New Balance Vs ASICS | Finding the Right Running Shoe

50 (Fitness Running):

For training on roads or for indoor workouts, the 50 series offers the combination of visual attitude and innovation with the responsiveness and power athletes need.

60 (Stability):

Designs that offer industry-leading stability to reduce pronation while also providing unparalleled cushioning and comfort (e.g., 860).

70 (Light Stability):

The perfect combination of stability and speed, all in a lighter, sleek profile designed for runners who train at a faster pace (e.g., 770).

80 (Neutral):

For high-mileage runners who require light shoes and the protection of superior cushioning (e.g., 1080).

90 (Speed):

For faster runners who want every advantage, including a superior ride and fit. The choice styles for professional and nonprofessional speed and distance runners (e.g., 890).

ASICS shoes have a more snug fit, particularly in the heel and midfoot. An external heel clutch delivers targeted fit and support, while the Gel technology allows for foot movement in various directions as the foot transitions, reducing heel strike.

While ASICS also features a shoe fit guide, it takes a little sleuthing to find (you’re welcome).

This is an older, yet still very USEFUL graphic from the Huffington Post.

I forget we may not all know the lingo when talking about different components of the shoe and why they matter.

Cushioning

New Balance utilizes Fresh Foam and FuelCell foam depending upon the shoe. Both are designed to provide a lot of cushion without the weight. FuelCell is a nitrogen infused foam which provides additional softness and responsiveness.

ASICS uses Flytefoam technology that provides bounceback and responsiveness with each step. It gives a bit less energy return than Brooks shoes, but the two technologies are fairly similar.

The company has been using their famous Gel technology for more than 30 years. It works well to absorb the shock with each step.

Stability

New Balance utilizes a couple of tools to provide stability. The first is that similar to HOKA all of their shoes have a bigger platform, which naturally means more stability.

Then they have an S Curve to help with that side to side stability and a Ultra Heel that flares away from the ankle for comfort, while keeping your heel firmly in the shoe.

ASICS shoes provide stability through a dual density midsole system called Duomax, which enhances support and stability. That, along with the external heel clutch allow the foot to continue its natural movement while running.

Affordability

The prices between the two brands are fairly comparable. New Balance prices range between $80 to $130, while ASICS start at a slightly higher price at $110 to $160.

The most popular models for both brands are priced toward the higher range. Carbon fiber shoes and often trail shoes will go beyond those rates.

You’ll notice that every brand offers a range and this is indeed due to a difference in technology and where they sell the shoe. They know that the big box store can sell the shoe with less in it, while the local running store needs to be best for dedicated runners.

ASICS Vs New Balance Running Shoe Models

Now that you know more about each brand, let’s look at their top models in each of the main categories. There’s no winner declared here because all are great shoes, it’s just about which one is best for your foot.

Did you notice I even said the brands in reverse order this time…seriously no favorites, I have run in both brands many different times over the years.

Stability Running Shoe

👉ASICS GEL Kayano 31

The GEL Kayano is now in its 31st iteration and known as one of the best stability shoes on the market. Great for overpronators seeking stability, the GEL Kayano is an ideal shoe for marathons.

The heel and footbed are designed to provide maximum comfort and stability, which is great for longer distances. The uppers are lightweight, breathable, and durable, making them a great choice for running in any weather. The outsole provides good grip and traction on a variety of surfaces.

Overall, these are a great running shoe and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a comfortable and supportive running shoe. There’s a reason this shoe is one of their top sellers.

• Heel Drop: 10 mm
• Weight: 9.5 oz women’s, 10.5 oz men’s
• Available Asics, Amazon, Zappos, nearly every running store for $165

Read my in- depth review of the Kayano!

👉Fresh Foam 860 V 14

With their newest Fresh Foam X it makes for a lighter stability shoe, while still offering the motion control and responsiveness you need. When a shoe is too plush, it’s hard to provide the stability in the arch that prevents your foot from falling inward.

