The Asics Glideride Max is an interesting addition to the market, designed for runners who need stability without the usual weight and bulk of traditional stability shoes. Whether you’re an underpronator or a neutral runner, these shoes offer a solution to help guide your feet through a proper stride, all while maintaining a light and responsive feel. In this review, we’ll break down the key aspects of the Glideride Max, including its pros, cons, and how it performed on the road.
The TL;DR – What You Need To Know:
7.1
MH RATING
Good performance training shoes for under-pronators and neutral runners alike that actually weigh less than the typical bag of flour.
- They’re an interesting attempt at creating a stability-type shoe that doesn’t weigh a million pounds and that actually doesn’t feel clunky at all.
- Like many of Asics‘ releases this year, the Glideride Max is made with speed in mind. Underneath, it has a layer of FF Blast Plus foam, which is about 20% lighter than the regular foam that Asics has been using in the past on their training shoes.
- All of our shoe testers are died-in-the-wool, experienced runners with a broad experience of the sport. They’re typically running 30+ miles per week.
- We put each pair of shoes through a battery of tests: a typical review will involve several test runs on a variety of distances and terrains, designed to identify any snags or issues.
- We talk to experts in the shoe industry, attend expos and brand events, and gather advice and insights from other runners, to best understand the shoe and how it suits the end user: you, the runner.
- We document our testing and reviews over on our YouTube channel.
The Deets: Tech Specs For The Asics Glideride MAX
- MSRP: $170
- Release date: September 1
- Stack height: 44mm
- Weight: 9.9 oz (men’s size 9)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
The Pros:
Lightweight Stability: The Glideride Max strikes a balance between stability and weight. With the integration of the FF Blast Plus and FF Blast Max foams, Asics has kept the shoe light—around 20% lighter than their standard training shoes—while still offering the support underpronators need.
Suitable for Neutral Runners: Often, stability shoes can feel cumbersome and unnecessary for neutral runners. However, the Glideride Max seems to cater to both groups, offering a smooth ride without the heavy, clunky feeling of many stability shoes.
Improved Gait Control: With the Asics GuideSole technology, the shoe helps guide your foot from heel to toe, preventing excessive side-to-side movement. This is especially beneficial for runners who experience rolling feet or weak ankles during their runs.
Responsive Cushioning: The dual-layer foam system provides a bouncy, responsive feel. The FF Blast Plus foam adds softness, while the FF Blast Max foam on top boosts energy return, creating a lively ride.
The Cons:
Niche Appeal: While the Glideride Max is versatile, it may not be the perfect fit for every runner. Runners who prefer more minimalistic shoes or those without gait issues might find the extra support unnecessary.
Potential Overkill for Some: Even though it’s marketed as a performance shoe for both underpronators and neutral runners, some neutral runners may still feel that the added stability features make the shoe more rigid than needed.
ASICS Glideride Max: First Impressions
Upon first glance, the Asics Glideride Max stands out with its slightly bulky look, but don’t let that fool you. Once you lace them up, the shoes feel much lighter than expected, thanks to the innovative foam technologies packed into the midsole. The design aims to support runners with issues like underpronation, but also feels smooth enough for neutral runners who want a little extra support during long training runs.
The first thing that grabbed my attention was the comfortable yet supportive fit. The cushioning feels plush but not overly soft, and the GuideSole technology gives a nice sense of control and balance from the first stride. They certainly don’t have that ‘heavy-duty’ feeling that many stability shoes are known for.
Here are the ASICS Glideride Max’s key specs:
Weight: Approximately 20% lighter than traditional stability shoes
Midsole: FF Blast Plus and FF Blast Max foams
Stability Technology: GuideSole for added gait control
Target Users: Underpronators, neutral runners, and runners with weak ankles or gait issues
Road Testing The ASICS Glideride Max
Out on the road, the Glideride Max held up well over various distances and terrains. The standout feature during the run was the cushioning. The FF Blast Max foam offered a surprisingly responsive ride, propelling each step forward without feeling too soft. Even over long distances, the shoes maintained their bouncy, energetic feel without losing shape or support.
For underpronators, the shoe’s support really shines. The GuideSole system helped keep my foot moving in a straight line, preventing the outward rolling that often causes discomfort. Even for a neutral runner like myself, the added stability didn’t feel intrusive but rather complemented my natural stride. These shoes are definitely more about efficiency and support, especially during longer runs when fatigue can set in and form can break down.
ASICS Glideride Max Review Takeaways
The Asics Glideride Max is an excellent choice for runners who want a stable, supportive shoe that doesn’t sacrifice on weight or performance. With its combination of FF Blast Plus and FF Blast Max foams, the shoe offers a responsive and lively ride. Whether you’re an underpronator needing more structure or a neutral runner looking for a versatile training shoe, the Glideride Max delivers comfort, control, and pretty decent performance.
For those in need of stability without feeling weighed down, the Glideride Max might just be your next go-to pair. However, if you prefer a minimalist shoe or have no issues with your gait, the added features might feel unnecessary.
