8 Best ASICS Marathon Running Shoes of 2026

The ASICS MEGABLAST is a long-distance dominator, engineered for runners who demand relentless energy return and superior breathability over the miles. With its FF TURBO² foam, this shoe delivers ASICS’ most explosive cushioning yet, offering a bouncy, propulsive ride that keeps legs feeling fresher mile after mile. The curved sole design works in harmony with your gait cycle, promoting a smooth roll-through and helping conserve energy—perfect for marathoners chasing personal bests. It’s a breath-first construction thanks to the engineered mesh upper, which minimizes weight while maximizing airflow, a godsend during hot, humid races.

In real-world testing, the MEGABLAST excels on roads and treadmills, where its responsive rebound shines during tempo runs and long endurance efforts. The ASICSGRIP rubber outsole maintains tenacious traction, even on wet pavement, giving confident footing through unpredictable weather. At 9.8 oz (men’s size 9), it’s not the lightest in the category, but the trade-off is durable cushioning longevity that holds up well past 400+ miles. However, the firmness of the FF TURBO² foam may feel too aggressive for recovery runs or casual wear, and it lacks the plushness some runners prefer for daily training.

Positioned above the SUPERBLAST 2 and targeting elite-level performance, the MEGABLAST is ASICS’ answer to high-octane racing flats—without sacrificing protection. It’s a clear step up from the Gel-Nimbus 27 in responsiveness and energy return, though less forgiving for slower, easy-paced runs. Ideal for competitive marathoners and speed-focused endurance athletes, this shoe bridges the gap between race-day weapon and high-mileage trainer. It delivers more propulsion and efficiency than the Gel-Nimbus 27, making it a superior choice for performance-driven long-distance runners.

The ASICS VERSABLAST 4 is a budget-savvy workhorse that punches far above its price point, delivering reliable comfort and everyday versatility without breaking the bank. Built with AMPLIFOAM PLUS cushioning, it offers a soft yet responsive underfoot feel that handles everything from light jogs to gym sessions with ease. The repeat mesh upper keeps things breathable and durable, making it a solid go-to for runners who want one shoe for multiple activities. It solves the common budget-shoe problem of flat, lifeless cushioning by retaining bounce and structure over time.

During daily testing, the VERSABLAST 4 proved its worth as a true multi-sport companion, transitioning smoothly from pavement to treadmill to strength training. At 10.2 oz (men’s size 12), it’s not featherlight, but the weight feels stable and grounded, especially for heel strikers. The midsole maintains its integrity even after 200+ miles, a rarity in this price range. However, the outsole rubber is thinner than premium models, leading to faster wear on rough surfaces, and breathability lags slightly behind more ventilated options like the NOVABLAST 5.

When stacked against the Gel-Excite 11, the VERSABLAST 4 holds its own with similar cushioning tech but a slightly more modern fit and lower profile. It’s not built for race day or high-speed training, but for runners seeking dependable, no-frills performance at an unbeatable value, it’s hard to beat. Compared to the SUPERBLAST 2, it sacrifices advanced foam and energy return—but you get surprisingly capable fundamentals for less than half the cost of ASICS’ flagship models.

The ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 is a performance all-rounder that blends elite-level foam tech with everyday wearability, making it our pick for the best overall running shoe from ASICS this season. At its core is a dual-foam system—FF TURBO PLUS and FF BLAST PLUS—that creates a luxuriously responsive ride with deep compression cushioning and explosive toe-off power. The gusseted tongue wing fit system locks the midfoot in place, eliminating slippage and enhancing stability, especially during lateral movements or uneven terrain. It’s engineered for runners who want race-day pep without sacrificing comfort on longer efforts.

In real-world use, the SUPERBLAST 2 shines across a wide range of paces and distances, from 5K tempo runs to 20-mile long runs. The trampoline-inspired outsole design enhances energy return, giving each stride a lively, spring-loaded feel that stays consistent over time. Weighing in at 9.1 oz (unisex size 8M), it strikes a near-perfect balance between lightweight agility and protective cushioning. While it grips well on roads, the outsole isn’t built for technical trails, and the upper, though breathable, can retain heat on sweltering days.

Compared to the MEGABLAST, the SUPERBLAST 2 trades a bit of raw propulsion for greater versatility and a softer initial step-in feel. It’s more adaptive than the Gel-Nimbus 27, offering better responsiveness and a snappier ride, while still maintaining comfort for daily training. Ideal for intermediate to advanced runners seeking a do-it-all shoe, it delivers broader performance utility than the specialized MEGABLAST and outperforms budget models like the VERSABLAST 4 in both materials and ride quality.

The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 is the plush throne of premium comfort, designed for runners who prioritize cloud-like cushioning and sustainable craftsmanship without compromising performance. Its PureGEL technology delivers a luxuriously soft landing, absorbing impact with surgical precision, especially beneficial for heel strikers logging high weekly mileage. Paired with FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam, which incorporates 24% bio-based content, the midsole offers a responsive-yet-pillowy ride that remains environmentally conscious. The engineered jacquard mesh upper wraps the foot like a glove, blending softness with structure for all-day wearability.

In testing, the Gel-Nimbus 27 proved exceptional for long, slow runs and recovery days, where its generous cushioning truly comes into play. At 10.4 oz (men’s size 12), it’s on the heavier side, but the weight feels justified by the protective ride and durability. The solution-dyed sockliner reduces water and carbon footprint, aligning with eco-aware runners—a feature also seen in the women’s Gel-Nimbus 27. However, the shoe lacks the snappy rebound needed for speedwork, and the outsole rubber wears faster on abrasive surfaces compared to more robust models like the MEGABLAST.

