When it comes to Saucony vs Asics running shoes, it is one of those proverbial clashes of the titans.
Both companies have stacked decades of experience manufacturing some of the finest running shoes on the planet.
While they arrive at their positions somewhat differently–Saucony gets the edge for being more of a techy, maximalist company while Asics carves its niche through versatile everyday trainers–you really can’t go wrong when shopping the catalogs of either of these companies.
For more on the similarities, differences, and everything in between, keep reading for a detailed breakdown on Saucony vs Asics running shoes!
Saucony At A Glance
Saucony is a running shoe company that has been in business for over 120 years. The company was founded in 1898 in Kutztown, Pennsylvania and had been pumping out premier running shoes ever since.
Saucony is known for its high-quality running shoes that are designed to provide comfort, support, and performance. The company offers a wide variety of running shoes for different types of runners, including road runners, trail runners, and track runners. Saucony also offers a variety of running apparel and accessories.
Saucony’s philosophy is to create running shoes that help runners achieve their goals. The company believes that running is a journey, and it wants to help runners every step of the way. Saucony shoes are designed to be comfortable and supportive so that runners can focus on their running and not on their shoes.
Asics At A Glance
ASICS is a Japanese multinational corporation that manufactures sports footwear, apparel, and accessories. The company was founded in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka, and its name is an acronym for the Latin phrase “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano,” which means “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body.”
Asics is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of running shoes, and its products are known for their quality, comfort, and durability. The company’s shoes are designed to provide runners with the support and cushioning they need to perform at their best, mile after mile.
Asics running shoes are available in a variety of models, each designed for a specific type of runner. Some of the company’s most popular models include the Gel-Kayano, the Gel-Nimbus, and the Gel-Cumulus. These shoes are all designed to provide runners with a comfortable and supportive ride, and they are also available in a variety of colors and styles.
In addition to running shoes, Asics also manufactures a variety of other sports footwear, apparel, and accessories. The company’s products are available in over 100 countries around the world. Asics is committed to providing athletes with the products they need to perform at their best, and the company’s products are a popular choice for runners of all levels.
Saucony vs Asics Design Comparison
Let’s take a look at the specific engineering features of Saucony and Asics shoes.
Upper
Saucony and Asics use somewhat similar technologies in the design of their running shoes’ upper units to provide runners with comfort and support.
Saucony incorporates innovative materials such as FlexFilm overlays to provide lockdown in the forefoot and prevent blisters, while the brand’s FORMFIT technology ensures a customized, natural hug to the foot.
In a similar vein, Asics typically goes for a soft, form-fitting, breathable mesh material that holds the foot without too much constriction, leading to a generally comfortable running experience.
Midsole
Saucony and Asics are both well-known for their innovative midsole technologies.
Saucony’s PWRRUN+ midsoles offer runners an unmatched plush experience on long runs, with an additional layer of cushioning over a standard EVA base. This keeps the padding close to the foot for supreme comfort. To further enhance performance, the brand incorporates Powergrid+ technology, a series of strategically placed pockets throughout the midsole designed to effectively spread out impact.
Asics midsoles, while perhaps not as advanced as Saucony, have plenty to brag about of their own. The company utilizes its proprietary Flytefoam technology in its midsoles. Flytefoam is considered an impressive midsole foam that provides adequate to above-average levels of cushion and responsiveness for various types of runs. Additionally, Asics often incorporates its well-known GEL technology into some midsoles, enhancing cushioning and shock absorption.
Outsole
Saucony and Asics are fairly distinct in their outsole designs.
Saucony outsoles are known for their lightweight, flexible construction, which makes them ideal for runners who want to minimize impact on foot strikes. The outsoles are made with a high degree of exposed EVA foam for cushioning on unforgiving surfaces, and they also feature XT-900 carbon rubber in key areas of the forefoot and heel for enhanced traction.
Asics outsoles, on the other hand, are designed with greater durability in mind. They are made with the company’s proprietary Asics High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR), which is a highly durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Asics outsoles also incorporate the Trusstic System, which is a design that splits the forefoot and rearfoot of the outsole with a resin bridge under the arch. This system provides a unique blend of strength and stability, without compromising flexibility.
Saucony vs Asics Consideration Points
Now that you know more about how Saucony and Asics shoes are typically designed, let’s dig deep and see how they stack up along key purchase consideration points.
Saucony vs Asics – Durability
Saucony and Asics running shoes differ quite substantially in terms of durability.
Saucony shoes are generally considered to offer low to moderate levels of durability, typically lasting between 300-400 miles before showing significant signs of wear and tear. This is due in part to the high amount of outsole foam present in Saucony shoes, which can reduce the lifespan of the shoe compared to competitors.
However, Saucony shoes feature XT-900 carbon rubber and FlexFilm overlays to enhance outsole durability and prevent upper damage, making them somewhat usable for cross-country terrains in small doses.
In contrast, Asics shoes are known for their durability and performance in all conditions. They feature greater outsole rubber coverage that helps them hold up well on a variety of surfaces. Asics shoes are popular everyday cross-trainers and are a favorite among runners who want a shoe that can handle a variety of terrains. Many runners note that their Asics shoes last for 500 miles or more.
Ultimately, the best way to assess the durability of Saucony and Asics running shoes is to consider your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a shoe that is lightweight and comfortable for running in controlled environments, Saucony may be a good option. However, if you are looking for a shoe that is durable and can handle a variety of rugged surfaces, Asics may be a better choice.
Saucony vs Asics – Fit
Both Saucony and Asics running shoes are generally true to size and provide a snug, form-fitting feel.
Saucony shoes are narrower than most other brands, making them ideal for runners with standard-width feet who prefer a snug fit.
