Whether your weather is finally in a place where you are not drenched in sweat just from stepping foot outside, or just ready to get back into running, it's the perfect time to invest in a new pair of shoes.
That's where this guide comes in handy.
We gathered testers from all over the country, including veteran runners at ACTIVE, to extensively test the shoes in this guide. All of our testers put their shoes through a minimum of 20 running miles while paying attention to comfort, fit, weight, breathability, flexibility and ride.
From updates of old favorites that had our feet singing to new releases that will ensure you'll find something to motivate your miles well into summer, you're guaranteed to find a shoe you'll love. We know money might be tight, but if you can, treat yourself! You deserve it.
Fall Shoe Guides
Asics | Brooks | HOKA | New Balance | Reebok | Skechers | Under Armour | Vimazi
Asics GEL-Kayano 30
About:
The Asics Gel-Kayano 30 is the ultimate choice for runners seeking the perfect blend of stability and style! Designed with precision to cater to the needs of runners requiring corrective support without compromising comfort, the she does not look or feel “boxy.” While its 11 color choices are pretty irresistible, Asics is a leader in stability with its innovative 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM. Designed to keep attention to over- pronation and landing, the technology adapts seamlessly to changes in running form, continuously correcting throughout long distances. This shoe is like your best coach: doesn’t overcorrect feeling forced and uncomfortable but provides the right amount of guidance exactly when you need it.
Beneath the soft upper exterior lies a wide-cushioned under base, producing a sturdy platform for on-demand stability. Thanks to the revolutionary PureGel technology, shock absorption is taken to new heights, making every landing feel soft with no jarring. The internal gel insert sits directly underneath the heel providing even more softness. On the exterior the increased heel bevel skillfully controls impact, resulting in smoother transitions between strides. Contributing to the design is the energetic medial foam, FF BLAST + ECO, a lightweight cushion felt from toe to heel.
For those seeking to walk or run the distance, the Asics Gel-Kayano 30 expertly guides your foot into the optimal position after landing, offering unparalleled support and performance without minimizing comfort.
Things We Liked:
“It is fabulous to have a shoe that can do it all.”
“They offer a refreshing amount of both cushion and support without that stiff and harsh feeling of traditional stability shoes.”
Areas for Improvement:
“The shoe could be improved with a little less material on the sides of the upper material to allow for more breathability and space for a hot foot to expand.”
“It might be due to the thicker heel collar, but it felt like my foot was being pushed towards the toe and I found myself wanting more room. The upper towards the midfoot also felt a bit tight and constricting and required some mid-run adjustments with the laces.”
Final Thoughts from our Testers:
The Aasics Gel Kayano 30 is a perfect shoe for those looking for a comfortable, stable shoe straight out of the box. Ideal for those long runs, easy recovery runs, and workouts alike, the new 4D guidance system really nails the stability in the shoe while the FF blast plus eco cushioning provides comfort throughout the miles.
The new version of the shoe provides a little more stack height, but the guidance system really does a good job of making sure the shoe stays controlled underfoot. The Kayano 30 runs true to size, has a large variety of colorways to match any outfit, all while maintaining comfort and durability.
Specs
Type: Road - Stability
Support: Neutral
Cushion: Extra
Fit: True to Fit
Weight: 9.2 oz
Drop: 10mm
Price: $160.00
Buy:
Asics:Womens | Mens
Amazon:Womens | Mens
Asics GT-2000 12
About:
The Asics GT 2000 v12 is a great choice for runners who need stability, particularly in the midfoot. The shoe's decent stack height and generous cushioning make it a comfortable daily trainer that works well for most runs. The shoe is lighter than some of its peers, so it would even work well for faster efforts and longer races (e.g. marathon).The GT 2000 is a solid stability trainer and it offers support without bulk. This shoe might even appeal to neutral runners who want to try out a more stable shoe. It seems to run a tad big, so you might want to consider sizing down a half size.
Things We Liked:
“This shoe did a good job balancing support with cushioning, while still being relatively lightweight”
“This shoe provided the right balance between weight and support and kept me comfortable over the long miles.”
Areas for Improvement:
“I found that the shoe ran a smidge big, so I'd love to see a more locked in fit in the upper”
“The outsole is good for ideal conditions, but could get a little slick if running on wet roads. Asics could have added a little more texture to the sole of the shoe.”
Final Thoughts from our Testers:
The Asics GT-2000 12 provides stability and can be used as a daily training shoe. The mesh upper and cushioned midsole provides a light weight option for long mile days. The PureGEL heel adds to the smoothest transition from heel to toe. The 3D Guidance System provides moderate stability along the length of the shoe.
The shoe is durable, showing minimal wear after 50 miles of testing. It is a great option for new and experienced distance runners looking for a versatile option for moderate tempo work. Overall, Asics seems to have produced a smart effective shoe. Exactly what is expected from an experienced running brand.
Specs
Type: Road - Stability
Support: Neutral
Cushion: Cusion
Fit: True to Fit to 1/2 Size Big
Weight: 9.3 oz
Drop: 8mm
Price: $140.00
Buy:
Asics:Womens | Mens
Amazon:Womens | Mens
Fall Shoe Guides
Asics | Brooks | HOKA | New Balance | Reebok | Skechers | Under Armour | Vimazi
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Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.