Stacked against the SUPERBLAST 2, the Gel-Nimbus 27 trades energy return for superior shock absorption, making it better suited for injury-prone runners or those needing joint protection. It’s not as agile as the NOVABLAST 5, but it offers a smoother, more indulgent ride than most in its class. Ideal for long-distance runners who value comfort, sustainability, and durability, it delivers greater eco-credentials and plushness than the VERSABLAST 4, though with less pep.

The ASICS Gel-Venture 10 is a trail-ready tank built for runners who venture off-road but don’t want to sacrifice road-shoe comfort. Its trail-specific outsole pattern bites into loose dirt, gravel, and wet rocks with impressive confidence, making it a reliable companion for light to moderate trail runs. The rearfoot GEL unit softens landings on uneven terrain, reducing fatigue during descents, while AMPLIFOAM cushioning provides a stable, durable platform underfoot. It’s the go-to ASICS model for mixed-surface adventurers who need one shoe to handle park paths, forest trails, and urban sidewalks.

On technical trails, the Gel-Venture 10 holds its own, though it’s not as aggressive as dedicated trail racers. The mesh upper allows airflow but absorbs moisture in heavy rain, taking longer to dry than more advanced textiles. At 10.6 oz (men’s size 10), it’s on the heavier side for trail use, and the cushioning, while protective, lacks the bounce of FF BLAST or TURBO foams found in pricier models. It performs best on packed dirt and gravel, but struggles on steep, muddy inclines where deeper lugs would be beneficial.

Next to the Gel-Nimbus 27, the Gel-Venture 10 trades road-smooth refinement for off-road grip and durability, making it a smarter choice for trail hybrids. Compared to the VERSABLAST 4, it offers better traction and protection but less responsiveness on pavement. Ideal for recreational trail runners and hikers seeking a do-it-all shoe, it delivers better terrain adaptability than road-only models, though with a bulkier, less dynamic ride.

The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 is a lightning rod of energy, engineered for runners who crave a featherlight, bouncy ride without sacrificing comfort. At its heart is FF BLAST MAX foam, ASICS’ most explosive and lightweight cushioning, delivering a springy, trampoline-like response that propels you forward with every stride. The tongue wing construction keeps the fit secure and adaptive, minimizing slippage while adding stretch across the instep—perfect for foot swelling during long runs. It’s a cushion-forward yet agile shoe that excels in tempo runs and race-day efforts, especially for midfoot strikers.

In real-world use, the NOVABLAST 5 feels nimble and dynamic, weighing just 8.1 oz (women’s size 9.5) while maintaining impressive durability for its class. The trampoline-inspired outsole enhances ground feedback, creating a lively, connected feel that’s rare in highly cushioned shoes. It performs exceptionally on roads and tracks, but the outsole lacks the grip for wet or uneven terrain. The engineered mesh upper breathes well, though it offers less structure than the SUPERBLAST 2, which may leave wide-footed runners wanting more containment.

Compared to the SUPERBLAST 2, the NOVABLAST 5 prioritizes lightweight responsiveness over multi-terrain versatility, making it a better pick for speed sessions. It’s more energetic than the Gel-Nimbus 27 and significantly lighter, though less protective for high-mileage training. Ideal for racing and fast training, it delivers superior bounce and agility than the VERSABLAST 4, making it a top choice for runners chasing pace.

The ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 27 is a sustainability-powered comfort machine, redefining what it means to be eco-conscious without compromising plush performance. With 75% recycled content in the upper and a solution-dyed sockliner that slashes water and carbon emissions, this shoe is built for runners who care about their footprint as much as their pace. The PureGEL technology delivers a silky-smooth impact absorption, making every heel strike feel like landing on foam, while FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam adds a responsive toe-off with renewable bio-based materials.

In long-run testing, the Gel-Nimbus 27 proved its mettle as a high-mileage guardian, protecting joints over repetitive pavement pounding. At 8.6 oz (women’s size 9.5), it’s slightly lighter than its male counterpart, yet retains the same cloud-like cushioning and durable build. The engineered jacquard mesh hugs the foot with a soft, sock-like fit, though it can feel a bit warm in high humidity. It’s not built for speed, and the outsole shows wear faster than more abrasion-resistant rubbers.

When compared to the NOVABLAST 5, the Gel-Nimbus 27 trades energy return for superior shock absorption and eco-credentials, making it ideal for recovery runs and injury prevention. It’s more sustainable than the VERSABLAST 4 and more protective than the Gel-Venture 10 on roads. Perfect for eco-minded runners seeking daily comfort, it delivers greater environmental responsibility and cushioning depth than budget models, though with less pep.

The ASICS Gel-Excite 11 is a quiet overachiever, offering premium features at a mid-tier price, making it our pick for best value for quality. It packs FF BLAST PLUS cushioning—a foam usually reserved for higher-end models—delivering a cloud-like, responsive ride that feels far more luxurious than its price suggests. The PureGEL technology, updated to be 65% softer than traditional GEL, cushions landings with precision, especially beneficial for heel strikers. Combined with the FLUIDRIDE outsole, strides feel smooth and efficient, reducing fatigue over long distances.

In daily use, the Gel-Excite 11 shines as a reliable daily trainer, handling everything from easy runs to light intervals with surprising composure. At 9.9 oz (men’s size 12), it balances weight and protection well, and the engineered mesh upper offers breathability without sacrificing structure. However, the outsole rubber is thinner than in the Gel-Nimbus 27, leading to earlier wear, and the fit runs slightly narrow, which may not suit wider feet.

Compared to the VERSABLAST 4, the Gel-Excite 11 offers superior cushioning tech and ride refinement, despite a modest price bump. It doesn’t match the energy of the MEGABLAST, but it delivers more plushness and durability than most in its class. Ideal for runners who want premium materials without premium pricing, it outperforms budget models with higher-end foam and impact protection.