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Evaluating Brooks vs ASICS actually comes right down to proprietary applied sciences, match, and really feel. They’re simply among the many most recognizable manufacturers and for good motive: each make distinctive trainers for numerous working kinds and physique varieties.


Each manufacturers are identified for his or her high quality and supply quite a lot of fashions to swimsuit completely different wants like overpronation, cushioning, and numerous kinds of working.
And don’t fear, simply because I share a final title with one model doesn’t imply my opinion is biased. 😉
Brooks’ prime fashions are the Ghost and Glycerin, which are designed for impartial runners. Asics prime fashions are the Gel–Kayano and the Nimbus, which are designed for impartial to delicate overpronators. So what does all of that imply?
Let’s have a look at some key variations between the shoe manufacturers, then we’ll examine options and go face to face with particular person sneakers that can assist you discover the most effective match.
The Principal Variations Brooks vs ASICS
Brooks and ASICS supply comparable options and fashions for all types of runners, from the informal runner to excessive marathoner to the flat-footed or high-arched. I break down the variations in additional element under, however right here’s a fast overview:
Brooks Operating Footwear
- Wider Toe Field
- Solely designs trainers
- Science-driven to accommodate slightly than right gait
ASICS Operating Footwear
- Extra slender match, particularly within the heel and midsole
- Well-known for its GEL expertise, which offers shock absorption
- Designs quite a lot of sneakers for a lot of completely different sports activities
I’ve worn each manufacturers and can add some private ideas, together with hyperlinks to detailed opinions.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for different comparisons, checkout ASICS vs Mizuno or Brooks Vs New Steadiness.
Brooks vs ASICS Function Comparability
Each manufacturers have been round for a really very long time and are leaders in working shoe design. They each supply numerous applied sciences to help with consolation, help, stability, and cushion. The place they differ most are within the match.
The next breaks down every shoe primarily based on the elements consumers want to contemplate when buying a working shoe.
It’s gonna get a bit of TECHY…so you possibly can simply skip on right down to the particular mannequin comparability if you’d like, however personally if I’m shelling out $150 for sneakers, I kinda need to know why.
Sturdiness
The lifespan of sneakers from each corporations is pretty comparable.
- Brooks sneakers have a life expectancy starting from 300 to 500 miles, or three to 6 months, relying in your month-to-month mileage.
- ASICS recommends swapping out for brand spanking new sneakers each 450 to 500 miles.
Figuring out when to interchange trainers, after all, all depends upon your gait, weight, and whether or not you run totally on path or highway.
Breathability
Brooks makes use of two completely different applied sciences to maximise breathability. The primary is their Engineered Mesh, a woven materials that gives stretch and construction. The second is the Match Knit that gives a sock-like match that additionally permits for snug motion.
ASICS Ortholite Lasting materials offers a luxurious underfoot cushion whereas managing moisture construct up from sweat, permitting for max breathability.
Match
Brooks sneakers have a wider toe field, which makes them a fantastic selection for runners with extensive toes or bunions. The model recommends that consumers go up a half measurement from their on a regular basis shoe.
Brooks takes the cake relating to on-line match, the Brooks shoe match finder will provide you with an concept of what to search for in a working shoe while you do go to your native retailer.
ASICS sneakers have a extra comfortable match, notably within the heel and midfoot. An exterior heel clutch delivers focused match and help, whereas the Gel expertise permits for foot motion in numerous instructions because the foot transitions, lowering heel strike.
Whereas ASICS additionally includes a shoe match information, it takes a bit of sleuthing to seek out (you’re welcome).
That is an older, but nonetheless very USEFUL graphic from the Huffington Put up.
I neglect we might not all know the lingo when speaking about completely different elements of the shoe and why they matter.
Cushioning
Brooks makes use of two forms of cushioning of their designs:
- DNA LOFT – Delicate cushioning, that adapts to a runner’s profile, stride, and velocity
- BioMoGo DNA – additionally adapts to runner’s profile, stride, and velocity, offering a extra balanced expertise with a little bit of spring.
ASICS makes use of Flytefoam expertise that gives bounceback and responsiveness with every step. It provides a bit much less power return than Brooks sneakers, however the two applied sciences are pretty comparable.
The corporate has been utilizing their well-known Gel expertise for greater than 30 years. It really works effectively to soak up the shock with every step.
Stability
Brooks refers to particular person working gaits because the “Run Signature.” Fairly than “repair” the way in which somebody runs, Brooks expertise helps to stabilize your stride primarily based on the way you naturally run.
They put runners into two completely different classes: Impartial and Help.
Brooks GuideRails expertise permits hips, knees, and joints to maneuver naturally, providing help when wanted. Impartial runners might solely require them to kick in when their stride is off.
ASICS sneakers present stability by a twin density midsole system known as Duomax, which boosts help and stability. That, together with the exterior heel clutch enable the foot to proceed its pure motion whereas working.
