ASICS Glideride Max Review
By Matthew Klein
ASICS GlideRide Max ReviewPrice: $169.95 at Running Warehouse (coming soon)
Weight: 10.1 oz, 287 g (men's size 9), 8.9 oz, 251 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: M: 44 mm / 38 mm ; W: 43 mm / 37 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Shoe Purpose: Maximal Daily Training Shoe
Pros: Highly Cushioned, Comfortable Rocker, Mild Flexibility with Smooth Forefoot
Cons: Slight Toe Box taper, Forefoot Rocker Not as Prominent as Prior Models
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The ASICS Glideride Max is a maximal daily trainer for those who want a rockered and smooth ride for daily training and long runs. The midsole features an EVA plate and FF Blast Max, which makes for a soft, protective and mildly bouncy ride. A solid rocker sits on both side of the sole with a posterior-lateral bevel and a solid but mildly flexible forefoot rocker. A comfortable mesh upper sits up top providing a normal width and secure fit. The ASICS Glideride Max returns with a taller stack height but a less aggressive rocker for those who want to roll along during easier and longer efforts.
SIMILAR SHOES: Saucony Endorphin Shift 3, ASICS Nimbus 26
PAST MODEL: ASICS Glideride 3
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The ASICS Glideride Max fits me true to size in my normal men's US size 10. The overall fit is fairly normal with a tiny taper in the toe box. This initially made me feel like the fit was short, but as the upper stretched with use, it was fine. The volume is slightly lower throughout the length of the shoe, especially at the anterior midfoot. The midfoot is normal in width with a moderately thick and gusseted tongue. The heel is normal in width with moderate heel collar cushioning and a moderately stiff heel counter. The counter is rounded and the padding offsets the stiffness slightly. However, I did notice the counter and those with heel sensitivities (Haglund) may struggle with this shoe (those that want a stiffer counter will do great). The inner liner of the shoe is comfortable except for mild toe guard. Those experienced with running sockless may be fine but most people should wear socks with the Glideride Max.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: Saucony Guide 17, ASICS Kayano 30, Hoka Gaviota 5, Saucony Endorphin Elite, Nike Ultrafly
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Saucony Kinvara 14
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Altra Timp 5
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: No
How Flexible is the Shoe: Mildly
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Mostly Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Average to Above Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The ASICS Glideride Max is a max cushioned daily training shoe. The FF Blast Max and FF Blast Plus Eco foam create a compliant and soft ride underfoot throughout the length of the shoe. Although slightly heavier than its predecessor, the Glideride Max feels light for a trainer on foot thanks to the mild bounce from the foam. In classic Glideride fashion, there is a decent rocker. There is a posterior lateral bevel that slightly offsets the mild posterior flare. This creates a decently smooth heel transition. There is a 3/4 EVA plate in the midsole that adds some mild rigidity to the midfoot. This transitions into a forefoot that transitions forward easily. The rocker up front starts early and despite the plate, there is some mild flexibility. This makes for an easy transition that feels less aggressive and abrupt compared to the prior version. This does allow some mild toe movement, so those that are looking for the stiffest possible forefoot may not find enough rigidity here. Those looking for an easy rockered transition will enjoy this. There is a 6mm drop but thanks to the softer foam it feels lower than that. All these components make the Glideride Max feel best for easy miles and longer runs. I have done a fartlek in this shoe and found the foam tends to respond slower. It feels best running at easy conversational paces and getting in miles. The easy rocker geometry further adds to this and makes this both a solid running and walking shoe.
In typical ASICS fashion, the traction is good for a road shoe. I have taken this on light trails and found it to be fine but would not recommend it on anything remotely technical. The durability is fairly good and potentially above average for an ASICS shoe. I have 20 miles on my pair and only see a little bit of wear in my normal posterior lateral section (editor's note: Matt is extremely hard on outsoles. Runner's who don't destroy outsoles quickly should expect far better durability). I therefore expect this shoe to last for a slightly above average number of miles for a training shoe.
See David Salas' video review for more thoughts on performance.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The ASICS Glideride Max is a neutral shoe. There are no traditional methods of stability. There are some guidance concepts, including a wider midfoot, sole flare, and small midfoot sidewalls. Additionally, an EVA plate sits in the midsole and adds a little bit of torsional rigidity. Finally, the forefoot rocker helps facilitate a forward transition. This creates some inherent stability throughout the length of the shoe. However, the midsole is quite soft and compliant, offsetting most of the above. This does not make the shoe unstable but does not allow it to hit that full stable neutral mark. Thus, the ASICS Glideride Max is better described as "Almost Stable Neutral" but not quite there. It will be best for those with neutral mechanics or those who need a touch of guidance but can handle softer rides.
