<p>Asics makes <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/g62930435/long-distance-running-shoes/” target=”_blank”>running sneakers</a>, true. Its shoes are good for this. But they are also good for not running. They are excellent travel shoes, and they are particularly good at supporting long days of <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/g64154603/best-walking-shoes/” target=”_blank”>walking</a> or standing. And they do all of this without looking goofy—sometimes the price one pays for <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/g64413166/best-running-shoes-plantar-fasciitis/?slide=10″ target=”_blank”>foot support</a>. </p><p>These eight Asics are our favorites for running, walking, and wearing on the daily. They have varying levels of support, and the right one for your depends on your foot anatomy and gait. But after many iterations, these sneakers still come out on top. <br></p>” data-next-head/>
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Best Plush Asics Sneaker
Asics Gel Nimbus 27
Pros
- Padded collar
- Crazy-soft cushion
Cons
- Too much cushion for some
Just look at that sole. It’s thick but lightweight, cushioned to high heaven. These super-plush sneakers are designed specifically to make running smoother and your footfalls softer. These are a great running-shoe option, particularly for recovery runs or for anyone who’s just trying to go for a casual jog.
They are designed with neutral support, so they are better for a normal or slightly high arch. Those with flat feet are going to need more help.
Most Responsive Asics Sneakers
Asics Gel-Cumulus 27
Pros
- A good option for less cushion
- A lightweight 9.3oz
Cons
- Not a ton of underfoot grip
The Cumulus has a little less of a plush cushion and more of a supportive one. It still feels super comfortable, but the lower stack height gives you a more stable feeling—better for faster work than some of the intensely cushioned ones. They’re lightweight and have great interior cushioning to put some bounce in your step.
| Heel drop | 8mm |
|---|---|
| Cushion | Medium high |
Bounciest Asics Sneaker
Asics Novablast 5
Pros
- Tongue wing helps prevent top-of-foot blisters
- 9oz
Cons
- Not a ton of grip
These just look fast. Like the kind of shoes they’d ban you from wearing in a sports movie because they give you too much power. This shoe is designed specifically for speed and agility with runner-friendly tech to conserve energy during a sprint. They are also super light, both in weight (at nine ounces) and materials (with a breathable mesh upper).
Best Outdoor Asics Sneakers
Asics Gel-Venture 10
Pros
- Less than $100
- Grippy trail outsole
Cons
- A bit cheaper feeling than other Asics
The Asics Gel-Venture is designed to be lower to the ground and grippy as hell. It’s a trail shoe, and it’s meant to keep you feeling upright and grounded. We like the lower cushion because it feels closer to the ground, as well as the airy mesh upper for letting sweaty feet breathe. They sit at an excellent price point, but they do feel a bit cheaper than other Asics styles.
| Heel drop | 10mm |
|---|---|
| Cushion | Medium |
Best Asics Sneakers for Most People
Asics Gel-Kayano 31
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- Soft upper
Cons
- Knit fabric absorbs more sweat than we’d like
The Gel-Kayano is the holy grail of running shoes as far as I am concerned. They are lightweight and have a ton of cushion but not so much that you feel unstable. They are easy to slip on and off, with that knit heel collar and pull tab. I travel in them, walk in them, you name it. They do, however, get a little gross after long runs or bad weather. If you have a washing machine to clean them in, take advantage.
Best Hoka-Alternative Asics Sneakers
Asics Trabuco Max 4
Pros
- Roll-forward design
- Grippy outsole
Cons
- High cushion can feel unstable on trail
We understand that some people are going to think the high stack on this sneaker is absolutely insane, and they’d be right about that. But that’s why we like them. For the right environment (and right foot), that high stack height but shorter heel drop is great at absorbing tough terrain. For long, flatter hikes, they are elite.
Coolest Asics Sneakers
Asics Gel-NYC
Pros
- Designed for everyday
- Still comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time
Cons
- Not as much support
Asics makes a ton of lifestyle sneakers, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. But we’re partial to the Gel-NYC, which has a techy mesh, leather, and suede upper that looks cool and trendy. Lightweight, trendy, and excellent for an everyday shoe with a bit more support.
| Heel drop | 10mm |
|---|---|
| Cushion | Medium |
Best Asics Sneakers for Everyday
Asics Skyhand OG
Pros
- Very good for everyday wear
- A great low-top option
Cons
- Not a ton of support
And for nearly no support at all, the Skyhand OG. This is not a knock to the Skyhand. It’s just designed to be the streetwear icon that it is and definitely not designed to be athletic. If you’re looking for a new low-top sneaker, these will not steer you wrong.
| Heel drop | Unlisted |
|---|---|
| Cushion | Low |
What to Look for When Buying a Pair
Upper Materials
More running-specific Asics have stretchy, mesh uppers that are breathable and won’t bother your feet if they get swollen on longer runs. But some people like a more secure feel that some thicker fabrics offer.
Midsole Support
The right kind of cushion is entirely preference based, but we like having options. If you’re running a lot, a speed shoe and a recovery shoe (one with a little less cushion and one with a little more) are a smart way to be gentle on your body.
Heel Drop
In addition to how much cushion there is, keep an eye out for the difference in cushion from the back of the heel to the toe. Same goes for midsole support—the correct one depends on your foot.
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