No two participants are the same, and neither are their shoes. ASICS Front Runners, ASICS's own community of everyday runners, have put together their shoe recommendations exclusively for the ASICS Manchester Half Marathon, covering training and event day. Whether you're building up to your first half marathon or fine tuning for a PB, have a look at the recommendations below, choose your favorite and get ready to lace up for Manchester!
FIRST TIMER
“The ASICS Novablast is my go-to recommendation for first-time half marathoners because it’s lightweight yet delivers a high level of cushioning making it incredibly comfortable as an introduction to tackling longer distances.”
The NOVABLAST 6 delivers supreme energy return at toe-off and better traction underfoot for a bounce-driven ride.
Why is this shoe great for first timers?
- Engineered woven upper
- Tongue wing construction
- FF BLAST MAX cushioning
- FF TURBO SQUARED trampoline pod
2HR 30+
“Taking on the Manchester Half! When you’re out there for a few hours, comfort is everything. I would choose the ASICS GEL-Kayano 33 for the premium stability and plush cushioning which will help keep my legs feeling strong, and support good running form all the way to the finish.”
The GEL-KAYANO 33 is ASICS’ pinnacle running shoe for support and comfort. FF PLUS technology adapts to your changing biomechanical needs, guiding you through each phase of the gait cycle for smooth, natural transitions.
Why is this shoe great when aiming for 2HR 30+?
-
FLUIDSUPPORT technology
-
Rearfoot PureGEL technology
-
FF BLAST MAX cushioning
-
FF BLAST PLUS cushioning
SUB 2HR 30
“The GEL-CUMULUS gives me the comfort to settle into my rhythm and the smooth, responsive ride to finish strong. It’s the kind of shoe that lets you focus on enjoying the run instead of thinking about your feet.”
Why is this shoe great for those aiming for sub 2hr 30?
-
FF BLAST MAX cushioning
-
PureGEL technology
-
FLUIDRIDE outsole
SUB 2HR
“The MegaBlast gives you a smooth and responsive ride and makes holding your goal pace feel more manageable. It’s lightweight and comfortable over longs distances whilst the FF Turbo Squared midsole gives great energy return. So good that if you’re feeling up for it, it’ll carry that faster pace!”
The MEGABLAST is incredibly lightweight and exceptionally bouncy, MEGABLAST is engineered to supercharge your performance and keep you feeling energised right to the final kilometre.
Why is this shoe great when aiming for sub 2hr?
- FF TURBO SQUARED foam is lighter, softer and bouncier than before creating a unique running experience
- ASICSGRIP outsole enhances traction and control, so you can accelerate without using excess energy
- Engineered woven upper is lightweight and breathable, keeping you cool without holding you back
SUB 1HR 30
“I’d recommend the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo due to it’s lightweight design, responsive FF BLAST TURBO foam, and a full-length carbon plate to maximise energy return, helping runners maintain faster paces efficiently over the half marathon. This is my go-to race shoe for all distances.”
Why is this shoe great for those aiming for sub 1hr 30?
- MOTION WRAP 3.0 upper
- FF LEAP cushioning
- FF TURBO PLUS cushioning
- Carbon plate
FIRST TIMER
“The ASICS Novablast is my go-to recommendation for first-time half marathoners because it’s lightweight yet delivers a high level of cushioning making it incredibly comfortable as an introduction to tackling longer distances.”
The NOVABLAST 6 delivers supreme energy return at toe-off and better traction underfoot for a bounce-driven ride.
Why is this shoe great for first timers?
- Engineered woven upper
- Tongue wing construction
- FF BLAST MAX cushioning
- FF TURBO SQUARED trampoline pod
2HR 30+
“Taking on the Manchester Half! When you’re out there for a few hours, comfort is everything. I would choose the ASICS GEL-Kayano 33 for the premium stability and plush cushioning which will help keep my legs feeling strong, and support good running form all the way to the finish.”
The GEL-KAYANO 33 is ASICS’ pinnacle running shoe for support and comfort. FF PLUS technology adapts to your changing biomechanical needs, guiding you through each phase of the gait cycle for smooth, natural transitions.
Why is this shoe great when aiming for 2HR 30+?
-
FLUIDSUPPORT technology
-
Rearfoot PureGEL technology
-
FF BLAST MAX cushioning
-
FF BLAST PLUS cushioning
SUB 2HR 30
“The GEL-CUMULUS gives me the comfort to settle into my rhythm and the smooth, responsive ride to finish strong. It’s the kind of shoe that lets you focus on enjoying the run instead of thinking about your feet.”
Why is this shoe great for those aiming for sub 2hr 30?
-
FF BLAST MAX cushioning
-
PureGEL technology
-
FLUIDRIDE outsole
SUB 2HR
“The MegaBlast gives you a smooth and responsive ride and makes holding your goal pace feel more manageable. It’s lightweight and comfortable over longs distances whilst the FF Turbo Squared midsole gives great energy return. So good that if you’re feeling up for it, it’ll carry that faster pace!”
The MEGABLAST is incredibly lightweight and exceptionally bouncy, MEGABLAST is engineered to supercharge your performance and keep you feeling energised right to the final kilometre.
Why is this shoe great when aiming for sub 2hr?
- FF TURBO SQUARED foam is lighter, softer and bouncier than before creating a unique running experience
- ASICSGRIP outsole enhances traction and control, so you can accelerate without using excess energy
- Engineered woven upper is lightweight and breathable, keeping you cool without holding you back
SUB 1HR 30
“I’d recommend the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo due to it’s lightweight design, responsive FF BLAST TURBO foam, and a full-length carbon plate to maximise energy return, helping runners maintain faster paces efficiently over the half marathon. This is my go-to race shoe for all distances.”
Why is this shoe great for those aiming for sub 1hr 30?
- MOTION WRAP 3.0 upper
- FF LEAP cushioning
- FF TURBO PLUS cushioning
- Carbon plate