ASICS or Brooks in 2025: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Finding your ideal running shoe can be both exciting and daunting, especially when you're faced with top-notch brands like ASICS and Brooks. Both are heavy hitters in the running world, each offering shoes packed with innovative technology, comfort, and style. But how do they truly stack up against each other?

In this article, we'll break down the best-selling shoes from each brand, compare their key features—including sizing, cushioning, stability, durability, and pricing—and help you decide which shoe brand might be your best match.

ASICS: Tradition Meets Tech

ASICS, a Japanese brand established in 1949, has built its legacy around innovative technologies that support a runner's natural stride. Known for their GEL cushioning system and structured fit, ASICS appeals to runners looking for comfort, stability, and dependable performance. Their shoes tend to feel snug and secure, perfect for runners who appreciate precision and structured support.

Read more about ASICS technology here.

Brooks: Comfort and Sustainability

Founded in the U.S. in 1914, Brooks emphasizes comfort, sustainability, and user-friendly innovation. They’re known for their adaptive cushioning technologies like BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT, which offer personalized comfort. With a roomier fit, Brooks is a favorite among runners seeking a shoe that prioritizes natural foot movement and long-distance comfort.

Read more about Brooks technology here.

Novablast 5 (released December 2024)

• Stack Height: 41 mm (heel) / 33 mm (forefoot)  
• Weight: 8.9 oz (252 g) for men’s US 9; women’s around 7.8 oz (220 g)  
• Drop: 8 mm  
• Primary Use: Versatile daily trainer, great for mid-to-long runs, tempo workouts, and casual wear. Its bouncy FF Blast Max foam makes it lively yet cushioned, appealing to runners seeking fun and comfort over pure speed.

Metaspeed Sky (released March 2024)

• Stack Height: 39.5 mm (heel) / 34.5 mm (forefoot)  
• Weight: 6.4 oz (183 g) for men’s US 9; women’s slightly heavier (~6.6 oz / 188 g)  
• Drop: 5 mm  
• Primary Use: Racing (5K to marathon), designed for stride runners with a powerful, bouncy forefoot strike. Ideal for chasing personal bests at faster paces.

Superblast 2 (released August 2024)

• Stack Height: 45.5 mm (heel) / 37.5 mm (forefoot)  
• Weight: 8.8 oz (250 g) for men’s US 9; women’s around 8.4 oz (238 g)  
• Drop: 8 mm  
• Primary Use: Versatile daily trainer, suitable for easy runs, long runs, and tempo efforts. A non-plated “super trainer” that balances comfort and speed.

Metaspeed Edge (released March 2024)

• Stack Height: 39.5 mm (heel) / 34.5 mm (forefoot)  
• Weight: 6.5 oz (185 g) for men’s US 9; women’s slightly heavier (~6.7 oz / 190 g)  
• Drop: 5 mm  
• Primary Use: Racing (5K to half marathon, extendable to marathon for some), tailored for cadence runners who rely on quick turnover and a rolling stride.

Gel-Kayano 31 (released December 2024)

• Stack Height: 41 mm (heel) / 31 mm (forefoot)  
• Weight: 10.6 oz (300 g) for men’s US 9; women’s around 9.2 oz (260 g)  
• Drop: 10 mm  
• Primary Use: Stability daily trainer, best for long, easy runs where comfort and pronation control are key. Built for runners needing support without sacrificing cushioning.

Gel-Nimbus 27 (released December 2024)

• Stack Height: 42 mm (heel) / 34 mm (forefoot) for men; 41 mm / 33 mm for women  
• Weight: 10.7 oz (305 g) for men’s US 9; women’s around 9.5 oz (270 g)  
• Drop: 8 mm  
• Primary Use: Neutral daily trainer, excels at easy-paced runs and recovery miles. Offers max cushioning and stability for high-mileage comfort.

