The Best Asics Will Renew Your Love for Sneakers

• Padded collar
• Crazy soft cushion

• Too much cushion for some

Just look at that sole. It's thick but lightweight, cushioned to high heaven. These super plush sneakers are designed specifically to make running smoother and your footfalls softer. These are a great running shoe option, particularly for recovery runs or for anyone who's just trying to go for a casual jog.

They are designed with neutral support, so they are a better for a normal or slightly high arch. Flat feeters are going to need more help.

• A good option for a less-high cushion
• A lightweight 9.3oz

• Not a ton of underfoot grip

The Cumulus has a little less of a plush cushion and more of a supportive one. They still feel super comfortable, but the lower stack height gives you a more stable feeling—better for faster work than some of the intensely cushioned ones. They're lightweight and have great interior cushioning to put some bounce in your step.

• Tongue wing helps prevent top-of-foot blisters
• 9oz

• Not a ton of grip

These just look fast. Like the kind of shoes they'd ban you from wearing in a sports movie because they give you too much power. This shoe is designed specifically for speed and agility, and is designed with runner-friendly tech to conserve energy during a sprint. They are also super light, both in weight (at nine ounces) and materials (with a breathable mesh upper).

• Less than $100
• Grippy trail outsole

• A bit cheaper feeling than other Asics

Asics Gel-Venture is designed to be lower to the ground and grippy as hell. It's a trail shoe, and it's meant to keep you feeling upright and grounded. We like the lower cushion for feeling closer to the ground as well as the airy mesh upper for letting sweaty feet breath. They are an excellent price point, but they do feel a bit cheaper than other Asics styles.

• Extremely comfortable
• Soft upper

• Knit fabric absorbs more sweat than we'd like

The Gel-Kayano is the holy grail of running shoes as far as I am concerned. They are lightweight and have a ton of cushion, but not so much that you feel unstable. They are easy to slip on and off, with that knit heel collar and pull tab. I travel in them, walk in them, you name it. They do, however, get a little gross after long runs or bad weather. If you have a washing machine to clean them in, take advantage.

• Roll-forward design
• Grippy outsole

• High cushion can feel unstable on trail

We understand that some people are going to think the high stack on this sneaker is absolutely insane, and they'd be right about that. But that's why we like them. For the right environment (and right foot), that high stack height but shorter heel drop is great at absorbing tough terrain. For long, flatter hikes, they are elite.

• Designed for everyday
• Still comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time

• Not as much support

Asics makes a ton of lifestyle sneakers, and you can't go wrong with any of them. But we're partial to the Gel-NYC, which has a techy mesh, leather, and suede upper that looks cool and trendy. Lightweight, trendy and excellent for an everyday shoe with a bit more support.

• Very good for everyday wear
• A great low-top option

• Not a ton of support

And for nearly no support at all, the Skyhand OG. This is not a knock to the Skyhand. It's just designed to be the streetwear icon that it is, and definitely not designed to be athletic. If you're looking for a new low-top sneaker, these will not steer you wrong.

Upper Materials

More running-specific Asics have stretchy, mesh uppers that are breathable and won't bother your feet if they get swollen on longer runs. But some people like a more secure feel that some thicker fabrics offer.

Midsole Support

The right kind of cushion is entirely preference based, but we like having options. If you're running a lot, a speed shoe and a recovery shoe (one with a little less cushion and one with a little more) are a smart way to be gentle on your body.

Heel Drop

In addition to how much cushion there is, keep an eye out for the difference in cushion from the back of the heel to the toe. Same goes for midsole support—the right one depends on your foot.