9 Best ASICS Running Shoes to Keep Your Feet Happy for Miles

Looking for the best ASICS running shoes to keep your feet happy for miles on roads and trails?
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🏃‍♀️You're in the right place.

• ASICS is one of the most popular and well-known running brands. 
• It's been at the forefront of the running industry for what feels like forever. 
• Known for its extensive lineup that caters to all types of running needs—from the casual runner and walker seeking daily comfort to the competitive runner eyeing their next personal best—ASICS offers a versatile range of options.

👟After fitting more than 1,000 runners for shoes at a specialty running store, I compiled a list of the best ASCIS running shoes for every type of runner. 
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👇Check out my top 9 picks...

Best for Daily Training

• Price: $139.95
• Weight: 9.1 oz
• Drop: 8 mm

The ASICS Novablast 4 is designed for the meat and potatoes of training. 

• It's a daily trainer that balances cushioning and responsiveness.
• The FF Blast+ ECO foam midsole provides a plush yet springy ride that propels you forward with each step.
• The expanded midsole width not only enhances stability, but also ensures a comfortable fit for a variety of foot shapes. 
• With a breathable mesh upper that keeps your feet cool over long distances and a durable outsole that withstands the rigors of daily training, the Novablast 4 is a good choice for runners seeking a versatile trainer.

Best for Cushion

• Price: $160
• Weight: 10.7 oz
• Drop: 8 mm

The ASICS Nimbus is on the 26th version. Now that's crazy!
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If you are looking for the most cushion of any ASICS shoe, it's the ASICS Gel Nimbus 26.

• The GEL cushioning system absorbs impact and a FlyteFoam midsole allows it to be more responsive than ever.
• The Gel Nimbus 26's upper is engineered with a multi-directional stretch mesh that adapts to the foot's natural motion, providing an impeccable fit without sacrificing breathability. 
• Ideal for high-mileage runners or runners that just prefer more cushion.
• The Nimbus provides more cushion than any other ASICS shoe.

Best Super Trainer

• Price: $220
• Weight: 8.4 oz
• Drop: 8 mm

😍Full disclosure, the ASICS Superblast is my personal favorite trainer.

• The ASICS Superblast stands out in the crowded market of "super trainers" with its impressive lightness.
• It relies on its full-length FF Turbo and a layer of FF Blast+ foam to provide a firm and responsive ride. 
• It's designed with maximum stack height and versatility, capable of handling long runs, workouts, and daily miles. 
• It's really a shoe that can "do it all."
• Its unisex design accommodates a broad spectrum of runners and, unlike many ASICS shoes, it can handle wider feet.

Best for Stability

• Price: $160
• Weight: 10.7 oz
• Drop: 10 mm

The Kayano 30 has been around for 30 generations. Now that's just crazy!
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What is the difference between the Nimbus 26 and the Kayano 30?

• While both have an exceptional amount of cushion, the Kayano also features stability to keep the arches supported. 
• So, if you're someone who needs arch support (whether you have flat feet or just need the support), the Kayano is the better option.
• This year, the Kayano introduced the Dynamic DuoMax Support System, which adds support without weight. 
• Together with the GEL technology, it provides a stable and cushioned platform that corrects overpronation.

The Gel Kayano 30 is a great choice for runners who need extra support but don’t want to sacrifice comfort or performance.

Best for Speed Work

• Price: $160
• Weight: 7.8 oz
• Drop: 7 mm

The ASICS Magic Speed 3 has had big changes, transforming it from a lightweight trainer with a non-carbon plate to a more competitive workout shoe with a carbon plate.

• This year it introduces a dual-layer FF Blast+ foam for a bouncier and softer ride.
• The updated version maintains a snug fit, especially in the toe box, making it important to size up for those with wider feet. 
• The Magic Speed 3 is ideal for longer, faster runs and races. 
• If you are looking for a fast, durable, carbon-plated shoe, the Magic Speed 3 is a great option.

ASICS is different from other running shoe brands in that it features two different carbon-plated shoes, designed for different types of runners.

• ASICS Metaspeed Sky
• ASICS Metaspeed Edge 

Both are high-performance super shoes designed for racing, but they cater to different types of runners based on their unique biomechanics.
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👟The Metaspeed Sky...
 