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

Brooks Ghost 16 (Release: May 2024)  

• Stack Height: 32 mm (heel), 20 mm (forefoot)  
• Drop: 12 mm  
• Primary Use: Road Running / Daily Trainer (versatile for everyday runs, neutral support)

Brooks Glycerin 22 (Release: February 2025)  

• Stack Height: 36 mm (heel), 26 mm (forefoot)  
• Drop: 10 mm  
• Primary Use: Road Running / Max Cushion (long-distance runs, recovery runs)

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 (Release: November 2024)  

• Stack Height: 36 mm (heel), 28 mm (forefoot)  
• Drop: 10 mm  
• Primary Use: Road Running / Stability (daily training for runners with overpronation)

Brooks Launch 11 (Release: December 2024)  

• Stack Height: 29 mm (heel), 21 mm (forefoot)  
• Drop: 8 mm  
• Primary Use: Road Running / Performance (speed workouts, tempo runs, light training)

Brooks Hyperion 2 (Release: July 2024)  

• Stack Height: 32 mm (heel), 24 mm (forefoot)  
• Drop: 8 mm  
• Primary Use: Road Running / Performance (speed workouts, tempo runs, races)

Brooks Cascadia 18 (Release: July 2024)  

• Stack Height: 20 mm (heel), 12 mm (forefoot)  
• Drop: 8 mm  
• Primary Use: Trail Running (rugged trails, off-road conditions)

Related: Brooks Running Shoes: 5 Footwear-Manager Picks to Run Happy

• Neutral runners: ASICS Gel-Cumulus and Brooks Ghost are fantastic options.
• Overpronators needing stability: ASICS Gel-Kayano and Brooks Adrenaline GTS lead the pack.
• Competitive or speed-oriented runners: ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge and Brooks Hyperion offer lightweight, responsive rides.

Related: Pronation and Supination: 3 Foot-Friendly Tips from a Running Expert

Both ASICS and Brooks thoughtfully design shoes that address anatomical differences between men and women. ASICS tweaks cushioning and heel structures specifically for women, while Brooks adjusts arch support and midsole firmness.

Winner: Tie—both brands show commendable commitment to gender-specific designs.

Road Running

• ASICS Gel-Nimbus and Gel-Kayano: Exceptional for long-distance comfort and stability.
• Brooks Ghost and Glycerin: Offer smooth rides and excellent cushioning, ideal for daily training and longer runs.

Trail Running

• ASICS Gel-Venture: Rugged outsoles for trail grip and durability.
• Brooks Cascadia or Catamount: Aggressive traction, protective features, and trail-specific design.

Winner: Tie—each brand delivers equally strong options tailored to specific terrains.

Both brands offer models at various price points. Entry-level models provide excellent quality at budget-friendly prices, while high-end models, though pricier, offer premium features and technologies.

Winner: Tie—both brands offer good value, depending on what features matter most to you.

ASICS' AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) outsoles are incredibly durable, specifically designed for runners logging high mileage or tackling various terrains. Brooks utilizes segmented crash pads, emphasizing smoother transitions and consistent performance, though slightly less focused explicitly on durability compared to ASICS.

Winner: ASICS edges out Brooks in pure durability.

ASICS employs their Impact Guidance System (I.G.S.) to encourage natural gait progression from heel strike to toe-off. Their shoes provide structured support, making them ideal for runners needing firm stability.

Brooks’ GuideRails technology supports knees and ankles by subtly reducing excessive movement, creating a holistic stability system without feeling overly controlling.

Winner: ASICS for structured stability; Brooks for subtle, holistic support.

Related: 9 Stability Shoes for Runners to Help Guide Your Stride

ASICS generally feature a snug, structured fit, particularly appealing if you prefer a tighter feel or have narrower feet. Brooks shoes typically provide a roomier toe box, making them great for wider feet or runners who prefer a more relaxed, natural fit.

Winner: Tie—your ideal fit depends entirely on personal preference and foot shape.

ASICS shoes famously utilize GEL technology for shock absorption, coupled with FlyteFoam for a lightweight, responsive ride. This makes them excellent for runners who appreciate structured cushioning and bounce-back.

Brooks’ BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning adapt to your individual stride, providing personalized comfort and exceptional softness without compromising responsiveness.

Winner: Brooks takes a slight lead if personalized comfort and adaptive cushioning are your priorities.

Your ideal shoe comes down to personal preferences, running style, and individual biomechanics:

• Choose ASICS if:
  • You prefer structured, secure support.
  • Snug, precise fit matters.
  • Long-lasting durability is key.
• Choose Brooks if:
  • Personalized comfort and adaptive cushioning appeal to you.
  • You prefer roomier toe boxes and relaxed fits.
  • Sustainability and holistic stability matter.

Both brands excel in quality, innovation, and performance. The best approach? Try a pair from each brand to see what feels best on your feet. Ultimately, your perfect shoe is the one that makes running enjoyable, mile after mile.