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Asics is the Japanese brand that has been making running shoes for 75 years — longer than Nike, Adidas or Hoka. And it shows: Gel and FF Blast Max are benchmark technologies in the industry, the mid-range models (Gel-Nimbus, Gel-Kayano) have been among the world’s best sellers for decades, and in 2025 the Metaspeed Sky Paris was the shoe that won the Berlin, Chicago and Tokyo marathons.
The Asics catalogue is huge: Novablast, Gel-Nimbus, Gel-Cumulus, Gel-Kayano, GT-2000, Magic Speed, Metaspeed Sky, Superblast... and inside every family there are men’s, women’s, wide and GTX versions. In this guide I have picked the 7 that genuinely deserve your money in 2026, each with a clear use case, its real Amazon price and my honest opinion after more than 20 years of running and analysing running shoes.
Why choose Asics for running?
Three objective reasons. The first is experience: Asics has spent 75 years making nothing but sports shoes (Nike started in 1964, Hoka in 2009) — the lasts have been refined from millions of measured feet. The second is the range of technologies: they have trampoline foam (FF Blast Max in the Novablast), soft cushioning (Gel plus FF Blast Plus in the Nimbus), stability (4D Guidance in the Kayano) and carbon (FF Turbo+ in the Metaspeed). The third is durability: the Nimbus and the Kayano are legendary for lasting 800+ km, more than almost any rival.
How we picked (and checked) each model
This list is not a copy-paste of the Asics catalogue. Every model had to clear five filters:
- A clear use case: each shoe solves one specific problem — when two did the same job, only the better one stayed.
- Real availability on Amazon ES: checked unit by unit. The Superblast 2 (a trainable supershoe) has patchy stock on Amazon ES — go straight to asics.com/es if you want it.
- Value for money: what you get for what you pay compared with the direct competition.
- Feedback from real runners: verified ratings and the consensus in running communities.
- A match for your gait and your level: we say who each model is right for and who it is not, exactly as we do in our guide to how to choose running shoes.
The 7 best Asics running shoes 2026
Ordered by versatility and value for money, not by price. Each one comes with specs, its real price and who it is for.
1. Novablast 5 — The best Asics for most runners
Best for: almost any runner who wants ONE shoe for everything
The Novablast 5 is the Asics running phenomenon: it puts FF Blast Max — the most responsive foam in the catalogue outside the Metaspeed range — into a neutral training shoe that is light (~250 g) and sensibly priced. The result is a trampoline feel that works just as well for Tuesday’s easy run as for Thursday’s intervals. It is the natural rival in any comparison with the Hoka Clifton or the Nike Pegasus — and it usually wins on responsiveness.
Downsides? It is a neutral shoe and the last is narrower than average (Asics tends to fit tighter than Hoka): if you have wide feet, go half a size up or look at the Wide version. If you need stability, look at the Kayano 32 or the GT-2000 13. For everyone else it is the smartest buy in the 2026 Asics catalogue — and one of the most complete shoes out there, alongside our favourites for road running.
2. Gel-Cumulus 28 — The entry-level neutral that never disappoints
Best for: starting to run, or the steady runner doing 3-4 days a week
The Cumulus 28 is the best-selling Asics year after year, and there is a reason: it is the easiest one to recommend. The FF Blast Plus Eco foam gives a balanced ride (neither as soft as the Nimbus nor as springy as the Novablast), the upper fits generously and it holds up for 700-900 km without collapsing. At 120€ it is the most rational buy to go with our free 0 to 5K plan or your weekly routine.
Compared with the Novablast 5: the Cumulus is 15€ cheaper and more comfortable on easy runs, but slower when you pick up the pace. For beginners and easy miles — Cumulus. For a mix of easy runs and intervals — Novablast.
3. Gel-Nimbus 28 — Maximum cushioning for long easy runs
Best for: comfortable long runs, heavier runners, and anyone after maximum joint protection
The Nimbus carries more foam than any other Asics road shoe and goes head to head with the Hoka Bondi: ~42 mm of stack height with Gel technology added in the heel. The feel is like running on cotton wool — supremely comfortable on long runs of 90+ minutes. If you weigh 80+ kg and need extra joint protection, this is our first recommendation (see also our guide to running shoes for heavier runners).
