Saucony Vs Asics Running Shoe Comparison: Which Is Better?

Saucony and ASICS running shoes are among two of the most popular brands of running shoes. 

However, unlike when making a comparison such as Hoka vs Saucony running shoes or Hoka vs ASICS running shoes, wherein there are pretty blatant differences when comparing Saucony vs ASICS running shoes, the differences come down to much finer details.

In this article, we will compare Saucony vs ASICS running shoes to help you decide which running shoe brand is the best fit for you.

We will cover: 

• Which Is Better, Saucony or ASICS Running Shoes?

• Saucony vs ASICS: Main Differences

Let’s dive in! 

Which Is Better, Saucony or ASICS Running Shoes?

Before we delve into the specific differences between ASICS vs Saucony running shoes, it is important to establish that there isn’t necessarily an overall “winner“ or “better“ running shoe brand for every runner.

Both companies provide excellent, high-quality running shoes for runners of various ability levels and footwear needs. 

Evidence of the merit, quality, and design of the running shoes, both Saucony and ASICS are running shoe brands accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

Thus, choosing whether it is better for you to get Saucony vs ASICS running shoes will come down to your own personal needs and preferences.

Even within each brand, the different models of running shoes each have their own unique characteristics, so the trends that we will note in the following sections are generalizations about the running shoes as a whole rather than an individual comparison of each model of ASICS vs Saucony running shoes.

Saucony vs Asics: Main Differences

Saucony and ASICS running shoes are both extremely popular among runners and walkers of all ability levels. Saucony running shoes are generally appreciated for their cutting-edge technology, lightweight feel, and responsive foam.

ASICS running shoes are often chosen by runners who are interested in GEL cushioning, as well as runners who have a narrow foot shape and want a running shoe with snug midfoot and tight heel lock for greater pronation control.

Saucony vs Asics: Fit and Feel

One of the primary differences between Saucony vs ASICS running shoes is the fit and feel of the shoes themselves.

In terms of the uppers, Saucony is well known for its lightweight and breathable uppers made with FORMFIT.

This breathable mesh is designed to fit and feel like a sock, providing an intimate and snug feel for improved comfort and support.

ASICS running shoes also have a breathable upper, but it is generally less snug. 

ASICS uses a FluidFit material for the upper, which is a system constructed of both elastic and non-elastic mesh that helps hold your foot in place without being overly snug and restrictive.

However, the midfoot of the ASICS shoe last (shoe shape) tends to have a snugger or tighter feel than Saucony running shoes. 

This can be ideal for runners with narrow feet, but if you have a bunion or Morton’s neuroma, the wider toe box of the Saucony running shoes will be more comfortable.

The heel lock is also generally tighter with ASICS vs Saucony running shoes.

This can prevent heel slippage and reduce the risk of blisters if you have a narrow heel. It can also provide more control of pronation upon landing, which can be good for runners who overpronate.

With that said, compared to running shoe brands like Brooks and New Balance, both Saucony and ASICS running shoes run on the narrower side with a snug midfoot and heel and narrower toe box. 

Therefore, if you have wide feet or bunions, you might do better with an alternative brand with a wider toe box or wider build.

Saucony vs ASICS: Cushioning

There are differences in the materials and feel of the cushioning in Saucony vs ASICS running shoes.

Saucony cushioning is designed to be super lightweight yet responsive. There is less cushioning material in the shoe, but the positioning of the material helps improve the amount of shock attenuation that you feel.

The midsole has a layer of cushioning that is closer to where your foot sits in the shoe rather than deeper down closer to the outsole. 

This helps the shoe feel more cushioned, particularly over the course of long runs, without actually increasing the weight of the shoe by adding additional cushioning materials.

The Saucony cushioning technology is known as PWRRUN, and it is primarily designed to optimize energy return and feels super responsive while still providing enough cushioning to be comfortable for longer runs. 

As such, many runners find that Saucony running shoes feel “faster” than ASICS running shoes, whereas you will experience more cushioning and a softer ride with ASICS vs Saucony running shoes.

To add to the impact resistance and cushioning, Saucony employs a technology known as Powergrid+. This system spreads your impact forces along a grid of holes to disperse the forces over a wider surface area.

ASICS running shoes use GEL technology, with sections of gel in the heel and forefoot of the shoe. The GEL cushioning has a plasma-like consistency so that your foot can still move in its natural way while the impact forces are dispersed over the GEL.

If you are a heel striker, you will appreciate the shock attenuation of the thick and springy gel in the heel or back of the shoe.

ASICS also uses Flytefoam, which Is significantly lighter than traditional EVA foam used in many running shoes. This helps add to the excellent cushioning without significantly increasing the weight of the shoe.

Saucony vs ASICS: Durability

The durability of Saucony and ASICS running shoes is similar. 

Saucony recommends replacing running shoes every 300 to 500 miles, depending on the model that you are wearing, as well as individual factors such as your body weight, the amount of running that you are doing, whether or not you are rotating your shoes, and your biomechanics.

The reported durability is slightly greater for ASICS vs Saucony, with ASICS reporting an estimated lifespan of between 450 and 550 miles. 

This is on the higher end of most running shoe companies. Of course, again, your own individual training factors, body size, and how well you take care of your shoes will affect the durability of your running shoes.

Both Saucony and ASICS running shoes have durable outsoles with effective traction systems to prevent slipping on a variety of different running surfaces and terrains.

Most Saucony running shoes have an XT-900 carbon rubber compound in the heel to improve traction and durability. You will get equally effective traction and durability with ASICS outsoles, which use AHAR or AHAR+.

Saucony vs ASICS: Stability

If you need extra stability and motion control for overpronation, you’ll probably find more control with ASICS vs Saucony running shoes.

Although both brands offer some stability running shoes, ASICS has more aggressive foot control.

For stability running shoes, Saucony adds features such as a stiffer TPU heel plate and medial post to control foot positioning, support the arch, and prevent excessive pronation.

ASICS shoes add stability via the external heel clutch, which helps control pronation at landing, as well as through a Duomax midsole, which is a dual-density material that provides arch support.

One stability benefit of ASICS vs Saucony running shoes is that the ASICS shoes have a resin Trusstic system along the length of the outsole. This helps prevent twisting or torsion of the shoe to enhance stability and motion control while running.

Saucony vs ASICS: Price

The price range for ASICS and Saucony shoes are similar, usually falling in the $110-140 range, depending on the model.

You can usually save money by buying previous models when a new update comes out.

Overall, Saucony and ASICS are both excellent running shoes with models that suit runners of all ability levels, support needs, and training goals. 

In general, Saucony running shoes may be better for runners who are looking for lightweight and responsive training shoes, whereas ASICS are often better for runners who are looking for more cushioning or specific stability and motion control shoes for overpronation.

Here are a few Saucony running shoes to check out:

Saucony Men’s Endorphin Speed 2 Running Shoe

Saucony Women’s Guide 10 Running Shoe

Saucony Women’s Cohesion 13 Running Shoe

Saucony Women’s Guide 14 Running Shoe

Saucony Men’s Kinvara 13 Running Shoe

Saucony Women’s Endorphin Speed 2 Running Shoe

Here are a few ASICS running shoes to check out:

ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 8

ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes

ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 24 Running Shoes

ASICS Men’s Gel-Kayano 29 Running Shoes

ASICS Men’s Gel-Cumulus 23 Running Shoes

ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 24 Running Shoes