If you’ve been in the running shoe world over the past few years, you’ve likely seen the gradual rise in stack height and foam softness. Hoka shoes started the shift towards maximalist running shoes back in 2010. Since then, countless brands have upgraded cushioning and stack height to deliver a luxurious, ultra-plush ride.
However, Asics was known for delivering a soft, smooth, protective ride, even before the rise of maximalist running shoes. The brand’s unique PureGEL technology, paired with premium cushioning, is designed to make you feel like you’re running on clouds.
Now, Asics is bringing its cushioning to the next level with the new Asics Gel-Slowcush. As you might guess from the name, the Slowcush is built for long, slow recovery runs or zone 2 training days. It’s a neutral, max cushion shoe designed for max comfort and shock absorption.
When the Slowcush first arrived through our doors, we had a couple of questions about this brand-new model. How did it differ from other high cushion Asics shoes like the Gel-Nimbus and GlideRide Max? And what runners should consider adding the Gel-Slowcush to their rotation?
If you share these questions, or simply want to learn more about Asics’ newest model, you’re in the right place. In this Asics Gel-Slowcush review, we’ll dive into all the key features and share our road test findings to help you make the best decision about your next running shoe.
A Brief Overview: Specs and Highlights
Before we get started with our in-depth review, here’s a quick overview of the numbers and specs that make up the Asics Slowcush.
- Advertised as a max cushion daily trainer built for everyday mileage and recovery days
- Stack height: 48 mm in the heel, 40 mm in the toe
- 8 mm heel-to-toe drop
- Weight: 10.5 ounces (unisex sizing)
- Midsole constructed from new premium FF LUXE PLUS foam
- PureGEL PLUS technology is incorporated in the rearfoot for maximum shock absorption
- Engineered mesh and padded knit tongue make up the upper, providing superior all-around comfort
- Hybrid ASICSGRIP rubber with AHARPLUS materials in the outsole is used to improve durability
- Sustainably made with recycled polyester and a dope-dyeing process
- Price: $200
Asics Slowcush: A Closer Look
The Asics Slowcush offers a huge range of new, innovative features, including an all-new foam and redesigned PureGEL technology. Before we look at how the shoes feel in action, let’s walk through all the main features and components that make up this newest Asics model.
FF LUXE PLUS Midsole Foam
With this new shoe model comes an all-new foam: FF LUXE PLUS.
FF LUXE PLUS cushioning is designed to be one of the brand’s softest, most luxurious foams yet. There’s 48 mm of this foam in the heel and 40 mm in the forefoot, and with so much foam, it would be easy for the shoe to become unstable and mushy underfoot. But the FF LUXE PLUS midsole blends softness with bounce for a smooth, bouncy, and easy ride.
PureGEL PLUS Technology
If you’ve owned an Asics shoe before, you’re likely familiar with some form of the brand’s iconic gel technology. This gel sits in the shoe’s rearfoot foam, providing exceptional softness and shock absorption as you land.
The Slowcush features PureGEL PLUS, a refined version of this technology. The physically foamed gel is lighter and softer than ever before, working alongside the new foam to deliver ultra-plush landings.
Mesh Upper & Overall Fit
Much like the midsole design, the upper also doesn’t skimp on the cushioning and comfort. The engineered mesh upper is lightweight, with lots of accommodating stretch around the foot. The digital print logo helps reduce weight, while the extra padding around the heel provides a secure, locked-in, comfortable feel.
The knit tongue has been one of our favorite elements in other top Asics running shoes, so we’re happy to see a more padded version of this stretchy knit tongue make a comeback in the Gel-Slowcush. Paired with the flexible, cushioned upper, this helps reduce any hot spots or rubbing during long mileage.
The shoe fits pretty true to size in terms of length, with a roomy, high-volume toe box for maximum comfort. It also comes in unisex sizing, so for women’s sizing, be sure to order 1.5 sizes down from your usual shoe size.
Stability Elements
For a long time, shoes were categorized as either neutral or stability, meaning they either allow for natural foot movement or correct your alignment. But recently, we’ve been seeing more “stable neutral” shoes that incorporate stability elements without fully correcting your gait with rigid stability elements. The Slowcush is a great example of a stable neutral shoe, offering a soft, neutral ride with some mild stability elements.
The Gel-Slowcush has raised sidewalls, cradling your feet inside the shoe instead sitting on top of the high platform. A wide base also enhances your stability as you land, creating more surface area for a surprisingly stable feel.
There’s also a slight rocker geometry designed to deliver smooth, efficient transitions. The curved sole rocks you forward, reducing pressure and subtly guiding you through each stride.
Value & Durability
Asics uses its proprietary Hybrid ASICSGRIP outsole in the Slowcush, combining ASICSGRIP rubber with AHARPLUS to improve grip and durability without adding too much excess weight.
But while the Slowcush gets some points for traction, it loses some when it comes to versatility and adaptability. The shoe has a lot of soft foam, and at 10.5 oz, it certainly isn’t the lightest shoe on the market.
So while it can easily carry you through long, slow mileage or recovery days, as you might expect from the name, the Slowcush doesn’t quite have the versatility or speed to switch over from daily miles to speedier workouts.
Asics Slowcush Road Test Results
Our review team has been big fans of Asics’ plush cushioned shoes, such as the Gel-Nimbus, in the past. So we were excited to see how Asics brought its cushioning game to the next level in the Gel-Slowcush.
First, let’s talk sizing. I went with a unisex 5.5 (women’s 7), a half size up from my standard W6.5. It was roomy but comfortable without feeling sloppy, so if you’re between sizes or just prefer a little extra toe room, you may want to consider sizing up. There was also plenty of width and volume, and the spacious toe box and flexible upper felt great around the foot on runs.