Thoughts as a DPT: Hallux Rigidus and Footwear Prescription
By Matthew Klein PT DPT PhD FAAOMPT
Hallux Rigidus, or stiffening of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (major toe joint) is a fairly common pathology impacting almost 20% of those over 50 years of age (Senga et al., 2019). Despite its prevalence, the research on non-operative treatment is fairly limited. This is a frequently challenging and progressive pathology that impacts an important part of the foot for gait. The big toe joint (metatarsophalangeal joint) and the joints of all the toes are important for normal forward transitions during the later half of the stance phase. The ability of the human body to roll over these joints to maintain forward momentum is part of an efficient mechanism called the forefoot rocker. Losing this mechanism can decrease gait efficiency and/or cause extensive compensations to avoid rolling through the front of the foot.
There are a few key pieces to this curve that are important for comfort and effectiveness with Hallux Rigidus. The first is that the curve must be large and start at the right place. A late forefoot rocker can maintain the stress and stiffness of the front, whereas an optimal rocker can reduce it by starting the forward roll early. Having it too early (proximal) can still cause metatarsophalangeal bending (dorsiflexion), so more/early is not better (Chen et al., 2022). The second is that the curve should come up to the foot but not alter its position. A forefoot rocker refers to the curve at the front of the shoe. Toe spring refers to a forefoot rocker that continues past the toes and holds them in extension. This is not optimal for joints that are already losing motion. The last piece is that while there should be a rocker, the sole should be stiff to prevent further motion. A rocker can still be paired with a flexible midsole, which is counterproductive in offloading the toe joints in those with Hallux Rigidus. These three components are key for the conservative footwear management of Hallux Rigidus.
As stiff maximalist shoes have flooded the market, there are increasing options for those with this pathology. The key is to find the right combination for each person, which can often require some experimentation and patience.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: The ASICS Glideride Max is a comfortable upgrade from its predecessors. The toe spring is less aggressive and the forefoot rocker is more comfortable. The consequence of this is that there is less to differentiate it from the Nimbus 26. Thus, my two main suggestions are to widen the toe box slightly and to return the forefoot to its prior stiffness and rocker. The reduction in the toe spring (upward curve of the toes) is great, but the increased relative flexibility will make it less of a viable option for those with toe mobility issues. I would highly suggest increasing the length of the forefoot rocker (move the apex back) and stiffening the plate/forefoot to maintain that rockered transition that made prior models so popular. This will help differentiate it from the Nimbus series.
Right now, I would suggest the Superblast over the Glideride Max given the increased stiffness for those with toe mobility issues but the Glideride Max is more comfortable for daily wear. This update is great for the general population but may not function as well as it did previously for the somewhat unique populations that enjoyed the Glideride series most.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The ASICS Glideride Max is for those who want a rockered maximal stack height shoe with a softer ride for easy and longer runs. The rocker will do best for those who want a smooth rolling but not overly stiff ride. The fit will be best for those with normal-width feet who do not mind some mild toe box tapering. The ride will be best for those who want a ton of softer cushioning for eating up miles. Despite having a plate, the ASICS Glideride Max has some overlap with the ASICS Nimbus series given its taller stack height and premium cushioned ride. What differentiates the Glideride series is a lower drop, lower weight, slightly higher stack height, and a more rockered ride compared to its counterpart. The newest version has a smoother and slightly more flexible forefoot than prior versions, which will make it more accessible/comfortable for a larger number of people. ASICS just needs to make sure it has some significant differentiation from other models, but most people will be happy the series has been brought back from the (almost) dead.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: B+/A- (Comfortable upper. Slightly lower volume but normal width. Stiff counter with slight toe box taper)
Performance: B+ (Soft rockered smooth ride from heel to toe. Slight flexibility in forefoot despite EVA plate)
Stability: B/B+ [Neutral] (Neutral ride due to softer foam. Wider midfoot, midfoot sidewalls and rocker help offset softness)
Value: B+ (Good durability and comfort but some overlap with the $10 cheaper Nimbus series)
Personal: B/B+ (Comfortable ride for running and walking but a little too soft for me to use extensively)
Overall Design: B+
SHOP | SUPPORT DORASICS Glideride MaxPrice: $169.95 at Running Warehouse (coming soon)
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FURTHER READING
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