So you’ve decided to take up running. Or you’ve been into running, but you are shopping around for the ideal shoes. Well, this can prove to be a tiresome task as there are so many brands out there to choose from.
Additionally, there are some features to look out for before you ‘Send to Cart.’ As a guy, you have to consider running shoes with arch support, weight distribution, and so on. As a woman, a shoe that solves overpronation is a great option.
If none of these makes sense and you are just looking for a pair of running shoes, fret not. This list has narrowed down to Saucony vs. Asics running shoes, two undisputed kings of the running shoe world.
The shoes that top this list are the Saucony Women’s Ride 10 Running Shoes, which are not only durable but offer great heel support. Before getting down to the Saucony vs Asics battle, here is a little history.
Beginning of Saucony Vs Asics
Asics History
Asics started as Onitsuka Co.Ltd in 1949 and was founded by Kihachiro Onitsuka. In 1965, it rebranded to Onitsuka Tiger, where it specialized in marathon shoes. It later merged in 1977 to form Asics. They capitalized on the “jogging frenzy” that took over the US and came up with various jogging shoes.
In the ’80s and ’90s, they came up with innovative “jogging shoes,” such as the Father, Nevada, and the Gel Saga. Their hit product was the Gel-Kayano, which took off in the runners world. Up to date, Asics continues to produce high-quality shoes that runners of all levels rely on.
Saucony History
Saucony was founded in 1898 and was located in Kutztown, PA. It started by making shoes for children and did this for over half a century. They also produced racing spikes for athletes.
It made it’s the entrance into the running market in 1968 when Hyde Athletic Industries acquired it. In the ’70s, it rode on the jogging wave that took over the US. In the 80’s it went on to produce unique running shoes that include the Shadow, the Trainer 80, and the Jazz, which they produced for mass consumption.
The Kinvara series has made the brand stand out over time and cemented its top position in the running world. In the Saucony vs Asics comparison, it’s interesting to note that they both took off during the jogging frenzy of the ’70s.
Saucony Vs Asics
1. Saucony Women’s Ride 10 Running-Shoes
The Saucony Women’s Ride 10 are the ideal shoes for women who are looking for arch support. They have excellent arch support, and you’ll find them good if you are flat-footed too. They are also cushy, which makes them quite comfortable when running.
The first thing that strikes you in these shoes is that they are pretty lightweight. They have an engineered mesh upper, which makes for a lightweight fit. The mesh is also dynamic, which ensures the shoe is quite comfy after a while.
Their rubber sole is also engineered such that it reduces the weight while ensuring it is durable. It has efficient treads to keep you on track when running on slippery surfaces.
They feature EVERUN topsoil, which makes for continuous cushioning. This comes in handy for people with extremely high arches as it eases the pressure. The TRI-FLEX outsole ensures that not only is the shoe flexible, but that it offers protection to your feet.
Pros
- The shoes are super comfortable as they boast of the EVERUN topsole, which gives cushioning;
- The shoes are stable following the TRI-FLEX outsole and correct overpronation;
- The shoes are super soft as they are made from synthetic materials;
- The shoes are lightweight from their mesh upper to their rubber sole, and this is a plus for a running shoe;
- They have narrow heels and wide toes, which make the shoe ideal for most runners.
Cons
- Orthotics might not fit on this pair;
- The heel height has been reduced, and feet might slip.
These shoes are very comfortable, so if comfort is what you are looking for, then this is the pair. They also have narrow heels and are ideal for people with flat feet.
2. Saucony Men’s Guide 10 Running Shoes
If you are shopping for running shoes that are big on comfort (among men), then the Saucony Men’s Guide 10 are the right shoes for you. They have several features that are specially built for comfort.
They feature Everun topsoles that take the comfort game to a whole new level. These topsoles are great for cushioning. They allow for smoother landings when jogging and stronger takeoffs too.
They have a TRI-FLEX outsole, which is specially designed to allow for more efficient ground contact. This also gives room for optimal flexibility since the outsole heightens force dispersion allowing it to be dispersed over a larger surface area.
