were not flashy but that does not mean that they were not a reliable shoe. Will they be my go to pair? Probably not...but they will have a place in my rotation. Read full review »

Pros

  • Sturdy shoe with good rebound that is a suitable everyday trainer that can be used on road, track, treadmill or neighborhood trails.
  • Light weight as ASICS delivered on a one piece mesh upper
  • Great shock absorption with the gel and the Flyte Foam

Cons

  • Cushioning can feel limited if you are used to more heel to toe cushion

4
Asics Gel Excite 7

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Asics has a few models in their entry-price point range. The most popular is definitely the Gel Contend series, but at times we feel it to be too basic. Enter the Gel Excite 67 Read full review »

Pros

  • Inexpensive platform for Asics Gel technology
  • Reliable layout based on successful platform
  • AMPLIFOAM midsole better than regular EVA foam

Cons

  • Somewhat stiff ride
  • Not too different from previous model

5
Asics Gel Pursue 5

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The ASICS Pursue 5 is a balanced ride for neutral or mild stability runners. It straddles both categories and offers a versatile shoe that loves picking up the pace. Read full review »

Pros

  • The cushion is firm for when you up the pace
  • Breathable and flexible upper
  • Good grip on most surfaces

Cons

  • Shoe laces are too short
  • The tongue is a little short and thin

6
Asics Gel Flux 5

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The Asics Gel-Flux 5 brings a total redesign to the Gel-Flux series, including the signature GEL rearfoot cushioning system and guidance systems in the midsole.

The shoe competes as a daily trainer in the affordable price point category. Read full review »

Pros

  • Style and material upgrades
  • Solid fit with no hot spots

Cons

  • Odd material choices on sidewall

7
Asics Gel Fortitude 8

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ASICS Gel-Fortitude 8 is deemed a neutral shoe by ASICS, but it functions with motion control and a stable ride, padded by an extra-thick sock liner (for those who don't replace it with an orthotic) below a semi-plush tongue and heel collar. Read full review »

Pros

  • Medium fit throughout for those who need it
  • Durable sole
  • Stiff midfoot supports foot
  • High Motion Control
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Bulky

8
Asics Gel Contend 5

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The ASICS Gel Contend 5 is a discount trainer, however it does not pack enough of a punch to warrant a purchase. This shoe does not log the long miles, and shows wear quickly. Read full review »

Pros

  • Price point
  • Everyday wear cushion
  • Comfortable upper

Cons

  • Cushion on long runs
  • Collar too stiff
  • Too narrow through midfoot

Asics Stability GEL Running Shoes

GEL is not used only in Asics' neutral running shoes - it's one of the main component of their stability line as well.

1
Asics Gel Kayano 26

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The ASICS Kayano 26 is a solid everyday stability trainer built for many miles at different paces. Unfortunately the high price tag and the many similarities it shares with the other ASICS stability offerings hold it back from being an outstanding shoe. Read full review »

Pros

  • Exoskeletal Heel Counter
  • FlyteFoam Propel Cushioning
  • Smooth Heel/Midsole strike to toe off

Cons

  • Price Tag
  • Cushioning is unforgiving the longer the distance

2
Asics GT 4000

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The GT-4000 is a new stability trainer from ASICS. It is a balanced ride for mild stability or neutral runners who need a little support. It is a solidly built shoes ready for many miles at many different paces. Read full review »

Pros

  • Flytefoam Propel Cushioning
  • The performance mesh upper
  • Durable

Cons

  • Breaking in time
  • Boring Colorway
  • Narrow in midfoot

3
Asics GT 2000 8

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The Asics GT 2000 8 is a staple everyday trainer. It has moderate support, is moderately priced, and offers a moderately stable ride. It's not a bad shoe, but it's also not a breakthrough one either. Read full review »

Pros

  • Ride offers moderate amount of support.
  • Incredibly sturdy and long lasting.
  • Comfortable redone upper.

Cons

  • Ride too firm at times.
  • Narrow toe box.

4
Asics GT 1000 9

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The Asics GT 1000 9 is a budget friendly stability trainer that delivers. Loaded with many features, they are worth every penny of their affordable price tag. Read full review »

Pros

  • GEL cushioning addition
  • Responsive ride with a bounce
  • Durable
  • Price

Cons

  • Unresponsive in double digits distances
  • Missing the Flytefoam Propel cushioning

5
Asics DS Trainer 25

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The Asics Gel DS Trainer 25 is a shoe that gives just the right amount of support with outsole traction that rivals trail shoes.

It is complemented by a knit upper that feels and fits great. Despite trainer being in the name, this is a fast feeling shoe. Read full review »

Pros

  • Responsive, fast ride. Just the right amount of stability.
  • Comfortable knit upper.
  • Top notch outsole. sturdy and lots of grip!
  • Lots of color options compared to years past.

Cons

  • Tongue is too thin. Constantly folds in.
  • Upper doesn't have an 'out of box and out the door' feel. Very stiff fitting at first.

