15 Best Asics Running Shoes in 2024

Last Updated: January 01, 2024 | Author: James Leigh


Are you a newbie runner scratching head for the best ASICS running shoes? Have those celeb-picks caught your fantasy already? You may be a fan of ASICS looking for a shoe that sounds speaking to the style your foot strikes the pavement ―Well, no doubt this Japanese giant is dominating the landscape!

BEST OVERALL
ASICS Gel Nimbus 24 Check Price on AMAZON

ASICS Gel Nimbus 24
BEST GEL SHOE
ASICS GEL-Nimbus 2 Check Price on AMAZON

ASICS GEL-Nimbus Lite 2
BEST RATED
Asics Gel-Venture 7 Check Price on AMAZON

Asics Gel-Venture 7
MOST LIGHWEIGHT
ASICS Meta Racer Check Price on AMAZON

ASICS Meta Racer
BEST IN BUDGET
ASICS GT 1000 10 Check Price on AMAZON

ASICS GT 1000 10

Originally launched as a basketball shoe retailer, now grown into a premier running shoe company, ASICS has over 70 golden years of experience packed into shoelaces.

Best ASICS Running Shoes for Women

Known for its innovative Gel technology and gender-specific approach, ASICS has a wide range of top-notch running shoes for a variety of runners.

From their impressive lineup of running shoes, picking the right one is kinda falling into a rabbit hole. Well, give us a fist bump, and let us help you find the best running shoes for your running style and preference.

Best Asics Running Shoes for Men

ASICS Hyper Speed

Pros
  • ✔️ Lightweight
  • ✔️ Durable
  • ✔️ Responsive rides
Cons
  • ❌ Bit stiff

Whom is it best for?
They are ideal for neutral runners looking for versatile running shoes/racing flats that run fast and can live up to 5k-10k distances.

ASICS Hyper Speed is among ASICS bestselling and highly rated men's running shoes that withstand heavy miles and workout activities. It retails for only 90 bucks and you get a set of shoes that are lightweight, comfortable, durable, and easy on budget of course, super-fast on the track, thick cushioning, quick transition to toe-off, soft and responsive ride, and a bunch of other advanced features. They have been seen pushing runners to hit the finish line faster for ages.

Highly recommended!



Best Asics Running Shoes Women

ASICS Roadblast Tokyo

Pros
  • ✔️ Great value
  • ✔️ Nice energy return
  • ✔️ Lightweight
Cons
  • ❌ Loose heel ankle joint

Whom is it best for?
These are ideal for beginners or intermediate runners looking for a versatile shoe for training, races, and long-distance runs.

Asics women’s Road Blast Tokyo is among ASICS best-selling and highly rated women’s neutral running shoes that are designed for mid to long-distance running. For some 90 bucks, you get a set of shoes that deliver responsive bounce, nice ground contact feel, are durable, lightweight, textured gender-specific upper that offer excellent fit and breathability, nicely padded with firm cushioning, and much more.



Best Asics Running Shoes for Flat Feet

ASICS GT-4000

Pros
  • ✔️ FlyteFoam Propel cushioning
  • ✔️ Durable
  • ✔️ Breathable
Cons
  • ❌ Mundane color-ways

Whom is it best for?
They are best for flat feet + wide feet runners looking for a long-distance stability shoes.

GT-400, described by the brands as Flat Foot Hero, has been a long favorite runner among flat foot runners for ages. These ideal cushioned asics running shoes has firm cushioning (Gel technology and SpEVA in the midsole with mild stability features to guide your gait to be constant. The most impressive feature for flat feet runners is the ASICS’ I.G.S technology that allows flat feet runners to stride in a natural manner.

It ties together the support, comfort, durability, and stability workhorse in a nice package. Our flat feet runners enjoyed the springy ride and roomier toe boxes that make it a nice option for wide feet runners as well.



Best ASICS Trail Running Shoes

ASICS Gel FujiTrabuco 7

Pros
  • ✔️ Solid traction
  • ✔️ Snug fit
  • ✔️ Versatile
Cons
  • ❌ Bit heavy

Whom is it best for?
This is the best for trail runner looking for shoes for long, slow training runs, marathons, 50k trail races, ultra-distance runs.

With excellent traction, protection from rocks and roots, lots of energy boost, and responsiveness, Asics’ Gel FujiTrabuco has to be the trail running shoesfrom the brand. The best thing our testers noticed was the shoe doesn’t feel there is something on your foot. They are super responsive with the right amount of cushioning at places runners need it most.



Best Cheap Asics Running

ASICS GT 1000 10

Pros
  • ✔️ Spring rides
  • ✔️ Breathable
  • ✔️ Durable
Cons
  • ❌ Lacks propel

Whom is it best for?
They are ideal for runners with low budget, looking for a moderate and versatile stability trainer.


Men’s, Women’s ($100), and kids’ ($75) GT 1000 9 offer the best prices on Asics running shoes with premium features that you typically find in a high-end shoe model. It competes with some of the high-performance shoes from brands like Saucony, Nike, Brooks, Nike & New Balance, but is around ten bucks cheaper.

