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The best Asics running shoes for the road and trail, tested over hundreds of miles
Asics is one of the world's top running brands. Here are our favourite models, for every type of run
Tested by The Runner’s World Editors
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Asics might be famed for its cushioned, supportive workhorses but it’s no one-trick pony. The brand offers shoes for every type of runner, including trail shoes, Best for stability, carbon plate shoes for race day.
Our team of editors have put the latest models from Asics through their paces. Our team consists of men and women, each with different running styles, paces and weekly running mileage. We then collate the feedback into the reviews below.
Year after year, the Gel-Kayano lands on our list of the?
Asics is known for its performance running shoes, but its foundations were laid in a different sport entirely. In a bid to revitalise the post-war youth of Japan, founder Kihachiro Onitsuka began making basketball shoes in Kobe, Japan. Marathon running shoes came next, and he launched the Marathon Tabi in 1953 and the leather Marup marathon shoe in 1958. Success followed, and after merging with two other sports companies in 1977, Asics as we know it was born.
By the late nineties, Asics’ popularity was in full swing, and a new technology was king – Gel™. The cushioned pockets of impact-absorbing silicone would become the brand’s signature technology, famously used in its popular Gel-Kayano stability shoe, Gel-Nimbus distance shoe and Gel-Cumulus road shoe.
Asics has developed a well-deserved reputation for manufacturing reliable shoes that can hold up through high-mileage training. That said, the brand has also expanded into lightweight, responsive racing shoes and even trail shoes, too.
What tech is used in Asics running shoes?
Gel cushioning
Gel™ technology was at the heart of Asics running shoes since 1986. Pockets of impact-absorbing silicone gel were strategically placed in the rearfoot and forefoot to deliver comfort, soften heel strikes and aid stability for a softer run experience. Recently, the brand upgraded to new PureGel™, which is softer than the previous technology to create the softest landings. Even so, it’s still a heavier material than foam, so it’s best for training shoes where long-lasting cushioning, rather than low weight, is the most important factor. You’ll find it in many of the company’s flagship shoes, including the Gel-Kayano, Gel-Cumulus, and Gel-Nimbus.
FlyteFoam
Like other shoemakers, Asics has its own proprietary cushioning, called FlyteFoam. Used in the midsole, its various iterations offer differing levels of softness and bounce.
Standard FluteFoam is used in Asics’ more affordable shoes, like the GT-1000.
FF Blast Plus Eco is the next level up, used in the Novablast 4 and Gel-Nimbus 26, and offers a pillowy and springy ride that still holds up to everyday training.
Finally, there’s FlyteFoam Turbo+, which is used in Asics’ elite racing shoes, the Metaspeed Edge Paris and Sky Paris. It’s made with polyether block amide (PEBA), an exceptionally light, soft, and bouncy material. The shoes with this cushioning are pricey, but provide excellent shock absorption and springy responsiveness for a smooth, propulsive ride that helps you go fast.
Guidance systems
Asics takes a holistic approach to stability in its shoes, with several features working together to support the foot and guide it from landing to toe-off. The latest version of its stability feature-set is called the '4D Guidance System,' which you’ll find in the Gel-Kayano 31. The 4D Guidance shoes feature a wide sole, a firm foam layer in midsole under the arch, and a flared sole shape at the heel to create a planted feel while counteracting overpronation, or excessive inward rolling motion in your step.
The Asics GT-1000 and GT-2000 feature an earlier version of this system, called 3D Guidance. It has the same general features as 4D, but lacks the firm arch support foam in the midsole. If you know you need stability shoes, or simply prefer a more guided, supportive design, then you should look for these features.
How we select
The models below represent the best Asics running shoes available now. For this update, we reviewed our selections for technology, updated specs, and included our experience testing these shoes over the past year for any relevant feedback. Several models had minor updates, and a few had some significant updates to both fit and materials. We drew on RW reviews, editor feedback, our own testing experience, and knowledge of the running shoe market to narrow the list down to the pairs below.
The best Asics running shoes, tested and reviewed
Pros
- Good sense of ground feel
- Smooth transitions
- Incredibly versatile
- The Magic Speed 4 was a hit among
Cons
- Best daily trainer
- You prefer a firmer ride
Read our full Asics Novablast 5 review
Bouncy, versatile and hard-wearing, the Novablast's blend of cushioning and zip makes it an ideal daily trainer for easy runs, long runs, tempo runs and pretty much anything in between.
The latest version features a brand new midsole foam, known as FF Blast Max. Asics claims that it helps to increase the shoe’s ‘bounce properties’ by 8.5% compared with the v4’s FF Blast Plus Eco foam and after testing it, we have to agree. It's noticeably softer underfoot than the previous version, however, that doesn’t mean that you’re sacrificing responsiveness here. In fact, our tester found the shoe felt smooth and at home running at easy paces, but it was also capable of handling pacier efforts, too.