Pros
- The shoes are lightweight as they are made from a lightweight mesh upper and rubber soles;
- They are flexible with the upper comprising of Flexfilm, several layers of lightweight material that make the shoes seamless and flexible;
- The shoes are quite comfortable with the Everun topsole that provides extra cushioning;
- The shoes are quite stable with the Tri-Flex, allowing for more force dispersion and thus more traction;
- They allow for softer ground contact with the Everun topsole ensuring smoother landings.
Cons
- Some people’s feet might take long to break-in the shoes;
- The insole density might not be to some people’s liking.
If you tend to overpronate, then these shoes are a must-have. They have great support that controls pronation.
Read also: Saucony Vs Brooks: Ultimate Comparison of Shoe Brand
3. ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 21 Running Shoes
If you tend to run over rough surfaces, say over a concrete surface and looking for suitable shoes, then these shoes are just for you. They contain features that will make your jogging sessions more comfortable.
They feature FLYTEFOAM Propel technology, which is the perfect remedy for a bumpy jog. It responds with a high energy return, which allows for a bouncy ride. This makes it quite easy to run in them.
Additionally, the GEL brand allows for shock absorption- another plus if you run on rough surfaces. This provides for a very comfortable ride.
There is an upgrade in the GEL-NIMBUS mesh upper, which allows it to adapt to the foot’s movement. This makes for a comfortable ride, but it also provides more roofs in the forepart of the foot.
Pros
- They are extremely durable with the AHAR Outsole, allowing for exceptional durability;
- They have great heel support as they have Heel Clutching System Technology, which ensures more heel support and that the heel fits more;
- They are quite lightweight as the mesh upper, and the rubber outsole is made from lightweight materials;
- The shoes allow for even distribution of pressure across the feet;
- The shoes are quite comfy with the topsole allowing for extra cushioning.
Cons
- Sizing might be off if coming from previous models;
- Some people might feel the shoes have low ankle support.
If you experience heel pains when jogging, then these shoes will help treat the heel pain as they have several features built just for this.
4. ASICS Mens Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe
If you want shoes that offer excellent traction, especially if you run on slopes, then these are the shoes for you.
They have trail-specific outsoles that can pretty much conquer any terrain. The outsoles contain reverse lugs that are specially made to offer traction when running uphill and downhill and on all kinds of terrain. The outsoles are quite durable following the AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber), which allows for extra durability.
They also boast of GEL technology, which is a cushioning system for the rearfoot that reduces shock when running and makes your jogs smooth. The shoes allow you to insert your custom orthotics if you prefer your orthotics, which allows for a personalized fit.
Pros
- They are quite durable due to the AHAR Outsole;
- They are quite comfortable to run in as the GEL cushioning system absorbs shock and allows for softer impact when running;
- They have great traction, which makes the shoe ideal for running on multiple surfaces;
- They are lightweight as they are made from lightweight upper meshes and rubber outsoles;
- They can be customized using your own orthotics.
Cons
- Sizing might be off with some opting to go for larger sizes;
- Might feel too wide for people with narrow feet.
If you are looking to run on sloppy areas, then these are the shoes. The exceptional traction on these ensures that you won’t come down tumbling.
Comparison Between Saucony Vs Asics
Shoes are essential to every human being. They not only offer support and stability to the feet, but they also help in preventing injuries and strains on the legs. For that reason, finding quality footwear is vital.
However, with so many different brands in the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one. All the same, with extensive research, it might be easier to understand what will work best for you.
Saucony and Asics are some of the best and most popular shoe brands in the industry. Most athletes find it hard to choose the best between the two shoe companies. If you are one of them, check out the following comparison that might help you find a good pair.
Materials
Both of these shoe brands are made from quality, breathable materials. For instance, Saucony shoes are vegan. That means that the glue or textiles used do not come from animal products.
As for the Asics, the company’s scientists have come up with AHAR+ as a perfect material for the outer sole. The shoe’s outsole is made up of solyte and spEVA materials, while the upper part comes in synthetic leather.