The New Balance 860 is a stability shoe designed for runners with overpronation issues. The shoe comes with a medial post on the inside of the shoe, which helps to prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot, and provides added support to the arch. It also has a dual-density midsole that offers excellent cushioning and support to the feet, making it perfect for long-distance running.

It also uses their Ultra Heel for additional locked and loaded feeling in the shoe.

Neutral Running Shoe

👉ASICS GEL Nimbus

This shoe will appeal to most runners looking for a neutral fit. The inclusion of ASICS technologies like the Flytefoam and the GEL offers cushioned support with a responsive fit. Whether you’re a casual runner or a hard core marathoner, this shoe is a great choice.

Finally with the 24 they made some additional changes to be more gender specific because yes we do have differences in our feet. And by the 26 you’re getting their ever improve foam for great cushion.

If you’re looking for similar performance with a lighter environmental footprint, take a look at the GEL Nimbus Lite.

👉Fresh Foam 880 v 14

While some runners are flocking to carbon plated shoes, we simply don’t want those as our every day trainers. We want something that is solid and dependable like this neutral shoe that also has a great wide toebox, allowing you to get full power out of those feet.

It’s going to have enough cushion for long runs without being overly plush and still providing just a hint of stability with the bigger platform. I can concur from my running in fresh foam that you absolutely notice the cushion, but it’s still a solid shoe. You’ll see my absolute favorite NB shoe up next.

The upper part of the shoe is made of engineered mesh that ensures proper breathability and comfort. This shoe is suitable for runners who require moderate support and cushioning for their runs.

File this under your great every day trainer.

Cushioned Running Shoe

👉 ASICS GEL Cumulus 24

The Asics GEL Cumulus is an excellent choice for runners who are looking for a comfortable, lightweight running shoe. The cushioning in the heel and forefoot provides a great deal of support and shock absorption, making it great for long runs and trail running.

Surprisingly lightweight for the volume of cushion. We’d probably lean towards the Nimbus with our recommendations, but some folks have loved this shoe for years.

They don’t consider this their most cushioned shoe, that distinction now goes to the new Superblast. I’ve only stuck with the Cumulus here because it’s still such an incredibly popular shoe and the Superblast and far pricier.

👉Fresh Foam 1080 V14

Listen, I like a good cushioned shoe and this one fits the bill. It’s become one of my go to long run shoes.

I’ve actually gone through 5 pairs of this shoe in the last few years in various models. The rave reviews make complete sense to me as someone who likes a good max cushioned shoe on long run days. The 14 definitely feels a little softer than some previous models, so you aren’t getting that energy return, but lots of cushion.

The base of the shoe is just slightly more flared or wider now, which also adds some stability. That’s a key feature that was lacking when many started shoving more foam into the midsole.

One notable change from last year, the shoe gained up 1 oz of weight. Which seems a little odd when the stack height remained the same, but seems to be related to adding some additional grip along the outsole which does make the shoe better in wet conditions.

• Weight: 10.5oz Men’s, 8.3 oz Women’s
• Heel Drop: 6mm
• Available on NewBalance.com for $165

Trail Running Shoes

While neither brand might be your go to for big ultra adventures or rugged terrain, they both offer some good options. These two are going to be great for those on less technical trails.

👉Asics Gel-Venture

The ASICS Gel-Venture is a dependable and affordable trail running shoe known for its durability and comfort. It features ASICS’ Gel cushioning in the rearfoot, providing excellent shock absorption for a comfortable run on rugged terrain. The outsole is designed with a multidirectional lug pattern and durable AHAR rubber, offering reliable traction and long-lasting performance.

The shoe’s synthetic upper is both durable and breathable, protecting your feet from the elements and trail debris. Its removable insole allows for customization with orthotics, and it comes in wide width options for a better fit. The Gel-Venture is versatile, suitable for both beginners and experienced trail runners, and is available in men’s and women’s versions with various style choices.

