ASICS Knowledge Base: Running Tips and Training Advice

A Guide to ASICS Best Running Shoes

We understand that every runner has different needs, whether it be your pronation style, foot type, or training method. To help you choose the best running shoe for you, we’ve put together a helpful guide to our most popular ASICS running

shoes.

Guide to ASICS Running Shoes - Thumbnail - Click to expand

Click to expand. This chart shows how our top running models compare on stability, cushioning, responsiveness, and usage type.

comparison guide gel-kayano 32

GEL-KAYANO™

Run types: Training run, Recovery/easy run.

Stability: Maximum

Cushion: High

Responsive: Medium

The GEL-KAYANO™ 32 shoe, the pinnacle of support and comfort. The 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM™ helps provide adaptive stability, while FF BLAST™ PLUS foam and PureGEL™ technology give the shoe an ultra-lightweight and supportive feel with exceptional cushioning to give you ultimate comfort and performance.  

Designed for: Runners who are looking for support and cushioning with a light-weight feel.

GEL-NIMBUS™

Run types: Recovery/easy run.

Stability: Medium

Cushion: Maximum

Responsive: Medium

Designed for neutral runners and under-pronators, the GEL-NIMBUS offers the latest and greatest in PureGEL™ technology for dynamic comfort for the duration of your run to help you run further, longer.

Designed for: Runners who want extra cushioning and support.

ASICS Running Shoe Comparison GEL-NIMBUS 27
Guide to ASICS Running Shoes - GEL-Cumulus 27

GEL-CUMULUS™

Run types: Recovery/easy run, Tempo run

Stability: Medium

Cushion: Medium/High

Responsive: Medium

Designed for the softest landings and an even more energetic toe-off, runners also get a smooth transition no matter where they land. Featuring all-new PureGEL™ technology and FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning. This neutral everyday trainer is a versatile choice for various running workouts and distances.

Designed for: Runners looking for enhanced cushioning.

GT-2000™

Run types: Training run

Stability: High

Cushion: Medium

Responsive: Medium/High

The GT-2000 offers a light-weight and responsive running shoe to support your movement. Designed to help provide a more energetic ride and a supportive running experience. A trampoline-inspired forefoot pod is positioned on the medial side of the outsole. This helps produce better stability and a more balanced toe-off.

Designed for: Runners who are looking for support and responsiveness in their shoe.

Guide to ASICS Running Shoes -GT-2000 14
Guide to ASICS Running Shoes - GT-1000

GT-1000™

Run types: Training run

Stability: Medium/High

Cushion: Medium

Responsive: Medium

Designed for the runner seeking a lightweight everyday trainer with excellent cushioning. The GT-1000 offers support, structured cushioning, and stability. 

Designed for: The runner who prioritises support and cushioning.

BLAST SHOES

NOVABLAST™

Run types: Training run, easy run, tempo run

Stability: Medium

Cushion: High

Responsive: High

The NOVABLAST™ 5 shoe is your go-to for daily training. With FF BLAST™ MAX cushioning in the midsole, it delivers a responsive, springy feel that adds a boost to every step. It’s engineered for runners seeking a dynamic yet reliable ride, day after day.

Designed for: Runners looking for energetic responsiveness for daily runs.

Read more: Guide to ASICS Bounce Shoes

Guide to ASICS Running Shoes - NOVABLAST
Guide to ASICS Running Shoes - SUPERBLAST

SUPERBLAST™

Run types: Training run, recovery/easy run, tempo run

Stability: Medium

Cushion: High

Responsive: High

SUPERBLAST™ 2 is designed for long-distance runners who want to feel fast, light, and supported deep into their mileage. Powered by FF TURBO™ PLUS cushioning, it provides high-energy return with reduced leg fatigue — perfect for marathon training or long weekend runs.

Designed for: Runners looking for a supercharged bounce experience to go longer distances with extra support.

Read more: Guide to ASICS Bounce Shoes

MEGABLAST™

Run types: Tempo run, Recovery/easy run.

Stability: Medium

Cushion: High

Responsive: Maximum

The MEGABLAST™ shoe is one of the bounciest ASICS trainers. It offers an energized rebound that makes it functional for various speeds and distances. This shoe delivers next-level responsiveness in the lightest package yet.

Designed for: For runners who crave high-performance bounce on any run.

Read more: Guide to ASICS Bounce Shoes

Guide to ASICS Running Shoes -MEGABLAST
Guide to ASICS Running Shoes -SONICBLAST

SONICBLAST™

Run types: Tempo run, Race run

Stability: Low/Medium

Cushion: High

Responsive: Maximum

The SONICBLAST™ shoe offers a lightweight and responsive ride that makes it functional for tempo runs and your daily training. Taking the bounce experience to sonic speeds with dual-layer cushioning and ASTROPLATE™ technology. 

Designed for: Runners who love a faster tempo without sacrificing comfort, SONICBLAST™ is built for daily use with race-day feel.

Read more: Guide to ASICS Bounce Shoes

ELITE RUNNING SHOES

METASPEED™

Run types: Race run

Stability: Low/Medium

Cushion: Medium

Responsive: Maximum

Available in two models, the METASPEED SKY with energy directed horizontally for the style of a stride runner, and the METASPEED EDGE with energy directed vertically and forward for the style of a cadence runner. Featuring a full-length carbon plate positioned for each specific running style. FF BLAST™ TURBO is the lightest and bounciest midsole material yet. 

Designed for: Athletes looking for extreme energy return and lightness to help reach a new PB.

Guide to ASICS Running Shoes - METASPEED
Guide to ASICS Running Shoes -METASPEED RAY

METASPEED™ RAY

Run types: Race Run

Stability: Low

Cushion: Medium/High

Responsive: Maximum

The METASPEED™ RAY shoe is our pinnacle racing product. The newly designed FF LEAP™ foam technology is super lightweight and bouncy. It's strategically positioned in the midsole to help promote a powerful energy return in each step.

This shoe is formed with a minimal and lighter carbon plate. It's designed to help propel you forward so you can maintain your pace at the later stages of the race.

Designed for: Elite runners who are looking to start fast and finish faster (especially those who are forefoot runners).


Shop the latest ASICS shoe range.

Thinking about which pair of ASICS will be the best running shoes for you? Find more information in our guide to choosing the right running shoes.

Want to learn more about Trail Running Shoes? Visit our Trail Hub to learn more about which Trail Running Shoes are best for you