On Running vs Asics: A Detailed Comparison Guide

On Running vs Asics: Welcome, runners! As your guide, I’m excited to help you navigate the world of running shoes and make an informed decision about which brand is right for you.

When it comes to choosing the perfect pair, two brands stand out from the rest: On Running and Asics.

Both are esteemed for their exceptional quality and performance-driven designs, but they cater to distinct running styles and preferences.

On Running vs Asics: A Quick Overview

On Running:

• Known for their cushioned and comfortable ride
• Features a unique midsole design with “clouds” for superior shock absorption
• Offers a more natural running experience with a lower heel-to-toe drop
• Popular among runners who prioritize comfort and performance
• Generally more expensive than Asics

Asics:

• Focuses on providing support and stability for runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis
• Features a range of models with varying levels of support and stability
• Known for their durable and long-lasting shoes
• Offers a more substantial heel-to-toe drop for runners who need extra support
• Generally more affordable than On Running

Cushioning and Comfort: Which Brand Offers Better Comfort?

Cushioning

• On Running:
  • Features a unique midsole design with “clouds” that provide superior shock absorption
  • Offers a soft and responsive ride with excellent cushioning
  • Provides a smooth heel-to-toe transition for a comfortable ride
• Asics:
  • Features a range of cushioning systems, including FlyteFoam and SpEVA
  • Offers a more substantial heel-to-toe drop for added cushioning
  • Provides a comfortable ride, but may not be as soft as On Running

Comfort

• On Running:
  • Offers a more natural running experience with a lower heel-to-toe drop
  • Features a comfortable and breathable upper with a seamless construction
  • Provides a roomy toe box and a comfortable fit
• Asics:
  • Offers a comfortable and supportive ride, especially for runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis
  • Features a range of upper materials, including mesh and synthetic materials
  • Provides a comfortable fit, but may not be as roomy as On Running

Support and Stability: Which Shoe Reigns Supreme?

Support

• On Running:
  • Offers moderate support for runners with neutral foot pronation
  • Features a comfortable and supportive upper with a seamless construction
  • Provides a smooth heel-to-toe transition for a stable ride
• Asics:
  • Offers a range of support levels, from neutral to high-support models
  • Features a supportive and stable ride, especially for runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis
  • Provides a more substantial heel counter for added support

Stability

• On Running:
  • Offers a neutral, non-supportive ride with minimal stability features
  • Suitable for runners with neutral foot pronation who don’t need additional support
  • May not be suitable for runners with severe overpronation or supination
• Asics:
  • Offers a range of stability features, including dual-density midsoles and stability bridges
  • Provides a supportive and stable ride, especially for runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis
  • Suitable for runners with mild to severe overpronation or supination

Traction and Grip: Which Shoe Stack Up for Hiking?

Traction

• On Running:
  • Features a unique outsole design with a combination of circular and horizontal grooves
  • Provides excellent traction on various surfaces, including roads, trails, and tracks
  • Offers a responsive and agile ride with quick acceleration
• Asics:
  • Features a range of outsole designs, including AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber) and FlyteFoam
  • Provides excellent traction on roads and tracks, with a focus on durability and wear resistance
  • Offers a more substantial and stable ride with a focus on support and stability

Grip

• On Running:
  • Features a unique tread pattern with a focus on grip and traction
  • Provides excellent grip on wet and slippery surfaces, as well as on uneven terrain
  • Offers a confident and secure ride with excellent cornering and braking
• Asics:
  • Features a range of tread patterns, including segmented and spiral designs
  • Provides excellent grip on roads and tracks, with a focus on durability and wear resistance
  • Offers a stable and secure ride with a focus on support and stability

Weight and Responsiveness: The Verdict Both The Shoes

Weight

• On Running:
  • Generally lighter in weight, with most models weighing between 8-10 oz (220-280g)
  • Features a lightweight and minimalist design for a fast and agile ride
  • Suitable for runners who prioritize speed and efficiency
• Asics:
  • Generally heavier in weight, with most models weighing between 10-12 oz (280-340g)
  • Features a more substantial and supportive design for runners who need additional support
  • Suitable for runners who prioritize support and stability over speed

Responsiveness

• On Running:
  • Features a responsive and agile ride with a focus on speed and efficiency
  • Provides a quick and snappy feel with excellent energy return
  • Suitable for runners who prioritize speed and performance
• Asics:
  • Features a more substantial and supportive ride with a focus on comfort and stability
  • Provides a smooth and comfortable ride with excellent cushioning
  • Suitable for runners who prioritize comfort and support over speed