Affordability
The costs between the 2 manufacturers are pretty comparable. Brooks costs vary between $100 to $160, whereas ASICS begin at a barely greater value at $110 to $160.
The most well-liked fashions for each manufacturers are priced towards the upper vary.
You’ll discover that each model gives a variety and that is certainly as a result of a distinction in expertise and the place they promote the shoe. They know that the massive field retailer can promote the shoe with much less in it, whereas the native working retailer must be finest for devoted runners.
ASICS Vs Brooks Operating Shoe Fashions
Now that extra about every model, let’s have a look at their prime fashions in every of the primary classes. There’s no winner declared right here as a result of all are nice sneakers, it’s nearly which one is finest in your foot.
Did you discover I even stated the manufacturers in reverse order this time…significantly no favorites, I’ve run in each manufacturers many alternative occasions through the years.
Stability Operating Shoe
👉ASICS GEL Kayano 29
The GEL Kayano is now in its twenty ninth iteration and generally known as among the finest stability sneakers available on the market. Nice for overpronators looking for stability, the GEL Kayano is a perfect shoe for marathons.
The heel and footmattress are designed to present most consolation and stability, which is nice for longer distances. The uppers are light-weight, breathin a position, and sturdy, making them a nice selection for working in any climate. The outsole offers good grip and traction on a selection of surfaces.
Total, these are a nice working shoe and I extremely suggest them to anybody trying for a snug and supportive working shoe. There’s a motive this shoe is one in all their prime sellers.
- 10 mm drop
- 9.5 oz girls’s, 10.5 oz males’s
- $160
- Accessible on Zappos, almost each working retailer
- Learn my in- depth evaluate of the Kayano!
👉Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
The model’s hottest highway working shoe (GTS stands for go-to-shoe) simply turned 23 and is available in a swath of colours. This supportive shoe is finest for a medium to excessive arch, and is a part of the cushion line.
This was one of many very FIRST shoe manufacturers that I purchased at a working retailer! I believed it was so extremely cool my title was on the shoe…ha!!! However sure they have been tremendous duper vibrant white (as you’ll see under). I additionally purchased stability as a result of I used to be informed I wanted it…however I’ve crushed this matter, many runners don’t.
This shoe does really feel firmer, which is regular for a stability shoe with the guiderails which might be attempting to forestall your foot from falling inward.
It’s additionally a shoe I like to recommend for runners coping with Plantar Fasciitis as a result of it’s obtained a excessive arch and offers numerous help.


- 12 mm drop
- 8.9 oz girls’s, 10.2 oz males’s
- $140
- Accessible on BrooksRunning.com and almost each working retailer
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS goes to develop in recognition as Brooks removed it’s two different stability fashions the Ravena and Transcend. So it’s a great factor that it has a few years of very glad runners behind it. It’s undoubtedly a firmer every day coach, to assist present that needed help for overpronation.
Impartial Operating Shoe
👉ASICS GEL Nimbus 26
This shoe will attraction to most runners on the lookout for a impartial match. The inclusion of ASICS applied sciences just like the Flytefoam and the GEL gives cushioned help with a responsive match. Whether or not you’re an off-the-cuff runner or a tough core marathoner, this shoe is a superb selection for a every day coach.
I just like the decrease drop on this shoe for almost all of runners and discover it’s proper within the center for cushion. Not an excessive amount of to lose your step, however sufficient to nonetheless really feel good.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for comparable efficiency with a lighter environmental footprint, check out the GEL Nimbus Lite.
I struggled a bit of with how excessive the tongue and heel tags come up on this mannequin, they simply rubbed on my foot. However loads of you may have stated that wasn’t a difficulty…so simply one thing to contemplate!
- 8 mm drop
- 9.2 oz girls’s, 10.5 oz males’s
- $160
- Accessible Amazon, Zappos, almost each working retailer
- Learn my full evaluate of the Nimbus!
👉Brooks Ghost 15
The Ghost gives clean transitions and mushy cushioning for highway working and is finest for these looking for impartial help. Runners’ World has awarded this shoe a number of Editor’s Selection Awards.
I personally was so intrigued by these awards that I snagged myself a pair final 12 months and they’re nearing the top of their life, however have served me very, very effectively. Which is why I then upgraded to the most recent mannequin to see what may be completely different.
The heel-to-toe drop is lots greater than I have a tendency to love, nevertheless it’s a really customary conventional working shoe really feel. So when you’re on the lookout for that on a regular basis run shoe, which may present a reasonable quantity of cushion to go the space, it’s a win.
Cushioned Operating Shoe
👉
Asics Novablast 4
The Novablast has been a successful max cushion shoe from Asics because it first launched they usually have continued to extend the quantity of cushion within the shoe, whereas working to drop the burden.
That is the truth is probably the most light-weight every day coach on the checklist!


