Asics is a name synonymous with the running industry, with the Japanese manufacturer being well-known for their technologically advanced shoes. Having released their first pair back in 1953, Asics have developed a huge number of running shoes over the years, with today’s products being designed with a range of athlete in mind.

BEST ASICS RUNNING SHOES

• ASICS GEL-KAYANO 25
• ASICS DYNAFLYTE 3 SOUND
• ASICS METARUN
• ASICS ROADHAWK FF 2
• ASICS GEL-FUJITRABUCO 6 G-TX

I have put together a list of the best Asics running shoes on the market at present, suiting those with different running styles, as well as a variety of surfaces and conditions.

Many feature Asics’s excellent gel technology, while other developments help to make them among the best running shoes available. All of the shoes discussed are available for both men and women, offering some of the best investments that you can make as a budding runner.

Best Asics Running Shoes

back to menu ↑

Asics Gel-Kayano 25

The Gel-Kayana series from Asics has been around for over 25 years making them icons on the Asics brand. The shoes are an excellent option for those looking for an all-round runner, especially for those who overpronate when on the move.

The Kayano 25 is focused on endurance, with its medial support system and metaclutch feature allowing for both lock-down and stability.

FlyteFoam provides both cushioning and spring whilst running, while I found that spacious toe box allowed for comfort even on a long-distance run during testing of the shoes.

An Ortholite X-40 sockliner aids both performance and comfort, helping to ensure that they allowed for excellent responsiveness both on the street and treadmill.

Weighing in at 325g, the Gel-Kayano 25 may not be the lightest in the Asics range, but this additional mass does provide additional stability across the board. Asics’s gel technology is found across the sole of the shoe, providing additional cushioning and response. This gel is only visible in the rear of the foot, aiding the design of the shoe.

The Gel-Kayana 25 is available in a range of colours to suit differing styles, while the price point is in line with the quality of the shoes and the depth of technology found in them. As someone with a narrow foot, these shoes were ideal, meaning that they may not be as suitable for those looking for a wider fit.

[content-egg module=Offer template=custom/compact next=1]
back to menu ↑

Asics DynaFlyte 3 Sound

The DynaFlyte range continues with the 3 Sound shoe, which offers neutral runners the perfect platform to perform on all surfaces. Mesh technology on the upper moves dynamically with the movement of the foot, whilst I also found that this offers excellent breathability in warm conditions.

A FlyteFoam midsole provides both durability and cushioning when hitting the ground, with the ortholite sockliner helping my feet stay moisture-free during testing in wet weather.

Asics have used recyclable materials in creating the DynaFlyte 3 Sound, which as well as being good for the environment, helps to make them extremely lightweight at just 257g.

The 3 Sound also has gel technology from toe to heel, which really adds to the comfort of this shoe. An impact guidance system allows all of the shoes features to work together, which I found is perfect for neutral runners such as myself.

This product is undoubtedly one of the best looking of Asics’s running shoes, offering a more modern feel in terms of style. Priced slightly lower due to the materials used, this is an excellent option for gym-goers, although their durability means they are equally as effective outside.

[content-egg module=Offer template=custom/compact next=1]
back to menu ↑

Asics Metarun

Long-distance runners will find that the Metarun caters for all of their demands in this area, while their lightweight feel and adaptiveness make them suitable both neutral and overpronation styles.

The Asics Metarun includes 15 different technologies in total, including FlyteFoam, which is 55% lighter than industry standard foams.

MetaClutch and X-Gel also work together in order to provide maximum comfort and stability over long distances, while I found that the two-piece AdaptTruss upper offered excellent flexibility during testing.

Weighing in at 300g, the Metarun certainly has the durability required in order to perform mile after mile on all surfaces, with this being reflected in the price.

Despite being one of the most expensive shoes in the Asics series, marathon running and long-distance training is made easy using the Metarun, making them well worth the investment.

[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/compact]
back to menu ↑

Asics Roadhawk FF 2

The Asics Roadhawk is an excellent option for those looking for a good quality running shoe on a budget, with a full layer of FlyeFoam allowing for excellent underfoot cushioning, even in the absence of Asics’ famous gel technology.

A mesh upper is utilised in order to provide breathability and comfort, which I also found reduced friction and irritation during testing the shoes during a mid-length run.

AHAR+ outsoles offer added durability, while Impact Guidance System technology is also found on the Roadhawk FF 2, helping to enhance each stride taken.

The Roadhawk FF 2 comes in at an excellent price point given its quality, while a weight of just 212g means that they are a great choice for neutral runners and those looking for both a performance and day shoe.

[content-egg module=Offer template=custom/compact next=1]
back to menu ↑

Asics Gel-FUJITRABUCO 6 G-TX

Trail runners are likely to find the Gel-FUJITRABUCO right up their street, with deeper studs having been added to this version of the series for improved traction on tough terrains. A rugged mesh upper also provides added resilience, while a toe bumper is an excellent feature for those looking to quickly scale mountains or rocky terrains.

Gore-Tex technology is also utilised in order to both keep water from entering the shoe and provide breathability, while I found that the removable sockliner added the perfect cushioning during testing. The shoes also feature an anti-gravel plate, which keeps the sole of the foot clear for optimal traction at all times.

Weighing in at 335g, these shoes are still lightweight for a trail runner, especially given the number of different technologies found.

Available at a good price point, the Gel-FUJITRABUCO has long been the choice for many trail runners, with their durability making even the toughest of outings a relative breeze.

[content-egg module=Offer template=custom/compact next=1]
back to menu ↑

Buyers Guide

It is clear that Asics produce shoes for all types of runners, with different technologies helping to maximise performance and minimise potential injury. I hope that you have found something to suit your needs from the products discussed, however, there are still a few things to consider before making your purchase.

Asics’s Range

Asics running shoes cater to all types of athletes, including those looking for stability or cushioning, as well as those with neutral or pronation styles. Stable shoes are likely to be more structured from heel to toe, ideal for overpronators, while Asics’s cushioned running shoes will offer less support, making them suitable for neutral styles. As a result, it is worth considering what type of running you will be doing, as well as what running style you have.

Technology

Asics are well-known within the industry for developing some of the most technologically advanced running shoes, with many being found across all of their products in this area. The following are likely to have a big impact on performance, so keep a look out for these when researching the shoe for you:

• Impact Guidance System (IGS) – IGS will help your foot to move more naturally, making you less prone to injury and maximising comfort.
• Guidance Line – This feature ensures that runners shift their centre of gravity when landing, helping to optimise forward momentum as a result.
• Gel – Asics’s gel technology provides maximum comfort and cushioning for runners, as well as reducing shock upon impact.

Weight

You will have noticed that all of the shoes discussed in this article range in terms of their weight. This is again down to the style of running that they have been created for, with those looking to perform quick and short distance runs perhaps not needing the same amount of stability that those performing long-distance or trail runs do.

Width

Asics’s running shoe range also varies when it comes to width, while the manufacturer offers the option of purchasing a wider fit in some of their products. As a result, it is important to find a shoe that suits the shape of your foot, with a pair that pinches too much likely to lead to discomfort, while a pair that is too loose will hinder performance.