ASICS GlideRide 3 Assessment | Working Footwear Guru

When the GlideRide was first launched, 3 years in the past, it marked a brand new period for ASICS. On the time, the Nimbus, Cumulus and Kayano franchises have been actually stale and predictable- the identical boring footwear have been being launched yr after yr, with no innovation. The GlideRide was one thing recent, one thing revolutionary from ASICS.

The GlideRide quickly turned one in all my favorite long term trainers as a result of it provided a excessive degree of cushioning however it didn’t really feel sluggish like different max-cushioned trainers available on the market.

It’s marketed as an energy-saving coach so throughout runs, it improves effectivity utilizing its rockered midsole geometry. It doesn’t have an especially stiff forefoot like a carbon-plated racer so transitions nonetheless really feel pure.

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The GlideRide 3 competes with different maximalist trainers that additionally depend on a rocker to ease and quicken transitions. The Adidas Adistar, Saucony Endorphin Shift 2, Skechers MaxRoad 5 and Hoka Bondi 7 are all rivals of the GlideRide 3.

The GlideRide and MaxRoad are barely totally different as a result of they utilise a versatile plate to make the midsole stiffer and extra propulsive.

This yr’s GlideRide 3 appears just like final yr’s GlideRide 2 however with one huge distinction: it has a brand new midsole foam, FF Blast+. The brand new foam not solely permits the brand new GlideRide to shed weight but in addition permits it to turn out to be much more environment friendly by returning extra power with every foot strike.

The brand new model of the GlideRide weighs 9.35 oz (265 g), which is a considerable 0.88 oz (25 g) lower than the GlideRide 2. The GlideRide 3 is an oz. heavier than the MaxRoad 5 (which is much less sturdy) however considerably lighter than the Endorphin Shift 2, Adistar and Bondi 7.

ASICS GlideRide 3 First Impressions

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Being a fan of sentimental footwear, I used to be disillusioned when a firmer GlideRide 2 got here out final yr after a wonderful first model. I used to be excited to seek out out that the GlideRide 3 has FF Blast+ in its midsole as a result of I knew that it will have a softer journey than model 2.

My first run was a ten km straightforward run. It was a gradual tempo for many of the run however in the direction of the top, I threw in some sprints. I used to be pleasantly stunned that I might drop the tempo down to three.15 per km regardless of its weight and construct!

I seen that the higher felt very heat as a consequence of all of the padding. It felt nice proper out of the field with no break-in interval required. It felt actually secure and the journey felt considerably softer and extra cushioned than the earlier GlideRide variations.

ASICS GlideRide 3 Sole Unit

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The GlideRide 3 nonetheless has a twin foam midsole setup however as a substitute of Flyefoam on the highest layer, it now has FF Blast+ which is the tremendous energetic, bouncy foam that’s within the midsole of the Nimbus 24. The underside layer remains to be firmer Flytefoam Propel which gives sturdiness and further stability.

There’s solely a skinny layer of FF Blast+ so that you don’t get as a lot power return or squishiness as you get within the Nimbus 24 however it does present a softer preliminary step-in really feel with higher consolation. For the subsequent model of the GlideRide, I’d wish to see much more FF Blast+.

Measuring 40mm within the heel, the GlideRide 3 has a beneficiant quantity of midsole so that you get loads of deep, bottomless cushioning. It makes straightforward work of lengthy distances above 30 kilometres so there’s numerous safety from the bottom pounding.

With the introduction of the softer midsole foam, the GlideRide 3 rides a lot softer than the GlideRide 2 so it’s much less versatile however it now has extra long-distance consolation and slightly extra power return.

Lengthy, gradual runs are what the GlideRide 3 does greatest. You may put it into cruise management mode, zone out and keep that pace with ease.

The excessive toe-spring of the GlideRide 3 mixed with its EVA plate are what makes the GlideRide distinctive. You get a “forward tipping” sensation with every toe-off so it feels just like the shoe helps to roll you ahead.

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It’s an identical sensation that you just get in footwear just like the Vaporfly and the Zoom Fly however the tipping sensation just isn't as jarring as a result of the GlideRide 3’s EVA plate is much more versatile than a carbon plate.

My favorite runs within the GlideRide 3 have been relaxed runs slower than 5.30 per kilometre. I did a pace exercise in it, and whereas it does provide help to to go sooner than common max-cushioned trainers just like the Bondi and the Glycerin due to its midsole geometry, its weight prevents you from reaching the highest speeds that you'd in a lighter coach.

The GlideRide 3 is a really secure impartial coach, primarily as a result of your foot sits contained in the midsole. The perimeters of the midsole are raised, appearing as information rails to centre your toes throughout transitions so despite the fact that the thick midsole is on the 40mm restrict, foot strikes nonetheless really feel very planted and there may be sufficient help for long-distance runs.

The outsole of the GlideRide 3 is similar to the GlideRide 2. A deep decoupled groove means that you can see the EVA plate within the forefoot. It additionally centres the foot throughout transitions, enhancing stability.

There may be thick AHARPLUS rubber on the outer heel sections of the outsole and thinner rubber on the midfoot and forefoot. I’ve seen rubber put on to be of common sturdiness throughout my time of testing.

ASICS GlideRide 3 Higher Unit

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The GlideRide 3’s plush higher is one thing that you just’d see on a max-cushioned coach and it tells us that ASICS designed this coach particularly for gradual, straightforward miles.

Its generously padded, luxurious higher oozes consolation. All of the thick padding within the heel counter, collar and tongue do make the GlideRide 3 run very heat so it’s greatest suited to winter runs and funky climates.

The thick tongue of the GlideRide 3 is semi-gusseted so it stays put for the whole run. It’s additionally very efficient in defending your toes from lacing strain.

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There aren't any issues with heel lockdown. The plush heel tab and stout inside heel counter do a wonderful job in locking your heel down. I by no means have heel lockdown points in ASICS footwear and the GlideRide 3 is not any totally different.

The GlideRide 3 is true to dimension though it’s greatest suited to narrow-medium width toes as there may be loads of padding so it’s not probably the most accommodating of uppers. Voluminous-footed runners will most certainly must go up a half dimension.

ASICS GlideRide 3 Conclusion

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With the Nimbus 24 getting a extra energetic, extra energetic midsole, the GlideRide 3 has now turn out to be the max-cushioned coach within the ASICS lineup. It has deeper cushioning and a a lot plusher higher.

The change to FF Blast+ within the midsole of the GlideRide 3 has made it a softer and slower coach in comparison with its predecessor however it now possesses extra long-distance consolation and it feels extra energetic.

In comparison with the opposite related, max cushioned trainers, the GlideRide 3 has a softer journey and a softer preliminary step-in really feel. Its closest competitor is the Endorphin Shift 2 however the GlideRide is lighter and feels extra nimble.

In my present rotation, the GlideRide 3 is at present the very best long-distance, max-cushioned, strict gradual run coach so it is going to undoubtedly keep within the rotation.

The GlideRide 3 is an excellent product. It feels very polished and it has no main weaknesses. The softer, extra dynamic journey will make it enchantment to a wider viewers whereas followers of the outdated Nimbus will discover solace within the GlideRide’s plushness.

The perfect half is that it weighs nearly an oz. lower than final yr’s model.

As editorial coverage, we don't settle for free samples from firms.
We bought this pair of ASICS GlideRide 3 at Running Warehouse with our personal cash.