Gel-Cumulus 23
This latest version keeps the same combination of a FlyteFoam with Gel pods in the heel used in the 22nd edition. It provides a cushioned, smooth ride. The seamless mesh upper ensures a secure fit. Asics has tweaked their soles to provide better cushioning and compression in the heel of the men’s version, while the women’s models have improved both cushioning and reduction in the forefoot and heel.
Gel-Kayano 28
The Kayano is a staple in Asics’ lineup and remains one of its most popular models. The Kayano 28 was designed for neutral runners or overpronators. It features FlyteFoam Blast for a responsive, smooth ride and a low-profile heel clip for additional support. Gel pods in the forefoot and heel absorb shocks, while the dual-density medial plate and midsole reduce overpronation.
GT-1000 10
The GT-1000 is an everyday trainer that offers support and comfort at a low price. Asics has improved the fit of its tenth version with a new engineered mesh upper. It has a Gel pod at the heel, FlyteFoam to absorb impact forces, and Asics Impact Guidance System, including a dual-density midsole, to counter overpronation. The full rubber outsole will also withstand the rigors of training.
MetaRide
The MetaRide was designed to reduce the amount of movement at the ankle joint, where you expend most of your energy when running. Asics’s GuideSole is a rocker-shaped design that allows you to roll forward easily during your stride, and layers of FlyteFoam Lyte or FlyteFoamPropel provide support and energy return. One tester who logged 70 miles per week said, “I trained for a marathon with this shoe. It ticked all of the boxes.” “My hill workouts were stable, my short runs were fast, and my long runs felt effortless. “The downside of the shoe is its heavier weight, but it’s compensated by how easy and comfortable the rocker sole allows miles to feel.”
MetaRacer
The MetaRacer is the culmination of Asics’ latest technologies. Asics’ GuideSole construction is its main attraction. It uses a rocker sole to improve your stride efficiency and help you roll onto your toes. FlyteFoam absorbs impact and is a carbon fiber plate tucked in the midsole to provide extra support and energy return. Magic Speed
Super shoes are available today with the latest technology (including carbon-fiber plates, say it together), but they cost less than $200. Asics created the Magic Speed using some of its MetaRacer’s knowledge to create a more affordable shoe (though $150 still seems too high for many in our community). This is thanks to more affordable components from shoes such as the NovaBlast. FlyteFoam Blast is the midsole of the Magic Speed. It’s springy and bouncy. The foam is an excellent combination of cushioning, durability, and energy return. However, it’s less durable and resilient than the nylon-based foam in the MetaSpeed Sky. This shoe does not have a full-length TPU and carbon plate. Instead, it has a half-length plate made of carbon fiber. The result is a perfect race-day shoe for those who run marathons in the 3- to 4-hour range.
MetaSpeed Sky
Asics’ MetaSpeed Sky is a top-tier racing shoe cushioned and designed to propel you forward. It can also handle long distances. The Sky is equipped with the latest technology from Asics. The Sky features the newest tech from Nike. It is made with a nylon-based foam that is soft and springy to maximize energy return. A full-length carbon fiber plate and a curved rocker sole allow you to roll forward during your stride. It’s currently one of the most affordable alternatives to Nike’s Vaporfly.
NovaBlast 2
The original NovaBlast model was a radical design for Asics. It was a neutral shoe with a wedge of lightweight foam and no supporting technology. This shoe is tuned to provide excellent energy return. The second version largely follows the same formula but with some new tweaks. FlyteFoam Blast returns for a soft, bouncy ride. The material’s light weight prevents the shoe from feeling heavy. Asics has added a TPU heel clip to the upper for extra support, and the tread on the outsole was redesigned to increase energy return when toeing off.