As well as the bouncy cushioning, you get a rocker profile and a toe spring in the forefoot which helps to create noticeable momentum at toe-off. Beneath the shoe are deep parallel grooves running along the full length on either side, with a central diamond-shaped pod in the forefoot, and this 'trampoline-inspired' outsole design works with the cushioning to create even more energy return.
Up top, there's a new engineered Jacquard mesh and a gusseted, lightly padded tongue. We found the Novablast 5 fits a little on the wide side, particularly around the midfoot. This is great if you’re someone with wider feet, higher volume feet or even higher arches, but bear in mind that those with narrow feet may struggle to get the required foot-hugging fit they’re after. The outsole also falls a little short in wet and slippy conditions compared with other brands or Asics' superior Asicsgrip technology used on the Superblast.
That said, the Novablast 5 is still a comfortable versatile daily trainer that offers excellent value for those who don't want to fork out for a ton of different shoes for different sessions.
| Weight | 255g (UK 8) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 40.5mm (heel), 32.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
Read our full Metaspeed Edge Tokyo review
The Metaspeed Sky and Edge Tokyo are the successors to Asics' highly successful Paris models, which have featured on the podiums of a number of major road marathons over the past 12 months. The unusual two-shoe approach splits runners into what Asics calls ‘stride runners’ (those that increase their stride length as they speed up) and ‘cadence runners’ (those who increase their step rate as they speed up). However, we’ve personally found an easier way to differentiate between the two – certainly for the Tokyo models – is that the Sky seems to suit runners with a predisposition to land on their forefoot or midfoot, while the Edge provides more stability for heel strikers.
The shoes feature an updated midsole, made from a combination of FF Blast Turbo and brand-new FF Leap foam. The configuration of the foams is slightly different in the two shoes to cater for the running styles that they’re designed for – as is the positioning and curve of the carbon-fibre plate. However, the same is true of both shoes: this is an impossibly lightweight, bouncy super shoe with a wonderfully responsive ride. At quicker paces, the shoes truly come alive and you get a real sense of propulsion – even more so than their predecessors.
If we're getting into the nitty gritty, though, we'd describe the Edge's Ride as one that smoothly transitions you onto your forefoot for a bouncy, trampoline-like toe-off. Heel stability is also greater in the Edge thanks to the firmer foam being below the softer FF Leap foam. The Sky's ride is slightly more aggressive and really pushes you up onto the forefoot for a propulsive toe-off.
Whichever one suits you best, though, these are two of the very best super shoes you can find right now.
| Weight | 170g |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 39.5mm (heel), 34.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 5mm |
Pros
- Propulsive and responsive, despite lack of carbon plate
- Some testers felt the sole was too stiff
- Incredibly versatile
- Stable
Cons
- Ideal for everyday running
Read our full Asics Superblast 2 review
Designed for ‘long runs, tempo runs and everything in between’, the Asics Superblast is the do-it-all lovechild of the Novablast 4 and Metaspeed Sky/Edge Paris racing models.
Cushioned to the max (45mm in the heel and 37mm in the forefoot), it features a combination of both shoes’ midsole foams – an update on the previous iteration: FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning from the Novablast and FF Blast Turbo+ cushioning from the Metaspeeds – to create what Asics’ hopes is the perfect balance of comfort, softness, responsiveness and efficiency – crucially, without a carbon plate.
They’re nicely cushioned, but not squishy-Gel-Nimbus level cushioned, which means they retain a good amount of firmness that allows them to work at pretty much any speed. Ankle lockdown and upper breathability are improvements on the first iteration, too.
Despite the lack of carbon plate, there’s some rigidity through the forefoot, which helps to propel you forward at toe-off. In this sense, the Superblast definitely feels like a step up from the incredibly versatile Novablast 4, which offers fantastic energy return for tempo or progression runs, but perhaps isn’t a shoe you’d pick for race day.
| Weight | 250g |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 47mm (heel), 27mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
Pros
- Lighter than previous version
- Support tech isn’t intrusive
- for race day
Cons
- Firm ride
Year after year, the Gel-Kayano lands on our list of the g M, 260g W for its comfortable fit and smooth ride. The latest version features a few key tweaks that make it lighter and a bit more cushioned, but it’s built with the same support tech as before.
For the 32nd iteration, Asics added 2mm of cushioning in the forefoot, which reduces the drop from 10mm to 8mm and helps promote a gentler transition from landing to toe-off. Despite the added foam, this shoe is actually lighter than the 31. Like its predecessor, the Gel-Kayano 32 features FlyteFoam Blast+ midsole foam paired with a layer of Pure Gel in the heel. These materials absorb impacts well, but in this shoe they create a firmer ride than Asics’s other cushioned shoes, like the Gel-Nimbus.
