Best Asics running shoes to consider in 2024

With so many variables to consider when it comes to running, from the length of your stride and the distances you’re covering to the terrain you’re encountering, it’s important to select a shoe that is tailored to your specific experience and training regimen.

Like most shoe brands, Asics has a versatile range of run shoes that vary depending on the different needs of different runners, with plenty of options that will help you speed along if you’re aiming for a PB, or slow you down and correct your form if you’re looking for added stability.

We’ve put together some of the brand’s key shoes that cover a range of benefits, so you can find a running shoe that really works for you.

Best Asics running shoes to buy in 2024

Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 

Asics introduced a couple of major updates to the Gel-Nimbus 26 design and performance in its previous iteration. As a result, the changes between the 25 and 26 focus on refined cushioning materials, improved outer sole, and enhanced lacing. It is available in eight colourways and two width fittings.

With 41mm of cushioning at the heel and 33mm at the midsole, the Gel-Nimbus 26 firmly sits in the max-cushioned category of road running shoes. Notably, the 41mm heel height exceeds World Athletics’ racing shoe limit by one millimetre. Read our full review of the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26.

Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris

• $249 / £220

Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris is a light, fast running shoe that delivers on comfort.

Thanks to the Turbo FlyteFoam+ midsole the shoe offers a propulsive ride and a size UK 7 weighs in at just 175g per shoe.

The stack height measures 39.5mm in the heel and 34.5mm in the forefoot, which is just under World Athletic’s 40mm limit.

The Metaspeed Sky Paris heel-to-toe drop is fairly low at just 5mm, making it an appealing shoe for mid/forefoot strikers.

Despite being a stacked super shoe, the Metaspeed Sky Paris offers good support and traction in the wet. The only downside is that the outsole isn’t as durable as other models.

Read our full review of Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris.

Asics Metaspeed Edge+

• $250 / £225

A fantastic looking carbon plate running shoe, the Metaspeed Edge + is also a great ride and performs well in training and race conditions.

The EVA foam midsole is 50% lighter than the 2023 model and the shoes have a stack height 39mm (1mm lower than the legal high of 40mm) with an 8mm heel-to-toe drop.

Weighing just 194g, the Metaspeed Edge+ is a fast and propulsive ride while still feeling supportive.

You can read our full review of Asics Metaspeed Edge+ here.

Asics Novablast 4

$140 / £135

The Novablast 4 running shoe is an excellent choice for runners seeking extra bounce and energy return thanks to its higher midsole and extra cushioning. Lighter and more responsive than its predecessor, it’s a shoe designed to help you run faster.

A neutral shoe with an 8mm drop and trampoline-inspired sole, this is a great shoe for everyday training. Available in men’s and women’s.

Asics Gel-Pulse 15

$69.95 / £100

Asics Gel-Pulse 15 is a cushioned neutral shoe designed for road running. With an engineered and breathable mesh upper to keep your feet cool and Flytefoam and gel technology to provide a propulsive ride.

The shoe has an 8mm drop and weighs just 225g (women’s fit). A bargain shoe at £100 from Asics.

Asics Metaspeed Sky +

$250 / £220

The Metaspeed Sky + racing shoes are designed to enhance performance by encouraging runners to take longer strides while conserving energy with every step.

Energetic midsole foam provides responsive cushioning to maximise energy return and efficiency, while the propulsive carbon plate is designed to enhance forward motion and help runners maintain their pace during the crucial final stages of a race.

Asics GEL-Cumulus 24

Made for everyday running, this particular shoe from the Asics range aims to create a softer feel whether you’re aiming for a long run or a quick jog around the block.

The GEL-Cumulus 24 is said to boast an especially comfortable heel fit with plenty of cushioning throughout to take the pressure of your toes.

It’s also been made with a mesh upper to help overall breathability and reduce the chance of your feet overheating during those longer distances.

Asics Novablast 3 TR

Aiming for a lighter and more comfortable fit than previous iterations of the same shoe, the Novablast 3 TR weighs 30g less, which Asics says should help you to run faster and easier.

The brand’s goal here is to make a shoe that’ll handle some trail running as well as road, with the outsole designed to offer grip on a range of surfaces. It also has a special tongue wing construction that’s said to help keep the shoe snugly in place for added stability. That’s combined with a reinforced heel and midsole cushioning.

Asics says at least 75% of this shoe’s upper is made with recycled materials, while the colourway is said to draw inspiration from the calming hues of nature.

Asics GT-1000 11 Running Shoes

The GT-1000 11 has been designed specifically to keep overpronation at bay and offer stability, all the while delivering a soft and smooth running experience.

Asics says it’ll be a great all-rounder that you can use to pound the pavement or head to the gym.

The midsole is packed with cushioning in order to deliver a comfortable ride, but the brand says this has been done with a lower density so it’s snug without becoming heavy.

Asics has also combined this with their GEL technology to make the landings even softer and easier on your feet.

Asics Metaride Running Shoe

Especially designed for women, the Metaride running shoe from Asics has been built with a breathable upper mesh to keep your feet cool as you take on long distance runs.

The sole of the shoe promises a high-energy return for a quick toe-off to increase speed and there’s a curve at the bottom to encourage the heel-to-toe transition for fast results.

It’s also been built with their Flytefoam propel technology, which Asics says not only helps cushion the impact of each stride, but should also help push you forward as you aim for that PB.

Asics GEL-Kayano 29

If you’re looking for additional stability and a shoe that’s designed to be especially responsive, the GEL-Kayano 29 from Asics may be worth considering.

It’s designed to cradle your feet at the heel for rear-foot aid and also features additional cushioning in the midsole, yet the brand says it’ll still feel lightweight for an easy pick up.

Asics has also paid attention to the inside angle of the midsole to help ensure your foot doesn’t turn too far inward as you run, helping your overall form.

How we pick the best Asics running shoes

The models listed in our round-up showcase the best Asics running shoes currently available. For this update, we carefully reviewed each shoe based on technology advancements, updated specifications, and insights gained from testing these shoes over the past year.

While some of the Asics models received minor tweaks, others saw significant improvements in fit and materials. Our recommendations are based on a mix of 220 Triathlon tried and tested reviews, and an overview of new models being released in the running shoe market.

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