The weather is finally getting to a place where you are don't need as many layers to keep warm just to go for a run, or you may just be 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 (some way more than 20 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.
Spring Shoe Guides
Asics | Astral | Brooks | HOKA | Merrell | Nike | Reebok | Scarpa | Skechers | Under Armour
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.
Asics GEL-Cumulus 26
Asics GEL-Nimbus 26
Asics MetaSpeed Sky Paris
Asics GEL-Cumulus 26
About: Now on version 26, the Asics Gel Cumulus is one of the longest-enduring models of running shoes available. First released in 1999, they're a fan favorite. For those unfamiliar with the Asics family, the Nimbus is their max-cushioned neutral trainer, and the Metaspeed is their new carbon-plated super shoe for race day. The Cumulus bridges the middle ground as a moderately-cushioned neutral trainer that trades some cushioning for responsiveness and fits into your running shoe collection as an everyday workhorse.
As an upgrade over the previous model, the Cumulus 26 now uses the Fluidride outsole, which is made from a lightweight EVA foam blend, for comfort and traction. Fans of the previous model will be happy to know that the midsole remains much the same - featuring the same Pure Gel technology for heel cushioning and Flytefoam Blast+ technology for shock absorption. For those who may have stepped away from Asics for a few shoe generations, the current FF Blast+ tech is 19% lighter than the previous foam. At only 9 ounces (US Men's 9), this is certainly competitive in the weight category against other similarly priced trainers.
The real shining star of the Cumulus 26 is the mesh uppers. This is the first feature that's immediately apparent on the initial wear. This is simply a comfortable pair of shoes whether wearing them for training runs, walks, or just with your jeans to the movie theater. As a seamless design, they can be worn with or without socks. The low cut heel collars and vented uppers and tongue provide breathability. Despite maximizing comfort, they don't compromise durability; these have a solid construction with no obvious weak points.
In addition to standard sizes, Asics does offer the Cumulus 26 in not only Wide but also Extra Wide options ensuring that there is a fit appropriate for almost every runner or walker. Plus, with over 10 colorways selectable, Asics has a design for any taste. At $140, the Cumulus 26 is competitively priced and checks all the boxes for an everyday training shoe.
If you put in a lot of miles, this is one of the best shoes to get the most bang for your buck.
Things We Liked:
"The knitted uppers: they're so stretchy and comfortable."
"I like having a shoe that can be worn for a run that includes a little bit of everything—easy miles with some tempo training thrown in."
Areas for Improvement:
"I wouldn't mind sacrificing a little more weight to add some hard rubber reinforcement to the outsole. I question the durability of the outsole. A little more rubber in the high-wear areas could really increase the longevity of this amazing trainer."
"Because the heel is a bit higher than some shoes I'm used to, it caused a bit of running while I was still breaking it in. After that, though, things settled down, and it was more comfortable."
Final Thoughts
The Asics Gel-Cumulus 26 is a do-it-all shoe. It's good for daily miles, speed work, and everything in between. But what really makes it special is its versatility. While your typical long-run shoes may be too cushioned for intermittent bursts of speed—or your speed shoes may be too responsive or lightweight for long-run mileage—these shoes provide the best of both worlds. Pick them up for your next temp run or workout with sneaky strides.
Specs:
- Drop: 7mm
- Weight: 7.8oz
- Price: $140
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Road Running
- Fit: True to Size
- Ideal For: Speed, Recovery, Long Distances
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Asics GEL-Nimbus 26
About:With a roomy toe box and its flexible, soft knit upper, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 is a shoe that will feel nearly perfect for anyone right out of the box. The combination of FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning and PureGEL® technology provide lasting underfoot comfort whether wearing for those long training runs or even as an all day shoe.
This shoe would be best reserved for recovery runs and longer, slower miles, as the extra cushioning that does such a good job at protecting the body from impact, also seems to limit some of the energy return. While it's certainly possible to pick up the pace in the Gel-Nimbus 26, it takes a concerted effort to do so. For the runners who lack the discipline to always run slow enough on recovery runs, this shoe could likely help solve that problem!
The minimalist tongue and soft, flexible upper may be an issue for those with higher arches, as there is not a lot of protection from the laces over the bridge of the foot. This issue is easily remedied with a lacing pattern that doesn't cross over the midfoot.
All in all, the Gel-Nimbus 26 provides a premium comfort ride, with just the right amount of flexibility in the soft-knit upper that it should securely fit any foot without any hotspots. It is a shoe that feels like it was designed to make feet feel good.
