6 Best ASICS Running Shoes in 2025

With such an extensive collection of ASICS shoes to choose from, there are options for all types of runners. Whether you need a comfortable cruiser for long miles, a carbon-plated racer for new PBs, or a stability shoe for overpronation, ASICS has got them all.

And we are here to help you find the best. We have tested all of these shoes in our lab and on the test runs. We wear-test each of them to completely immerse ourselves in what they offer!

Best ASICS running shoes overall

ASICS Novablast 5

What makes it the best?

Extensive runs and lab tests back up our decision to crown the Novablast 5 as ASICS’ best running shoe. We experienced a premium level of comfort that doesn’t forego energy return and stability. It merges versatility and reliable durability, making this shoe an exceptional all-rounder that will last.

Our feet feel great at any point in our run since we’re spoiled with a plush cushion that beats the average in terms of height and density. Our durometer confirms it’s 38.4% softer than average while our caliper shows a staggering 40.9/33.5 mm stack height. We enjoyed its bouncy and responsive feel whenever we picked up the pace.

Novablast 5 cleverly adds generous width to its base for confidence-inspiring landings. Our caliper shows a very vast 122.3/97.6 mm landing platform, which is more than enough room for us to maintain our balance. Thankfully, it’s easy to maneuver despite its bulk. Our bend test validates it’s 32.2% more flexible than average.

Finally, what seals the deal is its durability. Even after running double-digit miles on tough pavements, the outsole barely has scratches. We couldn’t resist checking with our Dremel and Novablast 5 establishes its longevity by showing less damage than average in our abrasion test.

While this pair performs great overall, it lacks the energy to sustain record-breaking paces. We recommend exploring other options for races.

Best ASICS daily running shoes

ASICS Gel Nimbus 27

What makes it the best?

The ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 offers an unparalleled experience of foot euphoria, thanks to its exceptionally cushioned midsole and surprisingly firm landings. Among the ASICS models subjected to rigorous testing both in and out of the lab, this shoe stands out as the ultimate daily trainer.

The comfort level achieved with the Gel Nimbus 27 is simply off the charts. Our meticulous measurements reveal that its midsole foam is at par with the average at 21.0 HA. Furthermore, its towering stack height of 42.7/34.4 mm boldly surpasses the average by 8.6/8.9 mm, elevating its cushioning to extraordinary levels. Its unparalleled thickness, coupled with the innovative PureGEL technology integrated into the heel, indulged us with luxurious comfort, effectively dampening ground impact even during grueling endurance runs.

Despite its monstrous height, the Gel Nimbus 27 inspires confidence with every stride, offering stable and secure landings. Its wide base and stiff construction ensure a planted feel, while our manual torsional rigidity assessment awards it a perfect 5/5 rating, highlighting its resistance to twisting forces.

However, it’s worth noting that the midsole prioritizes comfort over energy return, making it less conducive to faster paces beyond moderate speeds. While perfect for leisurely runs, those seeking more responsiveness should check alternative options.

Best stability ASICS running shoes

ASICS Gel Kayano 31

What makes it the best?

Multiple tests in and out of the lab cemented the Gel Kayano 31’s position as the best ASICS stability shoe. Delivering steadiness and comfort like no other, it cleverly integrates subtle support elements such as the 4D Guidance System while maintaining a pleasantly plush ride.

What makes GK31 stand out is its ability to provide adaptive stability through its 4D Guidance System, making use of a softer foam under our arch. With further use, it adjusts to each unique foot shape. Along with the midsole sidewalls and expansive base, we felt confident with each landing. As our caliper shows, the forefoot is a massive 122.1 mm and the heel is 97.6 mm.

The midsole blew us away with its exceptionally soft mega-stack. It towers at 39.3/27.8 mm and is made of ASICS’ cloud-like FF Blast+ foam. Our durometer reading aligns with our sentiments, showing a result 27.1% softer than average. Further creating gentler landings is the PureGEL in the heel.

