Runners and fashion-forward sneaker enthusiasts can agree on one thing: Asics makes some ridiculously high-quality running shoes. Short for “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano,” which is Latin for “You should pray for a healthy mind in a healthy body,” the sneaker brand has been pioneering a lifestyle, as well as just footwear, since the 1950s. At the helm of the brand since its inception in 1949, Kihachiro Onitsuka made it his corporate and lifelong mission to enhance the lives of youth through athletic activity.
It all started with the release of its first basketball shoe in 1950 under Asics’ then company name Onitsuka Co., Ltd. They were thought to be some of the most complicated to manufacture, undergoing numerous rounds of testing among local basketball stars. Ever a visionary, Onitsuka was inspired by the sight of an octopus at a dinner one evening, which led him to incorporate suction cups on his basketball shoes to further assist with the stopping, starting and pivoting movements demanded of athletes in basketball.
This futuristic thinking is a common thread throughout Asics sneakers: You’ll see synthetic spongy rubber soles with plenty of shock absorption and water-resistant properties, ventilation systems inspired by air-cooled motorcycle engines that circulate air within the shoe to ward against blisters and EVA midsoles and silicone gel (or GEL technology, as the brand calls it) that offer next-level cushioning without extra weight.
These days, there’s an Asics shoe for just about anyone: the Nimbus line geared towards neutral runners, the Kayanos to help correct overpronators and the Novablasts to help align underpronators are just a few of the brand’s storied sneakers that offer functionality, style and comfort. The best part? They’re even podiatrist-approved. “Asics shoes are more structured and formed for a runner, depending on what Asics shoes you buy,” says Dr. Brad Schaeffer, a board-certified podiatrist, star of TLC’s “My Feet Are Killing Me” and Dr. Scholl’s partner. “Asics are something that I’ve repped for a really long time as a podiatrist and loved them in podiatry school,” adding that they’re a little more structurally sound than, say, Nike shoes and are an overall great running shoe no matter your skill level.
Here’s a deeper look at some of Asics best sneakers we recommend for enhancing athletic performance and feeling comfortable during activities of daily living.
Because not all Asics are created equally, as are no two feet, you want to ensure the shoe fits in more ways than one. “In my experience, Asics tend to run a little narrower, so I would look for something with a wider toe box and look for a fit that’s supportive in the heel and also the arch,” says Schaeffer. “As far as cushioning is concerned, I always look for a good mix of cushion and stability.” While he says Asics shoes “knock [cushioning] out of the park,” you can try replacing the insole. The same goes for arch support: “If the shoe does not feel like it is as supportive in the arch, you can remove the insole,” he says.
Surely, the term “fits like a glove” stems from the Gel Nimbus 26. The moment I stepped into them for the first time, I sensed a fit so on point they felt custom-made. I struggle with pain in the big toe when they press against a firm toe box, but the soft and stretchy engineered knitted upper provided enough give to feel comfortable during rolling hills where terrain is steeply elevated and gradually descends, which can place pressure on the toes.
These shoes are said to be best suited for neutral and underpronators where weight shifts outward towards the small toe. For men who alternate between neutral and underpronation, I can attest to feeling firmly planted in my stance even when overcompensating to avoid pressure on said big toe. Several tread and road runs later, the Nimbus 26 sneakers feel shockingly comfortable, rendering my other dozen running shoes virtually obsolete. These are a must-have for both distance runners and those literally dipping their toes into the sport for the first time.
You can certainly run in the Gel 1130s, but why would you want to? In putting them through a range of tests from heavy weightlifting to barre and jogging to power walking, I found they fared best in low-impact pursuits. They feature the brand’s signature Gel technology at the heel to help reduce shock, but they aren’t loaded with the stuff in a way a sneaker designed for endurance running or marathon training might be.
With every stepin the Gel 1130s, you do feel the ground beneath your feet, and this is an excellent way to use your stabilizer muscles to work on balance and for your toes to stay engaged and strengthened. This isn’t to say the they aren’t a workhorse of a shoe — there’s a reason they’ve developed a cult following among influencers, athletes and recovery warriors alike — but their allure lies in their ability to imbue a nostalgic Y2K sense of style in our wardrobes.
It’s a sign of something promising that the moment I sunk my feet into the Gel Kayano 14s for the first time, I refused to take them off for 12 hours straight. Lighter and more cushiony than they look, these versatile and stylish running shoes are a sneaker head’s dream to wear and show off. In a light run that turned into a several-mile walk, my feet felt supported and pain-free with plenty of room for my toes to breathe and expand with increasing circulation and heat. In a trip to the gym, their light weight and breathable upper allowed them to really shine in plyometric pursuits from alternating lunge jumps to high knees, serving to propel my body to new heights without weighing me down.
