ASICS FrontRunner and running mom Jani du Toit gives her take on the new GLIDERIDE.
Shoe Name: ASICS Glideride
Terrain: Road
Shoe type: Lightweight Neutral shoe
Heel drop/offset: The 5mm heel-to-toe drop
Cushioning system: The Guidesole provides a two-layered foam shock-absorbing landing experience which decreases the risk of fatigue and the stiff forefoot prevents ankle flexion. FlyteFoam technology provides a real bounceback and responsiveness, utilising organic super fibres to help reduce 'packing out' that traditionally happens with softer, low density foams. The rearfoot gel technology cushioning system lessens shock during impact phase and allows for a smooth transition to midstance.
Upper Material: The engineered mesh upper offers multi-directional mesh material improves ventilation and stability.
Midsole: Improved cushioning reduces muscle load at foot strike. It does this with a combination of FLYTEFOAM® technology and GEL® technology cushioning.
Forefoot: The curved sole design and stiff forefoot of our GUIDESOLE™ technology reduce ankle flexion and provide a shock-absorbent landing zone to lessen fatigue of other leg muscles and increase runner efficiency.
Weight: 235g - The shoe feels lightweight and gives a responsive bounce back.
I’m currently pregnant with my second child and was looking for a shoe that would offer me a little more cushioning when running. Being more of a trail runner than roadie I wanted a road shoe that would help me transition well from trail to road without all the usual aches and pains (that come for me from running on the tar).
The GLIDERIDE came as a bit of a surprise, it felt strange to be honest - the first few days I had them I just walked around in them. They were very comfortable indeed, but the 'rocking' motion took some getting used to and I was super skeptical about running in them. I felt like I might just fall over, belly and all!
However, they offered quite the opposite experience when I actually started regularly training in them.
The ‘GlideSole’ is intended to allow runners to run further, easier and longer. The 5mm drop in the GlideRide supports the rolling movement of the foot through the gait cycle, which has been found to reduce energy loss at the ankle joint in research conducted in July 2019 by Progressive Sports Ltd at Loughborough University.
I found the shoe to be lightweight and responsive – it also propels you forward, giving you a sense of motivation to keep in motion. And, to keep going at a consistent pace. I run with them every run now, and it really is so comfortable giving me the support I need and the ‘push' to keep going and help me save some much-needed energy on my runs.
I also love the colour – it doesn’t show dirt easily and looks clean and neat for longer.
I would definitely recommend this shoe to a serious road runner that is looking for a comfortable ride on any distance. Right now they are my go-to 'running preggie' shoe, keeping me comfortable despite the extra weight, helping me save energy, move forward and gives me the support I need!
