Asics or Saucony? Both are among the top running shoe brands, and you’ve seen them come up a lot while searching for the right pair for your needs.
If you’ve been debating back and forth about which brand is best and which type and style of shoes from their long lineups are right for you, we have the answers you need in this article.
We’ve compared several of the best Asics and Saucony shoes head-to-head. We’ll break down the options in key categories and tell you what you must consider before buying. Read on for all the details.
Everyday Trainers: Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 vs. Saucony Ride 19
When you need a versatile pair of daily trainers, the Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 and Saucony Ride 19 are terrific options. Here’s how they stacked up during our testing.
Asics Gel-Cumulus 28
The Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 is best when you want a comfortable shoe for longer runs. This pair has a plush feel that’s close to a max cushioned shoe, but is still very versatile. Some key features that stood out to us were:
- Midsole cushioning: The FF BLAST™ MAX cushioning in the midsole is buttery smooth and provides great shock absorption on each footfall. Asics also combined this foam with strategically placed PureGEL™ technology in the midsole for even softer landings.
- Stack height: This shoe has a moderate-to-high stack height of 38.5/30.5 mm for men’s shoes and 37.5/29.5 mm for women’s shoes. This platform of responsive cushioning helps provide maximum underfoot softness and comfort with lots of shock absorption with each step. However, some runners prefer feeling more ground contact and may find this midsole too soft or high for their liking.
- Responsiveness: The Gel-Cumulus 28 adds some nice bounce to your step. The most recent iteration uses a lightweight, responsive foam for extra bounce and versatility.
Saucony Ride 19
During our Ride 19 review, we found that this shoe was a very versatile performer. It particularly stands out in responsiveness and lightness for uptempo running compared to the Gel-Cumulus 28. Some key features to consider are:
- Midsole: The PWRRUN+ midsole foam in this shoe is very comfortable and well-balanced. The midsole doesn’t feel quite as plush as the Gel-Cumulus. Instead, Saucony opted for a light and bouncy feel that’s highly responsive when running uptempo.
- Stack height: It keeps you a little lower to the ground, with a stack height of 36 mm in the heel and 28 mm in the forefoot.
- Responsiveness: The Ride 19 feels slightly stiffer and more responsive than the Cumulus. One standout was the springy and responsive toe-offs, which propel you forward through your stride for maximum versatility.
Final Thoughts on the Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 vs. Saucony Ride 19
Both of these are great daily trainers that accommodate many running styles.
Those who value plush comfort and a larger stack height will enjoy the Asics Gel-Cumulus 28. It especially performs well during long-distance training due to the luxurious plushness and incorporated PureGEL technology.
Runners who want extra responsiveness during uptempo training will appreciate the bouncy feel of the Saucony Ride 19.
Stability Trainers: Asics Gel-Kayano 33 vs. Saucony Guide 19
Runners who overpronate (feet roll inward too much) will want a great pair of stability trainers. The Asics Gel-Kayano 33 and Saucony Guide 19 are top performers in this category with different stability mechanisms.
Asics Gel-Kayano 33
Those who prefer responsive support for overpronation will appreciate the Asics Gel-Kayano 33. Some key features of this shoe are:
- Stability system: The Kayano 33 uses FLUIDSUPPORT technology. This subtle support system uses a dual-layered midsole and stable geometry to help your feet stay in a natural position.
- Weight: This shoe is heavier at an average of 10.5 ounces in men’s shoes and 9.1 ounces in women’s shoes. Some of our testers felt it was too blocky for their liking, but the overall responsiveness does help counteract that extra weight a bit.
- Cushioning: Most of the extra weight in the Kayano 33 comes from extra cushioning. The foam underfoot provides lots of shock absorption and comfort to support you through long runs, while extra padding around the heel and collar ensure a cozy step-in feel.
Saucony Guide 19
Overall, we found the Guide 19 a bit more consistent and stable than the Gel-Kayano 33. Essential features that stand out are:
- Stability system: The Guide 19 uses an angled CenterPath technology system to keep your feet in a neutral position. The support is higher on the inside edge of the shoe and lower in the middle and outside edges. It’s less responsive than the Kayano, but it’s firmer and more consistent through each step.
- Weight: The Guide 19 is the lighter option, with an average weight of 9.7 ounces in men’s shoes and 8.9 ounces in women’s shoes.
- Cushioning: The cushioning isn’t quite as soft as the Kayano 33. However, it still offers lots of comfort and great shock absorption on each stride.
Final Thoughts on the Asics Gel-Kayano 33 vs. Saucony Guide 19
Both of these are top-notch stability trainers. Your biggest consideration will be the support mechanism you prefer.
Those who want responsive support and extra cushioning will prefer the Asics Gel-Kayano 33.
Alternatively, if you want firmer and more consistent support for overpronation, the Saucony Guide 19 is a great choice.
High Cushion Shoes: Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 vs. Saucony Triumph 24
You want some extra cushioning and shock absorption for recovery runs. The Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 and Saucony Triumph 24 provide great cushioning and a soft feel for different needs. Here’s a quick breakdown.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 28
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 truly lives up to its soft, cloud-inspired name. It offers plush cushioning that’s ideal for recovery training and long runs. some features that stand out are:
- Weight: This max cushion shoe is relatively lightweight for the amount of padding, weighing in at 9.9 oz for men’s shoes and 8.5 oz for women’s.
- Cushioning: The Nimbus features a high stack height of ultra plush FF BLAST PLUS foam. With a 43.5/34.5 mm stack height for men’s and 42.5./33.5 mm stack height for women’s, you can expect soft, protected landings with every stride. This cushion is paired with PureGEL in the heel for extra softness.
