ASICS Glideride Max vs ASICS Glideride Max 2
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 5 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
The consensus read
Each paragraph is a synthesis across every reviewer in our database for that shoe — what they collectively concluded after wear-testing. Not a quote. Not one person's take. The shape of the room.
ASICS Glideride Max
A soft, max-cushion trainer that prioritizes comfort and rolling efficiency over aggressive rocker feel, best suited for easy runs and recovery where plush landings matter more than pace responsiveness.
ASICS Glideride Max 2
A firmer, lighter update to the original Glideride Max that excels as a smooth, efficient max-cushion daily trainer and marathon shoe, though some testers note it trades responsiveness for plush cushioning and rolling rocker feel.
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Heavier, softer, and less stable with a less noticeable rocker than v2
Same midsole and outsole; V1 upper is warmer and less breathable.
v2 is about an ounce lighter, firmer, stiffer through the toe, and a bit poppier
Lighter, firmer, more stable, and more rockered than v1
v2 is about an ounce lighter, firmer, stiffer through the toe, and a bit poppier
Same midsole and outsole; V2 upper is more breathable and comfortable, V1 is a bargain at clearance pricing.
ASICS Glideride Max — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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A softer, more versatile update that sits between the old GlideRide and the Nimbus — less aggressively rockered but more runnable and wearable all day, making it a nice bridge shoe in the ASICS lineup.
Ride:Softer and lighter feel than the original GlideRide, with less glide/rocker sensation — feels better the faster you go. Retains some lateral support but less than the original. Bridges the gap between the original GlideRide and the Nimbus.
Fit:Fits wider and more breathable than the original GlideRide; comfortable enough to wear all day.
In their words: "much softer feel" · "wear this shoe all day" · "runnable long-distance shoe"
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The Glideride Max is a soft, comfortable max-cushion cruiser that rolls well and is essentially the Nimbus Kofuzi was hoping for — great for recovery, easy, and long runs, though a bit heavy and pricey at $170.
Ride:Comfortable max-cushion experience with soft landings from the FF Blast Max top layer and a nice roll forward from the Guidesole geometry. Some firmness and roll from the hardened EVA plate and FF Blast Plus Eco underneath. Softer than the Nimbus 26. Not as deep a center channel or as pronounced a 'dip-in' sensation as the Glideride 3.
Fit:True to size in his normal running shoe size 9; soft, stretchy engineered mesh upper; less tongue padding than previous Glideride (a step in the right direction), but tongue lacks the knit material used on this year's Cumulus and Nimbus; thick, dense heel counter with plenty of foam around the collar; double pull tabs.
In their words: "comfortable Max cushion experience" · "really nice soft Landings" · "really soft and comfortable"
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An aggressively rockered, compliant trainer that excels at creating a rolling sensation off the forefoot, best for runners who want a low-drop feel on easy and long efforts.
Ride:Very compliant Flight Foam Blast Max midsole that compresses a lot, making the 6mm drop feel even lower; aggressive forefoot rocker with EVA plate gives a rolling sensation off the front; smoothest heel bevel of the group but less stable due to compliant midsole.
Fit:More forefoot width but tapers noticeably with a stiff toe guard up front; slightly lower volume that can push down on toes for high-volume wide feet; somewhat stiff heel counter.
In their words: "rolling sensation especially off the front" · "smoothest heel of the group" · "much more compliant"
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Essentially the same ride as V2 with a warmer, lesser upper — an absolute bargain at current clearance prices.
Ride:Same stable, pace-flexible ride as V2 with the EVA plate aiding efficiency.
Fit:True to size; upper runs warm and isn't the best.
In their words: "absolute bargain" · "super stable ride" · "works well at multiple paces"
ASICS Glideride Max 2 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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A plush, max-stack daily trainer that trades responsiveness for cushion and a rolling rocker — aimed at easy mileage and long runs rather than speed work.
Ride:Max-stack plush offering. First Glideride without a plate, but remains reasonably stiff due to foam volume and a sharp toe spring that produces a clear rolling sensation. FlyteFoam Blast Max top layer is noticeably soft; the thicker Blast Plus Eco base is firmer. Absorbs impact and rolls forward rather than offering lively bounce.
