Kit & Gear

The Range Explained: ASICS Road 2024

ASICS has been one of the leading brands of performance running shoes for many a year.

In this article we take a look at the Spring/Summer 24 range line up to help you find the right shoe for your running.

We break the range into 3 separate categories:

1. Cushioned/Neutral Range

2. Support/Overpronation Range

3. Race Ready Range

1. Cushioned/Neutral Range

As a rule, the higher the RRP of a cushioned shoe the more cushioning you will get. Higher prices do not mean they will last longer, but just give you increased protection from the short term and long term impacts of road running.

The Range in brief

ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26

This long time, top-of-the-range, cushioned high-mileage favourite, underwent a massive update on version 25, with version 26 receiving only minor tweaks, mainly to the outsole with increased grip. Arguably one of the best highly-cushioned neutral shoes on the market, this shoe is more than suited to high-mileage road training.

ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 26

With increased levels of cushioning over version 25, plus a slightly higher midsole, the CUMULUS is suited to high-mileage road training for up to marathon distances.

ASICS NOVABLAST 4

A relatively recent addition to the range, the popular NOVABLAST offers a super soft, bouncy and responsive feel, whether used for long runs or shorter tempo training. If features a higher midsole stack than the CUMULUS 26.

ASICS GEL-PULSE 15

Significantly lighter than version 14, the PULSE is built for short to medium distance road training, still offering rear foot Gel cushioning. Makes a very good starting shoe for your road running journey e.g. Couch to 5k / parkrun.

2. Support/Overpronation Range

This range offers built in support suited to the overpronator. Otherwise the same logic as with the cushioned range applies that the higher the RRP of the shoe, the more cushioning you get.

Range Summary

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 30

Now in it’s 30th year, the GEL-KAYANO is widely regarded as the best shoe you can buy if you are looking for great cushioning coupled with mild/moderate pronation support. With an increased stack over version 29 allows for even higher levels of cushioning.

ASICS GT-2000 12

ASICS' all-time best selling mild/moderate pronation favourite. Suited to high mileage road training with full length FF Blast+ midsole foam, also including rearfoot PureGel cushioning.

ASICS GT-1000 12

Sitting below the GT-2000, the GT-1000 offers slightly less cushioning and pronation support. Suited to shorter distance road training upto half marathon distances.

3. Race Ready Range

Race shoes are not ideal for all runners and the time savings that can be had from wearing them can be offset by the lack of cushioning or support they may offer. For example, someone running a 4-hour+ marathon will likely be more comfortable wearing their everyday mileage shoes. Also, race shoes, if used for everyday training, can be less durable and wear out faster.

Range Summary

ASICS METASPEED SKY+ PARIS

ASICS' elite carbon-plated racing shoe, updated for 2024. Now 22g lighter than the previous version, coming in at a super light 183g, with an increased stack height, now at a still legal 39.5mm heel and 34.5mm forefoot. Built for the elite runner looking for a PB breaking race day shoe, suitable for upto marathon distances.

Read our in-depth review here

ASICS METASPEED EDGE+

While very similar to the better known METASPEED SKY+, the METASPEED EDGE+ offers an alternative suited to the cadence runner with an angled carbon plate to aid forward momentum and help extend stride length. The EDGE+ shares the same stack height as the SKY+ at the heel, but has a bigger drop of 8mm. Still superlight at 185g and aimed at elite runners.

ASICS SUPERBLAST

A more recent addition to the range, the SUPERBLAST has quickly found a place as a fast training and ultra distance racing shoe, still weighing in at a racing 240g with a stack of 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot.

ASICS MAGIC SPEED 3

If your budget cannot stretch to the £220 METASPEED, the MAGIC SPEED 3 still offers a full length carbon plate sandwiched between two layers of Flyte Foam Blast+ foam. 220g in weight with a lower stack than the METASPEED, at 31mm (Heel) / 24mm (Forefoot), this shoe still offers a super fast race day option.

ASICS NOOSA TRI 15

Now in its 15th iteration, this long standing Triathlon favourite is always easily recognisable with its wacky multi-coloured designs. This shoe still packs the features; longer tongue, higher heel tab and elastic laces, all aid quick easy access for the triathlete, coupled with 227g weight and 5mm heel to toe drop (27mm/22mm). Whilst aimed at triathletes, this shoe is more than suitable for fast 10k/half marathons - the hardest part is choosing which colour!

Interested in the latest shoes, apparel and technology? Then head over to our Kit & Gear category for more reviews, tips, advice and product releases.