Nimbus or Novablast? Cumulus or Sonicblast? ASICS has an answer for every runner; the art is just finding your new running shoe among all the GEL, Blast, and Speed names. Fortunately, there's a system to it, and it's in the foam.
Here you get an overview of the best from ASICS right now, from volume training to competition, gravel, and trail. The box below gives you a quick overview: unfold your needs and see which two models to look at. If you want the full picture, we review each in the rest of the article, with specifications and links to our own tests.
Easy runs and comfort +
- ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28: Comfort and softness
- ASICS GEL-Cumulus 28: Lighter and versatile
Everyday speed +
- ASICS Novablast 6: Bouncy all-rounder
- ASICS Sonicblast 2: Built for speed
Support and stability +
- ASICS GEL-Kayano 33: Maximum softness and support
- ASICS GT-2000 15: Lighter and more versatile
Competition and intervals +
- ASICS Magic Speed 5: Pure race shoe
- ASICS Sonicblast 2: Handles everyday too
Gravel and mixed terrain +
- ASICS Blazeblast: One shoe for gravel, trail, and road
Trail +
- ASICS Trabuco 14: Best grip
- ASICS Trabuco Max 5: Most comfort for long runs
All models are reviewed below with specifications and links to our tests.
How to Tell ASICS' Foam Types Apart
Three foam names cover almost all of ASICS' lineup, and if you know them, you can read the catalog yourself. FF BLAST PLUS is the soft and calm foam found in Nimbus 28 and Trabuco Max 5: comfort first. FF BLAST MAX is the more energetic one that gives Novablast 6, Cumulus 28, GT-2000 15, Blazeblast, and Trabuco 14 their bounce. FF TURBO Squared and FF LEAP are the competition foams from the Metaspeed series, inherited by Sonicblast 2 and Magic Speed 5. On top of that, ASICS adds PureGEL in the heel of comfort and support models for a softer landing.
When you encounter a model name you don't know, look for the foam. It tells you what the shoe aims to do.
EASY RUNS AND COMFORT
ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28
28 is the most cushioned volume training shoe from
and one of the softest you can get. The new thing in this version is the weight: Nimbus 28 is among the lightest shoes in the maximally cushioned class, and it shows on long runs.
The midsole consists of FF BLAST PLUS, while PureGEL in the heel takes the edge off the landing. The weight loss primarily comes from a more breathable and flexible upper, which also provides a better fit around the foot. The platform is wide, so the landing feels stable, even for runners who usually miss some support in a neutral shoe. Nimbus 28 is for you if you run many easy miles and want comfort as a priority.
Type: Neutral - Daily training
Weight: 281 g (size 42½), 242 g (size 39½)
Heel drop: 8 mm
Read .
ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 28
28 is the versatile neutral shoe in ASICS' lineup. It sits between the plush cushioned Nimbus and the faster Blast models and handles both: easy everyday runs and days when the pace needs to pick up.
The biggest change in this version is the midsole, which has switched from FF BLAST PLUS to the more energetic FF BLAST MAX, the same foam as in Novablast. Together with the PureGEL insert, it provides better shock absorption than any previous Cumulus, while the weight has dropped. The outsole has a more pronounced pattern, so the shoe also stands firm on wet asphalt and gravel roads. Cumulus 28 is for you if you want one shoe for everything without paying top model prices.
Type: Neutral - Daily training
Weight: 259 g (size 42½), 228 g (size 39)
Heel drop: 8 mm
EVERYDAY SPEED
ASICS SONICBLAST 2
is designed for fast-paced training runs where you want a light, responsive, and energetic running experience. The shoe combines two layers of foam in the midsole: the soft and springy FF BLAST MAX along with the more responsive FF TURBO Squared. Together, they provide a balanced feel of comfort and propulsion.
The integrated ASTROPLATE in Pebax material is in this version coupled with a foam pad under the forefoot, similar to what is known from the Novablast series. The outsole in ASICSGRIP rubber provides a secure grip on both asphalt and firm trails, while the ventilated mesh upper ensures a comfortable fit on long runs. Sonicblast 2 is for you if you want to run fast without sacrificing comfort.
Type: Neutral - Daily training, Tempo runs
Weight: 242 g (size 42½), 202 g (size 39)
Heel drop: 8 mm
ASICS NOVABLAST 6
If you're looking for a light and energetic running shoe,
offers a more responsive experience than its predecessor. The biggest update is in the forefoot, where ASICS has added a small footpod of the same foam as in Megablast, the brand's most extreme take on bounce. The rest of the midsole remains FF BLAST MAX, but the footpod provides an extra boost of energy at takeoff.
Novablast 6 combines the energetic, bouncy feel with a wider platform under the midfoot and heel, offering slightly more stability than previous versions. The upper is a tighter woven engineered fabric with a good fit around the foot. The shoe suits those who want a versatile shoe with soft yet energetic cushioning, suitable for everything from daily training runs to tempo and interval sessions.
Type: Neutral - Daily training, Tempo training
Weight: 252 g (size 42½), 214 g (size 39)
Heel drop: 8 mm
Read .
SUPPORT AND STABILITY
ASICS GEL-KAYANO 33
33 is the stability running shoe above all, and in this version, ASICS has rethought the foundation instead of just making small adjustments. Out goes the old 4D Guidance System, in comes FLUIDSUPPORT: a stability principle that works with the foot rather than against it.
Combined with a new dual-layer midsole of FF BLAST PLUS and FF BLAST MAX, the result is a shoe that feels significantly more agile than its predecessors, without compromising the support and protection the series is built on. Kayano 33 is for those with mild to moderate pronation who want maximum cushioning and support for many miles.
