When you’re in the market for a new pair of running shoes, you’ll find many options from different brands. Our team recently reviewed the top running shoe brands on the market, and Asics and Brooks stand out as top choices that deliver consistently high-quality options.
However, with so many options in the Asics and Brooks running shoe lineups, it can be hard to decide which will best suit your needs. In this article, we’ll dive into shoes from each brand to give you a thorough overview of top choices in popular training categories:
By the end, you’ll have a better idea of which pairs are right for you. Stick around for all the details.
Daily Trainers: Brooks Ghost 16 vs. Asics Gel-Cumulus 26
After thoroughly analyzing the best Brooks shoes and the best Asics shoes, both the Brooks Ghost 16 and Asics Gel-Cumulus 26 stand out as great daily trainers. Let’s dive into the features of both to help you decide which is right for your needs.
Brooks Ghost 16
The Brooks Ghost 16 continues to build on the brand’s reputation for comfort and reliability. A standout feature of this model is its nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole that provides a cushioned and lightweight running experience.
It weighs 9.5 oz for men’s shoes and 8.5 oz for women’s shoes. This is relatively light to keep you propelling forward as you pick up the pace, while the shoe still provides great cushioning to minimize impact on recovery runs. The 12mm heel-to-toe drop is quite noticeable, making it a good fit for runners who prefer more heel cushioning.
Another standout feature of the Ghost 16 is its engineered air mesh upper. It strikes a great balance between stretch, structure, and breathability, offering a snug fit without feeling restrictive. Whether you’re heading out for a casual five-miler or logging longer distances, the upper keeps your foot secure and comfortable.
The RoadTack rubber outsole also adds excellent grip and durability, ensuring this shoe can withstand hundreds of miles in most weather conditions.
If comfort is your top priority, especially for casual or recovery runs, the Ghost 16 provides a nice, cushioned experience without sacrificing durability. However, some runners might find the 12mm drop too high, especially if they’re accustomed to lower-drop shoes, as it can put extra pressure on the knees during longer runs if you have a more natural mid-foot strike.
Asics Gel-Cumulus 26
The Asics Gel-Cumulus 26 is another solid option for daily training. One key difference you’ll notice is that it has a more traditional feel compared to the Ghost 16.
It features a Flytefoam Blast Plus midsole, which is a bit firmer but makes each stride smooth and reliable. At 8.9 oz for men’s shoes and 7.8 oz for women’s shoes, it’s slightly lighter than the Ghost 16. Plus, its 8mm drop provides a more balanced feel for runners who prefer a less cushioned heel.
Asics also incorporated a rubberized EVA outsole in the Gel-Cumulus 26. This outsole enhances durability and grip. It’s comparable to the Brooks Ghost 16 and performs great in most weather conditions.
The Gel-Cumulus 26 doesn’t have quite the same bouncy, plush feel as the Ghost 16. However, it offers a more grounded, stable feel on each stride. This makes it a great option for runners who value consistency and want a daily trainer that they can depend on for longer miles without too much softness underfoot.
Final Verdict on the Brooks Ghost 16 vs. Asics Gel-Cumulus
While both these shoes are great daily trainers, they offer slightly different features that are better suited to some needs than others.
The Brooks Ghost 16 may be the better choice for those who prefer soft, cushioned rides for long recovery runs or for heel-strikers that prefer a high-offset shoe.
On the other hand, the Asics Gel-Cumulus offers a sturdier and smoother feel that’s a bit better suited to intense daily training.
Max Cushioned Shoes: Brooks Ghost Max 2 vs. Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
Now, if you’re looking for more cushioning to absorb shock and minimize the impact of training, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 and Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 are both terrific choices. Here’s how they compare.
Brooks Ghost Max 2
The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is designed for runners who prioritize cushioning and comfort over everything else. It features a 39 mm heel and a 33 mm forefoot stack height, providing plenty of foam underfoot.
One of the key features of this shoe is its nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole. Infusing the midsole with nitrogen helps the shoe remain a bit lighter, which is helpful in shoes with a ton of cushioning such as the Ghost Max. Plus, you’ll find that the nitrogen-infused foam is very responsive and adds a bit of a bounce to each step.