A set of shoes that is breathable, comfortable, bouncy, gel-cushioned, durable, and affordable, this is how we would define them.



Best Asics Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

ASICS Gel Nimbus 24

Pros
  • ✔️ Great shock-absorption
  • ✔️ Responsive cushioning
  • ✔️ Feels stable
Cons
  • ❌ Less-durable outsole
  • ❌ Expensive

Whom is it best for?
These shoes are ideal for runners looking for great training and racing shoes for high mileage runs.

Runners with Plantar Fasciitis need a shoe that offers heel and arch support, a firm heel counter, and a soft impact guidance system with the ground. One such pair of shoes from ASICS is the Gel Nimbus 24.

It features cushioning in the heel, front, and back of the foot, and added arch support.

Moreover, there are exoskeleton heel counters that minimize the unnecessary stretching of the plantar fascia and alleviate pain and inflammation in the heel and arch of the foot. With a masculine-style look and the fact of having a roomier toe box, these are ideal ASICS men’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis.



Best Asics Neutral Running Shoes

ASICS Gel Nimbus 23

Pros
  • ✔️ Great energy return
  • ✔️ Very comfortable
Cons
  • ❌ Not super lightweight
  • ❌ Bit expensive

Whom is it best for?
These shoes are original design for easy recovery runs and are a nice option to look at for a wide range of runners with neutral stride patterns and a heel-striking gait.

Paired with ASICS gender-specific Trusstic tech, Gel Nimbus 23 packs everything that works well for neutral runners. They have been reliable neutral trainers for many runners that serve up a soft feel without any guidance.

One of the best things runners appreciate about the shoe is the easy ride and comfy adaptive fit. If you love soft landing, there is enough cushion (premium Flyte foam midsole) to get you the right amount of support. A neutral running shoe that is breathable, comfortable, supportive, and has loads of comfy cushion is how we would define these shoes.

However, if you are a sucker for lightweight shoes, you won’t be super impressed with this model because its weight falls in the mid-range of the category—not heavy, not super lightweight. But, we must say it is one of those pairs of shoes that are so comfortable, you’d barely remember you’re wearing them.



Best ASICS Gel Running Shoes

ASICS GEL-Nimbus Lite 2

Pros
  • ✔️ Sustainable
  • ✔️ Soft and comfy
  • ✔️ Stable rides
Cons
  • ❌ Expensive

Whom is it best for?
These are perfect for runners looking for a stability-neutral trainer with a good bounce and flex.

ASICS Gel Nimbus Lite 2 is one of the best-rated ASICS running shoes and best ASICS Gel running shoes with a 5-star rating. It is a great trainer that offers a versatile fit, smooth yet bouncy ride running experience, next-level midsole geometry, lightweight comfort, sustainability (made from premium recycled materials), and much more.


Best ASICS Running Shoes for High Arches

ASICS Gel Cumulus 23

Pros
  • ✔️ Super breathable
  • ✔️ Feels comfy
  • ✔️ Supportive gel cushioning
Cons
  • ❌ Not super-fast

Whom is it best for?
These are the best ASICS shoes for running, a safe and good choice for high-arched runners looking for a light and comfortable shoe with outstanding shock absorption, for workouts + daily and long-distance runs.

The high-arches place pressure on the metatarsal region of the foot, so a shoe with great cushioning (to absorb shocks) and support is all that high-arched runners need.

Well, if you are running with high arches, Asics high arches shoes has its Gel Cumulus 23 to wipe your tears! They are structured with ASICS gel foundation cushioning underfoot that really helps to provide support and absorbing shocks through strides. Our testers liked the energy bounce and the breathability of the shoes through summer miles and demanding training blocks.

We covered long distances and could barely find hotspots or any kind of irritation. One worth mentioning feature was the roomy toe box that also helps to disperse weight from the heel that feels very comfortable to high arched runners. There is also a range of color and width sizes which is a plus if you belong to the wide foot family.

If you are a fan of super lightweight shoes, you will find them a bit too heavy. These aren’t meant for blazing-fast rides, so, if you are buckling up for race day, don’t go for them.



Best ASICS Shoes for Long Distance Running

ASICS Gel Cumulus 21

Pros
  • ✔️ Flexible midsole
  • ✔️ Lightweight
  • ✔️ Great rebound
Cons
  • ❌ Runs slow

Whom is it best for?
They are perfect for runners looking for a stability shoe for everyday runs, long-distance runs, tempo runs, half/full marathons, and marathon training.

With a punch of increased flexibility, Asics Gel-Cumulus 21 has been a long-time favorite stable running shoes for runners. Known for its durability and soft cushioning, it is packed with shock-absorbing gel cushioning, high resistance outer, 3d upper breathability, and support that is recommended for long-distance runs.

With all-around features, these shoes can be the best ASICS running shoes for a marathon, only you need to take them for a long test drive before the marathon day.



Best ASICS Running Shoes for Overpronation

ASICS Gel Kayano 28

Pros
  • ✔️ Breathable upper
  • ✔️ Propel cushioning
  • ✔️ Stable ride
Cons
  • ❌ Bit heavy

Whom is it best for?
These are the best ASICS stability running shoes for competitive men and women, looking for everyday trainers.

