Asics GlideRide 2 Review

Pros	Cons
Wide and stable platform	Firm cushioning according to testers
Smooth rolling motion with the curved sole	Fluid movement but a little mechanical, see “forced”
Thick sole that gives comfortable cushioning despite its firmness
Nice and quality design
Pleasant foot support

About

What do you call a shoe for daily training with a curved midsole, a plastic blade under the toes and a thick FlyteFoam sole? The answer: Asics Glideride 2! Effective, comfortable and offering good support, this Asics model is designed to boost your everyday outings. Its main feature is an EVA blade under the toes to ensure a smooth run.

The GlideRide 2’s midsole combines two layers of FlyteFoam to provide optimal foot support. Although the result is not as smooth as other models using this technology, the Glideride 2 has the merit of offering a rocking sensation that propels riders forward. It aims for protection and stability rather than cushioning and rebound. The upper is designed with a breathable stretch mesh material that wraps the foot nicely. Finally, the outsole of this shoe is made of a sturdy rubber (AHAR Plus) for effective traction. It also benefits from an increased width for added stability, resulting in a safer run.

Asics is one of the most popular brands of running shoes, but some models are more successful than others. The Glideride 2 wasn’t exactly a unanimous hit with riders; for starters, the FlyteFoam and EVA blade combination isn’t for everyone. Thus, many people found the midsole too firm and incompatible with long rides. Others note that the shoe runs large which makes the fit tricky (a size down should be considered). Finally, although the weight of the Glideride 2 is reasonable (281g for the men’s version), some found the shoe bulky.

Consensus
In summary, the Glideride 2 is a good option for runners looking for a training model with rocker for a smooth and stable ride. However, its firm cushioning may disappoint those who expect a pronounced padding in view of the imposing sole.

Technologies

outsole

• AHAR+ : a carbon rubber protective layer that allows the shoe to better resist the wear of bitumen. The area under the heel is particularly susceptible to rapid wear. Indeed, this is the part where most runners cushion their foot.

Midsole

• The midsole of the Asics GlideRide 2 uses FlyteFoam on its top layer: a light and energetic foam designed by Asics. Its purpose is to ensure maximum energy return. This midsole technology is based on a unique elastomer that guarantees excellent responsiveness throughout the race.
• FlyteFoam Propel : The bottom layer of the midsole consists of another lightweight, naturally bouncy foam to provide a dynamic push off.
• The reinforced plate under the toes preserves the shape of the midsole for better durability and energizes propulsion.
• Guidesole : a curved midsole concept to ensure maximum contact and promote a more efficient transition from impulse to suspension.
• 3D Guidance Line : a flex groove that must allow the sole to bend to accompany the movement of the foot during the stride. Thus, it allows greater dynamism for more comfort.

Upper part (upper)

• The technical mesh wraps the foot pleasantly while letting it breathe during the race when the temperature rises.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do Asics GlideRide 2 shoes fit?

Testers who have tried the shoe on indicate that it runs a little large. They therefore recommend opting for a size below your usual size for a better fit.

Is this shoe suitable for pronator athletes?

Yes, this shoe is a universal stride model. Thus, it is designed to adapt to all runners whatever their stride. It therefore does not display a stability aid to balance the stride and prevent overpronation. However, testers note that this is a shoe that offers good overall stability thanks to its wide and relatively firm platform.

Is this road shoe recommended for heavy runners (85 kg or more)?

Yes, this model should be adapted whatever your size. Indeed, the GlideRide 2 has a 31 mm thick sole under the heel which should be suitable for all weight categories.

Can you run a half marathon or a marathon with this model?

Yes, this shoe is a comfortable training shoe for long distances. Although this is not a competition shoe, it may be a good option for your event. This is particularly the case if you have regularly trained with it during your preparation. The generous cushioning offers good support for such a distance. However, do note that the underfoot feel is firm, which may not appeal to everyone.