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10 of the best Asics running shoes for the road and trail
It started with a basketball shoe in 1949, but now Asics is one of the world's top running brands. Here are our favourite models, for every type of run
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, Gel-Nimbus distance shoe and Gel-Cumulus road shoe.
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, as well as lighter, carbon plate shoes 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.
In a rush? These are the top models. Keep scrolling to read more.
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™ 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.
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.
10 of the best Asics running shoes for 2023
Without further ado, here's our pick of the best Asics running shoes for both the road and trail.
Asics Metaspeed Sky+
Asics Metaspeed Sky+
This second-generation carbon-plated racer was developed using insight from Asics’ elite athletes. It’s designed for PB-chasing top-tier runners and elites who increase their stride to run faster, and Asics’ research suggests it improves running economy by 2 percent. It’s also the shoe Eilish McColgan wore to break the European 10K record.
So, what’s new? There’s now four percent more of Asics’ lightest and bounciest FF Blast Turbo midsole material, and the carbon plate has been repositioned to sit higher under the foot for better compression and higher bounce-back at the toe-off. The new upper is a lighter, more breathable woven mesh and includes new crinkled laces and a thin tongue for a secure fit. Our GB triathlete tester – who raced in the shoes sockless fresh out of the box and clocked the fastest 10km run leg at a recent triathlon wearing them – described running in them as feeling ‘effortless and springy’.
'I didn’t believe the carbon fibre hype until I raced in these and knocked 40 seconds off my 5km PB. They’re supportive, fit perfectly, and they’ve improved my running efficiency.'
Key specs
| Weight | 205g |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5mm |
| Type | Neutral/performance |
Asics Metaspeed Edge+
Asics Metaspeed Edge+
Designed for marathoners who speed up by increasing their cadence more significantly than their stride length, this super shoe excels for road runners of any gait style, racing any distance from the mile to a 50K.
The Edge has more foam underfoot than its predecessor and uses Asics' most premium nylon-based Flytefoam Turbo, the lightest and springiest the brand currently dishes. However, the Edge still has less of the material than the Sky, with a carbon-fiber plate placed lower inside the midsole. Its full-length plate dips closer to the ground near the forefoot, making it easier for cadence runners to roll quickly into each stride.
The aggressive rocker and steep toe spring in the Edge remind us more of Saucony’s Endorphin Pro. Compared to the Endorphin Pro, though, and also the Vaporfly, the Edge+’s forefoot and heel are a smidge wider and, as a result, transitions feel very stable. And though the ride is exceptionally springy, it remains smooth and predictable; when climbing steep hills, our tester said they 'felt the carbon plate propelling my toe-offs, but it remained nicely controlled from stride to stride'.
Key specs
| Weight | 210g |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral/performance |
Like a faithful friend, this veteran stability shoe has supported overpronators and neutral runners for 30 generations. The latest version sees a serious update, with the component-driven stability tech found in previous models – so the section of firm foam on medial side of the shoe which Asics called 'Litetruss' – no more. Now, stability is delivered through the shoe's geometry., with a sculpted midsole that curves inwards on the lateral side of the shoe (providing more compression), and a compartment of foam on the medial side to guide the foot into position. The base of the shoe is also wider – through the heel, midfoot and forefoot – to stabilise the foot through the gait cycle.
Our tester found the cushioning felt much plusher compared to previous iterations, thanks to the higher stack, and is nowhere near as firm.
Key specs
| Weight | 298g (M), 270g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
| Type | Stability |
Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
The Gel-Nimbus is one of Asics’ bestselling and best-loved shoes, but that didn’t stop the brand going for a full on reinvention with the latest model. There’s a new, stretchy knit tongue and collar construction for a more adaptive fit, which testers reported feels ‘snug, secure and almost sock-like’.
Geometry has shifted significantly, with an 8mm drop compared with the 24’s 13mm. The midsole uses 20% more foam and has upgraded to the lightweight, energetic FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning, while there’s also new Pure Gel Technology cleverly embedded between the upper and midsole for added shock absorption. Ambitiously dubbed ‘the most comfortable shoe ever’ by Asics, it certainly impressed our testers. One enjoyed ‘how plush it felt’, adding that it ‘feels soft underfoot, and has a smooth, rolling transition’.