Downsides? It weighs ~300 g — it is not the shoe for intervals or tempo work. And the soft Gel ride feels sluggish if you are coming from a Novablast or a Magic Speed. For what it was designed to do (recovery runs plus relaxed long runs) it is one of the best on the market — alongside the Hoka Bondi 8 and the New Balance 1080. At 180€ it is fairly priced for a shoe that lasts 800+ km.
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4. Gel-Kayano 32 — The world benchmark in stability
Best for: runners with moderate to severe overpronation who want stability without giving up comfort
The Kayano has been the world’s best-selling stability shoe since 1993 — 32 versions of steady evolution. The v32 runs the 4D Guidance System: stabilisers around the arch that kick in ONLY when the foot rolls inwards, without the old “hard wedges” that punished anyone who did not need them. The result is a shoe as comfortable as a premium neutral trainer, with a safety net for feet that collapse inwards.
If your physio or a specialist shop has told you that you overpronate, this is probably the most sensible choice. If you are not sure about your gait, start with our guide to running shoes for overpronators and to choosing by gait type.
5. GT-2000 13 — Stability without paying Kayano money
Best for: mild to moderate overpronation on a tight budget, or as a second shoe next to the Kayano
The GT-2000 is the “people’s Kayano”: the same guided-stability philosophy, but with a simpler 3D Guidance system (no 4D from the flagship) in a shoe that costs 70€ less. For mild or moderate overpronation it does exactly the same job, and it survives the same 700+ km of your training plan.
When is it worth paying extra for the Kayano? If you weigh 80+ kg, if you overpronate heavily, or if you regularly run 25+ km long runs. For everything else, the GT-2000 13 is the rational pick.
6. Magic Speed 4 — Partial carbon for fast training days
Best for: building towards a 10K, half marathon or marathon with quality sessions, without burning through your racing shoes
The Magic Speed 4 is the Asics “trainable supershoe”: it carries a partial carbon plate in the forefoot (not full length like the Metaspeed) on top of FF Blast+ Eco foam with FF Turbo in the key zones — the energy return of a racing shoe with a chassis that survives 600+ km of training. This is the shoe for tempo days, long intervals and the demanding long runs in your training plan.
Honestly: if you rarely race and want a single fast shoe, save your money and buy the Novablast 5 (135€ vs 160€, with almost the same feel minus the carbon). The Magic Speed 4 earns its place once you are already training seriously 4+ days a week and want a dedicated shoe for the hard sessions. More plated options in our guide to carbon plate running shoes.
7. Metaspeed Sky 3 — The world-champion racing supershoe
Best for: racing a 10K, half or marathon when you are chasing a personal best
The Metaspeed Sky 3 (and its Paris evolution) is the shoe that won the Berlin, Chicago and Tokyo marathons in 2025 — a direct rival to the Nike Vaporfly 3 and the Adidas Adios Pro 4. FF Turbo+ foam (pure PEBA) plus a full carbon plate in just ~205 g. When you line up for the race of your life, this is the shoe that makes you faster without training more.
Brutal honesty: these shoes last 250-400 km of racing — they are not for training (that is what the Magic Speed 4 is for). And the 250€ only makes sense if you are going to cash in that real 2-4% gain on a specific race. If you race once a year it does not add up — spend the money on a Novablast 5 and a Magic Speed 4 and enjoy running all year instead.
Comparison table: the 7 Asics at a glance
| Model | Price | Weight | Drop | Foam | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novablast 5 | ~135€ | ~250 g | 8 mm | FF Blast Max | All-rounder |
| Gel-Cumulus 28 | ~120€ | ~265 g | 8 mm | FF Blast Plus Eco | Starting out / daily |
| Gel-Nimbus 28 | ~180€ | ~300 g | 8 mm | FF Blast+ + Gel | Long easy runs |
| Gel-Kayano 32 | ~190€ | ~295 g | 10 mm | 4D Guidance | Premium stability |
| GT-2000 13 | ~120€ | ~280 g | 8 mm | 3D Guidance | Stability on a budget |
| Magic Speed 4 | ~160€ | ~220 g | 7 mm | FF Turbo + partial carbon | Quality sessions |
| Metaspeed Sky 3 | ~250€ | ~205 g | 5 mm | FF Turbo+ + carbon | Racing 10K-42K |
Which Asics running shoe is right for you?
