ASICS Glideride Max vs ASICS Glideride Max 2

Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .

• 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"

  — Run Moore , source

• 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"

  — Kofuzi , source

• 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"

  — Doctors of Running , source

• 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"

  — FORDY RUNS , source

Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .

• A brief but enthusiastic honorable mention — Fordy calls it a sleeper hit thanks to its gel foam setup and says he won't hear anything bad said about it.

  Ride:Gel foam setup Fordy rates highly as a 'sleeper hit'.

  In their words: "I think that's a sleeper hit" · "not hear anything bad said"

  — FORDY RUNS , source

• Largely interchangeable with the Gel-Nimbus 28 in Kofuzi's view; ASICS appears to be slowly merging the GlideRide Max into the Nimbus line, making it gradually unnecessary as a separate product.

  In their words: "slowly merging into the Nimbus" · "largely interchangeable" · "trying to just merge these two shoes"

  — Kofuzi , source

• 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"

  — Doctors of Running , source

• 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"

  — Steve Boore (Run Moore) , source