Shopping for running shoes can be overwhelming if you aren’t already married to a brand and model. Nike, Saucony, New Balance, Adidas, HOKA, Brooks, and ASICS will line the walls of running stores and give you endless options.
Two of the most popular running shoe brands are Brooks and ASICS, but most runners want to know which are the better running shoes.
In this guide, we will compare Brooks vs ASICS running shoes in-depth and point out the main differences between them to help you choose the best brand of running shoes for your needs.
Brooks Vs ASICS, Which Are The Best Running Shoes?
Before we discuss the specific differences in our Brooks vs. ASICS running shoe head-to-head matchup, it’s important to establish that these are both fantastic running shoe companies that design and manufacture shoes well-suited for many runners.
Brooks and ASICS are running shoe brands accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), which speaks to their merit, quality, and design.
Therefore, this Brooks vs. ASICS running shoe comparison is less about which brand is better and more about how the two reputable brands and their running shoes differ.
Every runner is unique in terms of their biomechanics, gait, training, injury risk, and running shoe preferences, which is why knowing the differences between ASICS and Brooks running shoes can help you choose the best option for you.
Additionally, it should be noted that Brooks and ASICS both offer many different models of running shoes (daily trainers, racing shoes, neutral shoes, stability running shoes, motion control, maximalist, minimalist, trail, etc.).
Therefore, the differences between Brooks and ASICS running shoes that we point out may not apply to every single shoe either company makes, but rather the general trends.
Brooks vs. ASICS: The Main Differences
There aren’t many notable differences between ASICS and Brooks running shoes.
In general, compared to ASICS, most Brooks running shoes feature a wider toe box.
It’s also important to mention that Brooks only designs running shoes, so they are super running-focused on their technology, R&D, etc., whereas ASICS manufactures shoes for lots of different sports. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s a difference to point out.
Brooks also promotes their running shoes as science-driven (usually real runners in wear-testing studies) to accommodate gait rather than correct it.
Compared to Brooks, ASICS running shoes tend to have a narrower fit and feel, particularly in the heel and toe box.
One of the most notable characteristics of ASICS running shoes is that they are known to feature ASICS GEL technology for improved cushioning and shock absorption.
Durability
The durability of any running shoes depends on the confluence of factors specific to your body and your training, such as your body weight and size, how often you run, whether you rotate your shoes, your gait and foot strike pattern, and the climate and weather you run in.
Then, there are obviously qualities of the running shoe itself that influence its durability, namely the materials used and the quality of construction.
Brooks, like many running shoe companies, recommends replacing their running shoes after 300 to 500 miles (500-800 km) of use (where you fall in that range will depend largely on the training and body factors mentioned).
ASICS reports a longer average lifespan, at 450-500 miles. Therefore, although we can’t conclusively say that ASICS running shoes are more durable than Brooks, clearly, they are designed to hold up well for the average runner.
Fit
Probably the most significant difference between Brooks and ASICS running shoes is the general fit of the shoe.
Brooks running shoes normally have a wider toe box to accommodate natural foot splay when you run. This makes them an especially good option for runners with wide feet, bunions, metatarsalgia, or a more squared forefoot rather than a tapered one.
ASICS running shoes tend to run narrow, so if you compare the same size and similar style running shoes from the two brands, you’ll find a snugger fit.
The heel cup is particularly narrow because structural design components (an external heel “clutch”) are supposed to help increase support. The GEL cushioning gives a plasma-like consistency so that your foot can still move naturally.
Both Brooks and ASICS have shoe fit finders on their websites to help runners determine how to get a running shoe that fits well and feels comfortable. Here is the Brooks fit finder, and here is the ASICS one.
Cushioning
There are also some differences in the materials used for cushioning with Brooks vs ASICS running shoes.
Brooks shoes use one of several different foam materials for the midsole based on the primary purpose of the running shoes (e.g., racing flat versus cushioned trainer).
DNA LOFT is their softest cushioning, made from a blend of EVA foam, rubber, and air. It’s found in their cushioned and maximalist running shoes.