Fit:Plush, warm upper with lots of padding on the heel collar and tongue. Most volume of the three with a normal heel, slightly wider midfoot, and wide forefoot. Lockdown is good, though the top lace position bites slightly at the ankle crease.
In their words: "this shoe is a Max stack shoe" · "feels best at Daily and easy mileage" · "doesn't have a bunch of responsiveness to it"
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A firmer, lighter, slightly poppier update to the Glideride Max that remains the best in its smooth high-cushion rocker category at a strong $170 price point, though still feels far from the original Glideride.
Ride:Slightly firmer and stiffer through the toe than v1, a little poppier, smooth and efficient rocker ride, quiet and not slappy, easier on joints.
In their words: "that smooth efficiency" · "easier on the joints" · "still plenty of cushion"
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A firmer, lighter, slightly poppier update to the Glideride Max that remains the best in its smooth high-cushion rocker category at a strong $170 price point, though still feels far from the original Glideride.
Ride:Slightly firmer and stiffer through the toe than v1, a little poppier, smooth and efficient rocker ride, quiet and not slappy, easier on joints.
In their words: "a little bit poppier" · "a pinch firmer than the last one" · "shed about an ounce of weight"
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An undervalued, versatile max-cushion daily trainer with a stable, pace-flexible ride and an improved breathable upper over V1.
Ride:Stable, comfortable ride that handles easy miles and marathon pace; FF Blast Plus feels slightly softer than V1.
Fit:True to size; new upper is more breathable with front air intakes.
In their words: "much better material" · "feels a little bit softer" · "much more breathable in the upper"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the ASICS Glideride Max if
- Runners wanting an aggressive forefoot rocker and low-drop feel for easy and efficient longer runs. — Doctors of Running
- Bargain max-cushion daily trainer at clearance pricing. — FORDY RUNS
- Runnable max-cushion daily trainer for neutral runners; could even work as a non-plated marathon option. — Run Moore
- Max-cushion daily mileage and long runs at easy to rhythmic paces on road or runnable dirt. — Doctors of Running
- Recovery runs, easy runs, and long slow distance where you want maximum comfort rather than pace. — Kofuzi
Consider the ASICS Glideride Max 2 if
- Smooth, efficient max-cushion daily training and marathon-distance running for runners wanting a glidey 6mm-drop rocker trainer — Run Moore
- Runners wanting a moderately rockered, max-stack trainer that is lighter and more stable than v1. — Doctors of Running
- Smooth, efficient max-cushion daily training and marathon-distance running for runners wanting a glidey 6mm-drop rocker trainer — Steve Boore (Run Moore)
- Versatile daily trainer for easy to marathon-pace miles, especially for heavier runners. — FORDY RUNS
- Plush daily mileage, long runs, and easy shuffling efforts — Doctors of Running
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Glideride Max and the ASICS Glideride Max 2?
The ASICS Glideride Max is a recovery / easy and the ASICS Glideride Max 2 is a recovery / easy. By the numbers, the ASICS Glideride Max weighs 281g, has a 46mm heel stack and a 6mm drop, while the ASICS Glideride Max 2 weighs 261g, has a 46mm heel stack and a 6mm drop. MSRP is $170 for the ASICS Glideride Max and $170 for the ASICS Glideride Max 2.
Should I buy the ASICS Glideride Max or the ASICS Glideride Max 2?
Doctors of Running on the ASICS Glideride Max: Runners wanting an aggressive forefoot rocker and low-drop feel for easy and efficient longer runs. Run Moore on the ASICS Glideride Max 2: Smooth, efficient max-cushion daily training and marathon-distance running for runners wanting a glidey 6mm-drop rocker trainer.
Per Doctors of Running, Run Moore.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Glideride Max and the ASICS Glideride Max 2?
Yes — Doctors of Running, FORDY RUNS, Run Moore, and Steve Boore (Run Moore) directly compared the ASICS Glideride Max and the ASICS Glideride Max 2 in their reviews.
Per Doctors of Running, FORDY RUNS, Run Moore, Steve Boore (Run Moore).
Which is lighter, the ASICS Glideride Max or the ASICS Glideride Max 2?
The ASICS Glideride Max 2 is lighter, at 261g versus 281g (men's 9) — about 20g less.