The Shape team of runners tests a lot of different running shoes — if you’re looking for the best sneakers for wide feet or models built for stability, we’ve got you — and one brand that consistently tops our charts is Asics. Professional runners, coaches, and beginners alike agree that Asics makes some of the most durable, supportive, and comfortable trainers for every kind of runner. So, our team put the brand to the test (literally) to find the best Asics running shoes on the market.
On top of putting our own miles in, we also spoke with experts, including Global Footwear Senior Product Manager at Asics Paul Lang for the BTS scoop on what differentiates each Asics model, and what kind of runner it’s best for. We also picked up tips from Caroline Bermel, head Fleet Feet Shoe Reviewer, as well as pro runners and experienced coaches.
To find the best Asics running shoes for a variety of needs, we considered structural features like the amount of cushioning and support, plus shoe materials, shape, and weight. Our picks include options for wide feet as well as injury-prone conditions like high arches, pronation, and bad knees. These shoes will keep your feet healthy and happy, whether you’re lacing up your first pair or toeing the line of a marathon. Here are the best Asics running shoes of 2024.
Verdict: The Asics Superblast 2s are a new, upgraded version of their durable everyday trainer that strikes the perfect balance between lightweight and supportive for speed and mileage.
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Lightweight
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Solid everyday trainer
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Sturdy foam
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Speed-enhancing drop
Sizes: 5-14.5 | Width: Standard | Toe drop: 8 mm | Weight: 8.8 oz
The Superblast 2 is a recent addition to the Asics lineup. According to Lang, the design combines “the foam of a racing shoe and the everyday usage of a Novablast,” which is Asics’ go-to trainer for long-distance runners. The shoes have a semi-high stack of lightweight PUBA foam, which is typically used for racing shoes, though the Superblasts don’t have an included carbon plate. They have a broad, comfortable, and supportive base with plenty of cushioning to ease the stress on joints during high-mileage weeks while marathon training.
These Asics running shoes are especially bouncy, thanks to that speedy foam. And yet, they feel supportive and durable. They give you some height and encourage more of a rocking stride than a lower-profile trainer, which may take a few runs to get used to. They also have a fairly high heel-to-toe drop at 8 mm but weigh just 8.8 oz, which is light and airy compared to most dense and durable training shoes.
“I’m always feeling poppy in them from long runs to workouts to easy runs,” says Makenna Myler, a pro runner who says the Superblasts are her favorite training shoe.
Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Standard | Toe drop: 8 mm | Weight: 7.9 oz
At $100, the Gel-Pulse 15 shoes are a great entry-level pick for any runner. They have the same high-quality materials and thoughtful design as pricier Asics models without the price tag. These are also among the lightest everyday trainers from the brand, weighing just 7.9 oz. The Gel-Pulse offers moderate support, so it would be appropriate if you have high arches or tend to under-pronate (you strike the ground with the outer part of your foot first and your ankles roll outwards).
Despite the reasonable price tag, these Asics shoes are incredibly comfortable and easy to run in. Designed specifically for road running, they have a nice amount of cloud-like cushioning that absorbs impact from each footstrike, sparing your ankles and knees. They also come in a nice array of colors, so you can easily find a pair (or two) to match your running wardrobe.
Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Wide | Toe drop: 8 mm | Weight: 7.8 oz
Asics does a great job of making inclusive shoes by offering wide or extra-wide sizing in many of their most popular models, including the Kayano, Novablast, and Nimbus. The Cumulus 26 is a solid workhorse of a running shoe that’s great for all distances and surfaces. It has a high degree of cushioning (if you prefer something even plusher, go for the Nimbus wide) and offers neutral support. At 7.8 oz, these shoes are surprisingly light, which is great for faster efforts. At the same time, they’re structured enough to hold up for long runs and marathons.
Wide feet will appreciate the Cumulus’ stretchy, soft mesh upper and roomy toe box. The heels are enforced with a forgiving, shock-absorbing gel that softens impact, which is a plus if you’re more of a heel-striker. They also have a smooth sock-like heel tab that reduces friction and weight and simply looks sleeker.
Sizes: 5-13 | Width: Standard | Toe drop: 10 mm | Weight: 9.3 oz
The Kayano line is Asics’ “flagship design for stability,” says Lang. The brand has been refining this structured shoe for over 32 years, and the current version is both stabilizing and lightweight, making it a great option if you overpronate while running. The Gel Kayano is also quite cushioned, which longer-distance runners appreciate, as the extra foam absorbs some of the shock from your foot striking the ground.