DNA AMP optimizes energy return because it is super springy and stiffer than DNA LOFT. Therefore, it’s ideal for lightweight trainers and speed shoes where you want to optimize forward propulsion.
BioMoGo DNA lands in the middle of DNA LOFT and DNA AMP and is said to adapt to and accommodate your gait to provide the proper support and cushion. It’s the Goldilocks, if you will.
Finally, DNA Flash provides very little cushioning, so it’s for racing shoes.
Most ASICS shoes are cushioned with their famous GEL technology.
It can be a bit heavier than the foams used in Brooks running shoes, but it provides excellent shock absorption and tends to hold up better than foam, which is probably why ASICS shoes may last a bit longer than comparable Brooks shoes.
ASICS also uses Flytefoam technology to improve energy return and responsiveness, like Brooks DNA Amp. It doesn’t seem quite as springy, though.
Stability
Most models in the Brooks lineup have both a neutral and support/stability version. These are distinguished by the “GTS” in the product name, which stands for “Go-To-Support.”
The GTS versions of Brooks running shoes employ GuideRails Technology, designed to balance and support your natural running stride to optimize your degree of pronation.
ASICS shoes offer stability through the external heel clutch, which helps control pronation at landing, and a Duomax midsole, which is made of dual-density material and provides support.
You can find specific stability and motion-control shoes with either brand if you need extra support and pronation control.
Rather than being designed to correct your gait, Brooks running shoes are said to accommodate gait.
Feel
Given the difference in fit and cushioning technology, ASICS and Brooks running shoes have a fairly different feel.
Brooks shoes are responsive and light, with a little more permissible foot movement due to the wider build. ASICS shoes tend to feel a little cushier rather than springier due to the GEL. The snugger fit can help you feel like you have more control and support in the shoe.
They also tend to feel slightly heavier.
Price
Both Brooks and ASICS running shoes are competitively and reasonably priced for the quality of the products.
The average price of each is about $110-150, with some models falling above and below and sale styles falling well under that.
When it comes to Brooks vs ASICS running shoes, it’s important to remember that rather than there being a definitive better option for all runners, the differences may make one brand better than the other for you.
Here are the Amazon links to a few Brooks running shoes to check out:
Brooks Levitate 5 Neutral Running Shoe
Here are the Amazon links to a few ASICS running shoes to check out:
I used to run in Asics for years but could never get beyond 600ks or my shoe started wearing through the mesh at the top. Always get holes on the top. Had a bad experience with a pair of shoes that clearly had a factory fault and Asics wouldn’t assist in getting the shoes exchanged and told me I must go to where I bought it. Thing is, I bought it whilst on holiday and would never be able to get there again. Thus, I changed to Brooks and have just bought my second pair of Brooks after getting 1,650 kms in my Brooks Ghost 14. It does not have a single tear on the top of the shoe and I am far more impressed with the Brooks than I have ever been with the Asics. In SA, I just paid R2,999.99 but is worth every cent.!
Impressed with the information on the various brands of sneakers. I am now just a walker and stretch workout person at age 75. Enjoyed the comparison between Brooks and ASICS sneakers and the differences in toe box widths, which I need, and cushioning.
from 2010 to late 2023 i only used one brand and one show model. it was the brooks addiction. this shoe is a stability model for pronators. the first model was very hard – but then a new area started the brooks addiction 12 came out. i had many over the years.
in summer i ran 12km nearly every day. i could run far more than 500km per shoe- more like 3000. so i changed shoes after 3 years on average. i always had the same model.
the last model was manufactored in late 2017, and i still have it- however i now replaced it. the area of addiction12/13 ended- they changed the complete design of the model.
i now wear a brooks adrenalin 23. it also has a newer/modern construction.
my old addiction models really lasted very long, they had a very solid construction.
there was a little change of the arch support in the last model of addiction 12 i had. – it was a bit less solid surface than my old pairs, but that didnt matter.