MC: The short answer: Yes, lots of them. Asics has been experimenting with running shoe tech for well over half a century. In 1990, the brand opened the Institute of Sports Science in Kobe, Japan, where the company conducts materials tests and biomechanical research to fine-tune designs. It is placed in the midsole to prevent the shoe from twisting, delivering a more stable and comfortable foot movement. The shoe is a bit on the heavier side, so it’s not ideal for speedwork. The Xpress is intended for high mileage, making it a good choice for your weekend long runs. It’s a stable shoe that provides support if your gait tends to supinate—when the foot rolls outward while in motion—or if your form is suffering from fatigue. Gel Cushioning That said, the brand has also expanded into lightweight, responsive racing shoes and even trail shoes, too.

ASICS classified their running shoes based on the level of cushioning - regular, extra, and maximum. Here’s how the cushioning level differs: We also loved how versatile this shoe is for different types of runs on both cold days and warm days. To test its breathability, we pumped smoke inside the shoe and saw that the smoke easily passed through the upper and the tongue—which means great ventilation for hot days. We also put the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes to simulate cold weather and found that the midsole was still much softer than most running shoes at room temperature—making the Novablast 3 absolutely perfect for training runs even on cold days. The comfort level on the Gel Nimbus 25 is off the charts! Based on our measurements, the shoe’s midsole foam is 25% softer than the average road running shoe and softer than 80% of road running shoes we’ve ever tested in our lab. This top-tier softness—combined with a cushioned heel collar and padding around the ankle—kept our feet comfortable all throughout easy runs and even long runs. The upper also features Asics’s classic two-toned design. The heel counter doesn’t have a ton of give, but it did offer stability and no heel slip. Overall, the shoe felt secure on our testers’ feet and was true to size. All the Stats You Ne ed! Men’sMC: Historically, Asics shoes have been known for using multiple layers of cushioning to create a stable, well-cushioned (and somewhat stiff) ride. Core models like the Gel-Cumulus still exhibit this construction, with a moderate drop and layers of Gel and foam in the midsole for a plush feel that’s great for long runs and training miles. After a series of interval sessions and uptempo runs, the ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ gets the medal for the best 5k/10k racing shoe in the ASICS range. Extremely light, exceptionally lively, and insanely breathable. After running in these shoes and testing them in the lab, no other ASICS shoe comes close. It is a vertical groove that runs through the outsole, from heel to toe. It is meant to deliver gait efficiency from heel strike to toe-off. The models below represent the best Asics running shoes available now. To recommend them, I first reviewed the Asics shoe lineup and talked with an Asics brand rep to learn about the company’s latest models. From there, I focused on performance running shoes that showcase the brand’s premier foams, support tech, and other features. The GT-Xpress is made with a mesh upper, a flexible and breathable material that’s ideal for long runs. “The upper was pretty plush and comfortable, and it breathes fairly well,” said one tester.

The eyelets are arranged separately to efficiently transmits lacing tension evenly across the foot and deliver a more comfortable, natural fit. This trainer offers a good amount of stability in our toe-offs and landings. We feel the midsole gives plenty of room for steady runs. Our caliper confirms a wide 120.5/91.1 mm forefoot and heel. Over the decades, Asics has developed several notable shoe technologies and many superb training shoes for runners, including some of the best running shoes of 2023. FlyteFoam Blast is the lightest and most responsive edition of the foam. It's used on the brand's high-end speed shoes like the Novablast. UpperWe cut it open in the lab and measured 35.2 mm of generous cushion in the heel. The forefoot is a little shy of average, leading to an 11.8 mm drop. We feel it's more suitable for heel strikers as the foam dampens landing impact, while the drop promotes smooth forward rolls. Even with all the padding, it surprisingly feels light. Like other shoemakers, Asics has its own proprietary cushioning, called FlyteFoam. Although it’s based on ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), the traditional running shoe cushioning material, this foam is formulated to be lighter and more resilient than standard EVA. It doesn’t have quite the same springy feel as the other types of FlyteFoam below, but it works fine for everyday running. It’s used in Asics’ more affordable shoes, like the GT-1000. Through lab tests and actual runs, we discovered the best Asics triathlon running shoes — the Noosa Tri 15. Honoring its name, its light and flexible nature, breezy upper, and comfortable cushion make it perfect for Tri athlons. Amazingly, it offers all these features without sacrificing speed and stability.

Asics has long been known for creating durable, well-cushioned, and highly supportive training shoes–the Gel-Kayano is a prime example–so if you run long and often, this is a great brand to consider. In recent years, Asics has also broken out of that mold to create excellent racing shoes with new, lightweight foams to compete with other brands’ premium models. The Metaspeed Sky+ only weighs 6.8 oz (193g), which makes it way lighter than the average race shoe (7.3 oz or 207g). When we conducted our smoke test to test its breathability, we pumped smoke inside the shoe. The ease and speed at which the smoke passed through the shoe's mesh upper was amazing—smoke almost enveloped the shoe. Depending on your goals, here are the things you need to consider when buying a pair of ASICS running shoes: If you’re in search of a race shoe, consider the Asics MetaSpeed line (such as the MetaSpeed Edge+ below). Bottom line: Whether you need a workhorse trainer or you’re looking for your next marathon shoe, Asics has models that can get the job done.ASICS Cumulus (daily trainer), ASICS Magic Speed (5K/10K race flat), ASICS MetaSpeed Sky (marathon race shoe) Cushioning level in ASICS running shoes The ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ is so much lighter than the average road running shoe (208 grams/7.3 ounces vs. 265 grams/9.3 ounces). It is also lighter than other plated shoes (246 grams/8.68 ounces). During our stride practices and interval sessions, we felt like we were running unburdened. Truly, the Edge+ is an enticing option for racing the 5k or 10k—a beast that destroys records. After spending numerous hours in our lab and running various distances outdoors, we’ve chosen the best ASICS marathon shoe: the ASICS Metaspeed Sky+! Immensely comfortable, almost weightless, and exceptionally responsive—this shoe is the shoe to obliterate 26.2 miles. However, newer shoes in the Asics lineup, like the NovaBlast, utilize more lightweight, bouncy midsole designs that mirror what other top brands are doing in their premium speedwork and racing shoes.

Consider the average distance you run in a week and if you are participating in a race or just doing it for leisure. These things are important to determine if you need a light and fast shoe or a cushioned pair. The midsole material combined with the dual-density foam system gives much-needed stability for overpronators. During our long runs, we experienced how these shoes offered some help with overpronation — giving us a confidence boost like no other.

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Finally, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ was exceptionally responsive during our marathon training. While the carbon plate definitely helped, our lab test results also gave the shoe a score of 5/5 for stiffness. This was extremely helpful, especially on the last two miles of a long run. We felt like it helped us move forward, crushing those double-digit miles along the way. Made from organic super fibers, this cushioning technology delivers responsiveness and bounce without adding too much weight. These are irregular-shaped grooves added in the heel area of the sole that encourages stable and natural foot movement.