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Best Asics Running Shoes 2020

Our team tests 120+ running shoes for at least 50 miles. These are the best running shoes from Asics.

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FOR MOST RUNNERS

FOR MOST RUNNERS

FOR MOST RUNNERS

Asics Gel Cumulus 22

Asics Gel Cumulus 22
Improving year after year, the Cumulus is a staple neutral shoe with an emphasis on cushioning and comfort.
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Improving year after year, the Cumulus is a staple neutral shoe with an emphasis on cushioning and comfort.
Jeremy White
5k, 10k and Half Marathon Expert

LIGHT AND SOFT

LIGHT AND SOFT

LIGHT AND SOFT

Asics Novablast

Asics Novablast
Completely new for Asics, the Novablast is a maximal cushion shoe that comes at light weight and good toe-off.
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Completely new for Asics, the Novablast is a maximal cushion shoe that comes at light weight and good toe-off.
Jeremy White
5k, 10k and Half Marathon Expert

FOR OVERPRONATORS

FOR OVERPRONATORS

FOR OVERPRONATORS

Asics GT 2000 8

Asics GT 2000 8
One of the most dependable stability shoes in the market year after year, priced perfectly.
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One of the most dependable stability shoes in the market year after year, priced perfectly.
Jon Ober
Serial Marathoner and Stability Running Shoe Expert

PREMIUM STABILITY

PREMIUM STABILITY

PREMIUM STABILITY

Asics Gel Kayano 27

Asics Gel Kayano 27
Rare combination of stability and soft cushioning, the Kayano offers a great platform especially to heavier runners.
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Rare combination of stability and soft cushioning, the Kayano offers a great platform especially to heavier runners.
TJ Jones
Road and trail runner, stability shoes expert.

BEST VALUE

BEST VALUE

BEST VALUE

Asics Gel Excite 7

Asics Gel Excite 7
The Gel Excite takes the technology of the more expensive Asics shoes, remove the unnecessary and delivers a great shoe for everyone.
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The Gel Excite takes the technology of the more expensive Asics shoes, remove the unnecessary and delivers a great shoe for everyone.
Frank May
Fast Runner, Triathlete and Engineer

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.

First choice

Asics Gel Nimbus 22

Weight
10.9 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Cushioning

Asics Gel Nimbus 22

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • 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
“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. ”
Recommended for
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 22 is made for high mileage. Which is nice since the more miles logged the cost versus mileage ratio begins to level out.
I would not be surprised if the ASICS Gel Nimbus 22 could take up to 600 plus miles. I would recommend the ASICS Gel Nimbus 22 ideally for those who...
Jeremy White
5k, 10k and Half Marathon Expert
Read the full review of Gel Nimbus 22
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics Nimbus 22 Lite

Weight
9.7 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Cushioning

Asics Nimbus 22 Lite

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • Noticeably soft cushioning
  • Not heavy or restrictive like other Gel-Nimbus shoes
  • Highly breathable
  • Ample rubber coverage
“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.”
Recommended for
High mileage runners seeking a fix from their hard lightweight shoes or clunky plush shoes will be drawn to the Gel-Nimbus Lite line of shoes.
Beginners might want to shy away from the price point, but the overall comfort and usefulness of the shoes is hard to pass up.
Frank May
Fast Runner, Triathlete and Engineer
Read the full review of Nimbus 22 Lite
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics Gel Cumulus 22

Weight
9.2 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Cushioning

Asics Gel Cumulus 22

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • 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
“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. ”
Recommended for
The ASICS Cumulus 22 is a shoe for the average runner who wants a durable and reliable shoe. From the accomplished to the beginner, each will find the ASICS Cumulus 22 a shoe to add into their regular rotation.
Jeremy White
5k, 10k and Half Marathon Expert
Read the full review of Gel Cumulus 22
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics Gel Excite 7

Weight
10 oz.
Drop
8 mm.
Category
Cushioning

Asics Gel Excite 7

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • Inexpensive platform for Asics Gel technology
  • Reliable layout based on successful platform
  • AMPLIFOAM midsole better than regular EVA foam
“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 ”
Recommended for
Newer runners and low mileage runners looking for a stable and well tested shoe should consider the GEL-Excite 7s.
Most of the shoes by Asics stick close to their winning formula, so risk-averse runners looking for something reliable will enjoy this shoe which sacrifices the newest tech for...
Frank May
Fast Runner, Triathlete and Engineer
Read the full review of Gel Excite 7
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics Gel Pursue 5

