The shoes that use this foam are pricey, but they provide excellent shock absorption and responsiveness for a smooth, propulsive ride that helps you go fast. This new foam is made with nylon, which allows it to compress easily (for a soft feel underfoot) but quickly spring back to its normal shape (for durable cushioning and strong energy return). For a pillowy and springy ride that still holds up to everyday training, FlyteFoam Blast+ is the cushioning to go with.įinally, there’s FlyteFoam Blast Turbo, which is used in Asics’ elite racing shoes like the MetaSpeed Edge+. Asics hasn’t released details on the chemistry, but based on our experience with the NovaBlast shoe, it likely includes olefin block copolymers, and the result is a lighter, more flexible, and more responsive foam. It’s used in Asics’ more affordable shoes, like the GT-1000.įlyteFoam Blast+ is the next level up. It doesn’t have quite the same springy feel as the other types of FlyteFoam below, but it works fine for everyday running. Although it’s based on ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), the traditional running shoe cushioning material, this foam is formulated to be lighter and more resilient than standard EVA. Like other shoemakers, Asics has its own proprietary cushioning, called FlyteFoam. You’ll find it in many of the company’s flagship shoes, including the Gel-Kayano, Gel-Cumulus, and Gel-Nimbus. Even so, it’s still a heavier material than foam, so it’s best for training shoes where long-lasting cushioning, rather than low weight, is the most important factor.

The latest iteration is Pure Gel, and it’s formulated to be lighter, softer, and more flexible than previous versions of Gel. This tech consists of a squishy, gel-like substance implanted in the midsole, and it absorbs impact forces for a smoother ride. To help you get more insight into these features, compare models, and find the right shoe, here’s a deeper dive on the main Asics running shoe tech to know. What to Consider When Shopping for Asics Running ShoesĪsics has cooked up quite a few proprietary features, and you’ll see many different terms when browsing the company’s running shoe lineup. I first wrote this guide in 2018, and I have updated it regularly as Asics releases new shoes and running shoe tech. I’ve written more about running shoes than any other kind of gear, and I have firsthand experience running in models from a range of brands, including Asics. Show more The Expert: I became a runner in middle school and have covered running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World and as a freelance journalist. Best Running Shirts Best Asics Running Shoes.More Great Running Gear: Best Treadmills Bottom line: Whether you need a workhorse trainer or you’re looking for your next marathon shoe, Asics has models that can get the job done.

If you’re in search of a race shoe, consider the Asics MetaSpeed line (such as the MetaSpeed Edge+ below). In recent years, Asics has also broken out of that mold to create excellent racing shoes with new, lightweight foams to compete with other brands’ premium models. Over the decades, Asics has developed several notable shoe technologies and many superb training shoes for runners, including some of the best running shoes of 2023.Īsics has long been known for creating durable, well-cushioned, and highly supportive training shoes–the Gel-Kayano is a prime example–so if you run long and often, this is a great brand to consider. His first running shoe debuted in 1953, and in 1977, he merged his operation with two other companies and changed the name to Asics, an acronym for the Latin phrase “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano” ( a sound mind in a sound body). The history of Asics stretches back over 70 years, when Kihachiro Onitsuka began making basketball shoes in Kobe, Japan.

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