ASICS GlideRide 2 Review
Enjoy the Ride in These Long-Distance Trainers
Likes
- Rockered midsole makes running smooth and easy
- Plenty of protective cushioning
- No-nonsense laces
Dislikes
- Slightly firm underfoot
- Snug fit in midfoot
- Feels heavy
What's New
ASICS has made upgrades to the GlideRide to enhance the comfortable and efficient ride of these unique trainers. The base has been slightly widened to provide runners with a more secure and stable running experience than the previous version. Additionally, a new AHARPLUS outsole is designed to deliver slip-resistant traction with the durability to stand the test of time. Finally, updates to the engineered mesh upper improve the GlideRide's overall fit and breathability, offering runners an enhanced on-foot feel.
The Bottom Line
Scientifically proven to save energy while on the run, the GlideRide 2 delivers an impressively efficient ride from footstrike to toe-off, making running feel effortless regardless of the distance. While better suited to long runs, the GlideRide 2 features a FlyteFoam midsole that is firmer than other highly cushioned shoes in the daily training category, yet still extremely protective. The upgrades to the engineered mesh upper offer runners improved breathability as well as targeted support for a secure, confidence-inspiring fit.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Medium to high |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.3 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.8 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 40 mm (Heel), 35 mm (Forefoot) | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
Designed for long-distance comfort, the ASICS GlideRide 2 maintains a perfect balance between firm and soft. The midsole has a firmer underfoot feel that works in combination with ASICS GUIDESOLE technology to create an enjoyable underfoot experience. Features such as the highly padded heel collar and tongue add comfort and deliver a plush step-in feel.
Becky: "This update feels firmer to me than the original GlideRide. The plush heel collar and tongue do make the step-in feel softer, but the underfoot is a bit on the firm side for how much cushioning it has."
Jonathan: "The GlideRide 2 has a balanced underfoot feel. It doesn't feel firm, but I wouldn't say it feels soft either. It's somewhere right in the middle."
Ride/Energy Return i
GUIDESOLE is a rocker midsole that continues to be a major talking point when describing the GlideRide 2. This midsole delivers an incredibly efficient ride that saves runners energy in every stride, allowing for some fun and easy running. With abundant FlyteFoam cushioning underfoot, these daily trainers can perform at any pace although are best suited to long-distance training runs.
Becky: "The rockered midsole helps make running feel easier. Even with easy-paced runs, this shoe helps me move faster thanks to its responsiveness. It wouldn't be my first choice for a faster effort since it's a bit on the heavy and bulky side."
Jonathan: "The GlideRide 2 is certainly not a shoe I like for fast-paced runs, however, it doesn't sap my energy. This shoe rolls along very nicely and has enough energy return to feel like it's helping me move forward."
Underfoot Protection i
Featuring substantial padding underfoot, the GlideRide 2 will not disappoint runners when it comes to protection. Competing with the likes of the HOKA Clifton, the GlideRide will keep runners fresh, even on their longest runs. One thing our testers noted is that the outsole rubber could be a little stickier to supply better traction.
Becky: "The GlideRide 2 feels similarly cushioned to something like a HOKA Clifton or a HOKA Rincon. It's got enough cushioning for long-distance training, such as for a marathon."
Jonathan: "This is a well-padded shoe. Even though it's not a soft feeling shoe, the high level of cushioning kept me very comfortable. My feet and body felt great during and after multi-hour runs."
Underfoot Flexibility i
By design, the GlideRide 2 lacks flexibility, however the shoe still rolls along seamlessly. The GUIDESOLE rockered design propels runners from heel to toe for an ultra-smooth ride. The geometry of the shoe also helps the wearer work through their stride with less strain, allowing them to push farther and farther.
Becky: "The design of the GlideRide 2 is definitely on the rigid side, but it offers a smooth transition from heel to toe-off. The stiffness and wider base make this shoe feel inherently stable, taking the pressure off of my lower legs as I run."
Jonathan: "This shoe is not very flexible, but the ride is super smooth. It just rolls easily from step to step."
Upper Feel i
A padded heel collar and tongue contribute to the plush upper of the GlideRide 2. Security is not in short supply, as the breathable engineered mesh upper provides runners with a no-nonsense heel lockdown and a comfortably snug fit through the midfoot.
Becky: "The mesh upper and stiff heel create a supportive fit around the foot. The fit is probably best for medium to narrow feet, as it feels a bit snug for me."
Jonathan: "I found the GlideRide 2 to have a secure heel fit and a nice wrap through the midfoot. The toebox was a bit roomy—not wide but deep. I didn't have any issues due to the extra room up front, but there was more space than I prefer."
Men's ASICS Glideride Max Running Shoes
Women's ASICS GlideRide Max Running Shoes
Individual Thoughts
The GlideRide 2 is a unique take on a daily trainer thanks to its signature rockered sole, which makes running feel easier. If you enjoyed the original GlideRide, you will also enjoy version 2, which features a slightly wider base and a new mesh upper design. The GlideRide 2 is a solid daily trainer, providing a lot of cushioning and a responsive ride without the plush feel of some other options in this category.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I had the original GlideRide and was pleasantly surprised by the shoe. I couldn't figure out exactly why, but I found myself continually using them for my standard training runs. The shoe didn't stand out in any one particular category, but I just liked how they made me feel when I was running. I think the GUIDESOLE design is what makes this shoe special. It is subtle, but the rocker shape and stiffer forefoot helped make running feel easier. The GlideRide 2 has the same GUIDESOLE technology as the original and provides a familiar ride. Version 2 has a slighter wider base that adds inherent stability, but the wider base made the shoe feel heavier on foot. I was happy with the level of cushioning supplied by the GlideRide 2 and found the fit to be comfortable, but I was disappointed that the shoe felt bulkier than its predecessor. If you are accustomed to max-cushioned shoes with more girth, like the HOKA ONE ONE Bondi, then the GlideRide 2 is worth exploring, but if you prefer a more streamlined feel and still want the smooth rockered design, I would take a look at the ASICS EvoRide 2.