The GuideSole rocker design , which was first used in the Evoride model and then the first version of the GlideRide , is immediately noticeable , and at first you may feel as if the shoe just ‘ disappears ’ under your toes and drops you forwards . It does take some getting used to , and you may even feel a bit awkward the first time you run in them – I know I did , sometimes even catching myself leaning backwards , or trying to keep my weight centred on my heels – but I also found that I soon became used to the feeling . And once you get used to leaning forward into your stride , that midsole under the ball of your foot encourages your whole body forwards , which in turn makes your running more efficient , and potentially faster , too .

To quote the tech-speak about the rocker design , ASICS GuideSole is a geometry designed to improve propulsion by optimising efficiency ( primarily for heelstrikers ) by keeping the angle of ankle dorsiflexion ( flexing ankle up ) and plantar flexion ( flexing toes down ) constant during the gait cycle , with a stiff sole , while using the forward rocker to propel toe-off . The idea is to reduce energy-loss at the ankle joint and shift the body forward .

Let ’ s Talk Details

The shoe ’ s midsole is made from FlyteFoam , which is lighter and springier than conventional EVA midsole foam rubber , but embedded into that is a hardened EVA propulsion plate , which is not as firm as a plastic or carbon plate , but it still does a similar job very well . Some testers have reported that they think the FlyteFoam could be spongier , and the EVA plate could even be removed , letting the curved geometry of the forefoot do the rocking by itself , but I think that ’ s a personal preference of runners looking for a rockered shoe designed specifically for slow , heel-striking jogger , whereas the GlideRide 2 is aimed at runners who would like to go a bit faster . They ’ re not out-andout racing shoes , but could be used for both training runs and racing . That would be your choice .

In terms of changes from the first version of the GlideRide , which first hit the market in 2019 , the new version ’ s midsole is slightly wider and has about

2mm more stack height , giving it a 36mm heel .

With its 31mm forefoot ,

the drop is only 5mm , but that pronounced rocker motion makes it feel like a heck of a lot more ! The thing to keep in mind even though it has a maximalist-style midsole profile , this shoe does not offer the supercushioned ride of maximalist shoes . The midsole is a bit firmer , by comparison , and offers a lot of protection and stability instead of just squishy cushioning .

Same as in the previous version of the shoe , the upper is made from a Jacquard mesh upper that hugs the shape of the foot well . Asics has gone for this light , super-breathable mesh because it provides the ‘ best off both worlds ’ provided by knit-like material and traditional mesh uppers . I found the fit snug but comfortable , and that my feet felt secure and stable in spite of that high stack height I was balancing on top of . I also liked the fit of the tongue and heel counter ( cup ) padding . Last , but not least , the reflectivity in low-light conditions of this shoe is also excellent thanks to the Lite Show reflective detailing that Asics has included in the upper .

Something Different

All in all , the GlideRide provides a unique ride , but I stress that it is something that you need to get used to , and you need to train your body to run differently in order to get the best out of these shoes . If you lean back or sink down on your heels , you ’ ll effectively be putting the brakes on the forward rock of the shoes . Of course , that super-stiff midsole and pronounced rounded forefoot will do its best to remind you to keep driving forwards .

Images : Courtesy Asics