Running shoes with a spongy underfoot feel like clouds beneath your feet, propelling you forward with each step towards your goals.
Things We Liked:
"The padding around your ankle is second to none, so soft and well padded."
"This shoe seems to hug the foot in all the right places, with plush comfort, support, and cushion all around."
Areas for Improvement:
"If you wear low cut socks, the tongue stitching can scratch your foot if not in the right position."
"This probably isn't an issue for everyone, but as someone with higher arches, the lack of structure around the lacing in the upper put a lot of pressure on the top of my foot when lacing tightly enough for a secure fit. I mostly remedied this by opening up the middle of the lacing pattern."
Final Thoughts
This running shoe offers excellent ankle support with its padded design, ensuring comfort and stability during runs. The spongy underfoot cushioning provides a plush feel, reducing impact and enhancing your overall running experience. The breathable upper material helps keep your feet cool and dry, promoting ventilation during long runs.
However, the shoe's weight may be a drawback for some runners, especially those focused on speed or looking for a lighter feel. Additionally, the scratchy tongue stitches can cause discomfort or irritation, detracting from an otherwise positive experience. Overall, while the shoe excels in cushioning and support, improvements in weight and stitching comfort could enhance its appeal to a wider range of customers.
Specs:
- Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 9.3oz
- Price: $160
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Road Running
- Fit: True to Size to Increase 1/2 size
- Ideal For: Recovery, Long Distance, Cross Training
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Asics MetaSpeed Sky Paris
About: These shoes were worn by the 2024 men’s U.S. Olympic team trials winner, Clayton Young, so they have some serious clout. The ASICS meta speed sky Paris is intended for runners who extend their stride when they pick up the pace (the brand’s other racing shoe, the Meta speed edge, is for runners who increase their cadence). The shoe weighs in at an extremely light 6.5 ounces and has an upper that wraps comfortably around the foot.
Like many carbon- plated shoes, this has a high stack height, but it feels more stable compared to its competitors. The outsole feels durable and able to withstand a decent amount of miles. The meta speed sky Paris has a firm underfoot feel and is reminiscent of a racing flat. If you prefer a squishy soft feel, this shoe is not that, but it’s a solid pick for race day.
Cue "The Matrix". I've found THE ONE! This shoe checks every box of what a super shoe is supposed to be. Asics applied feedback, dropped the weight, made it more lively, and came back with a category killer ....all without raising the price!
Things We Liked:
"These are the lightest carbon-plated shoes I’ve ever worn."
"I LOVE that Asics has designed two super shoes for two distinct type of runners - long striders and those with fast/short turnovers - yet the shoes are equipped with almost identical specs."
Areas for Improvement:
"I’d be willing to add an ounce or two of weight if it meant the shoes could feel a bit softer/bouncier. They were a tad on the firm side."
"I can't come up with anything negative to say about this shoe."
Final Thoughts
The ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris, along with it's counter part the Edge Paris (for runners with shorter and faster cadences) emerges as a top contender for runners seeking a swift and responsive racing shoe. Tailored for individuals with elongated strides, which inconsequently absorb more force, its design embodies speed, durability, and performance.
The first thing that strikes you about the Metaspeed Sky Paris is its striking design. As if inspired by the City of Light, itself, the vibrant colors and sleek lines evoke a sense of energy and motion. The shoe is the ultimate fusion of form and function, designed not just to look fast, but to perform at the highest level.
Featuring an upgraded FF Turbo+ PEBA midsole, the shoe delivers a distinct and lively bounce, propelling runners forward with every step. The full-length carbon plate has been strategically positioned closer to the foot and widened in the forefoot, precisely by 12%. This adjustment aims to enhance the rebound effect for runners with longer gaits, providing a more lively punch with each stride. More versatile and accommodating, the expanded width serves to offer a noticeable increase in stabilization, no matter the speed, distance, or course its runner chooses.
Specs:
- Drop: 5mm
- Weight: 6.5oz
- Price: $250
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Road Running
- Fit: True to Size
- Ideal For: Speed, Races, Long Distances
Buy:
Unisex
Check out the other shoes in the Spring Shoe Guide.
Spring Shoe Guides
Asics | Astral | Brooks | HOKA | Merrell | Nike | Reebok | Scarpa | Skechers | Under Armour
About the Author
Stephen is the Editor in Chief for ACTIVE.com. He has been running been involved in the fitness industry for more than 10 years but has been running or playing sports for most of his life.
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article