ASICS EvoRide 2 Review
By David Salas
The ASICS EvoRide 2 is a continuation of the successful neutral trainer that debuted last year from ASICS. The EvoRide 2 is a neutral daily training shoe that features the new GUIDESOLE technology, meaning there is an excessive toe spring anteriorly in the forefoot to help with biomechanics and creating a more efficient stride. The shoe still utilizes FLYTEFOAM as the midsole and provides a very consistent and lasting ride. The shoe provides a very fun ride because it feels like a hybrid between a "traditional" training shoe and a "new generation" running shoe.
Specifications for the Asics EvoRide 2 (per Running Warehouse)
Weight: 8.2 (men's size 9) 6.8 (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 26mm heel/ 21mm forefoot
Drop: 5mm
Classification: Neutral Daily Trainer
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The ASICS EvoRide 2 is a neutral riding daily training option that dances on the edge of "traditional trainer" and a "new generation" running shoe. The shoe features GUIDESOLE, a technology ASICS has developed that incorporates an excessive toe spring in the forefoot of the shoe to give a sensation of rolling forward off of the forefoot and to increase biomechanics and efficiency. I feel the shoe delivers overall and provides a really fun ride for those who enjoy neutral shoes.
FIT (LENGTH / WIDTH / COMFORT)
The ASICS EvoRide 2 fits very true to size for my normal 9.5 men's with both length and width. The upper is very accommodating and comfortable throughout in all of the right ways. The mesh is very light and breathable, but still thick enough to give security. The hold of it feels very nice throughout and genuinely feels like a sock from heel to toe. This was an upper that disappeared very quickly once I started running. The lockdown is great throughout and I had absolutely no problems with slippage or translation. There is a heel counter present, but it is moderately padded and secures nicely without being overbearing. The upper is a one piece engineered mesh without overlays with the exception of the ASICS logo itself. The fit is normal width throughout and should fit well for most people. The toebox is also normal width with just enough room for toe splay or swelling. There is no wasted space on this upper. The tongue is padded as well and cushions the laces well when tightening down the shoe. This honestly ties for my favorite upper of 2021 so far. Since Matt isn't reviewing this model... I went ahead and wore this sockless... not for a run (I'm not a savage), but for a walk. The upper is still very impressive sockless and I had no problems with wearing it. The insole feels good and the upper did not produce any hot spots. Great job on a phenomenal upper ASICS.
PERFORMANCE (RIDE / SPEED)
The ASICS EvoRide 2 produces a very fun and unique ride. Since the shoe features GUIDESOLE in the forefoot, the shoe feels like you are rolling off of the front of it into the next step. What I like is that the shoe didn't overexaggerate this at all. The shoe very much feels like a traditional daily trainer (Thinking ASICS Cumulus, Nike Pegasus, Saucony Ride, type shoes) at the heel and then from midfoot forward the shoe has a quick transition. The shoe definitely feels best at daily training type efforts for me, but does provide some versatility as well. The weight of it and responsiveness of the snappy forefoot do allow this shoe to handle some uptempo paces without too much difficulty, through thrives more in the daily mileage realm. I've taken this on several strides and pick ups and the shoe responded decently well to all of them but if I'm looking to go quicker I would reach for something else in the rotation.
For me it feels best right in the middle at normal training paces. It can also take it easy and go slow as well at recovery paces without feeling awkward as well which makes this shoe a little bit of a do it all shoe for some. For those looking to complete their first 5k to marathon and aren't looking for high tech racing shoe and just want something light and comfortable that keeps them in rhythm... this is one of the solid options out there. The midsole of FLYTEFOAM and the ride itself does lean more on the firmer end of trainers, but is still very protective and should last you very well for many miles to come. The outsole is full contact high abrasion rubber with some exposed midsole and did well with traction and durability so far. It had a small amount of slippage on slick surfaces but overall has done really well.
It isn't entirely sunshine and rainbows though. I do think the heel can be refined a little bit. With how smooth the forefoot is the heel almost can feel a tad clunky when landing through it as you enter the GUIDESOLE. The heel bevel is done pretty well overall but I feel the apex of it can be moved anteriorly some and the bevel could be lengthened and made slightly more gradual. The sensation of the shoe currently is a smooth heel that has a small speed bump sensation on the midfoot itself into a really smooth forefoot. The overall product is definitely not a deal breaker but the heel to midfoot transition can be cleaned up a little bit.
STABILITY
For being a neutral shoe the EvoRide 2 provides a very stable ride throughout. The platform itself runs a little on the firmer end and the shoe also features a full contact outsole design. The resulting sensation provides a lot of ground feel and feedback to the runner when running. The forefoot GUIDESOLE does a good job of keeping movement linear and the toe off transition quick and smooth which also helps with stability inherently. I touched on this earlier, but I feel the heel to midfoot transition could be improved a little bit. The bevel itself is done really well but the integration with the remainder of the midsole and outsole in the midfoot could be smoothened out more. Because of a slight speed bump sensation that will lower stability a little bit. The upper is very secure and will hold up very well through nearly any situation. The shoe handles well in turns and feels surprisingly nimble in most "unstable" situations.