The arch of these comfortable shoes is reinforced with a flexible geometric scaffolding that adds support without sacrificing comfort or adding unnecessary weight. Though at 9.3 oz, these are heavier than some less supportive shoes. However, with the added weight comes added support — the Kayanos are highly durable and will keep your ankles happy and anchored in place, rather than rocking from side to side.
Sizes: 5-14.5 | Width: Standard | Toe drop: 5 mm | Weight: 6.5 oz
On race day, whether you’re toeing the line for a fast 5k or a hilly marathon (or longer), you want a pair of light shoes that conserve energy. That’s what the Metaspeed Edge Paris is all about. These race shoes are embedded with a stiff carbon fiber plate that turns the force of your downward step into forward momentum to propel you forward. These curved shoes promote a rocking stride that makes each step feel easier and faster, potentially shaving seconds or even minutes off your race time.
And the results speak for themselves. At the US Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando this year, the women who finished 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 14th all sported Asics Metaspeed Edges. These are some of the lightest marathon-equipped shoes on the market, weighing just 6.5 ounces. The curved carbon plate runs the length of your foot, but there’s a wider surface area of carbon under the toebox. This facilitates a more gentle rolling stride, which will be easier on your joints and foot tendons over the course of a longer race.
Sizes: 5-13 | Width: Standard | Toe drop: 8 mm | Weight: 8.3 oz
The GT 2000s are highly supportive like the Kayanos, but lighter weight. These provide great structure for flat arches as well as neutral runners to over-pronators. They’re also a great shoe if you struggle with plantar fasciitis or bottom-of-the-foot pain. The lighter weight (8.3 oz) makes these shoes more versatile. They’re a great choice whether you’re a new hobby jogger or you want to move a little faster without sacrificing support.
The GT 2000’s midfoot bed is firm and supportive, but the toe box feels flexible and light, making for quick turnover and propulsion forward. These shoes have a nice broad base but feel quick and nimble enough to navigate trails and uneven footing, so off-road runners should check ’em out, too.
Sizes: 5-11 | Width: Standard | Toe drop: 8 mm | Weight: 9.2 oz
The Nimbus line has been around for decades, and these shoes have a staunch fanbase. Runners love the soft, bouncy, responsive foam and the neutral support. According to Lang, runners with high arches can be more likely to supinate, or roll their feet and ankles outward, while running. The Nimbus has a firm midsole to hold the foot in a neutral position, with plenty of high, plush cushioning surrounding it.
These are some of the cushiest, bounciest shoes Asics makes, but the soft foam feels stable, not wobbly. The outsole is reinforced with high-traction rubber, which helps the softer inner foam last longer and adds grippiness as you move.
Running coach Tony Loyd recommends the Gel-Nimbus to his athletes. He calls it “the perfect everyday training shoe” because “the gel creates a comfortable ride, while the arch support protects my feet.”
Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Standard | Toe drop: 8 mm | Weight: 9.7 oz
The GT 4000s have a solid, wide foundation that helps keep your feet and ankles from wobbling during a run. If your feet are in their proper position, your knees and hips up the chain will thank you. These shoes are on the lower end of cushioning but have a moderate stack height and an 8 mm heel-to-toe drop that encourages a natural, rolling stride, rather than a blunt up-and-down strike, which can be jarring on your knees.
The GT 4000s are built to accommodate orthotics and insoles, which many runners with knee pain wear. The shoe, “has a removable sock liner and a more voluminous upper to accept those insoles more easily,” says Lang.
Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Standard | Toe drop: 8 mm | Weight: 8.5 oz
The Novablast, the precursor to the Superblast, is what Lang calls Asics’ “jack of all trades running shoe.” It’s a neutral, cushioned, lightweight trainer that’s appropriate for any kind of run, from the roads to the trails. Plus, it’s bouncy, thanks to a small “trampoline-like piece in the forefoot” that keeps you on your toes and promotes a more effortless push-off. The design is more modern and sleek for Asics, with rounded, tapered toes and a thicker heel stack to encourage forward momentum with each step.
Take it from professional marathon runner Lindsay Flanagan, who says, “The Novablast is my go-to daily trainer and has been an absolute game changer in my marathon buildups. It’s lightweight, yet supportive, and allows my legs to recover quickly after big workouts because of its incredible energy return. I have fit in more quality sessions and get the most out of my training by running in the Novablast.”
