The GLIDERIDE™ training shoe joins the METARIDE™ shoe to create a family of products. These shoes originated as a concept. The team at the ASICS Institute of Sport Science (ISS) produced several handmade prototypes to establish the optimal sole curvature so that runners feel a smooth and comfortable rolling e ffect as they run.
Says Kenichi Harano, Executive Officer and Senior General Manager at ISS, “Ultimately we abandoned the traditional sole design, which is linear and segmented, in favor of a curved sole with a stiff er forefoot. This would naturally produce a rolling motion, smoothly moving the runner forward.” According to Harano, the The GLIDERIDE™ sole design was inspired by a bicycle, and the Japanese expression of Koron-Koron (the sound something makes when it tips over and continues rolling on its own).
Some key features of the GLIDERIDE™ include:
- The softer curve: The 5mm drop in the GlideRide supports the rolling movement of the foot through the gait cycle.
- A softer midsole: With a less extreme curve and 7% more cushioning than the MetaRide, the GlideRide is designed for the everyday runner.
- A lighter shoe: Compared to the
MetaRide, the GlideRide is 16g lighter.
Proof, as they say, is in the pudding however, here is what ASICS FrontRunner Khomotso Mokgonyana thinks of GLIDERIDE™ so far:
I have been using the GlideRide for a week now. I did both short and long training runs in them. At first glance the GlideRide gives a cool-looking, warm feeling that symbolises strength, energy, durability and reliability. The shoe does not disappoint as it offers plenty of the aforementioned qualities.
My thoughts were that they looked a bit heavy considering my size but I was both surprised and impressed at how it felt the moment I put them on. I couldn’t wait to take them on a ride. My first run in them was indeed exciting. The shoe is lightweight and responsive which allows you to go faster, while offering incredible stability.
The upper material is a softer mesh. This allows the foot to breathe easily as the intensity of the training or running increases.
The guide sole which is called the Glidesole increases the running efficiency, which propels you forward making it easier to go further and longer effortlessly. It feels like drawing energy from the shoe to keep moving. It is perfect for endurance.
The curved midsole and Flytefoam is soft and bouncy. The extra cushioning creates a bounce back when I hit the ground. It is far better than any other shoe I have ran in before. It reduces the shock on the foot and it gives a complete sense of protection. The muscles seem to work less and the landing is much softer and easier on the ankles overall.
I ran through uneven surfaces and the shoe felt stable and balanced. I found it to be a little easier than I thought it would actually be.
I recommend it for both long distance races and longer training sessions. It provides you with that magical flying feeling. Definitely my racing shoe for my next race.
