Asics GlideRide Max review

8 expert score
8 user's score
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples. We purchased this pair at Running Warehouse with our own money.
Review written on 07th November by Paul Soriano Paul Soriano is an avid runner who enjoys racing and meeting fellow runners.
14 other reviews

Asics GlideRide Max Verdict

The ASICS GlideRide Max is a high stack daily trainer that can handle those long runs and the daily miles. With a price tag that is lower than the ASICS Superblast, this can be a valuable option if you want to stay within the ASICS brand.

The pros

  • Midsole materials make it a well-balanced ride
  • Upper mesh material is very comfortable
  • Outsole grip is dependable
  • Price tag for all the technology it uses

The cons

  • Toe box is narrow
  • Outsole durability

Rating breakdown

Comfort
8.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
10
Landing
9.0
Transition
9.0
Toe-off
10
Traction
8.0
Durability
7.0
Value / Price
8.0

Facts / Specs

Brand
Model
GlideRide Max
Weight
9.9 oz (281 g)
MSRP
$170.00

Heel
46 mm.
Toe
40 mm.
Heel drop
6 mm.
Carbon plate
No plate

Size/Fit

Sizing
Buy half size bigger
Heel fit
Normal
Midfoot fit
Normal
Toebox fit
Tight

Cushioning & ride

Type of cushioning
Balanced/plush
Amount of cushioning
Highly cushioned
Stability
Some stability
Flexibility
Rigid

Usage

Racing
Speedwork
Daily training  
Long distance racing
Ultra distance racing

Who should buy the Asics GlideRide Max ?

If you are looking for a shoe that can handle those long and daily runs this is a great option. The build quality of the shoe I would stay is top notch when it comes to durability.

Who should not buy the Asics GlideRide Max ?

If you happen to have wide feet, the GlideRide Max will be very uncomfortable. The upper, particularly the toe box area, will give you problems

Asics GlideRide Max Introduction

Picture of ASICS GlideRide Max

The ASICS GlideRide Max is a max cushioned trainer that can handle all your daily runs and your long runs.

The midsole uses two different foams, FF BLAST MAX for softness underfoot and the FF BLAST PLUS ECO, which can be handled on any terrain.

The GlideRide also provide a 3/4 EVA plate and the GUIDESOLE technology to assist on your stride, so the ride overall is buttery smooth.

This could be a great option if the price tag for the ASICS Superblast 2 is too much for you. The GlideRide Max comes out to $170, whereas the Superblast is $200.

Asics GlideRide Max First Impressions

Picture of ASICS GlideRide Max

When I first opened the shoe box, I could tell that this shoe was meant for protection and durability.

Very padded from top to bottom, but at the same time very comfortable.

As I started running in them, I noticed how much softness and rebound I was getting on ground contact.

As I was done with my, I checked my numbers and noticed that my cadence was a lot higher than usual because of the midsole technologies working together for my stride.

Asics GlideRide Max Upper

Picture of ASICS GlideRide Max

The upper uses an engineered mesh that is very breathable. I was able to run comfortably in both warm and cooler temperatures as the seasons have been slowly transitioning from summer to fall here in my residence.

The shoe is very structured, but also very comfortable. The shoe lacing system is pretty basic. No updates with the shoelaces and it provide an extra hole to give you the option of using a racing knot. The tongue is semi-gusseted as the tongue is connect only on the medial side of the shoe.

The sidewalls around the heel counter are fully padded and there is no pliability to it whatsoever. While walking and running with it, I did not have any senses of any heel slippage. The shoe, however, does provide a pull tab just in case if you were to have a hard time putting them on or taking it off. I did not have any of those issues while testing out the shoe.

When it comes to fit though, I would probably move a half size up because the toe box area seem to fit really tight. There have been a few times where my toes would rub against each other and start causing blistering.

Asics GlideRide Max Sole Unit

Picture of ASICS GlideRide Max

The ASICS GlideRide Max uses two different midsole compounds that make the ride well balanced.

