Asics – overview of all reviews of Asics running shoes

Personal Asics favorites

Within each brand, I have my personal favorites.

Of men’s shoes from Asics, this is my absolute favorite. The Asics Gel Kayano shoe for pronated runners

I have had Asics Gel Kayano several times. I am impressed that the Kayano shoe has been around for so many years and continues to maintain its level year after year.

My secondary favorite is theirlightweight running shoes, Asics Gel DS Racer. An excellent running shoe, which has unfortunately lost popularity after many brands have focused more on lightweight shoes. This results in hybrid running shoes that have become about 50 grams lighter on average. This means increased competition.

I have tested and reviewed all the new shoes in the Asics natural running series.

They are comfortable and promote a natural running style and midfoot or forefoot landing. I like what I try, but my favorites remain the traditional models.

If I had to highlight one Asics natural running shoe, it would have to be the Super J33.

Asics is more than Kayano and Nimbus

Asics has for many years had both Asics Gel Nimbus and Asics Gel Kayano among the absolute favorites among users when we talked about the general choice of regular running shoes for everyday use.
They still are, so far, many still like to stick with their Nimbus and Kayano, and that’s of course because it’s a pretty fantastic shoe, it’s not anymore.

But Asics is not just resting on its laurels, they are constantly being overtaken by other running brands who want to have some of the market share that Asics has. And deep down we also believe that Asics fears the day when the Nimbus and Kayano days are over. That is why they are naturally also constantly trying to innovate..
We probably all know the models. Gt-2000, DS Trainer and Cumulus. But newer models have also seen the light of day. Asics Metarun, for example, is a shoe that is actually higher than Asics Kayano in Asics’ internal ranking, and was initially produced as an exclusive model..
But Asics has also seen the light in the lightweight segment. While they have long had a reputation for producing solid, very soft but unfortunately also a bit heavy running shoes, in recent years they have shown their existence in the market for lightweight running shoes with, among other things, their FuzeX running shoes and their Asics DynaFlyte running shoes. Both shoes have won many runners’ hearts, but one must also admit that Asics will never make models again that are as big sales successes as the Asics Nimbus, Kayano and for that matter the GT-2000 have been. But it doesn’t matter as long as those running shoes are still on the market, and we personally think that Asics will have a hard time deleting them from their product category.

The Asics mastodons have better alternatives

Did you know that both the Asics Gel Nimbus and the Asics Gel Kayano have so-called smaller siblings? Running shoes that are very similar to them, with a few exceptions. We have put these two best-selling favorites up against their respective sibling models, and the answer is actually a bit surprising. Do you dare to read the test?

Read: Nimbus vs. Cumulus here
Read Kayano vs. GT-2000 here

Graphics from Asics themselves (older date)

Asics has published an overview showing the different shoes in a form of table.

It includes all Asics shoes, but it gives an excellent overview of their running shoes. The shoes are divided horizontally by running style and vertically by type of running shoe (according to Asics’ own categorization).

Personal experiences with Asics shoes

I really like Asics running shoes. I also give the impression of that in my video. I have no incentive to say that – I just think in general that their products live up to my expectations. This is regardless of whether we are talking about the heavy running shoes or the very light running shoes for competition. I have tested almost all men’s shoes from Asics, and it is my opinion that if you train on asphalt, Asics is in many cases the best choice on the market.

Update 2018…….

Asics running shoes are still the same for me, almost. When I talk to runners around, and I do that quite often. I have no doubt for a second that Asics is the market leader in Denmark, also in 2018, when it comes to the number of pairs of running shoes sold. I don’t have the direct new figures from 2017/2018, but I can only conclude that Asics running shoes are seen very often on the feet of those I talk to..
I’m still on that bandwagon when I say that Asics makes some excellent running shoes, because they do. But my personal experience today (2018) is that it’s also really great that more brands are coming along and giving Asics a little bit of a run for their money. They needed that. It ultimately results in better running shoes from Asics and all the other brands when there’s a bit of competition..
I don’t know what happened, and whether it’s actually Asics that has changed something, or it’s just my feet that have become shorter or more crooked. A somewhat boring experience I would like to share with you is that I can’t really find the right size in Asics running shoes. And as I said, it could easily be my feet that have become different. But a size 43½ is too big, and a size 42½ is too small. So I personally miss a size 43.

Asics are still the best in Denmark for running shoes on asphalt. That’s why you also meet many runners in Asics running shoes when you rush out there. My experience and feeling for Asics and their approach to slightly different angles than just this mainstream running shoe, is that they have of course also started to make a move. They are both well represented within natural running, but certainly also within the trail genre. Areas where they have previously lagged a bit.

