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Our running teams have traversed many thousand miles in over 40 of the top Asics running shoes to find the best this brand has to offer for all types of runners or terrain.
Our team of certified coaches, biomechanics experts, and professional exercise specialists has logged thousands of miles a year to test the best and most exciting running shoes on the market. In the past year alone, we've run in well over 100 pairs, then cut each pair open in the lab to examine their insides.
Asics has consistently made some of the highest-scoring shoes we've tested. Our first recommendation to just about every runner is the Asics Novablast 5, thanks to a tough-to-beat blend of comfort, versatility, and price.
Our testing teams also agree that the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris is the best choice for race day, thanks to an incredibly low weight and propulsive ride. If you're hitting the trails, the Asics Gel-Venture 9 is a budget-friendly option with all the basics needed for moderate trails.
We've tested a lot of options from Asics, so whether you're looking for a stability option or a supertrainer, we have recommendations to fit your needs.
Both the men's Asics Novablast 5 and the women's Novablast 5 earned top marks in our road running shoe testing. Our testing teams love the balance between comfort and versatility that the Novablast strikes. It shines as a do-it-all option that errs slightly more on the comfort side than the previous model (which also took home an Editor's Choice award in both the men's and women's lineups). Our testers found that the new FF Blast Max midsole was softer but more energetic.
"The FF Blast Max midsole strikes a sweet spot — it's resilient without being mushy, offering cushioning I find both protective and subtly springy." — Ally, lead women's tester
The Novablast 5 is one of our favorite choices for daily mileage. It's a very well-insulated shoe with 41 mm of foam at the heel. But it also weighs 9.5 ounces in a US Men's 10.5, which is lighter average in our lineup. As a result, it provides excellent comfort but still feels nimble on your feet. The midsole foam is resilient enough to make uptempo efforts doable and is very compressible at relaxed paces. In fact, this version of the Novablast is much softer than the previous one. We like the change, but runners who don't might find that they prefer the slightly firmer ride of the Hoka Mach 6, which offers slightly more performance focus but solid comfort. Overall, though, we think the Novablast 5 strikes an exceptional balance of comfort and versatility.
We love the Novablast 5's versatility.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
We think the Novablast 5 will work best for most runners as a daily trainer. While it isn't a focused speed trainer, the rocker geometry and resilient midsole foam make it capable of handling workouts. And it has more than enough comfort to get you through your longest runs, although if they regularly include pace chances, we prefer the Asics Superblast 2, which has a little more performance focus. We think the Novablast is an excellent option for one-shoe runners. It combines outstanding comfort with decent speed, making it one of the best all-rounders out there.
"This is the shoe I grab most often. It just eats up the miles." — Nathaniel, lead men's tester
We really don't have much to complain about with the Novablast 5. It struggles with grip compared to some of its competitors, but the new outsole compound is a significant improvement from the last model. The value of this shoe is hard to beat — the Novablast outperforms many shoes that cost significantly more, and we think it's also more fun. If you prefer a firmer ride, an option like the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 provides similar versatility and value. At the end of the day, though, we really do recommend trying on the Novablast 5. It's a top-notch shoe with something for almost every runner to love.
Pair premium, highly resilient foam with a comfortable, daily trainer geometry, and you get the Asics Superblast 2, our pick for the most versatile Asics option. In a lot of ways, the Superblast is similar to our best overall pick, Novablast 5, but it amps up the performance and versatility. The FF Turbo + midsole foam—the same foam found in the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris—delivers an energetic yet protective ride. While slightly firmer than expected for a high-stack shoe, it remains exceptionally comfortable across various paces.
"The Superblast 2 is my first choice for long runs. It's smooth, protective, and can keep things going when the pace heats up." — lead tester Nathaniel
The Superblast 2 is one of the highest-scoring shoes we've tested. That's almost entirely thanks to the massive slab of premium midsole foam. This is a max-cushioned trainer with 46 mm under the heel and a 10 mm drop. But because the foam has great energy return and is relatively lightweight (9.49 ounces in a US Men's 10.5), the Superblast doesn't struggle with faster paces. In fact, we think it feels best at slightly uptempo paces. Runners who like ground feel probably won't enjoy this shoe, but we think the planted and smooth ride will work for a lot of people.