The shoe’s GlideRoll rocker profile (curved sole) makes the transition from heel to toe on each step much easier. That’s a benefit because the shoe is on the heavier side at 10.8 oz for men’s sizes and 9.5 oz for women’s shoes. Each stride still feels surprisingly smooth, even on longer, easy-paced runs. The straight-lasted design and raised side walls also provide a smooth and stable experience on runs.
While the Ghost Max 2 excels in softness and comfort, some runners may find it a bit less flexible than other max-cushioned shoes. It’s not designed for speedwork or faster-paced runs but shines on recovery days or for runners seeking a cushioned, stable experience.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 takes a slightly different approach to max cushioning. With a 42 mm heel and a 34 mm forefoot stack height, it provides substantial cushioning, similar to the Ghost Max 2, but with a firmer feel.
It weighs 10.7 oz for men’s sizes and 9.2 oz for women’s shoes, which is slightly lighter than the Ghost Max 2.
The FlyteFoam Blast+ Eco midsole is very responsive, and its extra firmness makes it better suited for fast-paced runs. While it may not offer the same ultra-soft feel as the Ghost Max 2, it delivers a solid balance of cushioning, durability, and versatility for daily training.
Final Verdict on the Brooks Ghost Max 2 vs. Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
Overall, both these shoes provide terrific cushioning and support but are better suited to slightly different training styles.
The Brooks Ghost Max 2 offers a soft and bouncy feel with some inherent stability, making it great for recovery runs and easy to moderate-paced long-distance training.
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 is a bit firmer and slightly lighter, making it a great choice when you’re picking up the pace during more intense training.
Speed Trainers: Brooks Hyperion Tempo vs. Asics Novablast 4
When it comes to speed training, runners look for lightweight shoes that can handle faster paces, provide responsiveness, and deliver a balance of comfort and performance. Both the Brooks Hyperion Tempo and Asics Novablast 4 excel in these areas but offer different approaches to speed-focused runs.
Brooks Hyperion Tempo
The Brooks Hyperion Tempo is designed for runners who prioritize lightweight performance during tempo runs and track workouts. It’s impressively light, weighing just 7.3 oz for men’s shoes and 6.7 oz for women’s shoes, making it an ideal choice for speed training.
Its DNA Flash midsole, infused with nitrogen, is firm and responsive, allowing runners to feel close to the ground and maintain a natural stride. With an 8mm heel-to-toe drop and low-stack height, the Hyperion Tempo helps engage your foot muscles, creating a more nimble and agile experience during high-paced training.
One of the standout features of the Hyperion Tempo is its breathable upper, designed to keep your feet cool during intense workouts. Despite the thin construction, the engineered mesh is durable enough to withstand tough training sessions.
The outsole is also built for durability on dry, flat surfaces like roads and tracks. Its traction and flexibility help runners maintain control during lateral movements.
One of the main drawbacks is that while the Hyperion Tempo shines in speed and agility, it doesn’t have as much cushioning as you’d like for longer runs. Plus, the midsole doesn’t provide the same energy return level as some other speed trainers, which may limit its appeal for runners who want a bouncier feel.
That said, this shoe is great for those who want a lightweight, no-frills option for tempo workouts or track sessions.
Asics Novablast 4
The Asics Novablast 4 takes a different approach, blending speed and cushioning to create a versatile shoe for fast-paced runs and longer training sessions.
Weighing 9.17 oz for men’s sizes and 7.9 oz for women’s shoes, it’s heavier than the Hyperion Tempo but still offers features that make this a great speed-training pair.
The Novablast 4 features Asics’ FlyteFoam Blast+ Eco midsole, which delivers a bouncy and responsive ride. This makes it easier to pick up the pace during speed workouts while still offering enough cushioning for longer runs.
With a 41.5 mm heel and a 33.5 mm forefoot stack height, the Novablast 4 provides substantial cushioning without feeling overly soft. This balance makes the shoe versatile for both tempo runs and everyday training. The Ahar Lo rubber outsole adds durability and improved traction, allowing runners to feel secure on various surfaces, including wet roads.
