6 Best ASICS Walking Shoes in 2024

Backed up by our lab, trial runs, and walks around town, we crown the Gel Cumulus 26 as ASICS’ top walking-running shoe. We found that it shines in consistency, showing high performance and versatility from speed sessions to long runs to recovery walks. On top of that, it ensures an enjoyable experience through its plush cushioning.

At a mere 9.1 oz (259g), Gel Cumulus 26 is impressively light for its size, weighing below the 9.4 oz (265g) average road running shoe despite its above-average stack of 36.8/28.6 mm. It’s exceptionally cushioned for gobbling up the miles, especially for heel-strikers as we discovered the brand’s PureGEL technology in the rear area for softer landings.

Further enhancing comfort is the FF Blast+ foam’s cloudlike touch, which our durometer reveals is 18.6 HA, 12.7% softer than average. This kept us chasing the miles as our legs were spoiled with its gentle embrace.

On days we want to take it a notch down, the fluid midsole allows our free movement, keeping the ride uncomplicated and easy. Our flex test confirms it’s 16.7% less resistant than average, making it a great companion for walking.

However, Gel Cumulus 26 lacks the breezy experience we need on humid days. With its subpar 3/5 breathability score, we recommend using this pair in cooler seasons.

Countless hours on the road and in the lab led us to ASICS’ best stability walking-running shoe: and it’s none other than Gel Kayano 31. With subtle supportive features and a plush mega-stack, GK31’s ride is unmatched. It defies the traditional stability shoe by keeping its natural and cloud-like feel.

Shining bright in our outdoor testing is the 4D Guidance System, which feels unobtrusive yet effective when needed. It features a soft foam under our arch, adjusting to our foot contortions for adaptive stability. Additionally, the midsole adds sidewalls and width to the shoe to ensure steady strides. Our caliper proves this with a 122.1/97.6 mm measurement.

What we love about GK31 is it doesn’t sacrifice comfort for support. The heel is a massive 39.3 mm, including the PureGEL for gentler landings. Thanks to the plush FF Blast+ foam that emerged 27.1% softer than average in our durometer test, we felt at home in this shoe.

Further adding comfort for easy walks and prolonged wear is the fluid midsole that bends freely with our feet. Our flex test confirms it’s 14.4% more adaptive than average, explaining the shoe’s natural feel.

However, all the comfort and support added to its weight. At 10.4 oz (295g), other stability shoes feel much lighter on foot.

ASICS Gel Pulse 15 is a testament that a pleasantly comfortable experience doesn’t have to break the bank. At only $100, it features a well-cushioned feel, a versatile midsole, and a stable ride—all without being a burden on foot. Our lab results solidify its status as the best lightweight ASICS walking-running shoe.

Gel Pulse 15 keeps it all natural with its airy build and flexible midsole. Our scales reveal it’s only 8.4 oz (237g), a wonderful surprise given its cushioning. Adding to its lightness is its low level of resistance to bending, as it emerged 26.1% more adaptive than average. This makes it suitable for walking, gym sessions, and activities beyond running.

We savored Pulse 15’s plush feel during testing and felt it was quite stable despite being 35.3/27.2 mm tall. Our cut-in-half shoe reveals an average durometer measurement of 21.0 HA, the right amount of softness which we enjoyed on walks and low-intensity runs. Thankfully, the midsole is a wide 118.8/97.9 mm to secure our landings.

However, we find that this shoe shines best on easy days. Those craving for an exciting ride are better off with other shoes.

Among ASICS’ walking-running models, Gel Nimbus 26 stood out in our lab and actual wear tests with its generous, plush, luxurious, and cloud-like cushioning. The adjectives are endless and don’t feel adequate to describe the heavenly sensation of this shoe.

Built with premium padding all around, the upper feels extra soft to the touch as it adapts to our foot shape. Adding to our comfort for all-day wear is its exceptional breathability, which our lab tests confirm is a high 4/5. Even our heels are spoiled with generous padding.

Under our feet lies a thick and pillowy foam that rises to 40.4/32.0 mm in the heel and forefoot. As if this height is not enough to dampen landing impact, Nimbus 26 makes the cushion 21.6% softer than average for a smooth and forgiving ride. Furthermore, it incorporates the PureGEL technology in the rear area, further amplifying its gentleness when landing with our heels.

While the shoe feels flexible enough for running, it lacks the natural feel for walking. Our 90-degree test reveals the force needed to bend it is 30.2N. That’s 57.3% higher than the average walking shoe (19.2N).

The GT 2000 12 emerged as the top lightweight stability shoe among the Asics walking-running lineup. Hours of intensive lab tests and miles of extensive runs confirm it takes stability shoes to the next level with its light build, subtle support, and lasting comfort.

GT 2000 feels light with every stride. Our scales confirm it’s only 9.7 oz (275g) vs. the 10.5 oz (299g) average weight of stability shoes in our lab. This Asics shoe shaves off grams by incorporating less pronounced supportive elements, which feel pleasantly non-intrusive. The main feature is the 3D Guidance System, which comprises a wide landing base and a strategic midsole geometry to keep us centered. Our caliper confirms the midsole is 5.9/6.0 mm wider in the forefoot and heel. This innovation does the job without a demanding presence.

We ran without counting the miles since the cushion felt comfortable and bouncy. Our cut-in-half shoe shows the well-loved FF Blast+ foam, which measures a balanced 25.1 HA per our durometer. This translates to a healthy balance of support and plushness. To ensure a pain-free experience, GT 2000 includes the PureGEL into the heel for gentler landings.

While the upper provides good ventilation, we believe it’s not enough for hot and humid weather. Our breathability test reveals a below-average 3/5 score.

After a series of lab tests and miles of walks and runs, we wholeheartedly endorse GT 1000 13 as ASICS' best budget walking-running shoe. It's a do-it-all stability shoe that highlights comfort and flexibility. For only $110, it’s a supportive shoe that’s versatile for daily activities and offers impressive durability.

Its focus on comfort is evident with the shoe’s balanced yet impact-dampening stack and unopposing midsole. With a durometer in hand, it measures a firm 22.5 HA but feels much softer during landings because of the PureGEL technology in the heel.

The shoe integrates non-intrusive support elements such as the 3D Guidance System, a structured heel, and midsole sidewalls to deliver gentle support while we move naturally thanks to the flexible midsole. Our 90-degree bend test confirms it exceeds the average running shoe by a mind-blowing 50.0%! To stabilize our landings, the 96.6 mm wide heel is aptly rigid, scoring a 4/5 in our assessment.

The AHAR outsole barely had visible damage after testing and we proved its resilience further in the lab. Our durometer reveals it’s a tough 85.1 HC and shows only a minor 0.7 mm dent in our Dremel test. However, the hard rubber sacrificed grip, particularly on wet surfaces. Those who are prone to slippery surfaces should get grippier shoes.