- I want ONE shoe for everything: Novablast 5 — the most versatile shoe in the catalogue.
- I am starting out, or I want the most sensible option: Gel-Cumulus 28 (120€) — the best-selling Asics year after year.
- Comfort first, or I run at a heavier weight: Gel-Nimbus 28 — maximum stack and Gel.
- I overpronate and need stability: Gel-Kayano 32 for severe overpronation, GT-2000 13 (120€) if it is moderate.
- I am seriously preparing a race (10K, half, marathon): Magic Speed 4 for the hard sessions + a training plan + Metaspeed Sky 3 for race day.
- I race flat out: Metaspeed Sky 3 (2025 marathon world champion).
Frequently asked questions about Asics running shoes
Which Asics running shoe is best in 2026?
For most runners, the Novablast 5 (~135€): springy FF Blast Max foam, a sensible weight (~250 g) and enough range to cover easy runs and intervals alike. If you overpronate, go Kayano 32. If you want maximum cushioning, Nimbus 28.
What is the difference between the Asics Novablast and the Gel-Nimbus?
The Novablast 5 uses springy, trampoline-like foam (it gives energy back and feels nimble) and weighs less (~250 g). The Gel-Nimbus 28 puts soft, maximum cushioning first (~300 g): it feels like running on cotton wool, ideal for long easy runs or heavier runners. If in doubt, take the Novablast — the Nimbus feels slow if you do not need its extra protection.
Are Asics running shoes good for a marathon?
Yes, at every level. For training: Novablast 5 or Gel-Nimbus 28 for easy runs, Magic Speed 4 for intervals. For race day: the Metaspeed Sky 3, with its full carbon plate and FF Turbo+ foam, is the Asics supershoe — it is the shoe that won Berlin, Chicago and Tokyo in 2025.
Which Asics is best for overpronation?
The Gel-Kayano 32 (~190€) has been the global benchmark in stability shoes for 32 versions now. If your budget is tight or you only overpronate moderately, the GT-2000 13 (~120€) gives you stability for half the price. Before you choose, read our guide to running shoes for overpronators.
How many kilometres do Asics running shoes last?
The training models (Cumulus, Nimbus, Kayano, GT-2000) last between 700 and 900 km — among the most durable on the market. The Novablast 5 with FF Blast Max sits around 600 km. The Magic Speed 4 (partial carbon) about 500 km. The Metaspeed range (full carbon plus PEBA), 250-400 km. You will find the exact warning signs in our guide to how long running shoes last.
Where can you buy Asics running shoes in Spain?
Amazon Spain holds good stock of the training models (Novablast, Cumulus, Nimbus, Kayano, GT-2000) at prices close to RRP, with fast shipping and easy returns. For the Metaspeed Sky 3 or the Superblast 2 (supershoes with limited stock) always compare against asics.com/es — on Amazon they are sometimes sold by third parties at a markup.
The bottom line
Asics has been making running shoes for 75 years, and the 2026 catalogue shows why it is still a global top three: an excellent shoe for every use case, prices running from 120€ (Cumulus, GT-2000) to 250€ (Metaspeed Sky 3), and the best average durability on the market (700-900 km).
If I had to pick one, it would be the Novablast 5: the trampoline feel of FF Blast Max without paying supershoe money. And if you are just starting out, do not overthink it: a Gel-Cumulus 28 (120€), our free start running plan, and out the door.
Shoes are half the equation. The other half is consistency — and that is what CorrerJuntos is for: plans that adapt to you, people at your pace close to home, and a coach who does not leave you hanging. You can also line Asics up against other brands in our guide to the best Nike running shoes, or work back from your own level with which running shoes to buy for your level.