The midsole is Flytefoam Blast+ Eco, constituted of 20% bio-based supplies to maintain transferring towards a aim of sustainability. For our functions, what meaning is it lives as much as the title of MAX cushion! Once more, I like that this shoe is a extra responsive cushion and also you don’t sink in to it a lot.
Whereas it is a impartial shoe, with no guiderails or something for stability, it completely has a few of that in-built to the design. The width of the platform from toe to heel reduces pronation and offers a extremely good trip.
👉Brooks Glycerin 21
It‘s a nice all–round working shoe, offering nice cushioning for a selection of working distances.
It’s obtained their new, Nitro -infused DNA loft which simply makes it sound quick already. I really feel like this shoe has gained some weight through the years as they attempt to improve the cushion. So it was once gentle and cushioned making it good for velocity work and even marathon race day, however now I’d in all probability lean in to it as a every day coach and look to some carbon fiber for race day.


The higher is made from a breathin a position mesh materials that retains your toes cool and snug. The midsole gives nice shock absorption, and the rubber sole offers dependable traction on a selection of surfaces.
- 10 mm heel drop
- 9.1 oz girls’s, 10.3 oz males’s
- $140
Carbon Fiber Plate Footwear
Are they cool new expertise, sure. Do they final so long as your different sneakers, nope.
So if you wish to take a look at these out use them for velocity work after which race day! Watch my detailed video on how Carbon Fiber Footwear work.
👉ASICS Metaspeed Sky
ASICS is attempting to catch up on this space and launched a number of sneakers suddenly which many people can’t give up inform aside. The Edge goes to be the shoe with much less cushion, much less weight and higher for these racing sub 3, and many others.
This can be a most cushioned carbon fiber plate for the marathon runner in you. It’s going to offer you each that feeling of consolation over the miles together with the pop that’s usually misplaced in a extremely cushioned shoe.
- Unisex within the SKY+
- 5 mm heel drop
- 5.8 oz girls’s SKY, 7.2 oz SKY+
- $250
👉Brooks Hyperion Elite
In contrast to most of the different carbon fiber sneakers, Brooks says theirs might last as long as 400 miles. That’s a reasonably vital win for a carbon fiber shoe primarily based on the value we’re all paying!
These are extra of a maximal shoe with the next stack top, which permits them to construct in additional cushion and their speedy roll expertise. Which is a flowery approach of claiming the shoe ought to assist some with a fast transition from heel to toe on every step.
Sadly the most recent mannequin additionally gained a number of oz for them to place in additional options. So…you’ll should determine if it nonetheless feels as quick.
- Unisex
- 8 mm heel drop
- 7.8 oz
- $250
Extra About Brooks Operating
Consider it or not, Brooks began out in 1914 making ballet slippers and bathing sneakers. Since then, they’ve made every part from baseball and soccer cleats to curler skates.
It wasn’t till Frank Shorter gained the marathon on the 1972 Munich Olympics that Brooks thought-about limiting its focus. The primary working shoe debuted in 1974 and their hottest working shoe, the Adrenaline GTS first hit the market in 1999.
In 2001, Brooks determined to focus solely on working.
They launched the Transcend in 2013, a shoe that used new biomechanics expertise to create a GuideRails expertise, permitting runners to run naturally with out attempting to right their gait.
The Seattle-based firm can be well-known for its dedication to sustainability and giving again. Brooks donates time, gear, and cash to corporations that align with their values round range, fairness, and inclusion and employees obtain paid annual volunteer time.
Extra About ASICS
Based in 1949, by Kihachiro Onitsuka in Japan, ASICS is an acronym for the Latin expression “Anima Sana in Corpore Sano” (“wholesome thoughts in a wholesome physique”).
The corporate launched a basketball shoe in 1950, adopted by trainers in 1953. Amongst these working shoe merchandise included the Onitsuka Tiger, nonetheless a well-liked shoe immediately, although primarily used as an off-the-cuff shoe versus a marathon shoe.
As we speak, Asics designs all kinds of sneakers together with: working, tennis, volleyball, wrestling, and golf.
Enjoyable reality: Nike was based to promote the Onitsuka Tiger sneakers within the US. After visiting Japan in 1963, Phil Knight was impressed by the top quality and cheap costs and requested the corporate to signify the model within the US. Anybody else learn his e-book and discover all of this fascinating?!
Tips on how to Select the Finest Operating Shoe?
ASICS and Brooks are the 2 hottest working shoe manufacturers available on the market, however extra vital than model is the match of the shoe.
Your gait and toes will probably change over time and chances are you’ll want to vary sneakers.
That is additionally why I like to recommend rotating by a number of pairs of sneakers directly.
And keep in mind, simply because these are two of probably the most well-known manufacturers available on the market, there are nonetheless loads of different shoe manufacturers to pick from if neither Brooks nor ASICS has the best shoe for you.
Understand that shoe design can change, even with the identical mannequin, so all the time assess how the shoe suits each time you exchange a pair.
For extra assist choosing the best shoe for you, don’t fear, I’ve obtained you:
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