Given that they only offer moderate amounts of padding, the Gel Kayano 14s also work well to stabilize you during strength training movements that require you to remain firm and grounded in your stance, which range anywhere from reverse flies to split squats and deadlifts.
What do you get when you fuse a stretchy yet durable upper, a padded gusseted tongue to prevent sliding and reflective details perfect for staying safe in low-light settings? The ever-popular Novablast 4s made with loads of recycled materials for fewer carbon emissions.
With the Novablast 4, you can confidently blast your way to new personal records thanks to its outsole design made of FF Blast Plus Eco Foam inspired by actual trampolines (!). This yields noticeable bounce in your stride for less effort and better results, while absorbing shock for less pain and fewer injuries. They’re ideal for neutral runners and those experiencing underpronation associated with high arches.
It’s not hard to see why the Gel Cumulus 26 sneakers have racked up a devout following — from their elevated lean-back heel for extra style points and support to a gel-infused outsole for softer landings and enhanced energy return, these versatile runners make hitting the pavement a dream.
The Gel Cumulus 26s are also loaded with advanced traction so you can feel stable on uneven or wet terrain. The best part? They come in wide and limited-edition extra wide sizing to accommodate a range of foot shapes or deformities from hammertoes to bunions.
The Gel NYC 2055s harken to the heyday of running shoes where form and fashion coexisted swimmingly. Not your average runner, these collector-worthy shoes made of performance-driven materials from leather to mesh blend details from the archived GT-2050 and GT-2060 (hence the name 2055) for a nostalgic look that delivers on comfort. They’ve got lightweight foam and GEL inserts at the rearfoot and forefoot to make miles of high-intensity cardio a breeze and Cumulus 16 tooling that makes this option a blend of all your favorite Asics shoes wrapped up into one neat little package.
As we move away from high heel-to-toe drops in favor of flatter soles for rest days or competitive games of handball, the Skyhand OG fills a serious gap with its cushy EVA-laden heel wedge. Boasting the classic suede paneling evocative of the Onitsuka Tiger every influencer and their mother is currently wearing, this courtside take on the trend is the perfect place to start if you’re looking for an athletic shoe you can wear just about anywhere. A heel counter offers serious stability in your step while a sockliner insole provides the perfect fit. Colors like Cilantro/Grapefruit and Midnight Plum/Koi position these sneakers as that one statement piece worth wearing to add visual interest to any outfit.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a lighter, more timeless Asics shoe than the Lyte Classics, which are equally appropriate for the timeline’s #OOTD post as they are for the track. An EVA foam midsole gives you that cushiony comfort your feet crave on long walks while a combination of suede, synthetic leather and mesh at the upper offer both functional and fashionable appeal.
In the Lyte Classics, you can expect your feet to breathe easily while feeling stable in their stride. Dress them up, down or sideways (who’s counting?) for the most versatility you’ve seen in an Asics shoe yet.
One of Asics’ most classic silhouettes gets the job done — that is, helps you stay incredibly comfortable thanks to Gel technology inserts that offer solid responsiveness with a Y2K-inspired upper with signature waves at the forefoot, which keeps you looking on trend even when you’re not trying to be. A segmented midsole helps absorb shock during high-intensity activity whether you’re power walking or powerlifting.
The following FAQs have been answered by board-certified podiatrist Dr. Brad Schaeffer.
What are the most comfortable Asics running shoes?
What’s comfortable for one runner or athlete might not work for another, but overall, the Kayano line is generally a fan-favorite while still being podiatrist-approved. “There’s a Gel-Kayano, which is a really good Asics running shoe,” says Schaeffer.
What Asics are best for long-distance running?
You can look towards trends, or simply opt for the pair of Asics you already know and love. Chances are it’ll work perfectly for your athletic purposes. “Right now, the rage is a rocker bottom shoe, so any Asics shoe that potentially has a rocker bottom to it like Hoka have been known more for long-distance running,” says Schaeffer. “But, that is not necessarily true and any Asics running shoe should be perfectly fine for any distance.”
Should I size up or down in Asics running shoes?
Generally, Asics shoes are made true to size, so you can comfortably invest in your usual pair and feel comfortable during your workout or rest day. Because every shoe is different, Schaeffer says “it just depends on the patient’s comfort level.”
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights:
CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to ensure we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, we tapped an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a podiatrist to offer a list of the best Asics shoes you can buy.
