ASICS GT Xuberance 2 Mens Running Shoes

Product Information

Finally, what seals the deal is its reliable durability. Even after running 100 miles on paved surfaces, dirt roads, and even wet and loose gravel, the outsole showed minimal wear and the midsole only had minor visual creasing. The comfort and the pop were all still there. We cut it open in the lab and measured 35.2 mm of generous cushion in the heel. The forefoot is a little shy of average, leading to an 11.8 mm drop. We feel it's more suitable for heel strikers as the foam dampens landing impact, while the drop promotes smooth forward rolls. Even with all the padding, it surprisingly feels light. MC: The short answer: Yes, lots of them. Asics has been experimenting with running shoe tech for well over half a century. In 1990, the brand opened the Institute of Sports Science in Kobe, Japan, where the company conducts materials tests and biomechanical research to fine-tune designs. Set at a 35-degree angle, this dual-density foam is added in the midsole to give added support and reduce the stress on the foot due to overpronation.

However, newer shoes in the Asics lineup, like the NovaBlast, utilize more lightweight, bouncy midsole designs that mirror what other top brands are doing in their premium speedwork and racing shoes. Also used in some ASICS sneakers, the performance and function of the Gel Cushioning are often compared to Nike's Air Zoom technology. FlyteFoam cushioning The Metaspeed Sky+ only weighs 6.8 oz (193g), which makes it way lighter than the average race shoe (7.3 oz or 207g). When we conducted our smoke test to test its breathability, we pumped smoke inside the shoe. The ease and speed at which the smoke passed through the shoe's mesh upper was amazing—smoke almost enveloped the shoe.

Premium shoes like ASICS Kayano use a combination of Gel and other technologies for maximized cushioning and support. Depending on your goals, here are the things you need to consider when buying a pair of ASICS running shoes:

The upper also features Asics’s classic two-toned design. The heel counter doesn’t have a ton of give, but it did offer stability and no heel slip. Overall, the shoe felt secure on our testers’ feet and was true to size. All the Stats You Ne ed! Men’s The ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ is so much lighter than the average road running shoe (208 grams/7.3 ounces vs. 265 grams/9.3 ounces). It is also lighter than other plated shoes (246 grams/8.68 ounces). During our stride practices and interval sessions, we felt like we were running unburdened. Truly, the Edge+ is an enticing option for racing the 5k or 10k—a beast that destroys records. The midsole material combined with the dual-density foam system gives much-needed stability for overpronators. During our long runs, we experienced how these shoes offered some help with overpronation — giving us a confidence boost like no other. The shoe is a bit on the heavier side, so it’s not ideal for speedwork. The Xpress is intended for high mileage, making it a good choice for your weekend long runs. It’s a stable shoe that provides support if your gait tends to supinate—when the foot rolls outward while in motion—or if your form is suffering from fatigue. Gel Cushioning AHAR is ASICS’s most durable rubber compound that’s used on premium trainers. See all ASICS shoes with AHAR . Midsole

User reviews of ASICS GT-Xuberance 2

After spending numerous hours in our lab and running various distances outdoors, we’ve chosen the best ASICS marathon shoe: the ASICS Metaspeed Sky+! Immensely comfortable, almost weightless, and exceptionally responsive—this shoe is the shoe to obliterate 26.2 miles. A combination of outdoor runs and lab tests have concluded that the ASICS Gel Kayano 29 is the best stability shoe from the ASICS lineup. Its unmatched stability features, top-notch cushion, and durability provide a reliable support system for pronators. ASICS Cumulus (daily trainer), ASICS Magic Speed (5K/10K race flat), ASICS MetaSpeed Sky (marathon race shoe) Cushioning level in ASICS running shoes ASICS’ road and trail running shoes are designed differently. They offer various levels of durability, traction, and foot protection depending on the running surface. Trail running shoes can provide safety and performance that road shoes cannot but they may come with extra weight. Here’s the comparison: If you’re in search of a race shoe, consider the Asics MetaSpeed line (such as the MetaSpeed Edge+ below). 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.

It is a vertical groove that runs through the outsole, from heel to toe. It is meant to deliver gait efficiency from heel strike to toe-off. These are irregular-shaped grooves added in the heel area of the sole that encourages stable and natural foot movement. Consider the average distance you run in a week and if you are participating in a race or just doing it for leisure. These things are important to determine if you need a light and fast shoe or a cushioned pair. Asics 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. 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. The eyelets are arranged separately to efficiently transmits lacing tension evenly across the foot and deliver a more comfortable, natural fit.The models below represent the best Asics running shoes available now. To recommend them, I first reviewed the Asics shoe lineup and talked with an Asics brand rep to learn about the company’s latest models. From there, I focused on performance running shoes that showcase the brand’s premier foams, support tech, and other features.

ASICS classified their running shoes based on the level of cushioning - regular, extra, and maximum. Here’s how the cushioning level differs: This tech consists of a squishy, gel-like substance implanted in the midsole, and it absorbs impact forces for a smoother ride. The latest iteration is Pure Gel, and it’s formulated to be lighter, softer, and more flexible than previous versions of Gel. 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. You’ll find it in many of the company’s flagship shoes, including the Gel-Kayano, Gel-Cumulus, and Gel-Nimbus. FlyteFoam It is placed in the midsole to prevent the shoe from twisting, delivering a more stable and comfortable foot movement. Like other shoemakers, Asics has its own proprietary cushioning, called FlyteFoam. 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. It doesn’t have quite the same springy feel as the other types of FlyteFoam below, but it works fine for everyday running. It’s used in Asics’ more affordable shoes, like the GT-1000.

FlyteFoam Blast is the lightest and most responsive edition of the foam. It's used on the brand's high-end speed shoes like the Novablast. Upper That said, the brand has also expanded into lightweight, responsive racing shoes and even trail shoes, too. 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. 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. I first wrote this guide in 2018, and I have updated it regularly as Asics releases new shoes and running shoe tech. What to Consider When Shopping for Asics Running Shoes 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.