The top midsole uses the FF BLAST MAX. The midsole by touch is very soft, while also feeling very light. The FF BLAST MAX gives the ride a very responsive feel underfoot. The bottom layer uses FF BLAST PLUS ECO. The bottom layer provides more of an ideal use for durability and resilience.

The midsole is not as soft by feel like the FF BLAST MAX, but with both combined midsole compounds your feet will thank you.

Sandwiched in between both midsoles is an EVA plastic 3/4-length plate that assists both stability and the midfoot to forefoot strike. ASICS also has included the GUIDESOLE technology, a rocker shape that forms along the midfoot and toe box area that reduces the ankle flexion, making running feel more effortless.

And finally, the outsole provides a rubber called the HYBRID ASICSGRIP that provides excellent traction.

Overall, the combined technology used for the sole unit is quite impressive. With all that midsole, the shoe actually feels lighter than what it seems.

The ride is not as soft as the marshmallow ride such as the FuelCell from New Balance but provides a comfortable and well-balanced ride. The only concern I have with the overall sole unit is with the outsole and its durability.

With well over 100 miles on them I have noticed that the traction is starting to wear in certain areas based on my foot strike. It’s a little concerning because as a daily trainer I looked for a shoe that I know I can run with tons miles in.

Asics GlideRide Max Conclusions

Picture of ASICS GlideRide Max

In conclusion, The ASICS GlideRide Max is one of the most well-rounded shoes that I have tested out so far. All the technology the shoe used in the sole unit all worked together to really make the ride of the shoe really fun to run in and just felt lively.

If the shoe fixed the cons, the tight toe box and the outsole durability, this shoe would be the perfect daily trainer.

The outsole durability can be debatable though because everyone’s foot strike is different.

If I had the opportunity to purchase this shoe again, would I? And the answer would be yes, but I would have to test out the shoe a size half bigger to see if the toe box area would be the same or if there’s a difference.

How does the GlideRide Max compare?

Asics Gel Nimbus 26
Asics GlideRide Max
Asics Superblast 2
Expert score
10
8
8
User score
Retail price
US$159.95
US$169.95
US$200
Brand
Weight
10.7 oz
9.9 oz
9 oz
Heel Drop
8 mm
6 mm
8 mm
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Speedwork, daily training
Cushioning type
responsive/balanced
balanced/plush
balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
rigid
medium
Stability
some stability
some stability
very stable
Sizing
true to size
buy half size bigger
true to size

Why you can trust us

As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.
We purchased this pair of Asics at Running Warehouse  with our own money.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our policy.

Reviewed by Paul

This review was written by Paul Soriano on 07th November.
Paul Soriano is an avid runner who enjoys racing and meeting fellow runners. Paul started running back in late 2017 as just a hobby that can keep him active and healthy. As he kept running his race times improved. A few years later he would debut in his first marathon and Boston qualify. Paul loves running shoes and is obsessed with finding the best shoes out in the market. He’s tried out a variety of brands from Nike to domestic brands such as Xtep.

User feedback (2)

  • avatar-comment-1046075
    David Chen
    2 months ago
    8 score

    Put over 300 miles on these bad boys and they’ve become my go-to trainers. The FF Blast+ foam and rocker design make long runs feel effortless. Used them for everything from easy recovery days to my weekend 20-milers. No blisters or hotspots even during those sticky summer runs. They feel more locked-down than my Novablast 4s, though not quite as fun and bouncy. Grip’s been solid through rain and shine, though the forefoot’s starting to show some wear. For $170, you’re getting a lot of shoe. Just wish they made them a bit wider in the toe box.

  • avatar-comment-1045659
    TechRunner
    2 months ago

    About to pull the trigger on these for my easy days. Anyone switch over from the Novablast 3? The rocker looks pretty aggressive in pics. Also eyeing the Superblast for my weekend long runs – curious how they compare if anyone’s tried both. Training for a spring marathon so cushioning is key!

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