Get ready to dive into the world of running shoes with a bold statement: the ASICS Glideride Max 2 is a shoe that's here to make a statement, but is it worth the hype? Let's find out!
Who Should Consider the Glideride Max 2?
This shoe is a great pick for runners who loved the first version and want an upgraded experience. It's also ideal for those who prioritize a high stack height and top-notch grip for consistent, high-mileage training. If you're a fan of that forward-rolling motion, the strong forefoot rocker will be music to your feet!
Not So Fast: Who Might Want to Think Twice?
Here's where it gets a bit controversial. The Glideride Max 2 comes with a premium price tag, but we found its energy return to be modest. If you're after a lively, bouncy ride, you might be better off with the Adidas Adizero EVO SL or the PUMA Magnify Nitro 3, which offer more bang for your buck. And if you're seeking an ultra-protective shoe, the New Balance 1080 v15 or Nike Vomero Plus might be better suited to your needs.
Cushioning and Shock Absorption: A Mixed Bag
The Glideride Max 2 surprised us in the lab. While its shock absorption is above average, it's slightly lower than its predecessor. However, ASICS has addressed one of our main concerns from the original: energy return. It's not perfect, but it's a noticeable improvement, moving the shoe from 'bad' to 'decent'.
Heel Stack and Forefoot Stack: The Numbers Game
The Glideride Max 2 boasts a heel stack of 42.1 mm, comfortably exceeding the expected 40 mm for a max-stack shoe. However, it falls short of the official 46 mm specification. A similar situation arises with the forefoot stack, where our measurement of 31.1 mm differs from ASICS' listed 40 mm. We follow World Athletics guidelines for measurements, so you can trust our comparisons.
Drop: A Perceived Difference
Due to its aggressive rocker, the perceived drop varies, so take the official 6 mm specification with a pinch of salt. Our measurement of 11.0 mm is significantly higher.
Midsole Softness: A Firm Ride
In our lab tests, the Glideride Max 2 measured slightly softer than average, but its dual-foam build and EVA plate make it feel firmer. The FF Blast+ layer, with its low energy return, also influences the ride.
Secondary Foam: Stability and Bounce
The firmer sensation continues with the FF Blast Max layer, which adds stability and bounce. It performs well in its role, but some runners might prefer a plateless setup for a softer feel.
Rocker and Plate: A Unique Approach
ASICS keeps the GUIDESOLE geometry, offering a strong rockered ride. The three-quarter-length EVA plate improves stability, but we wonder if the ride would change much without it.
Size and Fit: A Familiar Feel
The Glideride Max 2 feels very similar to its predecessor, with only minimal differences in overall space. The toebox width of 72.6 mm should suit most runners, but those with German or Roman foot shapes might find it slightly narrow.
Traction and Grip: Impressive Performance
ASICS continues to impress with its outsole compounds, delivering exceptional grip. The HYBRID ASICSGRIP outsole layout, with its wraparound rubber coverage, ensures solid contact with the ground.
Flexibility and Stiffness: A Tall Stack, A Stiff Ride
The tall stack height, combined with the EVA-based plate, makes the Glideride Max 2 slightly stiffer than average. This might not be ideal for those seeking a more natural, flexible feel.
Weight: A Reasonable Trade-off
At 9.3 oz (264g), the Glideride Max 2 is reasonable for a high-stack design. ASICS has done well to trim weight compared to the previous version.
Breathability: A Major Upgrade
The upper is a significant update, offering excellent breathability and a premium look. The toebox construction is impressive, resembling competition-oriented models. Comfort and ventilation are top-notch, making the upper a standout feature.
Stability: A Tall Stack, A Stable Ride
Given its tall stack height, stability is a concern, but the Glideride Max 2 is fairly stable and safe for neutral runners. ASICS has taken an interesting approach, relying on raised midsole sidewalls and strong upper support to create a stable ride. In our torsional test, it scored a perfect 5, showing extreme rigidity.
Heel Counter Stiffness: A Rigid Design
ASICS has gone all-in on heel counter stiffness, which might be too firm for some runners. It's rated 5/5, feeling more like a pure stability shoe.
Midsole Width: A Standard Platform
Despite the tall stack, the midsole width is close to an average daily trainer, making the shoe feel agile. This might appeal to runners who dislike ultra-wide designs.
Durability: A Trade-off
The upper durability is limited due to its airy construction, but the HYBRID ASICSGRIP outsole performs very well, offering excellent abrasion resistance. This makes it a smart pick for runners who are tough on outsoles.
Misc: A Standard Insole, A Thoughtful Tongue
The Glideride Max 2 comes with a standard 4.4 mm insole and a thin, perforated tongue for improved airflow. The tongue's excellent gusseting creates a secure and comfortable wrap.
Price: A Premium Tag, A Justified Choice?
The Glideride Max 2 is priced near the top of the daily trainer range. While its energy return is still limited, its overall build quality and excellent outsole performance make it a solid choice for easy runs. So, is it worth the price? That's for you to decide!
And this is the part most people miss: the Glideride Max 2 is a shoe that offers a unique blend of features, but it's not perfect. It's up to you to decide if its strengths outweigh its weaknesses. What do you think? Is the Glideride Max 2 worth the hype? Let's discuss in the comments!