The upper of the Novablast 4 is made from a woven knit material that offers a comfortable, secure fit. While it’s breathable, it doesn’t quite match the Hyperion Tempo in terms of ventilation, especially during warmer conditions.
However, the Novablast 4 is much more versatile for different types of runs, making it a more all-around shoe for those who want both speed and comfort.
Final Verdict on Speed Trainers: Brooks Hyperion Tempo vs. Asics Novablast 4
Those who want a dedicated speedwork shoe will be very happy with the lightweight and firm Brooks Hyperion Tempo.
On the other hand, if you want something a little more versatile, the Asics Novablast 4 is still a great speed trainer but offers more cushioning for longer endurance training.
Race Day Shoes: Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris vs. Brooks Hyperion Elite 4
When it comes to race day, runners need shoes that maximize speed, energy return, and comfort over long distances. The ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris and Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 are both designed for this purpose, with slight variations in features for different running styles.
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris
The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris stands out as a top-tier race day shoe with its impressive balance of lightweight design, energy return, and cushioning.
Weighing just 6.45 oz, this unisex shoe is built for runners who rely on their stride length rather than cadence for speed. It also has a 39.5 mm heel and 34.5 mm forefoot stack height to provide enough cushioning while being a good fit for midfoot or forefoot strikers.
One of the Metaspeed Sky Paris’s most notable features is its FF Turbo+ midsole, which has a very responsive feel that’s one of the best in the industry right now.
This dual-layer foam midsole is combined with a flat carbon plate that enhances propulsion, making each stride feel powerful. Carbon plate shoes are often recommended for race day since they add extra bending stiffness in the midsole. It helps the shoe snap back and provides great energy return on each stride.
However, this shoe is not without its drawbacks. The narrow fit, stiff design, and low offset of 5 mm might not suit everyone, particularly heel strikers or runners with wider feet.
That said, the Metaspeed Sky Paris excels in energy return and is a great choice for runners aiming to push the limits in races from 5Ks to marathons.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 4
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 4, weighing an average of 7.8 oz, is a heavier but slightly more cushioned option. It offers a smooth and stable feel with a 40 mm heel and 32 mm forefoot stack height. Since it has a higher 8 mm offset, it’s a bit better suited than the Metaspeed Sky Paris for those who tend to heel strike.
Designed with Brooks’ DNA Flash v2 midsole foam and a carbon plate, it provides a firm yet cushioned feel, ideal for shorter races or half marathons.
One of the standout features of the Hyperion Elite 4 is its secure fit and smooth feel on each stride. The upper, combined with the SpeedVault carbon plate and RapidRoll geometry, allows for smooth transitions through each stride.
However, while the shoe offers decent responsiveness, it doesn’t have quite the same “pop” as other options like the Metaspeed Sky Paris. So, while this shoe has extra cushioning, you sacrifice a bit in the bounce on each step that keeps you propelling forward on longer races. That said, it’s still a terrific choice for 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons.
Final Verdict on Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris vs. Brooks Hyperion Elite 4
If you’re a midfoot or forefoot striker seeking maximum energy return and cushioning for long-distance races, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris is the better choice. Its lightweight design, exceptional energy return, and soft cushioning make it ideal for fast, efficient running over marathon distances. However, it’s best suited for runners with narrow feet and neutral strides.
On the other hand, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 is a solid option for shorter races, particularly for runners who prefer a firmer, more stable shoe. While it lacks the bounce and energy return of the Metaspeed Sky Paris, it provides a secure fit and smooth transitions, making it ideal for half marathons or less.
Try on These Brooks or Asics Running Shoes at Marathon Sports
Overall, both Brooks and Asics offer many terrific options that are well-suited to different running styles. We have each of these Brooks running shoes and Asics running shoes in stock and available for you to try on at Marathon Sports.
You can visit one of our retail stores to try them on and get assistance from one of our footwear experts. Or, you can check out our selection through our convenient online store, where you can have them shipped straight to your doorstep.