
ASICS GlideRide 3 Shoe Review
This updated GlideRide is built to make running feel easier with its curved rocker midsole and ultra-soft cushioning
Likes
- High level of soft cushioning
-
Super smooth ride with versatility for multiple paces
- Comfortable upper
Dislikes
- Upper could breathe better
What's New
The ASICS GlideRide 3 features some exciting updates this time around. The biggest change is the new jacquard mesh upper, which is soft and flexible, and wraps around the foot for a secure feel. The addition of FF BLAST+ cushioning boosts underfoot protection, reduces impact, and provides a springy, spongy ride. The curved sole design made with GUIDESOLE technology increases runner efficiency and reduces fatigue with its forward-rocking motion throughout the gait cycle. The last major update to the GlideRide is the use of FLYTEFOAM Propel technology, which is firmer underfoot to provide a reactive spring when it's time to pick up the pace.
The Bottom Line
The ASICS GlideRide 3 is a highly cushioned, ultra-smooth daily trainer designed to help you conserve more energy and make running feel easier. Its soft midsole provides a shock-absorbent landing that helps to reduce leg fatigue, while the GUIDESOLE technology increases running efficiency, making this an easy choice for anyone from beginner runners to elite athletes.
The GlideRide 3 is the ideal shoe for daily training, long runs, or recovery days. Softer and more breathable, the updated jacquard mesh upper supports the foot while keeping it locked down and secure. The new top layer of FF Blast+ cushioning provides a softer, bouncier foot strike, while the traditional FLYTEFOAM underlayer keeps the shoe responsive and quick. Rounding things out, the GUIDESOLE technology underfoot reduces ankle flexion while providing an efficient roll through the gait cycle, so you can run farther with less effort. The ASICS GlideRide 3 is a great daily training option for a wide variety of runners looking for a cushioned ride.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
Weight | Coming Soon |
Stack Height | Coming Soon |
Terrain | Road |
Stability | Neutral |
Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
Kaleb: "The addition of FLYTEFOAM Blast+ in the midsole has taken the GlideRide's softness to whole new levels. Version 3 hasn't become a total marshmallow though thanks to the firmer FLYTEFOAM bottom layer of the midsole and the EVA plate, which results in a well-balanced underfoot feel with excellent versatility."
Grace: "This shoe felt marshmallowy soft under my foot with its high-cushion design. The dual-density foam worked well, combining soft with responsive. I found myself reaching for GlideRide 3 for anything from hours on the road to slow recovery runs, and even speedy days as well."
Ride/Energy Returni
Kaleb: "The FLYTEFOAM Blast+ and FLYTEFOAM midsole combination is a real treat. The Blast+ is plush and bouncy, softening the blow of footstrikes and adding a small yet energetic spring to the ride. The FLYTEFOAM is firmer, and coupled with the embedded plate, the GlideRide 3 can pick up the pace and accommodate a variety of runs. It is not a racing shoe, but I would confidently reach for the GlideRide 3 for nearly every other run. The ride is also very stable with the help of ASICS' GUIDESOLE technology, which further added to my overall great experience with this update. I think that the GlideRide 3 is much better suited to longer runs than the previous model, and I do not think the softer midsole has compromised any of the shoe's responsiveness. Though, given its firmer midsole, the GlideRide 2 may be better suited for faster workouts."
Grace: "The addition of FLYTEFOAM Blast+ provided a soft, springy feel, which merged with the traditional FLYTEFOAM underlayer to deliver a buttery-smooth ride. Harder efforts felt effortless, and I was surprised that such a well-cushioned shoe returned this much energy. Another thing I really loved about this shoe was the ASICS GUIDESOLE technology. With high amounts of soft cushioning, I tend to sometimes feel unstable and easily roll an ankle, but the strategic use of the GUIDESOLE technology helped my foot feel supported on my runs."