Weight
When it comes to weight, both of these shoe brands are lightweight. For instance, each of the men’s Asics shoes weighs approximately 10-11 OZ while that of the women weighs between 8- 9 OZ.
On the other hand, men’s shoes from Saucony brand weigh between 9 to 11OZ while that of women ranges between 7- 9 OZ. Even so, some of the Saucony’s shoes are heavier since they feature firm arch support to fight pronation or supination.
In respect to that, any runner who wants a light shoe should go for Saucony because it has little or no padding.
Sole
Saucony has a thin sole, which makes the shoes light and flexible. On the other hand, the ASICS sole is a bit thicker than Saucony’s. Nevertheless, its AHAR+ material offers excellent cushioning and grip qualities on different surfaces as well as riding mountain bikes.
Comfort
On the issue of comfort, both of these shoe brands do not disappoint. For instance, ASICS shoes have gel inserts to reduce your foot impact against the ground. It also has additional padding to ensure the utmost comfort. Moreover, the company’s shoes do not have a large slope since the heel can be uncomfortable with the runner.
Saucony’s shoes are made from lightweight mesh, which keeps the foot insulated for maximum comfort. Moreover, the shoe brand also features a lot of holes and fabric layers to make sure that the runners are comfortable.
So, both brands are perfect for runners who emphasize on comfort and flexibility of their footwear.
Size
Saucony’s shoes are 0.25 smaller than the ASICS in size. So, shopping online will not be a wise decision. Instead, go to the shop and try them on your feet.
Arch Support
Both ASICS and Saucony’s shoe brands bear strong arch support for appropriate supination and pronation management.
According to the above comparison between the two brands, they all have good quality and reliable shoes. It all depends on your preferences. Furthermore, what works for another runner must not always work for someone else!
Frequently Asked Questions About Saucony Vs Asics
Saucony and Asics are both good running shoes. For this reason, many people who love shoes always have questions about which type is the best. Here are the frequently asked questions about Saucony vs. Asics.
Q. Who are the manufacturers?
A. People would love to know the manufacturers of the shoes that they are wearing when running. Asics is a Japanese company which produces all Asics shoe types. Its footwear types are always high-end.
On the other hand, Saucony shoe types are manufactured by Saucony Company. Saucony is a renowned American company that produces athletic shoes.
Both of these companies started from humble beginnings to a point where they are supplying shoes for marathon competitions.
Q. Which shoes are comfortable?
A. Saucony shoes are comfortable because the cushioning midsole used in the shoe holds the feet in a comfortable position. The midsole has been infused with shock-absorbing technology. Thus, you will not feel any shock when running or walking.
Asics is made using sturdy materials with support gel inserts to control your weight. Also, the shoe has extra padding, ensuring that your feet are held in a comfortable position. Therefore, both of these shoes offer comfort when running.
Q. Which type is heavy?
A. Saucony is lightweight that you cannot feel any heaviness on your feet when running. Asics is also not as heavy as they are used by professional basketballers who are always sprinting.
Q. Which shoes offer flexibility?
A. Flexibility is an essential factor to consider when buying running shoes. The traction offered by Saucony shoes is sturdy.
Consequently, it can be used for any sporting shoe without posing any difficulty.
Asics are manufactured using the TRUSSTIC system, which makes the shoe secure for individuals with narrow feet or arthritic feet. Therefore, you can use this shoe type for any sporting activity on any type of road.
Saucony and Asics are high-quality brands that provide excellent athletic shoes. These questions help you narrow down to the type that works for you.
Conclusion
Saucony vs Asics is no doubt the right place to go shopping for the best running shoes. These two companies are running shoes’ giants that spare nothing to ensure they deliver reliable products. These shoes boast of several essential features.
They are all made from lightweight and durable material, which is essential in running shoes. They are also quite comfy, which comes in handy when running for miles on end. The shoes also strive to absorb shock on the feet when you are running.
Of course, take your time checking out those shoes before settling on the ideal pair for you. Of course, past experience is bound to come in handy. However, if you have none, sufficient knowledge of the kind of feet will save you a lot of time and money.
The shopping process need not bog you down! The above list will guide you in the right way.
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