Best ASICS Running Shoes With Heel Padding

Running is a great way to stay active on your own schedule. You don’t need memberships or fancy equipment, you can just get outside and go. While runners experience a host of positive benefits from their runs or jogs, the consistent pounding from running on hard surfaces can take a toll on your joints over time.

So, how do we find the perfect middle ground between enjoying this exhilarating sport and protecting our joints? The answer may be in the heel padding. Let’s explore what heel cushioning in running shoes is, how it relates to different strike patterns, and how to choose the right running shoes for you.

How shoe cushioning works

As soon as your shoe hits the ground when running, there is a shock wave that runs through your body. Your body naturally accounts for this shock to allow you to comfortably run long distances by contracting muscles and changing posture. However, runners who consistently hit the road, trails, or treadmill benefit from extra cushioning in their shoe to further reduce strain on the joints.

The cushioning in running shoes is strategically placed to reduce the amount of energy the body needs to exert to account for shock waves through the body during a run. By choosing a running shoe designed for your stride and strike pattern, you can support your body more effectively and reduce the likelihood of injuries or aches. For example, a runner who runs on flat, hard surfaces will benefit from different cushioning placement than a runner who navigates hills on soft grass.

What are the three strike patterns?

There are three strike patterns: heel strike, midfoot strike, and forefoot strike. Your strike pattern will be influenced by your height, weight, anatomy, and gait. By understanding your strike pattern, you can choose running shoes that best support your body’s needs.

A runner has a forefoot strike pattern if they place the majority of their weight on impact in the toes and the ball of the foot. These runners rarely have their heels hit the ground and are more prone to experiencing cramps or pain around the calf and Achilles tendon. This type of strike pattern is common in runners who frequently run up hills or sprint.

Midfoot strike patterns are characterized by the middle of the foot landing on the ground during running. This leads the impact shock to be distributed evenly around the foot. Athletes with this type of strike pattern tend towards higher running cadences and have an easier time maintaining consistent fast speeds.

The most common foot strike is the rearfoot strike. This strike involves hitting the ground with the heel first, before rolling to the front of the foot. This type of strike pattern is great for navigating turns, breaking your speed, and running quietly.

The benefit of heel cushioning

Heel cushioning can change the heel drop of the shoe – also known as the difference in height between where the heel sits in the shoe and where the toes sit. The heel drop in shoes range from 0 to 14mm, with 10mm as the most common heel drop. While it may seem like small differences, the heel cushioning in your running shoe makes a big difference in how your body absorbs impact shock and which areas of the lower body are under the most stress. Heel cushioning and heel elevation also play a role in encouraging different strike patterns, which can make a big difference in how your body adapts to different running environments.

In general, less heel cushion and lower heel elevation promotes midfoot and forefoot strikes, while more heel cushion and higher heel elevation promotes a rearfoot strike. Lower heel drops tend to place more stress on the ankles and lower legs, while higher drops rely more on the knees and hips. Runners looking for higher cadence may prefer a lower drop, while runners looking to reduce strain on the ankles and utilize extra cushioning may lean towards higher drop shoes. In general, more cushioning and a higher heel drop reduces strain on the lower body.

ASICS shoes to consider

Several ASICS collections have elevated or cushioned heels to help runners stay active without added strain to their joints. When looking for high-drop shoes, check out the following models with 9-14mm heel drops:

GEL-NIMBUS™

The GEL-NIMBUS™ running shoe offers extra cushioning in the heel and is designed with a 14mm heel drop. This shoe is made to protect runners on long distance runs, with the design engineered for soft landings. Extra cushioning in the shoe keeps the underfoot feeling supported while providing spring for push-off. With this shoe, you can expect features such as:

• AHARPLUS™ heel plug: To improve durability.
• Rearfoot and forefoot GEL™ technology: To improve shock absorption and keep landings soft.
• FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning: For soft landings and responsive push-offs.
• FLYTEFOAM™ cushioning: For impact absorption.
• OrthoLite™ X-55 sockliner: To improve shoe comfort.
• Engineered mesh upper: To keep the foot secure with breathable material.
• ASICS LITE rubber: For outsoles that are light and strong.
• 3D SPACE CONSTRUCTION™ feature: For better compression during your strike.

GEL-KAYANO

With a 10mm heel drop, this cushioned shoe is designed for a stable, comfortable running experience with advanced cushioning. With this shoe, you can expect extra rearfoot support alongside the following features:

• FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning: For soft landings and responsive push-offs.
• 3D SPACE CONSTRUCTION™ feature: For better compression during your strike.
• Redesigned external heel counter: For a comfortable and stable ride.
• LITETRUSS™ technology: For medial and midfoot support.
• OrthoLite™ X-55 sockliner: To improve shoe comfort.
• AHARPLUS™ heel plug: To improve durability.
• Rearfoot GEL™ technology cushioning: For heel shock absorption.

GEL-CUMULUS™

The GEL-CUMULUS™ shoe is designed with an 8mm heel drop, making it a great choice for everyday running. This shoe has extra cushioning under both the heel and midfoot, promoting softer landings and greater comfort for runners. You can expect the following features in this collection:

• FF BLAST™ cushioning: For soft landings and responsive push-offs.
• Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL™ technology cushioning: For heel and toe shock absorption.
• Gender-specific 3D SPACE CONSTRUCTION™: To address varying compression rates.
• Engineered mesh upper: To keep the foot secure with breathable material.
• FLYTEFOAM™ cushioning: For impact absorption.
• Full-ground contact design: For a smooth and efficient run.
• OrthoLite™ X-30 sockliner: For advanced step-in comfort.