Weight
10.7 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Cushioning

Asics Gel Pursue 5

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • The cushion is firm for when you up the pace
  • Breathable and flexible upper
  • Good grip on most surfaces
“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.”
Recommended for
This shoe is for any neutral or very mild stability runner who wants a medium cushion shoe that is willing to up the pace. This shoe is probably better for runners who already know how they run and what type of support they may need.
Michael Mason-D'Croz
Long distance runner, shoe expert.
Read the full review of Gel Pursue 5
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics Gel Flux 5

Weight
10.70 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Cushioning

Asics Gel Flux 5

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 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • Style and material upgrades
  • Solid fit with no hot spots
“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.”
Recommended for
This shoe is best suited for neutral runners who don’t need any additional support in a daily trainer, and want to run in a tried and true shoe.
Frank May
Fast Runner, Triathlete and Engineer
Read the full review of Gel Flux 5
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics Gel Fortitude 8

Weight
12.30 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Cushioning

Asics Gel Fortitude 8

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • Medium fit throughout for those who need it
  • Durable sole
  • Stiff midfoot supports foot
  • High Motion Control
“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.”
Recommended for
This is a durable mileage and recovery-run shoe for mid-to-heavy weight runners with medium-width, flat, feet, for use with or without an orthotic. It's designed for neutral runners with flat feet, but it's sturdy enough for those with higher motion control needs.
Kristin Lassen
Fast Runner and Stability Shoe Expert
Read the full review of Gel Fortitude 8
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics Gel Contend 5

Weight
10.25 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Cushioning

Asics Gel Contend 5

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • Price point
  • Everyday wear cushion
  • Comfortable upper
“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.”
Recommended for
This shoe is made for beginners and bargain seekers.
Michael Mason-D'Croz
Long distance runner, shoe expert.
Read the full review of Gel Contend 5
or buy them here: Men / Women

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.

First choice

Asics Gel Kayano 26

Weight
11.1 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Stability

Asics Gel Kayano 26

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • Exoskeletal Heel Counter
  • FlyteFoam Propel Cushioning
  • Smooth Heel/Midsole strike to toe off
“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.”
Recommended for
I would recommend the Kayano 26 to a runner who would like a daily trainer with max stability that’s built to last.
TJ Jones
Road and trail runner, stability shoes expert.
Read the full review of Gel Kayano 26
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics GT 4000

Weight
11 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Stability

Asics GT 4000

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • Flytefoam Propel Cushioning
  • The performance mesh upper
  • Durable
“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.”
Recommended for
A runner who seeking willing step outside their comfort zone and try a new mid stability workhorse built for miles.
TJ Jones
Road and trail runner, stability shoes expert.
Read the full review of GT 4000
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics GT 2000 8

Weight
10 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Stability

Asics GT 2000 8

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • Ride offers moderate amount of support.
  • Incredibly sturdy and long lasting.
  • Comfortable redone upper.
“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.”
Recommended for
I like to think of this as a gateway shoe for runners that are starting to get serious about their running.
It works great for those who are looking for a medium amount of cushion and support. It's the text book every day trainer.
Jon Ober
Serial Marathoner and Stability Running Shoe Expert
Read the full review of GT 2000 8
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics GT 1000 9

Weight
10 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Stability

Asics GT 1000 9

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • GEL cushioning addition
  • Responsive ride with a bounce
  • Durable
  • Price
“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.”
Recommended for
A budget conscious runner who is looking for a moderate stability trainer to take them from the couch to their first race.
TJ Jones
Road and trail runner, stability shoes expert.
Read the full review of GT 1000 9
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics DS Trainer 25

Weight
8 oz.
Drop
8 mm.
Category
Lightweight

Asics DS Trainer 25

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • 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.
“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.”
Recommended for
Ideal for a runner looking for something fast but still provides stability.
It works great as a shoe for faster efforts like threshold workouts but is also a workhorse of a shoe and does great for long efforts.
Jon Ober
Serial Marathoner and Stability Running Shoe Expert
Read the full review of DS Trainer 25
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics Gel Foundation 13

Weight
10.2 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Stability

Asics Gel Foundation 13

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
“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. ”
Recommended for
The Asics Gel Foundation 13 are for overpronators who want stability and cushioning during their runs.
Andy Mac
Running Expert
Read the full review of Gel Foundation 13
or buy them here: Men / Women

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.

