THE LOWDOWN

Style, inspiration, launches & more

The Best ASICS Shoes - Complete Buying Guide to Styles, Tech and Sizing

Looking for the best ASICS trainers and not sure where to start? This guide explains the different styles and technologies, shows which ASICS shoes are best for you, and breaks down sizing, comfort, and styling tips.

ASICS is performance-led at heart and street-ready in the details. The name stands for “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano”, which is Latin for “a sound mind in a sound body”, and that mindset shows in every pair.

Find the ASICS Model That Fits Your Life

Choosing the right ASICS trainers isn’t about memorising tech jargon, it’s about finding the pair that matches your day-to-day. Whether you’re sitting through uni lectures, hitting the gym, exploring trails, or just want a clean lifestyle flex, each model has its own lane. Here’s how they stack up so you can spot your perfect match at a glance…

For everyday lifestyle comfort:

ASICS GEL-NYC – Cushioned, stable and built for all-day wear, these handle busy city commutes, lectures and weekend link-ups with ease.
ASICS GEL-1130 – Retro runner vibes with supportive comfort, ideal for long shifts, casual hangs, and all-around versatility.

For outdoors, sports and active days:

ASICS GEL-Venture 6 – Trail-inspired grip for walks, PE days, and park runs, with the durability to survive whatever the weather throws at you.
ASICS GT-2160 – Early-2010s running style reworked for now, with a sleek technical shape, GEL cushioning and a segmented midsole that brings sportstyle edge to everyday fits.

For the gym, training, and mixed workouts:

ASICS GEL-VENTX – Trail-ready DNA meets modern comfort, with rearfoot GEL cushioning and a grippy sole pattern that handles multiple surfaces with ease.

Pro tip: Think about the main environment you’ll wear them in – urban streets, gym floors, trails, or everywhere – then pick the pair that’s designed for that space. That’s how you get the most from your ASICS without second-guessing your choice.

The Best ASICS Shoes - Complete Buying Guide to Styles, Tech and Sizing

Model Comparison - Tech, Fit, and Best Use

Model	Key tech	Feel	Upper highlights	Best for	Fit notes	Shop
GEL-NYC	GEL cushioning, EVA midsole	Cushioned and stable underfoot	Layered 2000s runner panels	Daily wear, uni days, city walks	Most wearers take true to size	GEL-NYC
GEL-1130	GEL heel unit, TRUSSTIC-style support look	Supportive with a retro feel	Mesh and synthetic overlays	All-day comfort, retro fits	Generally true to size	GEL-1130
GEL-Venture 6	GEL cushioning, lugged outsole	Firm, protective, trail-ready	Hard-wearing mesh	Light trails, playgrounds, and everyday	Can feel snug with thick socks	GEL-Venture 6
GT-2160	GEL cushioning, segmented midsole	Soft ride with a sculpted, technical feel	Flowing layered panels, archive GT-2000 detailing	Everyday wear, retro-tech street looks	True to size for most	GT-2160
GEL-VENTX	Rearfoot GEL, trail-pattern outsole	Supportive with reliable grip underfoot	Plush upper with synthetic leather panels	Everyday wear, light trails, mixed surfaces	True to size for most	GEL-VENTX

Fit note: if between sizes, most people choose the larger size for thicker socks or insoles.

Shop Top ASICS Styles

ASICS GEL-1130 – Retro Running Vibes with Everyday Comfort

If you’re into that vintage runner aesthetic, the GEL-1130 delivers in spades. Inspired by ASICS’ early-2000s 1000-series, it brings a throwback feel to modern street fits. You get breathable mesh, layered synthetic panels, and just the right amount of chunk to slot under straight-leg jeans or relaxed cargos. The clay and grey tones add subtle texture that pairs well with oversized hoodies or neutral tracksets.

Are ASICS GEL-1130 comfortable?

Definitely! The cushioning’s solid without being too soft, so it holds up well across long days on your feet. The stability-focused design gives you that locked-in feel without sacrificing flexibility, which makes them great for everyday wear.

Are ASICS GEL-1130 true to size?

They generally fit true to size, so you’re safe sticking with your usual. If you wear chunkier socks or like a roomier fit, you might want to go half a size up, especially if you’re planning on wearing them day-in, day-out.

Are ASICS GEL-1130 good for running?