Selection

Asics running shoes are known for being good for asphalt, gravel, grass, trail running, off-road, lightweight, etc. They have an incredibly wide portfolio of sports shoes. All shoes are made under the same conditions. The difference lies in the technology used – something you can read more about on the specific shoes. Alternatively, you can visit Asics own website. It varies a bit whether it is Asics or Nike that has the widest selection of sports shoes. In any case, you can get almost all types of shoes, both for women and men, from Asics.

Durability

One thing that really bothers me is the lack of durability in running shoes. If I run on asphalt alone, I have found that Asics last many kilometers. If I move out onto grass or softer gravel paths, I unfortunately see a tendency for the mesh of the upper to break. This happens especially a little above the little toe. Practice. Alternatively, I could just stay on the asphalt, but sometimes I am too tempted and venture onto the smaller trail systems.

I personally have had very good experiences in my tests of Asics trail running shoes. They typically have excellent protection in the upper and the soles are extremely durable. If you run on trails, off-trails or orienteering, you should definitely choose one of their trail shoes.

The men’s minimalist running shoes I have reviewed from Asics have unfortunately broken a little earlier than I expected. Normally, lightweight running shoes last less time than mass training running shoes, but I must admit that I think 400 kilometers is too little for a pair of running shoes. If you run 50 km a week, you will only have the shoes for 8 weeks before you need new ones. I think I have taken excellent care of the shoes I have tested, but unfortunately the upper has opened up from time to time. However, I have never had any problems with the sole, which has been rock solid.

Fit

Asics are particularly known for their extraordinary comfort. If you haven’t worn a pair of running shoes from them before, you’ve missed out. The heel in particular is known for being incredibly compact. It’s absolutely fantastic. However, I have personally experienced that the fabric in the heel tends to break. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always go through as a complaint – too bad..
Always make sure to loosen your sports shoes properly (read: loosen them much more than necessary). This way you avoid rubbing the heel and the fabric on the back. I’m not the only one who has experienced this problem – read here at dourun about the same problem.

Size selection

As for the width, Asics shoes are a bit wide. It’s not much, but they are a bit wider than, for example, Adidas, which I mentioned earlier. I use 42.5 in their men’s shoes and 43.5 in their lightweight running shoes and their natural running shoes. In general, there is a tendency among brands for the lighter shoes to be a bit small in size.

I use the same US size in Asics as I do in New Balance, Nike, Adidas, Mizuno, Saucony and Brooks. However, I use smaller sizes in Inov8 shoes and sometimes also in Salomon running shoes.

Price rent

You will often come across offers if you surf the internet. In fact, in many cases you can save more than 500 kroner on a pair of sports shoes – and have them delivered the next day. However, you should be aware that you will not get the same personal service when shopping in an online store. Down in the local sports stores, you can get expert guidance on choosing shoes – guidance you rarely find online. You can easily find cheap Asics running shoes online. Click on your favorite model and see how much you can save. I show all sales and offers on Asics running shoes from the different brands.

Asics running shoes are popular in Denmark

They probably are all over the world, but especially in Denmark Asics running shoes are extremely popular. Up to 40% of the running shoes you see on the road are from the brand Asics at the moment. But why exactly have we Danes accepted running shoes from Asics so well? Watch our little video explanation where we tell you what it is that Asics does so well, and where they might need to optimize in relation to running shoes in Denmark.

Why are Asics running shoes so popular in Denmark?

Advantages and disadvantages

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to Asics running shoes. As mentioned, I am a fan of Asics, which my tests and reviews reflect. Overall, I am very satisfied.

Who are Asics running shoes for?

I am often asked by other runners how much I think Asics would be right for them. For me, the most important thing when choosing a brand is how the shoes fit me. Some brands are known for having a certain type of fit. For example, I have found that Adidas has a slightly narrower fit. You can typically find the most popular models in extra wide or extra narrow versions. I know that many of the Asics sponsored athletes (link to wikipedia) Use extra narrow and extra wide running shoes.

What are the characteristics of Asics shoes?

Mainstream running shoes that work and last for many kilometers. The comfort is top notch, and the shoes are aimed at Mr. and Mrs. Denmark. Some would say that their shoes are a bit too expensive, but you can really find great sales and offers on Asics running shoes online. I have done several studies for the price development of running shoes from different brands. I can conclude that it is Asics running shoes that you can make the biggest savings on by buying online.

