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The Best ASICS Running Shoes

Updated: January 31, 2024

Male and female runners wearing asics shoes while running

Whether you're looking for a daily trainer, a race-day shoe, or a max-cushioned trail shoe, no brand has as many top-notch candidates in every running category as ASICS. Here at Running Warehouse, we get a chance to put thousands of miles in the latest and greatest shoes every year, and ASICS' offerings are consistently among our favorites. Take a look at our Best Running Shoes of the Year to see what we're talking about.

In this guide, we are covering the absolute best that ASICS has to offer to help you find the right shoe for your needs.

The Best ASICS Running Shoes

Shoe Type

Our Picks

Best All-Around

Versatile performance in a premium package

ASICS Superblast

Men's | Women's

Best for Cushioned Comfort

Plush cushioning and a comfortable ride

ASICS Gel Nimbus 26

Men's | Women's

Best Daily Trainer

Blends cushioning and responsiveness

ASICS Novablast 4

Men's | Women's

Best Stability

Stable and protective

ASICS Gel Kayano 30

Men's | Women's

Best for Marathon Racing

Fast and efficient for peak performance

ASICS METASPEED Sky+

Men's | Women's

Best Uptempo Trainer

Fast runs and workouts

ASICS Magic Speed 3

Men's | Women's

Best for Trail Running

Durable trail workhorse

ASICS Trabuco Max 3

Men's | Women's

Best All-Around

ASICS Superblast
ASICS Superblast in light blue and orange

The ASICS Superblast made its big launch in late 2022, but it sparked plenty of criticism from the running community questioning why a plateless "training" shoe carried a hefty $200 price tag. After all, the Novablast has been flying off shelves and has solidified its place atop the versatile daily trainer category. So what's so super about the Superblast? Well, if you take inventory of your running shoes, we imagine you'll find a durable daily trainer that you use for most days, a lightweight uptempo shoe for speed days, a max-stack shoe for easy or recovery days, and finally, a race-day shoe. What if we told you there's one shoe that could do all those things and do them really well? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, that is exactly what ASICS was able to accomplish with the Superblast. If you are looking for one shoe to do it all, from daily jogs to marathon racing, the Superblast has you covered.

Check out our full review of the ASICS Superblast


Best for Cushioned Comfort

ASICS Gel Nimbus 26
ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 in blue color

Despite a top-to-bottom makeover from previous versions, the ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 maintains all the characteristics that fans of the Nimbus have come to know and love—and then some. Featuring an ASICS FLYTEFOAM BLAST PLUS ECO midsole, the Nimbus 26 provides a comfortable, bouncy, and fun ride that makes the shoe great for a variety of runs. Whether headed out for a long run or a quick lunchtime jaunt, the Nimbus has always been a reliable and hardworking shoe ready for any type of training, and the newest model stays true to its roots while adding some extra stack height for plush underfoot comfort. The midsole isn't the only highlight of this shoe; wait until you experience the upper! The updated stretch knit upper is extremely comfortable and provides advanced ventilation, and the padded heel collar feels divine mile after mile.

Check out our full review of the ASICS Gel Nimbus 26


Best Daily Trainer

ASICS Novablast 4
ASICS Novablast 4

The ASICS Novablast 4 continues the success of its previous iterations by being an extremely fun and energetic running shoe that is great for anything from easy jogs to faster paces. The updated FLYTEFOAM BLAST PLUS ECO midsole is smooth and provides the same great energy return at toe-off in a sustainable package, and the stylish upper offers a solid lockdown with a spacious toe box that does not leave feet feeling cramped during runs. The Novablast's high stack height protects from harsh impacts and delivers miles of bouncy fun.

Check out our full review of the ASICS Novablast 4


Best Stability

ASICS Gel Kayano 30
ASICS Gel Kayano 30 in mint color

The ASICS Gel Kayano 30 is an exciting update to one of the most iconic stability shoes on the market. The Kayano 30 has a lightweight and protective feel while still providing a high level of pronation control. This version features an upgraded midsole with FLYTEFOAM BLAST ECO foam and embedded PureGel technology for a fantastic underfoot experience. The all-new 4D Guidance stability system provides natural-feeling support for overpronation without the extra bulk of traditional stability technologies. With the reliable stability of the traditional Kayano, but in a softer and more supportive ride, the Kayano 30 makes every run a fun (and stable) one.

Check out our full review of the ASICS Gel Kayano 30


Best for Marathon Racing

ASICS METASPEED Sky+
ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ red and white color

The ASICS METASPEED Sky+ is an all-out performance racer. Featuring a full-length carbon fiber plate and FLYTEFOAM BLAST TURBO midsole foam, the METASPEED Sky+ delivers a dynamic and energetic running experience that is ready to conquer any distance. The shoe also features a unique midsole geometry that allows runners to extend the length of their stride without adjusting cadence, which further increases the propulsive effects of these racers. Finished off with a breathable and comfortable upper and ASICS GRIP outsole, the METASPEED Sky+ is ready to take your racing to the next level.

Check out our full review of the ASICS METASPEED Sky+


Best Uptempo Trainer

ASICS Magic Speed 3
ASICS Magic Speed 3 in red and white

The ASICS Magic Speed is a versatile training and racing shoe that showcases modern technologies in an affordable package. The Magic Speed features the two springy layers of FLYTEFOAM BLAST PLUS in the midsole with a full-length carbon plate sandwiched between. This combination provides high levels of energy return that make running faster feel easier. Great for uptempo runs and even as a budget-friendly racer, the Magic Speed 3 comes in nearly $100 less than most other carbon-plated shoes on the market. With its impressive performance capabilities and excellent value, the Magic Speed 3 is an accessible plated shoe that runners will be reaching for run after run.

Check out our full review of the ASICS Magic Speed 3


Best for Trail Running

ASICS Trabuco Max 3
ASICS Trabuco Max 3

The ASICS Trabuco Max 3 is a highly cushioned trail shoe with just the right amount of nimbleness and grip to tackle technical terrain. This shoe features a rockered design, giving it a smooth, comfortable ride that feels great during extended runs and hikes out on the trails. Paired with aggressive lugs and a breathable, protective upper, the Trabuco Max can match any trail conditions. Whether you're looking for a new shoe for your next ultramarathon or a highly protective trail shoe that won't slow you down, any runner will appreciate the bouncy and efficient ride of the ASICS Trabuco Max 3.


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Written By Jon

Jon is a serious non-elite runner whose life goal is to qualify for and run the Boston Marathon. When he's not at Running Warehouse or hanging with this family, you can find him on the roads of San Luis Obispo training for his next race.

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