Type: Mild/moderate pronation - Daily training
Weight: 298 g (size 42½), 254 g (size 39)
Heel drop: 8 mm
Read .
ASICS GT-2000 15
15 is the lightest GT-2000 in the series' history and also the most cushioned. ASICS has shaved 18 grams off the weight and added 2 mm more foam underfoot, an unusual combination in a stability shoe.
The midsole is FF BLAST MAX in a softer blend than before, with PureGEL in the heel for landing. Support comes from the 3D GUIDANCE SYSTEM and a wider base on the inside, guiding the foot rather than blocking it. In the forefoot is a trampoline pod for a more pronounced takeoff. The upper is engineered woven without overlays, and the outsole combines AHAR LO and AHARPLUS, so the rubber takes the wear where it occurs. GT-2000 15 is for those with mild to moderate pronation who want support without the shoe feeling stiff. Compared to GEL-Kayano 33, it is lighter, less plush, and cheaper.
Type: Mild/moderate pronation - Daily training
Weight: 252 g (US 9), 221 g (US 7)
Heel drop: 8 mm
COMPETITION AND INTERVALS
ASICS MAGIC SPEED 5
The fifth generation of is not an update but a course change. Where the 4th version grew over 43 mm sole height, the 5th has been cut down to about 38 mm and lost about a fifth of its weight. The result is a shoe that feels close to the ground and responds immediately.
The midsole is built in two layers with a carbon plate in between. On top is FF LEAP, the same A-TPU foam as in Metaspeed Ray, providing energy. Below is FF BLAST PLUS as a firmer chassis, keeping the shoe stable as speed increases. The geometry resembles Metaspeed Edge, and the upper is trimmed to a minimum. Magic Speed 5 is for those who want a race feel in a shoe you can also use for intervals and tempo runs without wearing out a pair of pure carbon shoes. It is less forgiving at a slow pace than its predecessor, so it is best as a supplement to a daily trainer.
Type: Neutral - Tempo training, Competition
Weight: 196 g (unisex, US 9)
Heel drop: 7 mm
GRAVEL AND MIXED TERRAIN
ASICS BLAZEBLAST
is ASICS' first entirely new trail series in years, built for the type of run where the terrain changes along the way. Gravel road, forest path, and a stretch of asphalt home again.
The midsole is FF BLAST MAX, the same foam as in Novablast 6, and in the forefoot is the trampoline pod that gives the series its characteristic takeoff. The outsole is ASICSGRIP with 2.5 mm lugs. It's enough for firm gravel, packed dirt, and forest paths, but not enough for wet mud and technical trails. For that, choose Trabuco instead. Blazeblast is for those who run most of the route on firm ground and don't want to change shoes because the last kilometers go over a gravel road.
Type: Neutral - Gravel, path, and asphalt
Weight: 258 g (US 9), 222 g (US 7)
Heel drop: 8 mm
Read .
TRAIL
ASICS TRABUCO 14
The big news in
is in the midsole. Where the 13th version ran on FF Blast Plus, the 14th has received the more lively FF Blast Max. The shoe returns more energy at takeoff without increasing the sole height, so you maintain a feel for the terrain.
In the forefoot lies a rock plate,which both protects against sharp stones and stiffens the shoe, making the push-off more firm. The ASICSGRIP outsole has a deeper and more aggressive pattern than the Max model and stands firm on wet leaves, frozen ground, and mud. The upper is engineered mesh with a wide forefoot and a lacing system with straps over the instep that locks the midfoot without tightening. Trabuco 14 is for those who mix gravel, narrow paths, and a bit of everything on the same run. If you have a narrow foot or run in very technical terrain, there are more specialized options.
Type: Versatile neutral trail shoe
Weight: 281 g (US 9), 249 g (US 7)
Heel drop: 8 mm
Read .
ASICS TRABUCO MAX 5
is the comfort model of the series and can best be described as a GEL-Nimbus for the forest. The midsole is FF Blast Plus, the same foam as in Nimbus 28, while Trabuco 14 has received the Max foam. It provides a calmer and more structured ride than the lively 14, and stability that lasts after many hundreds of kilometers.
The platform is wide, and with a drop of 5 mm compared to the 14's 8 mm, there is significantly more foam under the forefoot. This is an advantage in terrain where you land and adjust with the forefoot, and the protection is ample without a rock plate. This year's change is in the upper, where the outer layer is now water-repellent. The shoe absorbs less water on wet routes and stays nicer longer. It is not waterproof. Max 5 is for those who run long distances on forest trails, gravel, and lighter trails, and for stability runners or heavier runners who want structure underfoot. On very wet and technical surfaces, Trabuco 14 has better grip.
Type: Maximally cushioned trail shoe
Weight: 302 g (US 9), 264 g (US 7)
Heel drop: 5 mm
Read .
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between GEL-Nimbus and GEL-Cumulus? +
Which ASICS running shoe is best for beginners? +
What is the difference between GEL-Kayano and GT-2000? +
Which ASICS should I choose for trail? +
Novablast 6 or GEL-Nimbus 28? +
Are ASICS small in size? +
Is there a difference between ASICS' women's and men's models? +
Didn't find what you were looking for?
Maybe your next shoe is a model we don't have in this guide. You can see everything from here, or look more broadly at our entire selection of . And if you want to look at other brands, our running experts have gathered and reviewed across brands like Nike, HOKA, Saucony, New Balance, and ASICS.