I used to own a running store myself so I know their pricing policies, but due to parallel imports and competition from abroad, prices have been pushed down. It is difficult for them to keep their prices high, which only benefits you. Appreciate it while it lasts.

There is also a boring characteristic

Now, it’s not all roses and pink talk about Asics running shoes. They are good, no one can take that away from them, but it is also a fact that for a very long time there has been a characteristic that almost all runners know about, and which is not particularly positive. Asics running shoes go up in the heel. You know about it, or at least you have probably heard some people talk about it. Unfortunately, it has been like that for many years. The ultra-soft and comfortable heel cap has its price. You wear a hole in the inside, and in the worst cases you wear a hole so big that you can almost cut yourself on the hard material from the heel.
It’s been exaggerated, but it’s a fact nonetheless. Asics has worked really hard on this issue in their newer running shoes, and it’s also my experience that it has gotten better, but I certainly don’t feel like it’s been completely eliminated yet.

Who shouldn’t buy running shoes from Asics?

You should not buy Asics if you want to be different. The premium brand is Denmark’s and even Europe’s and the world’s most popular running brand. If you want to be smart and stand out from the crowd, you should not run in that brand. In addition, I would not recommend you to run in Asics running shoes if you are looking for ultra minimalist running shoes. In my tests of Asics shoes, I have learned that their “minimalist running shoes” can in no way live up to what other brands can achieve.

Brands that remind

Asics is a mainstream running brand that is similar in many ways to other major running brands. I am often asked by runners what other brand they should try once they are happy with Asics. I usually suggest New Balance as the closest alternative. Where New Balance (hereafter NB) and Asics are very similar to each other is in the asphalt running shoes. The Gel Nimbus is very similar to the New Balance 1080, but the Gel Kayano and GT series are similar to the New Balance 1260 and New Balance 860. After testing more than 20 pairs of shoes from both New Balance and Asics, I have to say that these two brands are very similar to each other. The quality of the shoes is roughly identical and they last about the same amount of time.

Nike is, in my opinion, much more pop than Asics, but shoes from Brooks, Mizuno andSaucony are the specialists in running shoes.

Item numbers from Asics

Save the box – buy Asics running shoes online

There is money to save. Click on the specific models and see what savings you can make. This top brand is in fierce competition. Physical stores as well as online stores focus a lot on the brand. This is because many shoes can be sold. The consequence, however, is often discounts.

Asics offers

Asics offers are often found if you surf around the internet. All year round you can find Asics running shoes on offer in the stores I refer to. There is a lot of competition online, and it typically turns out that even Danish online stores have extremely good offers compared to the physical stores. If you are looking for the best deals, you will probably find that Asics can be found cheapest abroad. I have listed all the retailers that have offers. You may also want to see our guide to running shoes deals here

Asics sale

If you want to buy Asics on sale, there are special periods you need to pay attention to. Come by iloebesko.dk in August and January, which are the two months with the best sale periods. If you buy on Asics sale you can save up to 70%. That’s something that makes a difference. When there is a sale on Asics, I personally tend to buy 3-4 pairs of shoes at a time – they wear out so quickly anyway.

Women’s and men’s models from Asics

Asics women’s shoes

Asics women’s shoes in particular come in a variety of colors. There is no doubt that women think more about color combinations than men do. When shopping for women’s running shoes from Asics, you should look for shoes in size B if you have normal-width feet. If you have particularly narrow feet, you should get Asics width 2A. If your feet are extra wide, you should go for a width D.

The vast majority of runners use width B in Asics running shoes for women. If you have never thought that your feet are extra wide, I am convinced that width B will work quite well for you as a lady, girl, woman.

Asics men’s shoes

In my video I am wearing Asics men’s running shoes. I naturally test the men’s models, but sometimes I bring in female test runners to give their assessment of the running shoes to get a comprehensive picture of how the shoes fit both men and women.

I personally have good experiences with the men’s models. They are usually sold in width D. If nothing is specified, you can expect that to be the width. If you have a narrow foot, you can try an Asics men’s shoe in width B. If you have a wide foot, the size in your men’s model should be width 2E, or 4E if you have very wide feet. Asics shoes for men are available in many widths.

Difference between men and women

The difference between men’s and women’s running shoes from Asics is primarily in the size selection and width. Some men with small feet, or women with large feet, like to buy Asics shoes from the other gender. I personally know several who do that.

You should be aware that the heel is typically somewhat narrower in women’s models than what you experience in men’s models.

In addition, women’s models are typically 10-20% lighter, as women are usually lighter than men. Therefore, women do not need the same shock absorption.