7 Best ASICS Running Shoes in 2024

How we test running shoes

With nearly 200 ASICS running shoes on the market, our mission is to help you find the best one. We purchase all ASICS shoes with our own funds to keep the reviews honest.

Spending at least 7 hours on each shoe, we are dedicated testers that put it through the wringer in our shoe testing lab:

• First, we run 30-50 miles on average to test the pair and provide comprehensive feedback.
• Second, every ASICS shoe is sliced into pieces in our lab. Ever wondered what a Kayano looks like from the inside?
• We use scales, durometers, calipers, and even a custom smoke machine to measure 30+ parameters. It helps us translate what "durable" and "breathable" look like in concrete data.

Finally, we list the cream of the crop right here.

How to find the best ASICS running shoes

To get the best possible experience from a pair of ASICS shoes, you need to consider the following factors:

• Terrain: Will you be running on paved roads or trails?
• Use: Daily runs, speed training, or competition?
• Cushioning: How much cushion will benefit you the most?
• Arch support: Do you need more stable and supportive running shoes?

Not to mention other factors like breathability, durability, size, fit, and price. This guide will help you answer these questions and find a perfect match among ASICS shoes.

ASICS running shoes for road and trail

Gliding on paved roads is very different from traversing rocky and muddy trails. That’s why you should start by choosing the right category of ASICS shoes.

90% of the brand’s running shoes are made for road running but there are still a few solid options for going off-road.

ASICS road shoes

Designed for running on smooth roads, pavements, tarmac, and treadmill, ASICS road shoes have a lighter build compared to trail shoes. They have thinner and more breathable uppers as well as smooth rubber outsoles.

ASICS trail shoes

Trail shoes from ASICS have a more hard-wearing construction and deep lugs to tackle unfriendly terrain. They also tend to be heavier than road shoes (1.5 oz/42.5g heavier on average).

We measure lug depth on ASICS trail shoes to check their readiness for various types of terrain. Here is a quick tip:

• If lugs are 3 mm or less, the shoe is best for road-to-trail use and hard-packed trails.
• If lugs are 4 mm or more, the shoe has enough bite for mud, slush, snow, and sand.

ASICS shoes for daily miles, tempo runs, and competition

ASICS running shoes range from heavily cushioned and cozy beaters to ultra-light and carbon-plated marathon shoes.

Your running goals largely determine the type of ASICS shoe you need.

Daily running shoes from ASICS

This is the largest category of ASICS running shoes which are intended for:

• clocking up daily miles
• long and slow runs (10K or more)
• easy recovery runs

You can expect a great deal of cushioning and comfort from ASICS daily trainers. Beginner runners will also find a suitable option in this range.

Speed training shoes from ASICS

Lighter and faster than daily running shoes, speed trainers are perfect for picking up the pace during your runs. This is the right category for:

• tempo runs, fartlek, and cardio training
• training for a race

You can see that ASICS’ speed trainers are notably lighter than daily running shoes: 8 oz (225g) and 9.7 oz (275g) respectively. Studies show that with every 3.5 oz (100g) added to your running shoe, your speed goes down 1%.

That’s why it makes sense to get a speed training shoe if you’re looking to set a new personal best.

Competition running shoes from ASICS

The brand’s Metaspeed race shoes have made it to our top picks multiple times. It is a fierce competition to the record-shattering Vaporfly and Alphafly from Nike.

Packed with super foam, high energy return, and propulsive carbon plates, these ASICS shoes are ideal for setting records. You can count on them for any race distance, from 5K to a full marathon.

You can reap the benefits of a high-end ASICS race shoe if:

• you are an experienced runner
• you maintain a faster pace
• you have a forefoot/midfoot striking pattern

If you want to know exactly how carbon-plated shoes can improve your running performance, see our in-depth research on the topic.

How to choose the right cushioning in ASICS shoes

You will be treated to an amazingly cushioned experience in almost every ASICS shoe you get.

But if you want a truly customized underfoot experience, there are a few factors to consider:

• heel stack (the amount of material between the heel and the ground)
• heel-to-toe drop (the difference in midsole thickness between the heel and forefoot)
• cushioning foam (softness and energy return)

Heel stack height

As a leading manufacturer of running shoes, ASICS does not skimp on cushioning.

We haven’t come across an ASICS shoe with less than 30 mm of heel stack. And some of the tallest platforms reach as high as 42.7 mm in the heel!

As a beginner, you may be enticed into getting the thickest midsole. However, research shows that runners who are new to max-cushioned shoes are at risk of amplified impact loading, leg stiffness, and even injury.

To avoid potential stress and strain, we recommend that beginner runners go for the moderate heel stack of 30-35 mm.

ASICS shoes with heel stack above 35 mm offer plenty of cushioned support for running long distances (10K and above).

Heel-to-toe drop

Most ASICS shoes have an average heel-to-toe drop which is suitable for 90% of runners, beginners included.

Ranging from 8 to 12 mm, this setup is ideal for runners who strike the ground with their heels first.

