ASICS Glideride Max 2 Review — A Surprisingly Brilliant Daily Trainer
- FORDY RUNS
- Dec 11, 2025
- 3 min read
The ASICS Glideride Max has always been a bit of a quiet achiever in the running world, and the Glideride Max 2 continues that story. ASICS doesn’t heavily promote it, influencers don’t talk about it much, and yet—it remains one of the most enjoyable, reliable shoes I run in. After logging plenty of miles in both version 1 and version 2, here’s why this underrated model deserves far more attention than it gets.
What’s New in the Glideride Max 2?
At first glance, version 2 looks almost identical to version 1, and that’s because the changes are minimal. The core platform remains the same, including:
Dual-foam setup: FF Blast Max (top layer) + FF Blast+ (lower layer)
Guide Sole technology to reduce ankle flexion
Hard-pressed EVA plate for stability and efficiency
Same hybrid ASICS Grip outsole
True-to-size fit (my UK 9.5 weighs 279g)
However, there is one meaningful update: A completely new upper! It’s more breathable, more comfortable, and noticeably better in warmer conditions. The first version’s upper ran a bit warm; this fixes that without altering the ride. Overall, think of v2 as a refined version rather than a redesigned one.
Version 1 vs. Version 2: Which Should You Buy?
Version 1 is currently an absolute bargain. At around £95, it delivers the same midsole, same underfoot feel, and the same ride quality as v2. Version 2 (£160) improves breathability and comfort up top. Is that worth the price jump?✔ Yes, if you want the best version of the shoe✔ Yes, if you get a discount✘ Not necessarily, if version 1 is still available in your size. When stock of v1 dries up, v2 becomes the easy recommendation—especially with a discount code.
Ride Experience: Why This Shoe Just Works
This is the standout part of the Glideride Max story. The combination of FF Blast Max, FF Blast+, and the EVA plate delivers a ride that shouldn’t make sense on paper—but somehow does. It’s stable, smooth, soft without being mushy, and incredibly easy to run in across a range of paces.
Easy runs:
It shines here. For me (approx. 8:30 min/mile / 5:20 min/km pace), the shoe feels controlled, supportive, and reliably comfortable.
Marathon-paced runs:
At around 7:30–7:45 min/mile, the midsole and plate work together effortlessly. The shoe rolls you forward without feeling aggressive or unstable.
Versatility:
Few modern shoes cover this many bases without specializing too much. It’s not super-soft, not super-bouncy, not plated in a carbon sense—but the balance is perfect for daily training.
In fact, the shoe reminds me of the feeling I had years ago when I first put on a pair of ASICS Nimbus—just a happy, secure, comfortable place underfoot. That familiarity is a large part of why I enjoy running in it so much.
Where the Glideride Max Fits in a Rotation
This is where the shoe really earns its praise. Great for:
Bigger runners who want a stable, non-wobbly platform
Marathon training blocks
Easy miles and long runs
Days when your legs feel beaten up
Runners who want one shoe that can cover multiple paces
Pairs well with:
Adidas EVO SL for faster work
ASICS Magic Speed or race-day supershoes for workouts and races
The Glideride Max can absorb a ton of mileage while keeping your legs feeling good, making it a strong foundation shoe in any rotation.
Final Thoughts
The ASICS Glideride Max 2 isn’t flashy. It isn’t hyped. It isn’t carbon-plated or ultra-bouncy. But it is:
Comfortable
Stable
Versatile
Efficient
A genuinely enjoyable daily trainer
