Asics has become one of the most recognizable, renowned running brands in the world. Between its expansive training shoe line-up, elite racing shoe models, reliable trail shoes, and everything in between, the brand has become a go-to for countless athletes.
In 2026, Asics shoes continue to incorporate the latest technologies to deliver comfortable, high-performance training shoes for a wide range of walkers, runners, hikers, and beyond.
But with so many models out there, narrowing them down can feel overwhelming. The model options are constantly expanding – just the brand’s high-performance Blast line-up alone has so many great choices. So how do you know what’s right for you?
If you’re not sure where to start with Asics shoes, we’ve got your back. In this guide to the best 2026 Asics running shoes, we’ll cover some of the best options on the market and highlight who would benefit most from each model.
The 6 Best Asics Running Shoes
We’re going to take a deep dive into every model on the list of best Asics shoes to help you determine the right shoe for your running needs. But first, here’s a rundown of what’s to come in this Asics running shoe guide:
- Best Daily Trainer: Novablast 6
- Best High Cushion Trainer: Gel-Nimbus 28
- Best Stability Shoe: GT-2000 15
- Best Performance Trainer: Superblast 3
- Best Trail Runner: Blazeblast
- Best for Racing: Metaspeed Ray
Best Daily Trainer: Novablast 6
The Novablast is one of Asics’ most beloved running shoes. The Novablast 5 was the most logged training shoe on Strava, and the 6th iteration continues on this legacy with similar cushioning, bounce, and versatility for all your training runs.
Underfoot, an FF BLAST MAX midsole foam works with an FF TURBO SQUARED trampoline pod to keep you effortlessly moving through each stride. 40+ mm of soft foam in the heel provides soft, cushiony landings, while the responsive foam and pronounced rocker helps keep you moving forward as you pick up the pace.
What our team loves most about the Novablast is how adaptable it is on nearly every type of run. If you want a do-it-all daily trainer that can handle anything you throw at it, this one is up for the task. A refined ASICSGRIP outsole also ensures you can enjoy this lightweight, flexible show for more miles.
Best High Cushion Trainer: Gel-Nimbus 28
The Novablast 6 has a high stack of cushioning, but shines most as an uptempo daily trainer. On the other hand, if you want true cloud-like softness and protection with every step, you can’t go wrong with the Gel-Nimbus 28.
It likely won’t come as a surprise that a shoe named after a cloud is designed to deliver maximum cushioning and comfort with each step. The Nimbus does exactly that, boasting a 43.5/35.5 mm stack height for men’s shoes and 42.5/34.5 mm stack height for women’s for a plush, luxurious ride.
The FF BLAST PLUS foam keeps the shoe feeling balanced and lightweight as you tackle long distance runs or recovery runs. The plush all-around comfort extends to the upper, where a soft, stretchy knit material wraps the foot.
The Gel-Nimbus also incorporates Asics’ unique PureGEL technology for additional comfort. This rearfoot gel pads every landing and maximizes shock absorption to keep your legs and feet feeling fresh during all your mileage.
Best Stability Shoe: GT-2000 15
Runners and walkers who overpronate – meaning their arches and ankles excessively roll inward through the gait cycle – often need a bit of extra support in their training shoes. The GT-2000 provides this support, using a holistic 3D guidance system for unobtrusive stability.
The moderate amount of FF BLAST MAX foam keeps the shoe soft yet responsive, making it a great choice for all your daily training miles. PureGEL in the heel provides some additional softness, while a trampoline pod in the forefoot helps propel you forward.
While some stability shoes can feel overly stiff and heavy, the GT-2000 maintains a remarkably lightweight and energetic feel. The subtle guidance feels supportive and secure for a huge range of athletes, but works best for runners with mild to moderate overpronation.
And while we find the GT-2000 one of the best and most versatile stability shoes from Asics, those who want a bit more cushioning should also consider the brand’s high cushion stability shoe, the Gel-Kayano 33.
Best Performance Trainer: Superblast 3
Super trainers, or high-performance training shoes with super shoe elements, are a relatively new running shoe category. Even still, in the years since they’ve come onto the running shoe scene, Asics has cornered the market with a huge variety of high-quality uptempo training shoe options.
While the brand has quite a few options to choose from, including the Megablast, Sonicblast, and Magic Speed, the Superblast has become one of our team’s favorite uptempo trainers around.
The Superblast 3 is most known for its high stack of plush cushioning. With 47 mm of foam in the heel and 39 in the midfoot, the Superblast excels during long runs when you want a bit of extra pop and energy. The dual-layered FF LEAP and FF BLAST PLUS midsole absorbs impact while perfectly blending softness and responsiveness for exceptional energy return and performance.
The engineered woven upper keeps the shoe light and breathable, while the rubber outsole keeps you confident through each landing with superior grip. From uptempo training runs to race day, the Superblast 3 is the perfect companion. Just keep in mind that the shoe is unisex, so for women’s sizing, order 1.5 sizes down from your typical size.
Best Trail Runner: Blazeblast
We’re heading back into the Blast shoe series for the brand’s best trail running shoe option. The Blazeblast incorporates everything we love about the Novablast – responsive cushioning, soft landings, and a lightweight ride – and pairs it with a versatile HYBRID ASICSGRIP outsole for traction on various trail terrains.
The 2.5 mm lugs can easily carry you through everything from gravel paths to light-to-moderate trail terrain. The adaptable lugs keep the shoe feeling light and flexible, and an engineered woven upper supports the feet and protects them from rocks and debris while out on the trails.
We would argue that the Blazeblast is one of Asics’ best options for everyday trail runs or treks. But if you want to take your trail running to the next level, we would also recommend trying the new carbon plated Metafuji Trail 2.
Best for Racing: Metaspeed Ray
As with super trainers, Asics offers some of the most innovative, propulsive race day shoes on the market. Even in a crowded carbon plated shoe market, the Metaspeed Ray is a standout, offering an ultra light, ultra bouncy ride designed to help you PR on race day.
At only 4.5 oz in unisex sizing, this elite featherweight shoe is designed to keep you feeling your best from the start line all the way through mile 26.2. The high stack of FF LEAP midsole foam and rigid carbon plate offers unmatched energy return, and the curved midsole geometry aids in propulsion and smooth, effortless transitions. When you’re looking for bounce, speed, and cushioning, the Metaspeed Ray is hard to beat.
The Finish Line: Find Your Perfect Fit at Marathon Sports
Since 1949, Asics has been all about promoting health and well-being with comfortable and reliable sportswear products. Today, they lead the way in innovation, cushioning, and high-performance. Plush daily training shoes, premium race shoes, and more ensure that there’s a shoe to help every athlete reach their fitness and training goals.
We hope this guide has provided you with some insight into what Asics shoe, or category of Asics running shoes, might work best for you. But the best way to find your perfect fit is with the Marathon Sports Right Fit process. Our dedicated team will curate the top running shoes to meet your needs, including shoes from Asics as well as some of the other top brands in running.
Marathon Sports wants to assist in Asics’ mission to help you achieve “a sound mind in a sound body”. A good pair of running shoes is the perfect place to start, so swing by today and find the gear you need to stay healthy, get outside, and keep striving for all your walking, running, and fitness goals.