Breathability and Ventilation: Keeping Your Feet Cool and Dry

Breathability

• On Running:
  • Features a lightweight and breathable upper with a focus on ventilation
  • Uses a mesh material that allows for excellent airflow and moisture management
  • Provides a cool and dry ride with excellent breathability
• Asics:
  • Features a more substantial and supportive upper with a focus on support
  • Uses a combination of mesh and synthetic materials for breathability
  • Provides a comfortable and ventilated ride, but may not be as breathable as On Running

Ventilation

• On Running:
  • Features a unique ventilation system with strategically placed perforations
  • Provides excellent airflow and moisture management for a cool and dry ride
  • Suitable for runners who prioritize breathability and ventilation
• Asics:
  • Features a more traditional ventilation system with fewer perforations
  • Provides adequate airflow and moisture management, but may not be as effective as On Running
  • Suitable for runners who prioritize support and stability over ventilation

Durability and Longevity: Which Shoe Will Last Longer?

Durability

• On Running:
  • Features a high-quality, durable outsole with a focus on traction and grip
  • Uses a lightweight and breathable upper material that resists wear and tear
  • Provides a durable and long-lasting ride with minimal wear and tear
• Asics:
  • Features a high-quality, durable outsole with a focus on support and stability
  • Uses a more substantial and supportive upper material that resists wear and tear
  • Provides a durable and long-lasting ride with minimal wear and tear

Longevity

• On Running:
  • Designed to last for 300-500 miles, depending on running style and terrain
  • Features a durable and long-lasting midsole that resists compression
  • Suitable for runners who prioritize durability and longevity
• Asics:
  • Designed to last for 400-600 miles, depending on running style and terrain
  • Features a durable and long-lasting midsole that resists compression
  • Suitable for runners who prioritize support and stability over durability

Style and Aesthetics: Which Shoe Looks and Feels Better?

Upper Material

• On Running:
  • Features a lightweight and breathable mesh upper
  • Offers a seamless construction for a comfortable fit
  • Uses a minimalist design approach for a sleek look
• Asics:
  • Features a more substantial and supportive upper material
  • Offers a combination of mesh and synthetic materials for durability
  • Uses a more traditional design approach for a functional look

Color Options

• On Running:
  • Offers a wide range of bold and vibrant color options
  • Features limited-edition collaborations with artists and designers
  • Suitable for runners who want to make a fashion statement
• Asics:
  • Offers a more subtle and understated color palette
  • Features a range of neutral and bold color options
  • Suitable for runners who prioritize performance over fashion

The Final Step: Which Shoe Reigns Supreme in Our Head-to-Head Comparison?

On Running

• Ideal for runners who prioritize comfort, cushioning, and style
• Features a unique midsole design with “clouds” for superior shock absorption
• Offers a more natural running experience with a lower heel-to-toe drop
• Suitable for runners with neutral foot pronation who prioritize speed and efficiency

Asics

• Ideal for runners who prioritize support, stability, and durability
• Features a range of support levels, from neutral to high-support models
• Offers a more substantial and supportive ride with a focus on comfort and stability
• Suitable for runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis who need additional support

Ultimately Verdict

• If you prioritize comfort, cushioning, and style, On Running may be the better choice.
• If you prioritize support, stability, and durability, Asics may be the better choice.

FAQs

Q: Which brand is better for beginners?
A: Asics is often recommended for beginners because of its supportive and stable ride, which can help reduce the risk of injury.

Q: Which brand is better for long-distance running?
A: On Running is often preferred by long-distance runners due to its cushioned and comfortable ride, which can help reduce fatigue and discomfort.

Q: Which brand is better for trail running?
A: On Running is often preferred for trail running due to its aggressive tread pattern and responsive ride, which can help navigate uneven terrain.

Q: Which brand is better for runners with high arches?
A: Asics is often recommended for runners with high arches due to its supportive and stable ride, which can help reduce the risk of injury.

Q: Which brand is better for runners with plantar fasciitis?
A: Asics is often recommended for runners with plantar fasciitis due to its supportive and stable ride, which can help reduce the risk of injury.

Q: Which brand is more expensive?
A: On Running is generally more expensive than Asics, especially for its high-end models.

Q: Which brand has better customer service?
A: Both brands have good customer service, but On Running is often praised for its responsive and helpful customer support team.