Asics shoes are not necessarily considered narrow, but they do tend to hug the foot. Some models feature a heel clutch that helps keep the posterior of the foot from sliding around.
Saucony vs Asics – Cushioning
Saucony and Asics are both well-known for their comfortable running shoes.
Saucony utilizes their PWRRUN+ technology, designed to keep the cushioning closer to the foot. This makes Saucony a more comfortable option for long runs, due to reduced midsole impact during extended running sessions.
Asics shoes, on the other hand, use a combination of GEL cushioning and Flytefoam midsole foam to provide a soft, yet responsive, ride. This makes them ideal for runners who want a shoe that will give them a good rebound and help them to push off more quickly.
Saucony vs Asics – Stability & Support
While neither company is known as a premier stability brand, both Saucony and Asics do offer stability features, just in different ways.
Saucony’s “Guide” line of shoes is designed with improved midsole geometry aimed at supporting the foot and reducing overpronation. These models also include a proprietary HOLLOW-FIT guidance frame for increased stability.
Asics shoes, on the other hand, typically include a heel clutch that keeps the foot locked in place and prevents slippage within the upper. The Trusstic system in the outsole also works well for preventing twisting of the foot during strides.
Saucony vs Asics – Cost
On the whole, Saucony is a more expensive brand than Asics.
Typically, Saucony shoes fall between $100 and $150, and it is difficult to find any new pairs priced lower than this.
Asics shoes, on the other hand, have a wider range of prices starting at and below $100. Though Asics does offer some premium models that can cost up to $200 or more, it’s easy to find a great pair of Asics shoes for less than $100.
Saucony vs Asics Popular Shoe Comparison
To zero-in even further on the Saucony vs Asics debate, let’s take a look at how some of the companies’ top products in specific categories stack up side-by-side.
Everyday Trainer: Saucony Ride 16 vs Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
The Saucony Ride 16 and the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 are popular running shoes designed for everyday training. Both shoes offer a comfortable and cushioned ride, but there are some key differences between them. The Ride 16 is known for its lightweight and responsive feel, while the Gel-Nimbus 25 is known for its plush, cloud-like cushioning.
The Ride 16 features Saucony’s PWRRUN foam, which provides a soft and cushioned feel with enough firmness to avoid sacrificing responsiveness. The shoe also has a breathable and comfortable upper that provides a secure lockdown.
The Gel-Nimbus 25, on the other hand, features ASICS’s FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning with new Pure-Gel technology added to the heel, which is designed to provide even more comfort and shock absorption. The shoe also has a soft, lightweight knit upper that is both breathable and flexible.
In terms of fit, the Ride 16 is designed for a more secure and supportive fit, while the Nimbus 25 is designed for a more relaxed and comfortable fit. The Ride 16 has a deeper footbed that helps to keep your foot in place, while the Nimbus 25 has a more spacious toe box that allows for more room to move.
Winner: Asics Gel-Nimbus 25
Performance: Saucony Kinvara 14 vs Asics MetaSpeed Sky
The Saucony Kinvara 14 and the Asics MetaSpeed Sky are two of the most popular racing shoes on the market.
Both shoes are designed for speed, but the MetaSpeed Sky is a more minimalist shoe, with a thinner midsole and a wider toe box. It is designed to provide a more natural, barefoot feel.
The Kinvara 14 is a flexible and feather-light neutral running shoe that gives you just enough cushioning to rack up the miles without adding any unnecessary weight.
The Asics MetaSpeed Sky features a carbon-fiber midsole plate. Carbon-fiber midsole plates can enhance responsiveness and performance, but some runners find that shoes with carbon fiber plates can be difficult to control at slower speeds. As such, the MetaSpeed Sky is a better choice for runners looking to up their MPH.
Winner: Asics MetaSpeed Sky
Stability: Saucony Guide 16 vs Asics Gel-Kayano 30
When comparing the Saucony Guide 16 to the ASICS Gel-Kayano 30, several key differences become apparent. Both shoes offer excellent stability and comfort for runners, but they achieve it differently.
The Gel-Kayano 30 features a newly designed 4D Guidance System, which combines advanced biomechanical research with an arch recovery pod to provide extra support and guidance during your run.
While the Guide 16 also offers stability with its HOLLOW-FIT guidance frame and midsole geometry, the Gel-Kayano 30 may be the better choice for runners seeking maximum stability.
Ultimately, the choice between the Saucony Guide 16 and the ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 comes down to each runner’s specific stability needs. Both shoes provide excellent cushioning and support, but the Guide 16 is slightly lighter and more flexible, while the Gel-Kayano 30 delivers a more plush and stable ride.
Winner: Asics Gel-Kayano 30
Cushioning: Saucony Triumph 21 vs Asics Novablast 3
The Saucony Triumph 21 and the Asics Novablast 3 are two of the most popular cushioned running shoes on the market, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.
The Triumph 21 features Saucony’s PWRRUN+ midsole foam, which provides plush cushioning and a propulsive pop to your stride.
The Novablast 3 uses Flytefoam Blast+ technology, which is less squishy and compressive, resulting in a more responsive ride.
Both shoes have a thick, plush midsole that absorbs shock and provides a smooth, comfortable ride, but the Triumph 21 features a more pronounced heel-to-toe drop (10mm vs 8mm), which provides more support for runners who have Achilles tendon issues.
Winner: Saucony Triumph 21
Saucony vs Asics: Our Final Verdict
There you have it: the bottom line on all of the key similarities and differences between Saucony and Asics products.
Although it is hard to go wrong choosing from either of these running shoe giants, Asics shoes tend to be a bit more versatile across a wide variety of running needs, while Saucony will usually be the better option for runners seeking maximalist trainers to provide comfort on unforgiving surfaces.
Whatever the case may be for you, take a look and see whether Saucony or Asics has the right shoe for you and get up and running today!