What to Know About Asics Running Shoes
- Cushioning: Cushioning is measured by stack height, or the distance between your foot and the ground when you’re wearing a shoe. “Some runners prefer high-stack shoes because they don’t want to feel the ground beneath their feet and they feel more protected with more cushion,” says Bermel. Others prefer something lower because they like the feedback from the ground with each step. There are also different types of cushioning. In softer shoes, you’ll feel like your feet are sinking into the cushion. With a firmer pair, you’ll feel more of a solid platform supporting your feet. Bermel says that people with low arches “tend to have more flexible feet,” which often feel better “in a more rigid, or firm, shoe to provide the stability they may be lacking.” Feet with higher arches are often more rigid and “tend to feel better in a more flexible shoe that can move with them. Opposites attract!”
- Materials: All of our favorite Asics running shoes have a light mesh upper. It’s key for your shoes to be breathable and quick-drying, but you also want them to hug your feet appropriately — they should be snug, but not digging into your foot or ankle. Lacing your shoes up to the highest notch can also help keep your foot secure. The midsole of the shoe is generally made with foam, which absorbs shock and offers cushioning and/or support. The three most common types of foam are EVA, TPU, and PEBA. “EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is soft and lightweight, while TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a bit more energetic and responsive than EVA. PEBA is an ultra-light, highly energetic foam typically seen in more premium shoes,” explains Bermel.
- Fit: Finding a properly fitted shoe is key, especially since you can put up to 500 miles on most running shoes. One way to ensure you find the right fit is to get a 3D image of your foot at a Fleet Feet store. The main features to consider with fit are your size, width, and arch height, as well as any injury risks like pronation, bunions, or plantar fasciitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Asics make the best running shoes?Asics is one of the leading brands of quality shoes trusted by runners at every speed and experience level. The Japan-based brand has been around for 75 years and is committed to offering a shoe for every need. “Regardless of your endeavor, whether it’s the first step of a fitness journey or you’re trying to run a personal best in a marathon, we have a solution for every type of athlete,” says Lang. That includes options for wide feet, knee pain, overpronation, and other common concerns.
That said, if you don’t find your perfect-fitting pair from Asics, you have plenty of options. Our 2024 Sneaker Awards is a great place to start.
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What is the most comfortable Asics running shoe?Comfort is all in the eye of the shoe-holder. Some runners find a plush, cloud-like cushioned bottom to be the most comfortable and easiest on their joints. Others, especially those with high arches, prefer something with more structure and support in the midfoot.
Bermel points out that two of the best sellers from Asics are the GEL-Nimbus 26 and the GEL-Kayano 31, which are both pretty well cushioned These models are a great choice for anyone putting long miles or even long days on their feet. For runners who enjoy a high stack height and soft cushioning, I’d recommend the Nimbus. For runners who enjoy a high stack height and firm cushioning, the Kayano might be a good match.
Their lower stack height options include the GEL-Cumulus 26, which is on the softer side, and the GT-2000 13, which is on the firmer end of the spectrum.
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What Asics are best for long-distance running?Backed by professional runners and the Asics team, you can’t go wrong with the Superblast or Novablast. Both shoes are built with the same foundational technology, but the Superblast is a slightly updated version. These shoes are durable and provide structure with plenty of medium-firm cushioning to support your feet for the long run.
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What is the difference between the Gel-Cumulus and Gel-Kayano?The Gel-Cumulus is part of the Asics cloud series. It has neutral cushioning and is designed for runners who prefer a softer base. The Gel-Kayano is part of Asics’ stability line. It has “more midfoot support and arch support, which is great for the overpronator or someone that needs a little bit more protection,” says Lang.
Why Trust Shape
At Shape, we take shoe testing seriously, and we’ve had runners of all levels try various Asics models to identify the best options for every kind of runner. We consulted experts, including professional runners, coaches, and shoe experts to dive deep into the specific differences in the Asics product line to find the best options whether you’re running fast intervals at the track or going for an easy jog on the trails.
Lizzy Briskin is a New York City-based health, fitness, food, and travel writer for outlets including PEOPLE, Real Simple, Women’s Health, and SELF. A former collegiate runner for Amherst College, she caught the marathon bug post-grad and will run her sixth marathon and fourth Major this year in Chicago. She’s also competed in triathlons and is an avid swimmer, hiker, cyclist, and reader. She has a culinary degree from Cambridge School of Culinary Arts and was formally the food editor at Food Network Magazine, and before that, at Real Simple Magazine.
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