• is tailored for runners who increase their stride length rather than their cadence when picking up the pace. 
• This is for someone with a longer stride. It features a high cushioning level, a steeper carbon plate for enhanced propulsion, and a more efficient rocker geometry.

👟The Metaspeed Edge...

• is designed for runners who boost their cadence over stride length. 
• If you're someone with a higher cadence that runs more towards the forefoot, you might appreciate the Metaspeed Edge more. 
• It offers a firmer ride with less cushioning, a less aggressive carbon plate for better control. 

Let's take a closer look at both of these...

• Price: $250 
• Weight: 6.4 oz
• Drop: 5 mm

The ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris is a significant improvement from the previous versions, offering a return to the original's acclaimed performance with updates that enhance its appeal to specific runners. 

• This super shoe is now the lightest on the market at 6.4 oz, designed for racers seeking a responsive and bouncy forefoot experience.
• It's particularly effective at faster speeds and for those with a forward landing
• It features a new FF Turbo+ PEBA midsole and a flatter plate, optimizing it for longer strides and faster efforts. 
• The shoe's breathable, lightweight upper and smooth geometry cater to a secure fit, making the Sky Paris a competitive choice for racers focused on performance.

• Price: $250 
• Weight: 6.5 oz
• Drop: 5 mm

If there was an award for biggest update of 2024, it might be the Metaspeed Edge Paris.

• The ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris has finally received an update worthy of competing with the fastest carbon-plated shoes. 
• It's now much lighter and more responsive than earlier versions. 
• Weighing just 6.5 oz with a PEBA midsole, it offers a fast, bouncy ride tailored for speed. 

If you are looking for a fast carbon-plated shoe that favors forefoot runners, this is a great option.

• It's ideal for runners seeking a light, responsive shoe with a breathable upper, designed for fast, longer efforts. 
• The Edge Paris, sharing the spotlight with the Metaspeed Sky Paris as the market's lightest super shoes, has successfully transitioned from an underdog to a prime choice for racers, provided it matches an individual's needs and mechanics.

For Fast Trail Running

• Price: $130
• Weight: 9.4 oz
• Drop: 4 mm

The Asics Fuji Lite 4 is a versatile, updated trail running shoe known for its excellent traction and durability, and springy running experience.

• It features a well-fitting, comfortable upper made from 50% recycled materials and the responsive FlyteFoam Blast cushioning.
• The outsole provides superior grip across various terrains but may clog in muddy conditions.
• So if you're looking for a trail shoe to plow through the mud, this is a good option.
• It lacks a rock plate, which affects protection on very rocky trails.
• It excels in responsiveness and speed, thanks to the ASICS Grip and a design that balances softness with responsiveness. 

If you are looking for a faster and adaptable shoe for daily mid-distance runs, it's a great option.

For Longer Trail Runs

• Price: $150
• Weight: 9.8 oz
• Drop: 8 mm

Love the Novablast 4 but want the trail version? Meet the ASICS Novablast 4 TR.

• The Novablast 4 TR running shoe has been updated with a new outsole geometry that helps produce an energized ride. 
• The outsole includes a trail-specific design that makes it great to run on trails. 
• The FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning, with 20% recycled bio-based content, also makes the Novablast 4 TR softer than ever. 

If you're looking for a trail shoe with plenty of cushion that you can take for miles (read: an ultramarathon), this is definitely a good option from ASICS.

Navigating the large selection of ASICS running shoes can be daunting. 

They have so many different models designed for different purposes. However, considering a few factors can help, like:

• Intended use (daily training, speed work, or competition)
• Preferred cushioning level
• Specific needs (such as stability for overpronation)

🦄However, If you're searching for the "perfect" shoe, there's something you need to know...

• These days, there is no best. There is only a best for your feet and for your goals. 
• Someone who is looking for a well-cushioned daily trainer is going to find the best to be different than someone looking for a race day shoe. 
• So the best running shoe is very dependent on your needs and goals.

The good news: ASICS offers something for every runner, no matter your goals, with each model designed to meet specific needs and preferences. 

Tell us about your favorite shoe in the comments or create a WeeView.