mm suede thigh-high boots.
9 of the best Asics running shoes for the road and trail
Asics is one of the world's top running brands – here are our favourite models, for every type of run
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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, paint-splatter combat boots Rosa.
Today the brand is still 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, zapatillas de running Puma constitución ligera minimalistas moradas, Air Jordan 7 Retro J2K sneakers for race day.
What are the best Asics running shoes?
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.
What tech is used in Asics running shoes?
Pure Gel™: 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.
Flytefoam™: Superseding EVA foam, Asics launched Flytefoam™ (FF) in 2015. Used in the midsole, its various iterations offer differing levels of softness and bounce. FF Blast Turbo, found in Asics’ Metaspeed range, is 45% lighter and 36% bouncier than conventional EVA. Asics also launched FF Blast Plus Eco in the Novablast 4 and Asics-Gel-Nimbus 26.
Guidesole™: In 2019 Asics launched Guidesole™, a rocker-style curved sole with a shock-absorbent landing zone and stiff forefoot to reduce ankle flexion. Designed to reduce fatigue and preserve energy, it’s been proven by the Asics Institute of Sport Science to increase running efficiency.
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