ASICS GlideRide Max Review: A Plush, Rocker-Driven Long-Run Trainer
GEAR & SHOE REVIEWS
ASICS calls the GlideRide Max a “long-run cruiser,” a shoe designed to make miles feel smoother and more consistent. After buying it with my own money (no sponsorships here) and testing it in the Florida heat, I definitely have thoughts—some expected, some not at all.
First Look & Purpose
According to ASICS, the GlideRide Max is built for long runs and easy miles—emphasis on long. That matches both the cushioning setup and the overall feel, but before we get into that, here’s what you get on paper:
6 mm drop
9 oz weight (women’s)
Neutral
“Extra cushioning” category
Upper: Nimbus Vibes & Plush Padding
The upper immediately reminded me of the Nimbus 25 and 26. Same engineered mesh, same overall shape, same soft feel. The tongue is gusseted and much more padded than many ASICS shoes I’ve reviewed.
The insole is Ortholite—and honestly, when you first step into the GlideRide Max, it feels like a walking shoe. It’s that soft. Almost foam-pad soft.
The heel is what surprised me: extremely thick, structured, and heavily padded. Almost unsquishable. Most of the shoe’s 9 oz probably sit right there. There’s also a pull tab for easier entry, which helps because that heel is no joke.
Midsole: Dual Foam + EVA Plate
The GlideRide Max uses two layers of foam:
Top layer: FF BLAST MAX (this is their newest “cloud-soft” foam)
Bottom layer: FF BLAST+ ECO (lighter and energetic)
Between them sits an EVA plate—not carbon. Its shape creates the signature GlideRide rocker, which is more aggressive than other ASICS shoes. Your toes actually hang off the front of the rocker, automatically tilting you forward. It’s a very distinct sensation.
Outsole: Dual Rubber for Grip & Durability
ASICS Grip covers most of the forefoot, and the heel uses a much harder AHAR+ rubber. As a heel striker, I appreciated this because after running in them, there’s almost no visible wear.
Colorways & Price
The women’s version comes in Birch/Black (the pair I tested) and Black/Pale Pink.
Men get Birch/Black and Black/Oatmeal.
Retail price: $170 USD.
How It Compares to Other ASICS Models
Nimbus 26
Soft, neutral, but heavier (~9.5 oz) and more stable. If you need a stable daily walker or everyday comfort, Nimbus wins. For a softer underfoot feel, GlideRide Max wins.
Novablast
The Novablast is lighter (8.3 oz) and far better for tempo runs or workouts. Way more responsive. If you want pop, choose Novablast.
Superblast
This is the closest comparison.
Also a long-run trainer, slightly lighter (8.8 oz) and more stable. More bounce, too. The choice comes down to whether you prefer aggressive rocker + plushness (GlideRide Max) or bounce + stability (Superblast).
Running in the GlideRide Max
When I first opened the box, I loved the colorway—it looks fast and almost glow-in-the-dark. But slipping them on was the real moment: the insole softness almost convinced me this wasn’t a running shoe at all.
On the run, the rocker did exactly what it promises. Even though the shoe feels heavy in hand, the forward roll is strong enough to keep you moving without extra effort.
That said, Florida humidity exposed one potential downside:
the tongue and heel hold moisture. A LOT of moisture. By the end of my run the heel was soaked, and because the upper/tongue are thicker, it didn’t feel as breathable as other daily trainers.
Comfort & Foot Fatigue
Where the shoe shines: recovery and easy miles.
The cushioning removes almost all foot fatigue. After a workout day, I loved stepping into this shoe. It’s soft without being mushy, and the rocker keeps things smooth.
Pros
Soft, cushy underfoot feel
Great rocker geometry for long runs
Extremely durable outsole
Aesthetic colorway (and yes—it survived my washing machine!)
Excellent for reducing foot fatigue on easy days
Cons
Heavier than it needs to be
Tongue + heel padding retain heat and moisture
Heel padding may feel like “too much” for some runners
Breathability is just okay (not great for hot climates)
Who I Recommend It For
If you’re training for a marathon and want a dedicated easy or long-run shoe, the GlideRide Max is a strong candidate. You get plush cushioning, smooth forward motion, and durability. It’s not a tempo shoe, it’s not a speed day shoe—ASICS built it for cruising, and that’s exactly what it delivers.