The Gel-Kayano is built with Asics’s 4D Guidance System, a holistic set of stability design features: a layer of supportive, bouncy foam under the arch, high foam sidewalls that cradle your foot, and a wide, full-contact sole with a rocker shape for smooth transitions. These features resist overpronation without aggressively poking upward into your arch. Instead, they gently guide your foot, keeping it properly aligned within the shoe as you run.
Overall, the shoe serves up a comfortable, planted feel, and the support features work together well to keep your feet properly oriented. If you struggle with overpronation or just want a stable, confidence-inducing ride, the Gel-Kayano is the shoe to try.
| Weight | 300g (M), 260g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 40mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
Pros
- Peppy, responsive cushioning
- Best for speedwork
Cons
- Some testers felt the sole was too stiff
The Magic Speed 4 copies the basic formula of the race-oriented Metaspeed shoes — a thick wedge of bouncy foam and a stiff carbon-fibre plate — and revamps it for everyday training, and it’s a stellar choice for speedwork and tempo runs.
The Magic Speed has an absolutely towering sole, and so you can expect plenty of cushioning, but it’s tuned for propulsion, not softness. Dual layers of FlyteFoam Blast+ are sandwiched around a full-length carbon-fibre plate, and a small puck of lightweight, springy FlyteFoam Turbo foam is placed under the forefoot. The FlyteFoam Blast+ absorbs impact forces, the plate stabilises the midsole to help you get maximum compression and bounce from the thick stack of foam, and the FlyteFoam Turbo adds extra pop at toe-off.
RW testers noted the Magic Speed has a stiff feel, so don’t expect an overly plush ride (turn to the Gel-Nimbus or Novablast for that). One surprise: testers found the Magic Speed to be quite stable despite its lofty stack height. The shoe’s wide sole shape, especially in the forefoot, gives it a planted ride with no wobbling.
The Magic Speed 4 was a hit among RW testers, although there was some disagreement about its best use case. Some felt it was only comfortable for shorter runs, while others would wear it for a marathon. They all agreed that it was a speed demon, however, and it’s an awesome choice for blazing through a faster-paced workout.
| Weight | 242g (M), 207g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 42.5mm (heel), 34.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
Pros
- Cushioned, supportive midsole design
- Support tech isn’t intrusive
- How we select
Cons
- Lacks Asics’ top-tier cushioning foams
The GT-1000 is a supportive trainer with a bargain-bin price that works well for overpronators and neutral runners alike. Its FlyteFoam midsole isn’t all that soft, but it’s a reliable material that takes the edge off impact forces, and comes with some backup cushioning from PureGEL in the heel.
The GT-1000 features Asics’ 3D Guidance System for stability, which translates to a wider sole shape and a beveled heel to promote smooth, even transitions from landing to toe-off. It’s an affordable shoe that feels and performs like a high-performance option, making it a stellar choice for everyday running.
| Weight | 270g (M), 235g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 36mm (heel), 28mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Road/mild stability |
Pros
- mm heel, 28mm forefoot
- Good sense of ground feel
- Great for everyday off-road miles
Cons
- Best for stability
The latest incarnation of a model that always delivers, the Trabuco 13 is another solid trailer, perfectly treading the line between just-enough cushion, good ground-feel and plenty of control. The FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam midsole is the same as you get in the Asics Metafuji Trail and the Trabuco Max 4 – there’s just less of it for a more connected ride.
While many trail shoes increasingly deploy bigger, wider stacks, the Trabuco remains comparatively slimline and nimble. That lower profile encourages you to move faster with a higher foot turnover and our testers found the more pronounced rocker made transitions more dynamic than the Trabuco 12. You sacrifice a bit of cushion for this agility and that may limit the range to shorter excursions, but it excels on shorter, faster, more energised efforts where you want to be lighter and freer underfoot on more technical terrain.
| Weight | 285g (M), 250g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 34mm (heel), 26mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
Pros
- mm heel, 28mm forefoot
- Rocker profile promotes smooth strides
Cons
- Jump to Products
- Not for technical trails
The Trabuco Max adapts some of Asics’ best tech for the trail. Built for long off-road runs, its high-stack midsole packs a generous layer of FlyteFoam Blast Plus Eco, delivering plush cushioning that soaks up impact and shields feet from roots and rocks. It’s superb for cruising 50km and beyond, but that softness can dull ground feel when the terrain gets really technical — for those days, the lighter, more agile Trabuco 13 is a better pick.
The shoe’s rockered GuideSole shape promotes smooth strides, and the lugged rubber Asicsgrip outsole bites into dirt for dependable traction on the trail. The fit runs snug, so consider going up half a size, especially if you have wider feet.
If you're hitting the trails for several hours, the Trabuco Max 4 is definitely worth considering: a dependable, cushioned workhorse.