THOUGHTS AS A DPT / FOOTWEAR SCIENCE
ASICS has been making a lot of moves in the innovation category over the last year and is not letting off of the gas pedal. We are now seeing the second generation of training shoes with their GUIDESOLE technology featuring an excessive toe spring with aims of making a quicker forefoot and toe off transition. The shoe actually does great job of this and gives a very noticeable rolling sensation through the forefoot. ASICS claims that it can help with taking stress off of the foot or calf in some instances. From anecdotal and personal experience this is very apparent. I feel like my calves do not need to work as hard in this shoe and that my transition through the forefoot and toe off is indeed quicker and smoother.
The result is a slightly quicker cadence and a potentially (what it feels like to me) elongated stride unintentionally once my leg moves into a larger range of hip extension. This is definitely a fun and energizing combo, but there is something else that gets added into the equation. Since running in the EvoRide 2, GlideRide 2, and the NOOSA Tri 13, I have actually noticed my hip flexors are having a lot more engagement than normal. Energy can't be created or destroyed but it can be transferred. If the calves are unloaded and the transition is quicker, the initial swing phase of gait will also be transitioned into quicker. What I found was more of a hip lift sensation and a slightly more loping stride, yet lighter on my feet. Where I am going with this is the load will most certainly shift or disperse differently, maybe not in the hip for everyone, but this a reminder to just make sure to keep up mobility and stability work in all joints and be ready for a variety of loads.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I really enjoyed the EvoRide 2 as this was one of my favorite shoes to test this year (2021) but I do have some recommendations. My main recommendation is to take a look at the heel bevel integration with the midfoot. The transition point can feel a little like a speed bump in the midfoot. It's interesting because the heel bevel is really good, the forefoot GUIDESOLE is really good, but the apex where the heel transitions to the rest of the midsole is pretty far posterior towards the rearfoot. If the apex got shifted a little more anteriorly or the heel bevel angle was increased a little bit I think that would help clear up the midfoot transition a little better.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR (Conclusion)
The ASICS EvoRide 2 is a very enticing option to use in the daily training category. The EvoRide 2 is a neutral daily trainer that feels like a "traditional" running shoe hybrid with a "new generation" shoe. The heel, midfoot, and slightly firm midsole all feel very traditional, but the forefoot has a very quick and smooth transition through toe off. The result is a unique yet familiar ride that I think a lot of people are really going to enjoy. With the shoe being under 9 ounces and also having plenty of protection for long miles, the shoe could serve as a potential do it all shoe for those that are getting into running and looking for a shoe to do their first 5k to marathon in. For me personally this a fun daily training option to mix into the lineup.
GRADING (SHOE CATEGORY)
David
Fit: A (Ties for my favorite upper, secure, breathable, soft and comfortable, reinforced well throughout)
Performance: A- (Very fun and unique yet traditional ride, heel to midfoot transition could be refined but otherwise awesome shoe)
Stability: A- (Heel to midfoot stability could be smoothened out)
DPT/Footwear Science: A (GUIDESOLE integration with toe spring was integrated very well into this shoe and does noticeably unload the calves)
Personal: A- (Lightweight, fun ride, quick transition, awesome daily training option, a couple kinks but I can live with those)
Overall: A- (A blend of old and new with footwear technology and feel, a neutral trainer with a quick forefoot transition that I think a lot of people are going to like)
SHOP | SUPPORT DOR
Interested in a pair of EvoRide 2? Check out Running Warehouse (Men's EvoRide 2/Women's EvoRide 2) or visit Fleet Feet here. Using these links helps support our work at Doctors of Running! Thank you so much.
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Thanks for reading!
TESTER PROFILES:
Dr. Matthew Klein is a 140 lb male with notable PRs of 14:45 for 5k and 2:32:44 for the full marathon. He typically runs 70-100 miles per week and trains at a variety of paces from 8min per mile recovery runs to 4:40 per mile 1k repeats. He prefers firmer and responsive shoes with snug heels and medium to wide toe boxes. He is particular to less cushioned shoes and close to the ground shoes, but can handle a little cushion when he gets beat up. IG handle @kleinrunsdpt
Dr. David Salas is a 135 lb male with notable PRs ranging from 3:54 in the 1500m to 1:08:36 for half marathon. He typically runs 60 to 70 miles per week and trains from about 7:30 recovery runs to fast shorter efforts at 4:30 pace. He normally prefers neutral shoes with a firmer ride, but is completely open to other types of shoes. He is a footwear enthusiast at heart and will always appreciate a high quality shoe when it comes around. For updates on training or testing, IG handle: @docsofrundavid
Dr. Brown is a 155 lb male with notable PRs of 18:18 5K, 39:25 10K, 1:29:01 half marathon, and 3:54 marathon. He typically runs between 20-40 miles per week at a variety of paces from 7:30-8:30 min/mile for recovery runs to 6-6:45 min/mile for tempo runs. He typically prefers shoes that provide some cushioning underfoot but still maintain a more firm and responsive feel. Current goals for 2020 are to break the 1.5 hour half marathon and 3:30 marathon. IG handle: @nate.docsofrunning
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Bach Pham MS
Marketing and Social Media Manager
NEXT: ASICS GLIDERIDE 2 REVIEW