ASICS GT Xuberance 2 Mens Running Shoes

Product Information

Through lab tests and actual runs, we discovered the best Asics triathlon running shoes — the Noosa Tri 15. Honoring its name, its light and flexible nature, breezy upper, and comfortable cushion make it perfect for Tri athlons. Amazingly, it offers all these features without sacrificing speed and stability. MC: Historically, Asics shoes have been known for using multiple layers of cushioning to create a stable, well-cushioned (and somewhat stiff) ride. Core models like the Gel-Cumulus still exhibit this construction, with a moderate drop and layers of Gel and foam in the midsole for a plush feel that’s great for long runs and training miles. The comfort level on the Gel Nimbus 25 is off the charts! Based on our measurements, the shoe’s midsole foam is 25% softer than the average road running shoe and softer than 80% of road running shoes we’ve ever tested in our lab. This top-tier softness—combined with a cushioned heel collar and padding around the ankle—kept our feet comfortable all throughout easy runs and even long runs. Depending on your goals, here are the things you need to consider when buying a pair of ASICS running shoes:

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. Second, a layer of firmer cushioning (called LiteTruss) is placed in the medial side of midsole; it counteracts overpronation and keeps your foot aligned as you run. Overpronators and anyone who likes a more supportive shoe should seek out Asics models that have this tech, like the Gel-Kayano and the GT-1000. How We Evaluated the Best Asics Running Shoes Premium shoes like ASICS Kayano use a combination of Gel and other technologies for maximized cushioning and support.The eyelets are arranged separately to efficiently transmits lacing tension evenly across the foot and deliver a more comfortable, natural fit. 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.

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. Made from organic super fibers, this cushioning technology delivers responsiveness and bounce without adding too much weight. 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. ASICS Cumulus (daily trainer), ASICS Magic Speed (5K/10K race flat), ASICS MetaSpeed Sky (marathon race shoe) Cushioning level in ASICS running shoes 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.

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. Finally, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ was exceptionally responsive during our marathon training. While the carbon plate definitely helped, our lab test results also gave the shoe a score of 5/5 for stiffness. This was extremely helpful, especially on the last two miles of a long run. We felt like it helped us move forward, crushing those double-digit miles along the way. 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. 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 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.

It is placed in the midsole to prevent the shoe from twisting, delivering a more stable and comfortable foot movement.

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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

This trainer offers a good amount of stability in our toe-offs and landings. We feel the midsole gives plenty of room for steady runs. Our caliper confirms a wide 120.5/91.1 mm forefoot and heel. 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 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 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. After a series of interval sessions and uptempo runs, the ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ gets the medal for the best 5k/10k racing shoe in the ASICS range. Extremely light, exceptionally lively, and insanely breathable. After running in these shoes and testing them in the lab, no other ASICS shoe comes close.Asics has cooked up quite a few proprietary features, and you’ll see many different terms when browsing the company’s running shoe lineup. To help you get more insight into these features, compare models, and find the right shoe, here’s a deeper dive on the main Asics running shoe tech to know. Gel Cushioning The Kayano, Cumulus, and Nimbus are the three flagship running shoes from ASICS. The ASICS Kayano is the brand's all-time favorite stability shoes while the other two models are considered the best for the neutral shoe category. The ASICS Nimbus is the premium counterpart of the Cumulus series. That said, the brand has also expanded into lightweight, responsive racing shoes and even trail shoes, too. 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. 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.