Underfoot Protectioni
Kaleb: "There is 31 mm of foam underfoot, which is a pretty moderate stack by modern standards, yet the GlideRide 3 feels very protective. It is impressive how much the FLYTEFOAM Blast+ compound has improved this shoe. Version 2 did not lack protection, but I preferred other more comfortable, more protective shoes for my longest efforts and daily training mileage. With the softer midsole here, I have no reservations lacing up the GlideRide 3 for my long-haul runs. There are more protective shoes on the market today, but the GlideRide 3's blend of protection and versatility is a killer combination in my opinion. The inherent stability of the GlideRide 3 further contributed to the shoe's overall protective feel."
Grace: "I love how soft this shoe is! It actually feels like running on big chunks of marshmallow. The new FLYTEFOAM Blast+ makes such a difference in the amount of impact my legs feel upon landing. With this cushioning on top of the traditional, firmer FLYTEFOAM midsole, it makes for quite the dynamic duo. Not only do I feel like I can go forever in this shoe, but when I want to pick up the pace I know this shoe can deliver some speed as well."
Upper Supporti
Kaleb: "The new jacquard mesh upper is very comfortable. It securely locks down my foot while surrounding it with comfortably plush padding in the heel and tongue. I had no big issues, but the upper is not the most breathable, so the GlideRide 3 would not be my first choice in hot conditions. Other than that, I am one happy customer."
Grace: "The engineered mesh upper is stretchy, lightweight, and hugs my foot for a nice secure fit. There is plush padding surrounding the heel cup that locks me in comfortably and prevents any heel slippage. I really appreciated not having to employ extra lacing to use the runner's loop. The upper isn't the most breathable, but I was having so much fun running in it I never noticed once I switched to a thinner sock."
Individual Thoughts
I was excited to get the GlideRide 3, especially when I learned it would have FLYTEFOAM Blast+ in the midsole. That excitement quickly turned into joy once I got the GlideRide 3 out on the roads. I really like this update and am very impressed with version 3's performance. The FLYTEFOAM Blast+ provides a comfortably soft footbed that feels good regardless of how far or how hard I'm running. The combined FLYTEFOAM Blast+ and FLYTEFOAM midsole is incredibly well-balanced, offering enough protection for long runs while retaining enough energy return to accommodate tempo paces and possibly even intervals. The GlideRide 3 is not a speed trainer or race-day option, but it can definitely accommodate a variety of distances and paces. I had no issues running fartleks and completing tempo runs. That said, I think the GlideRide 3 is best suited for longer, slower daily training runs.
As for the upper, the GlideRide 3 offered a lot of comfort throughout, and I really appreciated the level of cushioning in the heel collar and tongue. The wrap itself was very secure, and I had no issues with lockdown. Unfortunately, the jacquard mesh runs a bit warm, so the GlideRide 3 is not the best option for hot conditions. But despite this, I never experienced any hot spots or irritation. All said and done, I highly recommend this shoe to anyone who's in the market for their next daily trainer. It is comparable to the HOKA Clifton in terms of protection but is a much more versatile trainer, and I honestly prefer it over ASICS' other daily training offerings.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptableI found the ASICS GlideRide 3 to be a great option for daily training, long road runs, and recovery days as well. This version feels lighter than the GlideRide 2, and the new FLYTEFOAM Blast+ underfoot provides a smooth ride, making running feel effortless with its max-cushioning design. I really enjoyed how well the knit upper in this shoe hugged my foot, and the thick cushioning in the heel locks me in to prevent any heel slipping while running. The rocker design in the midsole made the GlideRide 3 stand out for me over my other daily trainers. The GUIDESOLE technology helped my foot strike feel stable and supported, which is helpful with thicker midsoles. This shoe is designed with a lower volume, and I have a narrow but taller foot, so one thing I would change is I would go up half a size to try and accommodate for that. Overall, I found the GlideRide 3 to be a perfect lightweight daily trainer that was strategically improved from the previous model.