- Flexibility: While there’s a lot of cushioning underfoot, the shoe maintains a soft and flexible all-around feel due to the bouncy foam and flexible, padded upper.
Saucony Triumph 24
The Saucony Triumph 24 is a traditional high-cushion shoe. It’s a great fit for those who want more cushion and support during longer runs. Here’s how it stacks up in essential categories:
- Weight: It’s a slightly lighter shoe at 8.8 oz for men’s and 7.6 oz for women’s. Like the Nimbus, the Triumph is relatively lightweight for the sheer amount of padding and protection it offers.
- Cushioning: The IncrediLUX midsole in the Triumph 24 offers soft landings while maintaining solid energy return. The wide, stable base paired with the soft foam helps keep you comfortable as you cruise through recovery runs and daily miles.
- Flexibility and support: Those who like a firm and supportive base will appreciate the Triumph as an option. The structured, padded upper hugs the foot for a snug and supportive feel through every run.
Final Thoughts on the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 vs. Saucony Triumph 24
These are both great long-run performers that offer plush comfort. The right choice ultimately depends on your training needs.
The Gel-Nimbus 28 is a great option for those who prioritize comfort and responsiveness. The plush foam and flexible upper are ideal for runners who want to maximize softness and impact absorption on all types of runs.
The Saucony Triumph 24 is best for longer-distance running and for those who want extra cushioning and energy return in a recovery shoe.
Speed Shoes: Asics Megablast vs. Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
You want a shoe that performs well at top speeds. The Asics Megaspeed and Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 are effective options depending on your training style. Here’s how they both compare.
Asics Megablast
The Asics Megablast is best for runners who want a speedy shoe that can adapt to all types of workouts. It has a high stack of soft foam, but doesn’t sacrifice the energy return or pop you need to shift into a faster pace. Here are some essential features:
- Responsiveness: The Megablast isn’t plated. Instead, it uses a high stack of energetic and responsive midsole foam to propel you forward and help you tackle both long runs and speed days.
- Fit: This shoe is a bit narrower. It feels sporty, fast, and snug like a high-speed trainer should.
- Stack height: It has a high stack height with 46 mm in the heel and 38 mm in the forefoot. It’s packed with FF BLAST™ TURBO cushioning in the midsole, which is known for its lightweight and bouncy feel for extra energy return on each stride.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a versatile speed trainer. It performs well during daily miles, but really excels in fast-paced runs or intervals.
- Responsiveness: This shoe incorporates a flexible nylon plate that offers bounce and snappiness without feeling too stiff. This semi-rigid plated design helps the shoe adapt to both everyday runs and speedier workouts.
- Fit: This shoe is a little wider than the Megablast. That extra width can make it more comfortable during distance running and more stable overall.
- Stack height: It has a lower stack height of 36 mm in the heel and 28 mm in the forefoot. It still provides plenty of cushioning and is a good fit for those who prefer being closer to the ground.
Final Thoughts on the Asics Megablast vs. Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
Both of these are solid choices for speed training. Your decision comes down to individual training needs.
The Asics Megablast is fantastic for speed and tempo training, but with such a high stack height, can easily take on nearly any type of run.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is lighter and more versatile as a daily speed trainer. The lightweight design, paired with the responsive nylon plate, makes it a good choice for anyone looking for a dedicated speed workout shoe.
Race Day Shoes: Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris vs. Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris and Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 are both well-regarded options in the race day category. How do they compare?
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris
The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris feels more stable and consistent overall. What stood out during this comparison was:
- Weight: The Metaspeed Sky Paris is the lighter option at an average of 6.45 ounces. There won’t be anything holding you back as you go for your top pace on race day.
- Responsiveness: It’s highly responsive as you’d expect in a high-performing race day option. The carbon fiber plate provides excellent energy return on each stride for a snappy feel. However, it isn’t quite as responsive as the Endorphin Elite 3.
- Stability: While each step isn’t as powerful as you get with the Endorphin Elite 3, the Metaspeed Sky Paris feels much more consistent and stable throughout your run. Our team found we could easily get in the zone during training without worries about stability or grip.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Those looking for the most explosive propulsion on each stride may prefer the Endorphin Elite 3. It feels like a super shoe, but it can be harder to control. Essential elements in our comparison were:
- Weight: It’s heavier at an average of 7.2 ounces. However, it packs a little more cushioning for a softer feel, which is where that extra weight comes from.
- Responsiveness: The Endorphin Elite 3 is extremely responsive. You can feel your foot sink into the comfortable foam and then spring back out with the carbon plate for great energy return on each stride. It’s a little snappier than the Metaspeed Sky Paris for a super dynamic experience.
- Stability: Lateral stability was harder to control in this shoe, and overall grip wasn’t quite as good as the Metaspeed Sky Paris. The way the shoe springs you forward requires more concentration to ensure you keep good form and a solid plant on each footfall.
Final Thoughts on the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris vs. Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Both of these are excellent race day performers.
The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris is the more consistent option. It provides great energy return without being hard to control.
The Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 is best for runners who want the most explosiveness, even if it compromises on stability a little.
Try on These Asics and Saucony Running Shoes at Marathon Sports
We offer a wide selection of Asics running shoes and Saucony running shoes at Marathon Sports.
You can stop in at one of our retail stores and try them for yourself to see which brand and type of shoe best suits your needs. One of our footwear experts can even help you find the right fit with a professional gait analysis.
Otherwise, you can shop on our convenient online store and get shoes shipped straight to your doorstep.
We’re here to help if you have any questions!
