ASICS Running Shoes - Compare And Find The Best Shoes For You!

ASICS - Find the Perfect Running Shoes!

Have you ever selected a pair of running shoes and based your purchase on its appearance? Although many have likely experienced this, if you decide to look for shoes that will help you bring out your abilities and running potential, pay attention to how they fit and how suitable they are for the event you're participating in.

ASICS is a world-renowned Japanese sportswear brand that is worn by many professional athletes. This famous brand offers running shoes for athletic events and also makes fashionable and trendy footwear. Two notable sub-brands that put style at the forefront are Onitsuka Tiger and ASICS Tiger.

Each pair of ASICS running shoes has its own strong points and features. MATCHA’s writers used this opportunity to try out three models starting with the cult-classic GEL-KAYANO and GEL-NIMBUS, as well as the latest shoe METARIDE.

This article will serve as a comprehensive guide in finding out the characteristics of each model.

Shoe Technology Made for Runners

The ASICS Institute of Sport Science is the shoe manufacturer's own research facility where analysis leading to the latest innovations—from constructing various athletic shoes to developing new shoe-making technology—are conducted.

Among the many advanced shoe technologies at ASICS, the company accomplished to reduce the load on the feet of amateur runners as well as assist veteran runners in improving their running form. If you consider these technologies prior to your purchase, you'll find a pair of ASICS that will surely become your greatest running ally!

Continue to read more about recommended sneakers.

GEL-KAYANO 26: Balanced, Comfortable, and Form-Fitting

The GEL-KAYANO 26 excels in cushioning the impact of force while running, which ensures your foot will be secured and balanced.

GEL-KAYANO 26 MEN/COLOR: BLACK/ELECTRIC BLUE/Price: 17,280 yen (after tax)

The elastic upper part of the shoe—equipped with ENGINEERED MESH UPPER—has the ability to stretch and shrink in various directions, enabling the foot to be securely fixed inside. Additionally, the mesh-pattern material is highly breathable and flexible. As the mesh expands, the area around the toes simultaneously expands and increases the overall comfort of the foot, which is another desirable feature of this sneaker.

GEL-KAYANO 26 MEN/COLOR: BLACK/ELECTRIC BLUE/Price: 17,280 yen (after tax)

The new GEL™ Technology is installed in two areas—the heel and lower side of the foot—to absorb shock in the areas that receive the greatest impact when running. When it comes to the most recent GEL-KAYANO 26 model, the GEL™ layer is sandwiched between the sole which further maximizes the footwear's absorption power.

On the left: GEL-KAYANO 26 MEN/COLOR: BLACK/ELECTRIC BLUE/Price: 17,280 yen (after tax)
On the right: GEL-KAYANO 26 WOMEN/COLOR: MIDNIGHT/FROSTED ALMO/Price: 17,280 yen (after tax)

The shoe also features EXTERNAL HEEL COUNTER technology, which stabilizes the foot starting with the heel and ankle areas. Your heel won't wobble when it hits the ground.

Furthermore, this topnotch support is present in the midsole with the combination of the FLYTEFOAM™ and FLYTEFOAM™ PROPEL. This lightweight foam also has excellent resilience that, in turn, makes your running feel more powerful than ever.

The middle part of the sole—TRUSSTIC™—is made out of resin while the sneaker's inside is layered with a high-density foam material coined the DYNAMIC DUOMAX™. The two materials are combined in order to help fix over-pronation (when the leg leans inwards when landing).

The outer sole referred to as the GUIDANCE LINE™, which spreads from the heel to the toes, backs your every step to support steady, centralized movement.

With its high-level of support and stability, the GEL-KAYANO shoe is ideal for long-distance runs, such as a full marathon.

When trying it on, your feet will feel the comfortable cushioning and form-fitting sole. The shoes have a springy feel each time your feet hit the ground while securing your foot inside. There isn't a better match for running than these sneakers!

With an array of colors available, you can easily include the shoes into your everyday wardrobe—not simply reserved for your running wear.

Recommended for

Runners with a flat arch (over-pronation), beginner runners, daily runners, and people who wish to wear the sneakers every day

Width Options (Foot Circumference)

Men: STANDARD, EXTRA WIDE
Ladies: STANDARD, WIDE

GEL-NIMBUS 21: A Comfortable Companion for Long Runs

If you were already familiar with the GEL-KAYANO, then chances are you've heard of the GEL-NIMBUS series—another iconic sneaker in the ASICS line. It notably combines cushioning, comfort, stability, and durability. As its name also implies, this running shoe promises to take you above the clouds for the smoothest run ever.

Although it’s suitable for all running distances, you can probably experience its greatest potential in the long-distance runs.

