The Best Asics Running Shoes in Summer 2023

One of the top running brands in the game, Asics has been pumping out performance trainers since the 70s. Classic series like the Nimbus, Cumulus and Kayano are now old enough to have a quarter-life crisis, while newbies like the Magic Speed are now out of the terrible twos and finding their stride. Here are the best Asics to have you running in style, speed and comfort.

The Best Asics Running Shoes in Summer 2023

From max cushioned cruisers to race day super shoes, the Japanese-based Asics Corporation has competitive options to offer across all running shoe categories. The brand's core strength versus other competitors is its smooth-riding and comfortable everyday running shoes that use the soft, responsive and durable FF Blast Plus foam. Here are all the best shoes on offer from Asics in summer 2023.

1. Asics Novablast 3 ($140): Best Asics Daily Trainer 

A fan favorite for a reason, the Asics Novablast 3 is a soft and cushioned daily trainer that uses ASICS' FF Blast Plus foam. The ride is comfortable and bouncy, and the platform has a comfortable upper with durable outsole. One of the top daily trainers on the market, ASICS also offers it in a dedicated wide fit that's accommodating for runners who need a high volume fit. The only downside is that runners who prefer a firmer, snappier feel may find the underfoot sensation a bit soft for picking up the pace. 

2. Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 ($160): Best Max Cushion Shoe from Asics

The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 is a max-cushioned cruiser with a soft ride, rockered platform and comfortable upper. The Nimbus uses ASICS' FlyteFoam Blast Plus Eco foam, the same soft and comfort-oriented compound found in the Novablast 3. Here, there's a 41.5mm stack of it in the heel where there's also a gel unit, making it a tall shoe with lots of support and protection. There's also some inherent stability built into the platform due its wide base and wide forefoot. The Nimbus is best for recovery runs and slower efforts due to the soft ride and wide feel. The one downside is the upper can get warm, which makes this not the best option for summer running. 

3. ASICS Superblast ($200): Best Asics Long Run Shoe

The Asics Superblast is a super max cushioned shoe with a versatile and supportive ride. The Superblast has 45.5mm of cushion in the heel, making it one of the tallest stacked shoes on the market, behind only the Tempo Next% and Adidas Prime X Strung. The Superblast uses two midsole foams from Asics to create a ride experience that's cushioned without being soft and fast without being harsh—a unique combination that's tough to find. The FF Turbo foam found in racing shoes like the Metaspeed Edge provides the pop, while the FF Blast Plus foam provides the balance and comfort. Due to the amount of cushion here, the Superblast excel at long runs where you'll be including sections of marathon pace.

4. Asics Magic Speed 3 ($170): Best Asics Road Running Shoe for Track Day & Uptempo Workouts

The Magic Speed has a fast and forgiving ride. A competitor to the Endorphin Speed by Saucony, the Magic Speed also uses the formula of putting a plate in a non-marathon racer. Here, we see a full-length carbon fiber plate sandwiched between two layers of ASCS' Flyte Foam Blast Plus Eco, a cushioned yet responsive compound also seen in other top-tier training shoes from the brand like the Gel-Nimbus 25. Previous versions of the Magic Speed were on the firmer side, but this latest iteration dials it in with the perfect balance of firmness and give. Based on the plated midsole and overall feel of the ride, the Magic Speed is best for uptempo training runs and can also be used for race day.

5. Asics Gel-Cumulus 25 ($140): Most Versatile Asics Running Shoe

The Asics Gel-Cumulus 25 is a comfortable, smooth-riding daily trainer. It uses a similar foam as the Novablast, but the tuning is slightly firmer and more responsive in the Cumulus platform—making it a better option for runners who want a do-it-all type of workhorse shoe. The Cumulus is a comfort-oriented yet still versatile option that's great for the varied demands of training, including long runs and light speed work. The only downside is that you may want something speedier like the Magic Speed 3 for structured track workouts at 5k pace or below. 

6. ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 ($160): Best Stability Running Shoes from Asics

The ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 is a stability shoe that uses a wide base to create stable landings rather than complicated plastic orthotics. (And if the name sounds familiar, that's because earlier verisons of the Gel-Kayano like the 17 have received a second life in the streetwear world.) The Kayano 30 has a tall 40mm stack of the same EVA-blend FF Blast Plus Eco foam that's in the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25, though it's slightly firmer in this application to help with stability. The ride is cushioned and smooth. Due to the large amount of foam, the shoe is on the heavier side at 10.7 ounces, though it's in the standard range for stability shoes (10 to 12 ounces).

7. Asics Metaspeed Sky+: Best Marathon Racer from Asics

The Asics Metaspeed Sky+ is a marathon racer with a fast and firm feel. As Asics' top-tier super shoe, it uses the brand's FF Turbo foam, a responsive and bouncy compound that's stiffened in this application with a full-length carbon plate. Asics says the shoe is best for runners who increase their speed by opening up their stride (versus runners who increase their speed by increasing their cadence), but the extra foam under the forefoot here can benefit most runners. The ironic consideration here is that if you prefer the softer feel of Asics daily trainers and want that same sensation in a racer, the Metaspeed Sky+ may be too firm for you—consider the Vaporfly Next% 3 or Hoka Rocket X 2 if you'd like a plush racer.

Final Thoughts

Asics has a range of quality running shoe options to suit athletes with varying preferences and needs. For stability, check the Kayano. For marathon training, there's the Superblast. And for race day, there's the Metaspeed Sky+. Whichever you choose, there's an Asics slot waiting in your training rotation.