Because of the steep 11.5 mm drop and PureGEL’s position, we believe this shoe is best suited for heel strikers. Those who prefer less harsh offsets should check other options.

Best ASICS running shoes for 5K/10K racing

ASICS Metaspeed Edge+

What makes it the best?

After a series of interval sessions and uptempo runs, the ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ gets the medal for the best 5k/10k racing shoe in the ASICS range. Extremely light, exceptionally lively, and insanely breathable. After running in these shoes and testing them in the lab, no other ASICS shoe comes close.

The ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ is so much lighter than the average road running shoe (208 grams/7.3 ounces vs. 265 grams/9.3 ounces). It is also lighter than other plated shoes (246 grams/8.68 ounces). During our stride practices and interval sessions, we felt like we were running unburdened. Truly, the Edge+ is an enticing option for racing the 5k or 10k—a beast that destroys records.

The shoe also has an exceptionally responsive ride. The repositioned carbon-fiber plate creates a stiffer shoe and produces a snappier toe-off. In the lab, we tested its flexibility and found that the Edge+ needed more than twice the average force (63N vs 31.8N) to bend it. It also has a very smooth heel-to-toe transition thanks to the rocker design—every step and stride we took was crazy smooth.

The Edge+’s mesh upper is soft and breathable. During the breathability test, the smoke passed through the mesh upper in a quick and easy manner—a perfect race shoe even for hotter days.

Its main letdown is the price. At $250, it is much more expensive than most  “super” shoes which cost $212 a pair on average. 

Best ASICS running shoes for race

ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris

What makes it the best?

After miles of heart-pounding and adrenaline-filled runs, we determined that the Metaspeed Sky Paris is the ultimate ASICS race shoe. One of the most exceptional supershoes in our lab, it’s designed to deliver winning performances and personal bests. Its plush yet energetic midsole steals the show, further enhanced by its nearly weightless and highly-ventilated experience.

The Sky Paris proves it’s an elite performer with its flat carbon plate nestle in between the soft yet powerful FF Turbo+ midsole. Every compression under our forefoot translates to substantial rebound, coupled with a late-stage toe rocker that makes us feel like gliding through the miles.

The comfort we experienced during testing was truly remarkable. The midsole is a soft 21.0 HA and fits just within the race-legal 40-mm limit with its 39.1/32.6 mm stack. Each landing feels highly cushioned, allowing us to race even up to marathon distances. 

Despite being a maximalist, the shoe only weighs 6.5 oz (183g), significantly lighter than our lab’s 7.7 oz (217g) average race shoe. In our breathability test, the fine mesh upper allowed smoke to pass through with such ease that it almost instantly enveloped the shoe, receiving the highest 5/5 mark.

However, it’s worth noting that the Sky Paris is built with mid-to-forefoot strikers in mind. Heel strikers searching for peak performance will be much more satisfied with other options.

Best ASICS running shoes for triathlon

ASICS Noosa Tri 16

What makes it the best?

We discovered the best ASICS triathlon running shoe through lab tests and road runs: the Noosa Tri 16. True to its name, its lightweight and flexible design, breathable upper, and plush cushioning make it ideal for Triathlons. Amazingly, it offers all these features without sacrificing speed and stability.

The best word to capture the sensation of running in this shoe is “refreshing.” It weighs 18.1% below average at a feathery 7.7 oz (217g). Even in warm weather, our body heat escapes seamlessly. Under our microscope, we discovered a light engineered mesh for this purpose. Even if we went sockless, we had no issues—a plus for triathletes who want to save transition time. The upper and heel also include tabs for faster wear.

The pair feels comfy from recovery days to race pace. Its nonresistant midsole allows us to move freely, emerging 28.9% more adaptive than average in our bend test. Adding to our relief during brick runs is the soft and responsive FF Blast+ cushion. Our durometer shows it’s 14.1% softer than average. Despite this, the ride feels stable thanks to the sidewalls and sole flare of the 3D Guidance System.

However, exceptional breathability had durability as a tradeoff. Those who tend to break uppers with their toes should look for sturdier options.