Left: GEL-NIMBUS 21 MEN/COLOR: WHITE/LAKE DRIVE /Price: 17,280 yen (after tax)
Right: GEL-NIMBUS 21 WOMEN/COLOR: WHITE/SUN CORAL /Price: 17,280 yen (after tax)

The two layers of JACQUARD MESH on the upper part of the shoe both enhance firm support and flexibility of the foot, and thus being able to adapt to your movements. Another featured technology is the EXTERNAL HEEL COUNTER found on the outer side of the heel. This is intended to provide a secure fit and suppress the heel from shaking when running.

Left: GEL-NIMBUS 21 MEN/COLOR: MID GREY/WHITE/Price: 17,280 yen (after tax)
Right: GEL-NIMBUS 21 WOMEN/COLOR: BAKEDPINK/WHITE /Price: 17,280 yen (after tax)

The midsole uses both the extra light FLYTEFOAM™ LYTE and super-elastic FLYTEFOAM™ PROPEL, which gives you a seamless and efficient running motion.

The GEL™ will also make sure neither your big toe nor heel feel any unnecessary pressure while running with its shock absorption property.

What differentiates it from the GEL-KAYANO 26 series is how the TRUSSTIC™ is placed only halfway inside the central part of the sole. GEL-NIMBUS shoes are designed for neutral pronation runners, under-pronation runners, or those with legs that tend to lean outwards when hitting the ground.

By reducing strain on the outside of the foot, these shoes provide optimum support for long-distance runs.

Similar to its famous counterpart GEL-KAYANO 26, the GEL-NIMBUS 21 also exceeds in providing runners with superlative cushioning and solid comfort. If you neither have any problems with over-pronation (like the author of the article) and nor require the foot support DYNAMIC DUOMAX™, you may find the GEL-NIMBUS to have adequate comfort.

It's still a good idea to try on each model in the store to ensure that you’re getting the perfect fit before making your purchase.

Recommended for

Runners with under-pronation, beginner runners, daily runners, and people who wish to wear sneakers every day

Width Options (Foot Circumference)

Men: STANDARD, EXTRA WIDE
Ladies: STANDARD, WIDE

METARIDE: Seamless Running like Never Seen Before

The concept behind the latest METARIDE series is “a longer run for less energy.” This "energy-saving" sneaker took about two years of research and development to create. What sets it apart from other models is its curvy cushioning sole: a sure sign of the cutting-edge technology at ASICS.

This benchmark trait of the METARIDE shoe is called the GUIDESOLE™ and, in fact, is a curvy-shaped sole consisting of different piled-up layers.

The combined features of FLYTEFOAM™'s improved weight and durability with the soft, springy FLYTEFOAM™ PROPEL give you the push to continue on running. These are both incorporated with the impact-absorbing GEL™ to further create the ultimate cushioned sole for an enjoyable run.

METARIDE MEN&WOMEN/COLOR: GREY FLOSS/BLACK /Price: 29,160 yen (after tax)

The KNIT UPPER was used to provide the upper part with more breathability and a newly-improved glove-like fit. Additionally, METACLUTCH™ technology firmly supports the heel area.

METARIDE MEN&WOMEN/COLOR: GREY FLOSS/BLACK /Price: 29,160 yen (after tax)

On the outer part of the sole is the 3D GUIDANCE LINE, which prevents excessive pronation.

METARIDE MEN&WOMEN/COLOR: GREY FLOSS/BLACK /Price: 29,160 yen (after tax)

These forward-leaning shoes neutralize excessive ankle movements when running, lighten the pressure on the muscles, and improve your overall running experience with less fatigue.

Wearing the METARIDE will also increase the efficiency of each stride. Some wearers have even reported improved long-distance performance. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, ASICS footwear allows you to release your full potential and take your running to another level!

Recommended for

Daily runners and long-distance runners

Width Options (Foot Circumference)

Men: STANDARD
Ladies: STANDARD

Make Your Running Gear Collection Complete with ASICS!

The shoe models introduced in the article are only a small portion of the vast collection of running goods, sportswear, and bags available at ASICS stores.

ASICS continues to evolve its technology to ensure that people can run comfortably and safely. By making sure no one is left out, the major shoe manufacturer provides superior goods for beginners and professional runners alike, assisting with their progress and optimal running through their signature shoes.

If you haven’t decided on which shoe you’d like to purchase or are unsure of your pronation type, we recommend visiting the nearest store location to get your ASICS FOOT ID (available in English, Japanese, and Chinese). A 3D scan of your foot in running posture will be analyzed and used to recommend a pair for your feet. You'll be sure to find the perfect running shoes in-store!

Pictures courtesy of ASICS Corporation
Sponsored by ASICS Corporation