Key specs
| Weight | 290g (M), 255g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral |
Previous versions of the Novablast quickly gained a reputation as a great neutral shoe with serious bounce and good longevity. And the latest version is no different. There's been a pretty significant update in the midsole where the FF Blast foam has been replaced by FF Blast Plus, making it lighter and bouncier. The result? A super comfortable running shoe which is both well cushioned and light, and has a soft landing that nevertheless gives great energy return. The newly redesigned soft knit upper is both comfortable and rather more stylish than some of the old school Asics trainers too. Overall? The Novablast 3 is the kind of shoe you'd pack on holiday when you can only take one pair to do all your runs in.
Key specs
| Weight | 253g (M), 220g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
Asics Magic Speed 2
Asics Magic Speed 2
Despite being overshadowed by its full carbon-plated Metaspeed siblings, the Magic Speed 2 impressed our testers with its lively ride and poppy toe-off. It isn’t quite super-shoe territory, but for its price point, it’s a superb entry into the carbon shoe market – with a full-length carbon and TPU plate. Asics has amped up the cushioning in the midsole with FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning, which delivers plenty of energy return together with the forefoot carbon plate. Unsurprisingly, this shoe really gets going at speed – 5km, 10km, tempo runs and speed drills all hit the mark. To keep things streamlined and light, the upper and collar are perforated and lightweight. In summary, this is an accessible racing shoe worthy of a place in your rotation.
Key specs
| Weight | 238g (M), 200g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 7mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
Asics Gel-Cumulus 25
Asics Gel-Cumulus 25
This is the most cushioned Cumulus yet. It actually feels a lot like earlier versions of its ultra-plush cousin, the Nimbus. (Asics added even more foam to the new Nimbus, so it remains the cushier choice.) Still, neither is geared for speed days. Testers said the Cumulus felt surprisingly light for its ‘thick and foamy’ workhorse sole, but does sacrifice some pep underfoot. ‘I didn’t feel rocked on to my toes or pushed forwards, but it’s one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve worn,’ said one tester. ‘The inside feels plush and the secure lacing really hugs your foot.’
Key specs
| Weight | 266g (M), 218g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral |
Asics GT-2000 11
Asics GT-2000 11
Where the Gel-Kayano is Asics’ flagship stability shoe, the GT 2000 11 is a more affordable option for runners seeking an everyday running shoe with mild support. A combination of Literuss technology on the medial (inner) side of the shoe and 3D print details on the upper deliver support and stability. Gel™ in the heel and forefoot provides lightweight cushioning and shock absorption, while Flytefoam Propel adds a touch of peppiness. There’s also a plush padded ankle and a soft sockliner, and the upper is now a breathable mesh. ‘Comfy’, ‘stable’, ‘supportive’, ‘firm’ and ‘durable’ were words used in feedback by our testers, who found the shoe ‘surprisingly responsive and lightweight’. A solid, supportive choice for daily mileage.
Key specs
| Weight | 275g (M), 235g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Stability/road |
Asics Trabuco Max 2
Asics Trabuco Max 2
Designed for long trail runs, this high-stack trail shoe had our testers cruising over off-road terrain, thanks its gentle rocker-style Guidesole geometry. Easily the most cushioned and protected trail shoe of this bunch, new Flytefoam Blast Plus foam has been added to the midsole to create effortless impact absorption while propelling you forward. There’s also a new outsole with full Asicsgrip and redesigned 4.5mm lugs include an uphill- and downhill-specific pattern. The heel counter is well padded and feels good on long runs, and the toggle laces stay tight even when wet.
Key specs
| Weight | 305g (M), 265g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 5mm |
| Type | Trail |
Asics Gel-Trabuco 11 GTX
Asics Gel-Trabuco 11 GTX
Asics’ stability trail shoe happens to be a great choice for neutral runners, too. The full ground contact design includes Asics' trusty Duomax support system on the inside arch of the shoe which keeps feet stable. 'The shoes felt really secure and superlight even on technical, uneven trails,' said one tester. 'There’s no roll in them, which you sometimes get with a mesh upper.' The revised outsole, set in uphill/downhill patterns on the medial and lateral side, also hit the mark. 'In wet bogs they were excellent, and they stuck to dry rocks and sandy trails like glue, so I had total trust in them flying down steep descents.' The Gel in the heel and FF Blast cushioning (which has been increased by 2mm since the version 10) in the midsole made for a comfy but firm ride, while the flexible rock protection plate kept feet protected from roots and rocks underfoot. Plus, there’s a handy ‘lace garage’ to keep your laces from flapping around.
Key specs
| Weight | 355g (M), 295g (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Trail |
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