The Superblast 2 combines a breathable and lightweight upper with top-tier cushioning.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Superblast 2 shines as a long-run workhorse. We think it will work best for runners logging high mileage with regular moderate efforts. It's soft enough for recovery days and bouncy enough for long, marathon-paced runs. While it can handle workouts at 10K pace and faster, runners who want a dedicated workout shoe might want to consider options like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 or Adidas Boston 12, which are more nimble and better suited to faster work. However, the Superblast 2 might be the best one-and-done option for runners training for a marathon (although we recommend a rotation).
There isn't much to complain about with the Superblast 2 other than the price. We did note that the toe box tapers a little earlier than we'd like, with minor rubbing on our pinky toes occasionally. And, similarly to the Novablast 5, we'd love some traction improvements. But those are pretty minor complaints. We think that runners who prefer a bouncy ride but want similar versatility might love the Mizuno Neo Vista, which is one of the most enjoyable shoes we've tested recently. However, the Superblast 2 is an incredibly well-rounded option for eating up mileage that we highly recommend.
When it's time to chase a fast time, our testers agree that the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris and (women's Metaspeed) is the best shoe for the job. Thanks to an incredibly low weight (5.1 ounces in US Women's 6.5, and 6.85 ounces in US Men's 10.5), smooth rocker and plate geometry, and extremely resilient FF Blast Turbo + midsole foam, this is a very fast shoe.
“This shoe absolutely rips, even at close to mile pace!”
Even with 39 mm of foam in the heel, the Metaspeed Sky Paris is lighter than some track spikes. It's obviously a performance-focused super shoe. However, that focus doesn't come at the expense of comfort. Our testers noted that the plate and rocker geometry of the shoe feel natural, which is somewhat uncommon in the world of super shoes that tend to feel hyper-aggressive at the forefoot. Plus, the toe box of the shoe is pretty wide, with a decent base, which makes it very comfortable for marathon-length pushes.
The Metaspeed Sky Paris stood out in our testing thanks to an incredible smooth and propulsive ride and innovative technology.
Credit: The GearLab Team
If you're targeting a fast race and are willing to spend the money on a super shoe, we think the Metaspeed Sky Paris should make your shortlist. Our testers grab it for their races, even when they have other options available. And they've set PRs at a range of distances in these shoes. Compared to other super shoes, these feel more subtle and natural. It's a more comfortable ride, yet somehow also more propulsive. A shoe like the Nike Alphafly 3 is incredibly propulsive, but it doesn't feel as natural. And while the New Balance Supercomp Elite v4 feels smooth and stable, it doesn't have the pace versatility of the Metaspeed Sky Paris.
"I like how this shoe provides both ultimate power and seriously impressive pep." — lead tester Ally
As with any super shoe, the Metaspeed Sky isn't cheap –- although it's significantly cheaper than its competitors. While we did note that grip wasn't phenomenal, also standard for super shoes, it works well enough for the vast majority of races. Overall, this is our favorite race day option, but your mileage may vary. If you want a shoe with a more aggressive forefoot rocker, you might want to consider an option like the Nike Vaporfly 3 or the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4. That said, we think the Metaspeed Sky Paris is the best choice for most runners who are looking for a super shoe.
The Asics Gel-Kayano 31 — both men's and women's — continue the legacy of a trusted stability trainer. Our testing teams found that this latest iteration refines the plush comfort and stability that the Kayano line is known for. With an updated FF Blast Plus Eco midsole, the Kayano 31 offers a bit more plush comfort than the previous model but lost a bit of the responsiveness it had in the last version.
“This is a great option for runners who prioritize comfort, stability, and durability.”
The Kayano 31 provides a cushioned and stable platform. The updated midsole is 42mm thick at the heel and is slightly softer than the previous version, offering slightly better energy return without compromising the shoe's comfort-focused identity. The upper also gets an upgrade, with a more breathable mesh that improves airflow while maintaining a plush, secure fit. While it isn't the lightest shoe, it doesn't feel overly cumbersome at moderate paces. However, both our testing teams noted that it is a poor choice if you want a versatile trainer. Runners who crave stability and versatility will do better with an option like the Saucony Tempus 2.