First choice

Asics MetaRide

Weight
10.2 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Cushioning

Asics MetaRide

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
“The first product introduced within the Energy Saving Series, the METARIDE shoe delivers a completely new running experience. ”
Recommended for
We recommend the ASICS MetaRide to any runner who is looking for a long distance trainer which brings something new to the game.
TJ Jones
Road and trail runner, stability shoes expert.
Read the full review of MetaRide
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics GlideRide

Weight
10.3 oz.
Drop
mm.
Category
Cushioning

Asics GlideRide

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • 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.
“Designed to help runners save energy, making running easier for a wider range of runners. ”
Recommended for
The GlideRide is a shoe that could be enjoyed and utilized by all types of runners, from beginners to high mileage hogs.
Its an optimal shoe for long runs and easy days, but it can also pick up the pace for a steady state workout.
Thomas Caughlan
Ultrarunner and 10-Year Running Shoe Tester
Read the full review of GlideRide
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics Evoride

Weight
9.1 oz.
Drop
5 mm.
Category
Cushioning

Asics Evoride

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • Rocker design decreases fatigue
  • Guidesole provides a smooth and comfortable ride
  • Firm FLYTEFOAM midsole adds speed and forward propulsion.
“The latest addition to the series. With great step-in comfort that gives runners a soft, rolling feeling. ”
Recommended for
The neutral runner looking for a lightweight and versatile training shoe.
It's capable of handling a variety of distances and paces, but feels the most efficient on long intervals and faster long runs making it an ideal choice for the runner looking to invest in only one shoe.
Jim Coulson
Fast Road and Trail Runner. Career Firefighter.
Read the full review of Evoride
or buy them here: Men / Women

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.

First choice

Asics Novablast

Weight
9.5 oz.
Drop
10 mm.
Category
Cushioning

Asics Novablast

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • Ample cushion that is very responsive.
  • Breathes well, keeps the feet cool on runs.
  • Lightweight .
“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.”
Recommended for
The ASICS NOVABLAST is for anyone who is looking to experience running comfort. ASICS has hit a home run with the new FlyteFoam.
FlyteFoam provides not only a responsive feel to the NOVABLAST but it felt like I was running on a mini padded trampoline due to the fact that there is bounce while...
Jeremy White
5k, 10k and Half Marathon Expert
Read the full review of Novablast
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics DynaFlyte 4

Weight
8 oz.
Drop
8 mm.
Category
Cushioning

Asics DynaFlyte 4

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • MSRP drop compared to predecessor
  • Good balance of lightweight and durability
  • Comfortable ride
“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.”
Recommended for
Anyone who has graduated from entry level shoes looking for more performance in their mid to long distances workouts/races could consider this shoe as a choice if they are also neutral runners who don’t need too much support.
Frank May
Fast Runner, Triathlete and Engineer
Read the full review of DynaFlyte 4
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics FuzeX Rush Adapt

Weight
8.6 oz.
Drop
8 mm.
Category
Stability

Asics FuzeX Rush Adapt

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
“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. ”
Recommended for
The Asics FuzeX Rush Adapts is an affordable shoe designed for short to medium distance runners. It is best for those who underpronate and offers stability for this condition. If you want to feel the ground underfoot, this shoe is not a good choice as it is a little heavy. However, if you want...
Andy Mac
Running Expert
Read the full review of FuzeX Rush Adapt
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics Roadhawk FF

Weight
8.10 oz.
Drop
8 mm.
Category
Cushioning

Asics Roadhawk FF

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • Very Comfortable Upper
  • Lightweight
  • Plenty of Cushion
“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.”
Recommended for
The ASICS Roadhawk FFs are good for just about any runner. It may be especially appealing to newer runners because of its lower-end price point and comfortable feel.
Denny Krahe
Running Coach and Podcast Host.
Read the full review of Roadhawk FF
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics Amplica

Weight
8.4 oz.
Drop
8 mm.
Category
Cushioning

Asics Amplica

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
“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. ”
Recommended for
The Amplicas are perfect for those who want an affordable shoe they can train in daily while pushing the limits on the road.
Andy Mac
Running Expert
Read the full review of Amplica
or buy them here: Men / Women

Asics Competition Running Shoes

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

First choice

Asics Asics Lyteracer TS 7

Weight
8.2 oz.
Drop
8 mm.
Category
Racing

Asics Asics Lyteracer TS 7

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
“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. ”
Recommended for
The Asics Lyteracer TS 7 is for those who want a neutral, lightweight racing shoe that can handle short and long-distance races.
Andy Mac
Running Expert
Read the full review of Asics Lyteracer TS 7
or buy them here: Men / Women
Also consider

Asics 451

Weight
6.80 oz.
Drop
6 mm.
Category
Lightweight

Asics 451

Shop Men      Shop Women  
 Shop Men      Shop Women 
Reasons to buy
  • Very unique BOA ratcheting system instead of laces
  • Lightweight
“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.”
Recommended for
Lighter, faster runners who prefer to strike on their mid or forefoot.
Frank May
Fast Runner, Triathlete and Engineer
Read the full review of 451
or buy them here: Men / Women

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