Gel Kayano is intentionally built for overpronation in mind. It offers a luxurious underfoot feel and thick padding in the heel collar + ASICS’ Dynamic DUOMAX technology that increases the stability and supports the foot that rolls inward too much.

They are designed with ASICS Trusstic system to cater to the differences in men’s and women’s biomechanics, but what’s worth mentioning is the women’s version is softer and has 3mm more foam underfoot than the men’s model, which really makes the shoe best ASICS women’s running shoes for overpronation.



Best ASICS Running Shoes for Under-Pronators

ASICS Gel Nimbus 21

Pros
  • ✔️ Great energy return
  • ✔️ Very comfortable
Cons
  • ❌ Not super lightweight
  • ❌ Bit expensive

Whom is it best for?
These shoes are original design for easy recovery runs and are a nice option to look at for a wide range of runners with neutral stride patterns and a heel-striking gait.

Runners with a supinating foot (with a limited inwards roll) should better be in soft, supportive, and well-fitting running neutral shoes that have no stability features. One such pair of shoes for under pronators/supinators is the ASICS Gel Nimbus 21.

It offers a soft feel without any guidance, while offering enough cushioning, breathability, easy yet adaptive fit, and spacious toe box. Though the midsole is a bit old-school but overall, it offers a surprisingly supportive ride.



Best ASICS Running Shoes for Bad Knees

ASICS GT-2000 10

Pros
  • ✔️ Well-cushioned
  • ✔️ Smooth interior
  • ✔️ Adaptable fit
Cons
  • ❌ Firm forefoot
  • ❌ Runs slow

Whom is it best for?
The ASICS GT 2000 10 is a classic stability shoe, specially designed for heel strikers, perfect for big mileage, everyday training, and stuff, but we won't recommend it if you’re lacing up for speedwork.

ASICS GT-2000 10 is the best shoe from ASICS, these shoes prevent knee pain, especially for heel strikers. Running with harsh heel strikescan cause shocks to transfer up the legs and damages the cartilage of the knees. Such cases require a shoe, dedicatedly built for heel strikers which lock the shocks to lead up to knees.

The ASICS GT-2000 10 is a perfect set of shoes that offers a bunch of good features that absorb shocks and provide soft landings. The midsole foam is a thick bed of EVA foam coupled with a padded insole and solid rubber grip outsole that provides comfy cushioning to the heel strikers. It is infused with ASICS FlyteFoam blast turbo (FF Blast) technology that makes rides springy.

Furthermore, there is ASICS Gel technology in the heel that absorbs shocks and provides softer landings.

Super recommended!



Best Asics Running Shoes for Heavy Runners

Asics Gel-Venture 7

Pros
  • ✔️ Appealing visual
  • ✔️ Soft midsole
  • ✔️ Responsive ride
Cons
  • ❌ Not so durable
  • ❌ Not super lightweight
  • ❌ Pricey trainers

Whom is it best for?
We would recommend these shoes for heavy-weight runners or anyone seeking a neutral yet well-cushioned shoe for long-distance runs, comfort runs, everyday runs, and marathon training.

For heavy runners, a softer ride equates to better shock absorption, however, so much cushioning makes the shoe unstable and that’s where Asics Gel-Venture 7 stands out. It offers a stable midfoot shank with premium cushioning (that sets it among the best ASICS cushioned running shoes) gives neutral stability to the ride, which is crucially recommended for heavy runners. With a plush secure upper, it has a generously segmented outsole that helps spread the heavyweight evenly to make the loading process smoother.

Furthermore, there is a generously foam-filled plush upper, thickly padded tongue, spacious toe box, and nice heel lockdown.



Best Lightweight ASICS Running Shoes

ASICS Meta Racer

Pros
  • ✔️ Super lightweight
  • ✔️ Durable
  • ✔️ Incredibly responsive
Cons
  • ❌ Uber expensive
  • ❌ Narrow fit

Whom is it best for?
These are hell ideal for neutral narrow feet runners looking for a high-performance race shoe for daily training to marathon and everything in between.

Weighing only 6.6 grams and packed with AWESOME features―This one is an absolute king that is worth throwing $200! Being ASICs’ first carbon fiber plate racing flat, they outperform traditional racing shoes with awesome energy return, responsiveness, speed, style, and comfort.

Only the issue for many runners is the tight fit that limits the shoes only for narrow foot runners.


Conclusion


Asics have plenty of options to fit many different runners with a variety of preferences and needs. Though American giants are ruling the shoe athletic market it is still hard to beat Asics in history and performance.

The company is more conservative in its approach, providing shoes with great cushioning and support structures and that with a blend of innovation is what made them grow from a living room to a premier running shoe company.

This article is based on tried and tested best ASICs running shoes in the market for every foot type of runner and preference. Just know your preferences and needs and find out the best match for you.

Video Source: Believe in the Run


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James Leigh

James Leigh

James Leigh is a certified health professional, physiotherapist, and a seasoned runner who wins Boston Marathon, with a wealth of experience under his belt. Passionate about sharing his expertise with fellow runners. James is your go-to expert for your health, wellness and running tips.