• Heel Drop: 10 mm
• Weight: 8.8 oz women’s, 10.9 oz men’s

👉New Balance Fresh Foam Hiero

This shoe has gotten a lot of love over the years from runners. I think that’s because it could fall in to the road to trail category. You’re getting all that fresh foam and feeling that you love of a road shoe, but with some extra on the outsole!

These have what they called micro traction lugs. They’re going to work on most trails and give you even a good winter option, but probably not for the more rugged terrain or slippy trails where we want some big lugs.

• Weight: 11.2 oz men’s, 8.9 oz women’s
• Heel drop: 6 mm
• Available on Saucony.com for $150

Carbon Fiber Plate Shoes

Are they cool new technology, yes. Do they last as long as your other shoes, nope.

So if you want to test these out use them for speed work and then race day!

👉New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite v4

The SuperComp Elite is New Balance’s high-performance carbon-plated racing shoe, designed for long-distance runners seeking a combination of speed, responsiveness, and cushioning.

The shoe boasts an eye-catching color scheme and distinctive geometric design, as well as easy rocker shape. And the midsole is THICK, made of peba foam (more on that in a bit), layered around a thin carbon fiber plate.

Our gear tester, Jeff, took these for a spin in the NYC marathon and said they’ll be a great option for the 4 hour marathoner!

👉ASICS Metaspeed Sky

ASICS is trying to catch up in this area and released a few shoes all at once which many folks can’t quit tell apart.  The Edge is going to be the shoe with less cushion, less weight and better for those racing sub 3, etc.

This is a maximum cushioned carbon fiber plate for the marathon runner in you. It’s going to give you both that feeling of comfort over the miles along with the pop that’s often lost in a highly cushioned shoe.

• Unisex in the SKY+
• 5 mm heel drop
• 5.8 oz women’s SKY, 7.2 oz SKY+
• $250

Watch my detailed video on how Carbon Fiber Shoes work.

More About New Balance

New Balance actually started in 1906 as an arch support company! But their focus on feet is one of the reasons they do offer more sizes and widths than most other brands.

And that’s exactly what the Boston based company focused on until 1960. Athletes had begun using the arch supports and they decided it was time to venture in to sneakers.

The Trackster was the first shoe with a rippled outsole that provide additional traction. It caught on as a track and cross country shoe regionally.

But in 1976 the company released it’s first shoe with the well known N logo on the side and it was a success. They stuck to their goal of providing shoes for a variety of feet and took advantage of the 80’s running boom.

More About ASICS 

Founded in 1949, by Kihachiro Onitsuka in Japan, ASICS is an acronym for the Latin expression “Anima Sana in Corpore Sano” (“healthy mind in a healthy body”).

The company released a basketball shoe in 1950, followed by running shoes in 1953. Among those running shoe products included the Onitsuka Tiger, still a popular shoe today, though mainly used as a casual shoe as opposed to a marathon shoe.

Today, Asics designs a wide variety of shoes including: running, tennis, volleyball, wrestling, and golf.

Fun fact: Nike was founded to sell the Onitsuka Tiger shoes in the US. After visiting Japan in 1963, Phil Knight was impressed by the high quality and reasonable prices and asked the company to represent the brand in the US. Anyone else read his book and find all of this fascinating?!

How to Choose ASICS or New Balance?

ASICS and New Balance are two extremely well known running shoe brands, but more important than brand is the fit of the shoe.

Your gait and feet will change over time and you may need to change shoes.

This is also why I recommend rotating through several pairs of shoes at once.

And remember, just because these are two of the most well known brands on the market, there are still plenty of other shoe brands to select from if neither New Balance nor ASICS has the right shoe for you.

Keep in mind that shoe design can change, even with the same model, so always assess how the shoe fits every time you replace a pair.

For more help selecting the right shoe for you, don’t worry, I’ve got you:

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