The original GlideRide was billed as an ASICS distance based shoe that could really take you “as far as you wanted to go”. It had a performance lean given its Glide geometry, yet it’s stack height and cushioning were designed to be comfortable enough on the foot that you would want to wear them for a long run. The heavily rockered midsole propelled you forward, but also helped with things like efficiency and fatigue. The updated GlideRide 2 builds on that original model and adds an all-new redesigned upper. It definitely sits on the firmer side, but read on to learn more.
Quick Details, Specs, and Availability
- Heavily rockered distance-oriented road shoe with an up tempo firmer ride.
- Weighs in at 10.1oz or 286g for a US Men’s 9.
- Features 35mm of cushion and has a 6mm heel/toe drop.
- Retails at $150.00 USD and comes in 3 colors for Men and Women.
Run Test
ASICS has a very distinct style with the majority of their uppers. In fact, we put a few of them side-by-side and while there are some variances in terms of material usage and padding, the overall visual metaphor is almost always the same. Side by side with the EvoRide 2 for instance, it feels like a mirror image. The GlideRide 2 definitely sits on the more cushioned and padded end of the ASICS lineup with a focus more on comfort and control than speed.
This upper will honestly feel comfortable to almost everyone. The toe box has a nice decent width to it giving you plenty of room to move around and that interior lining is nice and soft against your foot. The tongue is well-padded as is the collar and heel and it finishes with a very rigid heel counter. It cradles you like a little swaddled baby and we can honestly say when it comes to comfortable uppers, the GlideRide 2 sits very high on the list. The Nimbus 23 had a very similar level of padding, but the GlideRide gives you a bit more roominess as well.
The contrast between the comfortable upper and the firm midsole is really apparent so you’ll notice it right away when you try them on. While the shoe has the stack height of a big cushioned distance runner, make no mistake that it does not feel soft in any way. On the roads, this becomes even more apparent and it does start to feel a bit more broken in, after a few runs, plush is not a word we would use here. The shoe may seem heavier given it’s just over 10oz but the way it runs makes it feel lighter and this is because of the midsole. That firm midsole and very heavy rocker design along with an elastomer plate definitely help you turn it over and go fast, but it is not necessarily a relaxing feeling. Now some people love a nice firm shoe where it does most of the work for you and that is where the GlideRide 2 shines, but for a lot of people, it will just feel a bit clunky and forced. This will heavily come down to personal preference. I think for us, we would probably stick with the EvoRide 2 as that additional cushioning is almost unnoticeable due to the rigidity.
ASICS Guide Sole technology is what makes this line what it is. If you set this shoe down on its heel and let it go, it will seriously just rock back and forth like a rocking chair. Inevitably it loses momentum, but until then you can see the technology in motion. It is a super compelling idea, but inevitably it’s going to be a very personal experience for people once they try it. The bottom line is if you are expecting a soft high-stack shoe that you can comfortably just take some miles down on, then this is not your shoe. If you want to go faster and longer and enjoy a firmer underfoot feel, then the GlideRide 2 can be a great option.
Construction: Upper
The upper is an engineered mesh that has been updated to improve breathability while also having a bit of interior comfort as well. From the mid-foot back, ASICS introduces 3D overlays including the logo which actually help with overall stability especially side to side. The entire rearfoot from the tongue to the collar and heel are all more than amply padded for comfort and that very firm heel counter locks you in place. Also, note that 20% of the upper is composed of recycled materials.
Breathable engineered mesh upper with a silky smooth interior 
Thick lacing system and well padded tongue 
Heavily padded collar 
Rigid heel counter 
Overlays for side to side stability
Construction: Midsole
The midsole is composed of ASICS FlyteFoam as well as an elastomer-based Propel technology which is supposed to increase bounce/responsiveness overall. The real coup in the GlideRide 2 is the GuideSole tech. This is that heavily curved design including that very stiff forefoot all of which is supposed to contribute to better shock absorption and lower fatigue. It is definitely an effort to use technology to enforce a change in running style and keep people running further, more efficiently.
Midsole – lateral rear 
Midsole – lateral front 
Midsole – medial front 
Midsole – medial rear
Construction: Outsole
The outsole uses a new compound that is supposedly even more durable than traditional ASICS rubber (AHAR), but it is probably one of the bigger weaker points in the shoe as the traction levels are not great, especially when it’s very wet or you hit a surface that requires a little bit more traction. This is the same outsole as the EvoRide 2 and the NOOSA 13.
ASICS GlideRide 2 outsole
Style & Aesthetics
The styling of the GlideRide 2 pretty average and this is primarily due to everything else ASICS has been doing lately. You have shoes like the Kayano and Nimbus Lites and especially the NOOSA which have more personality. This one feels like it could have been a lot flashier overall and we wish they would have brought some of the visual designs they’re using elsewhere tho this the upper.
Overall Conclusion
The fact of the matter is the GlideRide 2 is not going to be for everyone. It is a very firm ride overall and while it does soften up a bit the more you run, that limited flex will be uncomfortable except for some people who like a bit more cushion. If you like a bit more support and want the shoe to do a lot of the work for you, then it can work quite well. The technology itself is highly compelling, and we know some people will swear by this shoe but you really need to try yourself before you commit one way or the other.
Learn more on the ASICS website
Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