They’re perfect for walking, commuting, and casual wear. For actual runs, you’re better off with the already-mentioned GEL-Venture 6 or GEL-VENTX, which are built with performance tech from the ground up.

ASICS GEL-Venture 6 – Built for the Trail, Worn on the Daily

The ASICS GEL-Venture 6 brings trail DNA into your everyday rotation. With rugged outsole lugs and a breathable mesh upper, it’s the kind of trainer that feels just as at home on wet pavements and towpaths as it does on city streets. Lightweight but solid underfoot, it's ideal for long walks, outdoor link-ups, or even just powering through the school run.

Are ASICS GEL-Venture 6 good for running?

They’re a solid choice for light trail runs and uneven ground. That chunky outsole gives you grip on grass and gravel without weighing you down. The Mantle Green-Black colourway taps into that Gorpcore aesthetic too - outdoorsy, but still clean enough for street fits. For kids, this one doubles up perfectly, as it’s smart enough for school, but durable enough for weekend adventures.

ASICS GEL-Venture 6 colourways and fit

Colour drops change across the seasons, but you’ll often see earthy tones and blacked-out styles that are easy to rotate. Fit-wise, they run true for most people, but if you’re planning to wear thicker hiking socks, it’s worth going half a size up for extra wiggle room.

ASICS GT-2160 - Retro Runner, Reworked

GT-2160 brings early-2010s running style back into focus, built on the archive shape of the GT-2000 series but finished with modern comfort. Layered panels and a sculpted sole give it a technical look, while GEL cushioning keeps every step soft underfoot.

Are ASICS GT-2160 comfortable?

Yes, the GEL cushioning and segmented midsole work together to soften impact underfoot, so they hold up well across long days on your feet. The layered upper adds structure without feeling stiff, making them an easy pick for all-day wear.

Are ASICS GT-2160 good for running?

They lean more lifestyle than performance, taking design cues from the GT-2000 running series rather than being built for serious mileage. For actual runs, the GEL-Venture 6 or GEL-VENTX are better suited, with tech built for the trail rather than the streets.

Are ASICS GT-2160 true to size?

They generally fit true to size, so sticking with your usual is a safe bet. If you prefer a roomier feel or wear thicker socks day-to-day, going half a size up is worth considering.

ASICS GEL-VENTX - Trail DNA, Everyday Comfort

GEL-VENTX takes cues from the GEL-Venture 6, pairing a plush upper with synthetic leather panels for a more contemporary finish. Rearfoot GEL cushioning absorbs impact underfoot, while the trail-specific outsole pattern keeps grip reliable across different surfaces.

Are ASICS GEL-VENTX comfortable?

Yes, the rearfoot GEL cushioning softens impact underfoot, while the plush synthetic leather upper adds a bit more structure and support than a standard mesh trainer. They’re built to handle long days on your feet without feeling stiff.

Are ASICS GEL-VENTX good for running?

They’re better suited to walking, commuting, and light mixed-terrain use than serious mileage. For dedicated trail running, the GEL-Venture 6 is the better call, with a more aggressive lugged outsole built specifically for grip on uneven ground.

Are ASICS GEL-VENTX true to size?

They generally run true to size for most people. If you plan to wear thicker socks or want a roomier fit, going half a size up is worth considering.

Sizing and Fit - How To Choose The Right ASICS Size

Getting ASICS sizing right starts with purpose and foot shape. Most lifestyle and training pairs fit true to size, but trail models can feel closer around the midfoot. Measure both feet, match the longer length to the ASICS chart, then fine-tune with lacing.

Do ASICS run true to size?

Yes, for most feet. GEL-NYC, GEL-1130, and GT-2160 fit as expected, while GEL-Venture 6 and GEL-VENTX feel snugger through the midfoot. Go up a size if you're in between.

Should you size up or down in ASICS?

Size up if you're between sizes – it protects feet on long days and leaves room for thicker socks.

Do ASICS come in half sizes and different widths?

Half sizes are widely available, but width options vary by model. If your width isn't stocked, size up and rely on midfoot lacing for a secure fit.

How should ASICS feel on foot?

Locked-in at the heel, secure through the midfoot, and free-moving at the toes. If your toes hit the front when you rock forward, size up.

Are any ASICS trainers favoured by celebs?

Yes! Kendall Jenner rang in 2026 in her GT-2160, with Hailey Bieber and Tracee Ellis Ross also regularly spotted in ASICS. Proof street style and real support aren't mutually exclusive.