Now for the most exciting part of every review: the road tests. After lacing up the shoes, our review team hit the roads, trails, track, and treadmill for an in-depth look at the Asics Gel-Slowcush.
You likely won’t be surprised to hear that the Slowcush really shined on long, slow, easy mileage. The FF LUXE PLUS foam provided a soft, premium ride, without sacrificing bounce and responsiveness. I was pleasantly surprised that, even with all the plush foam, I didn’t feel like I was sinking into the shoe. On low-intensity zone 2 runs, this foam felt fantastic underfoot.
Sometimes, with overly soft shoes, you feel your body working harder to spring back with every step. Our review team didn’t notice any of this issue in the Slowcush. Instead, the midsole balanced softness from the PureGEL PLUS with some bounce and responsiveness for a comfortable yet efficient running experience.
Our review team really appreciated the Slowcush’s engineered mesh upper construction. It’s well-padded, lightweight, and breathable for maximum performance and comfort on every run. The padded knit tongue was a highlight, creating a snug and secure fit with no pressure points around the top of the foot.
With that, not every runner is going to appreciate what this dedicated recovery shoe has to offer. The 48/40 mm stack height is one of the highest around, and while there’s a surprising amount of stability, you still won’t feel connected to the ground beneath you on runs. Our review team members who prefer a more grounded experience found the Slowcush too soft and too high off the ground.
Some other limitations really became apparent when it was time to pick up the pace in this shoe. At 10.5 oz, the Slowcush is heavier than most other daily trainers on the market. While it helps the shoe maintain stability, the wide platform creates a bulky feel, and the high midsole platform doesn’t lend itself well to faster workouts on the track.
It was clear after trying a wide range of paces and efforts that the Slowcush isn’t going to be the ideal do-it-all trainer. But when it’s time to slow down and prioritize slow, easy miles, the model’s comfort and protection are unmatched.
Gel-Slowcush Pros and Cons
Max cushion shoes like the Gel-Slowcush can be pretty divisive in the running world. Cushioning can have some major benefits, such as improved shock absorption and all-around comfort. But for some athletes, cushioning can feel too soft, spongy, and unnatural.
Between cushioning, drop, fit, and other features, everyone has different preferences and needs when it comes to running shoes, and every shoe has its own distinct pros and cons that determine who might benefit from it on runs. Here’s a quick rundown of the Slowcush’s pros and cons.
Pros
- FF LUXE PLUS cushioning feels great underfoot, balancing plush, cloud-like landings with bounce and energy return for maximum comfort on zone 2 runs
- Gel technology was upgraded to be lighter and softer than previous versions
- Engineered mesh upper securely wraps the foot and provides extra padding without sacrificing breathability
- Stretch in the upper and roomy toe box create an accommodating fit that works for a wide range of foot shapes and sizes
- Shoe geometry creates surprisingly stable landings for such a high stack shoe
Cons
- Limited groundfeel with bulky design reduces efficiency for more uptempo miles
- At $200, it’s on the pricier end for a shoe without much pace versatility
Comparable Running Shoe Models
The Asics Slowcush is a pretty unique running shoe model, offering a fantastic option for easy, zone 2 recovery or casual runs. But when you’re looking for your next running shoe, it’s important to consider all your options to ensure you’re finding the best choice for you.
The Slowcush has one of the highest stack heights on the market today. But if you appreciate lots of soft cushioning, you may want to compare it to the Nike Vomero Plus. This Nike model has slightly less cushioning than the Slowcush – 45 mm in the heel, 35 mm in the forefoot – as well as a higher 10 mm drop.
The Vomero Plus is a bit firmer and lighter than the Slowcush, so you might find it a bit more versatile for uptempo efforts. The trade-off here is that you lose that pillowy softness that keeps your legs feeling great on longer recovery runs.
Throughout my test runs, I also found myself drawing lots of comparisons to one of my current favorite go-to trainers, the Saucony Paramount Max. Like the Slowcush, the Paramount Max has a high stack of cloud-like foam underfoot. Both shoes have some bounce, although the Paramount Max is a bit bouncier and more performance-focused than the super plush Slowcush. But with a similar fit, weight, and price, you really can’t go wrong with either of these shoes when you want a cushioned, luxurious ride.
The max cushion shoes highlighted above all have a high price point – $180 for the Vomero Plus and $200 for the Slowcush and Paramount Max. For a more budget-friendly option, check out the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6.
With a 44/40 mm stack height, the More isn’t quite as marshmallowy soft as some of the max cushion alternatives. But at $160, it’s also a more affordable alternative. If you want lots of cushioning and value for your money, the soft, reliable, and durable More v6 is the way to go.
The Finish Line: Final Thoughts and Recommendations
It seems like every shoe on the market today is competing to be lighter, faster, and more responsive. But when it’s time to slow things down on easy recovery days, you need a shoe that prioritizes comfort, cushioning, and all-around protection. This is where the Asics Gel-Slowcush comes in.
The Slowcush is exactly what its name sounds like – a slow cruiser for casual, everyday miles. When you’re getting miles in with a friend or recovering after a tough workout, the soft, bouncy foam and cushioned construction are hard to beat.
But don’t take our word for it. Every walker, runner, and gym-goer has different needs, so at Marathon Sports, we always recommend going through our customized fit process to find a shoe that will work for you. Whether you land on the Slowcush or something else, our team is excited to get to know you and help you find the right fit for all your running and fitness needs.