The Kayano is a great place to start for runners who want built-in stability and premium comfort.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
For runners who prioritize stability and comfort, the Kayano 31 is a top-tier option. It's designed to eat up easy mileage and does that well. The 4D Guidance System adapts to different foot strikes, providing support without forcing an unnatural motion. It's pretty unobtrusive, which isn't often the case with stability options. The wide platform enhances inherent stability, making the shoe feel plated. The refined heel bevel improves transitions for heel strikers. Overall, this is an excellent choice for runners who want support but also a natural-feeling ride.
“If you want unobtrusive stability and premium comfort, the Kayano 31 is a good place to start.”
The Kayano 31 is not designed for speed, and that's okay. It thrives at easy paces and in recovery runs, where its plush cushioning and stable ride shine. The traction has also seen some improvement, offering better grip on wet surfaces than some other Asics road models. We highly recommend the Gel-Kayano 31 for runners who need reliable stability, premium comfort, and a smooth ride for daily training. On the other hand, if you need all that and a bit more pace versatility, an option like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 or Brooks Hyperion Max 2 might be more your speed. If you loved the Kayano 30, you'll appreciate the refinements in this model, making it an even better choice for easy miles and long runs.
The Asics Gel-Venture 9 (both the men's and the women's versions) is a budget-friendly entry into trail running that maintains Asics' reputation for durability and support. Our testers found that the Gel-Venture 9 works well for its price, making it an option for casual trail runners or walkers.
"This shoe does the bare minimum — but I still think it's a decent entry point for the trail curious runner." — Ally, lead tester
The Gel-Venture 9 has a very stiff midsole. Its 36 mm heel stack does provide excellent foot protection in the rocks, but has poor responsiveness and sensitivity on more technical terrain. At 11.82 ounces in a US Men's 10.5, it is one of the heavier shoes in its class, which is something to consider for those seeking a lighter ride. The 3.2 mm lugs offer reliable traction on easy to moderate trails, though they may not be aggressive enough for extremely rugged conditions.
The Gel-Venture isn't full of cutting edge technology, but it's still a solid option for trail-curious runners and jogging hikers.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
We think the Gel-Venture 9 is best suited for casual trail runners, hikers, and walkers who want a reliable, well-built shoe at a very low price. While it lacks the bounce and agility of higher-end models, its rigid midsole and supportive fit make it a decent choice for those prioritizing savings. For runners who want more energy return and a softer midsole, the Brooks Divide 5 provides a more cushioned and breathable alternative for not a huge jump in price. Heel strikers will appreciate the traditional 11 mm drop, which allows for a predictable and comfortable ride on mixed surfaces.
"It works well for walking or hiking, and can handle moderate trail jogging." — Matthew, lead tester
The shoe's stiff midsole leads to a lack of flexibility and cushioning, making it less comfortable for long-distance running. We think an option like the Saucony Peregrine 14 would be a better, albeit pricier, option for runners looking to explore the trails. On the other hand, the Gel-Venture 9 offers fantastic value, delivering a reliable and well-constructed trail shoe for those who don't need higher-end features.
The Gel-Venture 9 is a decent option for beginners and casual runners on easy trails.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
How We Tested
Our team of expert testers logs hundreds of miles each month, rigorously evaluating running shoes in real-world conditions. They assess each pair across various speeds and terrains, ensuring a thorough understanding of performance and comfort. Every shoe undergoes at least 30 miles of on-road or trail testing, with many seeing significantly more mileage in extreme conditions like freezing temperatures, muddy trails, and wet pavement. Meanwhile, our lab team conducts in-depth analyses, even cutting shoes apart to deliver clear, unbiased data.
Our testers have run literally thousands of miles in Asics shoes over many years, and these are their favorites.
Why Trust GearLab
Ally Arcuri, Nathaniel Bailey, and Matthew Richardson, don't just log miles on roads and trails—they bring diverse competitive and academic expertise to their evaluations, ensuring you find the right shoe for your needs. Ally, a certified exercise specialist and mid-distance runner, applies her knowledge to assess how each model impacts a runner's biomechanics. Nathaniel, a competitive runner and coach of high school and post-collegiate athletes, uses his experience to evaluate how shoes will work for different needs. Meanwhile, Matthew takes every opportunity to explore Colorado's rugged trails, putting trail shoes to the test in a variety of demanding conditions, including ultramarathon races.
Asics offers lots of good options for every type of runner. We test each pair to make sure it will meet your needs.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
—Nathaniel Bailey, Ally Arcuri, and Matthew Richardson