6
Asics Gel Foundation 13

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The Asics Gel Foundation 13 is designed for overpronators and those who use custom orthotics. The shoes have enough cushioning for a daily trainer while supporting wider feet. The comfortable midsole will guide you through your stride as the breathable upper keeps your feet cool.

Asics Energy Saving Collection

Each model in the Energy Saving Series features GUIDESOLE™ technology, designed to absorb shock and propel you forward with a more efficient stride.

1
Asics MetaRide

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The first product introduced within the Energy Saving Series, the METARIDE shoe delivers a completely new running experience.

2
Asics GlideRide

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Designed to help runners save energy, making running easier for a wider range of runners. Read full review »

Pros

  • Guidesole technology provides a very pleasant and comfortable ride with plenty of responsive cushioning.
  • Supportive feel through the arch with a pronounced rocker design that decreases fatigue during long runs.
  • Very well designed upper that feels secure, but with an accommodating toebox.
  • The GlideRide uses multiple layers of foam, rather than carbon plates, to create the sensation of forward propulsion.
  • Very well cushioned forefoot.

Cons

  • Decrease in ankle flexion by 19% could cause biomechanical issues and potential for injury.
  • Extremely rockered profile encourages heel striking.
  • Potential for decompensation in foot strength and function due to rigidity of the shoe.

3
Asics Evoride

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The latest addition to the series. With great step-in comfort that gives runners a soft, rolling feeling. Read full review »

Pros

  • Rocker design decreases fatigue
  • Guidesole provides a smooth and comfortable ride
  • Firm FLYTEFOAM midsole adds speed and forward propulsion.

Cons

  • Narrow toebox
  • Possible untoward long term effects by limiting natural movement.

Asics Running Shoes Without GEL Cushioning

In the past few years Asics has been releasing shoes outside of the GEL collection: they are either executions of their new foam (FlyteFoam) or other midsole materials that are more responsive.

1
Asics Novablast

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The ASICS NOVABLAST is a lightweight/maximal (I think this is an oxymoron) road running shoe that offers a comfortable ride that is noticed mile after mile.

I plugged away chunks of miles in these shoes (on the road, on the treadmill and on trials) and my feet (and my lower back) felt good after short runs as well as long runs.

After getting used to the newly installed Flytefoam, I found that the responsiveness of the shoe made for a comfortable run. Read full review »

Pros

  • Ample cushion that is very responsive.
  • Breathes well, keeps the feet cool on runs.
  • Lightweight .

Cons

  • Cushioning can take time to get used to…once you do…move this to the pro section!
  • With the new cushioning included, the NOVABLAST looks odd.
  • There is too much room in the toe box.

2
Asics DynaFlyte 4

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Asics iterated on their DYNAFLYTE line to include a redesigned upper while keeping their original goals of supplying a fast and light trainer for athletes ready to push their limits.

Not totally a racer, and not totally daily driver, you’ll find the streamlined design blending the two categories. Read full review »

Pros

  • MSRP drop compared to predecessor
  • Good balance of lightweight and durability
  • Comfortable ride

Cons

  • Not much change from previous several models
  • Relatively heavy when compared to competitors

3
Asics FuzeX Rush Adapt

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The Asics FuzeX Rush Adapt is a road shoe that comes at an affordable price. The shoe can be used for running, or at a job where you on your feet all day. The midsole is not as responsive as other shoes, nor does it offer much arch support. In addition, the sizing was a bit narrow for some.

4
Asics Roadhawk FF

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The ASICS Roadhawk FF is a lightweight road shoe that is versatile enough to wear in just about any situation. From 5ks to marathon, speed sessions at the track to easy weekend long runs, this is a shoe that can do just about anything. Read full review »

Pros

  • Very Comfortable Upper
  • Lightweight
  • Plenty of Cushion

Cons

  • Narrow Toe Box

5
Asics Amplica

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Asics Amplica is a lightweight, responsive, affordable trainer that can be used for daily training or uptempo runs. It is a essentials only shoe, so don’t expect any frills, but expect a lower price point. The midsole is fast on the roads with its AmpilFoam that runs the full-length of the shoe.

Asics Competition Running Shoes

These are Asics' lightest and fastest running shoes - meant for competition day, they are extremely popular across the globe.

1
Asics Asics Lyteracer TS 7

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The Asics Lyteracer TS 7 is a neutral racer that can handle anything from short distances to marathons. The cushioning doesn’t break down during long runs, yet it is lightweight enough for you to sprint in. This is the perfect option for a versatile shoe.

2
Asics 451

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Asics’ GEL-451 shoe breaks a few standards in order to help you break records. An unconventional fit system paired with a very light and tight build gets you a shoe that aims to bring you faster times. Read full review »

Pros

  • Very unique BOA ratcheting system instead of laces
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Worryingly small, almost mandatory you go up half a size
  • Overlays started to separate from the upper after 40 miles
  • The even tightness of the BOA system may make fitting shoes hard for some runners

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