If you are a forefoot or midfoot striker, stick to ASICS shoes with a drop lower than 8 mm. Or consider getting a daily trainer from Hoka as it has options with a drop of 5-6 mm.

To learn more about the effect of heel-to-toe drop on the runner’s performance, see our comprehensive guide.

Cushioning foam

Depending on what kind of underfoot experience you are looking for, ASICS offers a wide range of cushioning foams:

• firm and stable (AmpliFoam)
• ultra-light and soft (FlyteFoam)
• light, soft, and bouncy (FlyteFoam Blast)
• light, firm, and incredibly bouncy (FlyteFoam Turbo)

Example of a shoe with the FF Blast foam

Here is a more detailed overview of each foam as well as ASICS running shoes that use them. The table is sorted by the category of foam - from basic (cheap) to premium (expensive).

Learn more nuances about running shoe foams in our extensive guide.

In our lab, we measure the foam softness of each ASICS running shoe precisely using an HA durometer. The lower the reading indicates a softer foam.

For beginners, it is advisable to choose a moderately soft or even slightly firm cushioning (20-30 HA). Research shows that overly plush running shoes can lead to muscle fatigue, especially when there is not enough energy return.

We were surprised to find out that ASICS uses a firmer PEBA foam for its elite race shoes. Unlike other super shoes on the market, the brand’s Metaspeed series feels quite stable thanks to the FF Turbo's firmness.

Example of a shoe with the FF Turbo foam

As you can see in the comparison table below, Nike race shoes are way softer than ASICS shoes.

Where is ASICS Gel?

The brand’s renowned Gel technology is evolving into PureGel. Unlike the original, it is now hidden inside the shoe’s midsole. Placed under the heel, it is just as effective in providing impact protection but is claimed to have 4% more energy return and to be 65% softer than the original Gel.

Arch support in ASICS running shoes

ASICS is one of the most trusted footwear brands when it comes to conditions like:

• flat feet (low arches)
• overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the feet and ankles)

If you are not sure about your case, we recommend consulting a podiatrist or checking our guide on pronation. Also, one quick way to tell if you need supportive footwear is when your shoes wear out faster on the inner side.

Some running shoes from ASICS are packed with stabilizing components that help to keep the gait straight, preventing discomfort and potential injuries.

The Kayano is ASICS’ top stability shoe

As opposed to bulky and stiff stability shoes of the past, ASICS proves that you can have a plush and buttery smooth ride alongside arch support. This is achieved by:

• targeted use of firmer foams
• structured heel counters
• wide platforms

Torsional rigidity test

We measure and assess each of these parameters in our lab to give you an overview of the most stable ASICS running shoes. The table below is sorted by the level of support (most supportive first).

Heel counter stiffness test

Torsional rigidity and heel counter stiffness are assessed on a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the stiffest. Midsole width is measured at the widest points of the heel and forefoot using a caliper.

As you can see from the table, more supportive shoes come with a bit of a weight penalty. But you can opt for a little less support in favor of a lighter shoe.

Size and fit of ASICS running shoes

More often than not, ASICS shoes are predictable in their size and fit. The brand’s size chart is also consistent with other major brands like New Balance, Brooks, and Saucony.

But if you’re coming from Nike or Adidas, sizing down may be necessary.

If you’re getting your very first pair of ASICS shoes and you don’t have the option to try the shoe in person, we highly recommend:

• measuring your foot length (follow this guide)
• checking ASICS’ official size chart (link)

It is just as important to consider the width of your future pair. Luckily, ASICS is one of those brands that takes good care of runner’s feet by offering multiple widths for its models.

Are ASICS running shoes breathable?

ASICS shoes hardly ever disappoint us in the breathability department. On a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the most breathable, the brand’s running shoes average at 4.

Only 30% of ASICS shoes got a score below 4.

We test breathability using a smoke-pumping machine

Here is the overview of the most breathable ASICS running shoes for your summer runs, based on our thorough lab tests:

Are ASICS running shoes durable?

As far as road running shoes go, ASICS shows average results when it comes to durability. Most running shoes from this brand are expected to last the regular 300-500 miles.

Unless we’re talking about the magical AHAR outsole! This rubber compound consistently shows impressive results in our durability tests. That’s why the outsole is usually the very last part of ASICS shoes to give up.

We use a Dremel with a sandpaper tip to test the abrasion resistance of running shoes in our lab. The speed and pressure are consistent.

We measure outsole durability by the depth of the dent that appeared in the rubber after 22 seconds of drilling. Here is the overview of ASICS shoes with the most durable outsoles:

The smaller number indicates a more durable rubber.

The uppers of ASICS running shoes aren’t as hard-wearing as the outsoles. They give up sturdiness in return for lightness and breathability.

But if you’re wondering, here is the list of ASICS shoes with most durable uppers:

Rated on a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the most durable.

Price of ASICS running shoes

The average price of the currently available ASICS running shoes is $134. This is on par with other popular brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance.

ASICS has a lot of affordable options within the $60-100 range. But if you’re looking for the best performance, we recommend looking at soes with an MSRP of $130-160.

Finally, the brand’s elite race shoes come in at $250 which is a standard price for this category these days.