The Best Road Running Shoes of 2021

While 2020 has witnessed the launch of many high-caliber carbon plate shoes, the Asics Dynablast makes a more discreet entrance with a configuration that is both modern and traditional.

Modern because it boasts the sleek and stylish design of the latest Asics models and the new FlyteFoam Blast foam that equips the Novablast. And traditional because at the core, it's a classic trainer shoe. The stack height is average with 28 mm under the heel and a drop of 12 mm. As we will see, the ride is also "standard."

Indeed, according to the testers, the cushioning offers just the right amount of softness for easy daily runs. However, they were not too impressed with the ability of the shoe to handle quick paces because of its lack of responsiveness. Therefore, while the ride does provide a slight bounce, it's not impressive by any stretch. It's reasonable to assume that this is deliberate of Asics: the sole has a traditional design without rocking. In other words, there's nothing to help smoothen the ride; you have to do all the work, which is not bad for runners who like no-frills shoes with a simple ride. What's more, the shoe has the advantage of being lightweight despite its broad and chunky platform that offers good stability. It's unique enough to be noted!

Then, the dense and thick mesh ensures an effective lockdown. The upper is roomy but not very stretchy. Beware, though: some runners have found the shoe to be a bit large, especially in the toe box area. Some go as far as recommending to size down, which is a bit confusing. Also, the thickness of the mesh can be a problem in summer when it's hot.

In summary, the Asics Dynablast is a good lightweight trainer with comfortable cushioning that gives a classic ride. However, its durability makes it a great pick for daily runs despite some fit issues and an average bounce.

The Asics Gel Cumulus 23 is a traditional running shoe for everyday training. With this new model, the Japanese brand succeeds in making significant changes while preserving the shoe's DNA.

The sole still has a moderate stack height with 23 mm under the heel (22 mm for women) and a heel-to-toe drop of 10 mm (compared to 9 mm previously). The testers noted that cushioning continues to provide ideal shock absorption with the FlyteFoam and GEL unit. This new Cumulus introduces the 3D Space Construction gender-specific design (inherited from the Lite line) to give a smoother ride that's also softer on the women version. The result is convincing, according to the testers. Overall, the Cumulus offers a nice ride, not really springy, but not dull either. The midsole density is moderate, so it's a good option for runners who like cushioning that's not too firm or too soft (or for beginners who aren't yet sure what their preference is).

The upper is simple and effective with a relatively thick engineered mesh that gives a precise and comfortable foot lockdown. Finally, as on most Asics models, the outsole features a lot of rubber for good durability.

To summarize, the Asics Gel Nimbus 23 should continue to delight the collection's fans. It's a good option for daily training at slow to moderate paces. Its weight is the main disadvantage with 10.2 oz/289 g (M), which limits its responsiveness and potential for speed.

Luxury by Asics: comfortable but expensive shoes! The Asics Gel Kinsei 6 is a road running shoe that is known for its high cushioning with its Gel midsole units. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the sole is relatively thin with 21 mm under the heel. On the whole, they are very comfortable and are well suited for all types of training. The Kinsei is particularly adapted to long distances thanks to its durability and the effective foot support it provides. Asics' reputation for quality is well established and the Kinsei 6 Gel is, unsurprisingly, very durable. One may only regret the rather high price and the extraordinary weight in comparison to the thinness of the sole (almost 350 grams for the men's version). In short, the main advantage of Kinsei 6 Gel is its comfort, which has seduced many runners over the years. It's up to you to see whether this justifies the somewhat exorbitant price of this luxury model from Asics.

While the Nimbus dominates the top of the Japanese brand's range (in popularity), the Gel Pulse reigns unchallenged on the more affordable models. At $100 (base price, quickly reduced during sales periods), it represents a value for money that's hard to beat.

Its main asset is the ultra-resistant AHAR rubber outsole that easily lasts several hundred miles. The Gel Pulse is therefore ideal for daily runs and especially long ones. The grip is also excellent, including on wet pavement, as noted by several testers.

Cushioning is more basic with AmpliFoam, Asics' mid-range foam (sorry, no Flytefoam here), and a Gel pad under the heel. The result, while not stunning, is more than decent for a comfortable ride. On the other hand, the shoe is stable, which will reassure runners (overpronators or not) who prefer a well-structured platform. However, this version 12 follows the new direction taken by the P11 with a thicker sole (31-mm stack height under the heel) at the expense of weight: 11 oz/312 g for men and 9 oz/255 g for women, which is rather heavy.

The fit of the shoe is the main negative point: several runners found the Gel Pulse 12 too narrow. The previous model suffered from the same problem, which obviously has not been corrected.

In summary, the Asics Gel Pulse 12 brings few modifications compared to the 11th model, which marked a major overhaul of the series. The result is a reliable and affordable shoe—a good choice for daily workouts.

The Asics Gel Nimbus 23 represents the old guard of the Japanese brand. As such, it offers a classic but very reliable configuration. Does it make sense to go on with the Nimbus, or is it time to ditch it for sleeker models?

First of all, Asics has made few changes to its bestseller. The Nimbus 23 retains the very successful upper from the 22 version with a few improvements, such as a thicker, more comfortable tongue to lock-in the foot. The lockdown is comfortable and can be forgotten, which in the end is the most important thing. The toe box has a moderate size and should fit most runners.

Cushioning provides an unvarnished but very satisfying ride for daily training and long distances. The combination of foam and Gel pads gives good shock dispersion. The underfoot feel is relatively soft with a touch of firmness. An interesting point unanimously noted by the testers is the platform's flexibility, especially thanks to the deep flex grooves. The shoe offers a slight rebound but nothing spectacular. Finally, let's note that although the Nimbus is a neutral running shoe, it slightly stabilizes the foot's movement, which can reassure runners who like to have some structure in their shoes.

The outsole is based on previous models' winning formula (also present on many of the brand's models): AHAR+ under the heel and AHAR under the forefoot. This carbon rubber is undoubtedly one of the elements that contribute to the shoe's high weight (309 g/10.9 oz), but it has the advantage of making the shoe very durable for long workouts.

In summary, the Asics Gel Nimbus 23 remains true to itself with a traditional, tried-and-tested configuration. It's an interesting choice to have in rotation with other lighter and snappier models. However, all truth be told, if you've never worn a Nimbus in your life, there's little reason to start.

In the age of "super shoes" with carbon plate at over $200, it's good to see a simple, effective and affordable model like the Asics Gel Contend 7.

At less than $70, the Contend is an entry-level shoe that leverages the Japanese brand's know-how with a more basic configuration. Thus, the sole combines rubber for sturdiness and grip and AmpliFoam for comfortable cushioning. The heel even features a GEL unit for softer foot landings. According to testers, the comfort is there and doesn't pale in comparison to more expensive models.

Of course, not everything is perfect at this price: the rubber is basic, and a bit noisy, the upper can cause rubbing, and the cushioning is a bit stiff. Nevertheless, overall, the value for money is good. The best thing is to see the Contend as a complementary shoe to alternate with your regular shoes and get your feet used to a different configuration.

All in all, the Asics Gel Contend 7 is a good running shoe with unbeatable value for money that's worth considering for your daily runs.