As two of the most renowned athletic shoe brands to emerge from Japan, Asics and Mizuno both offer high-performing footwear packed with innovative technologies.
But with differences in cushioning, stability, weight and more, it’s crucial to analyze the key distinctions between these two industry leaders before selecting the right pair for your needs. This in-depth comparison highlights everything you need to know to decide whether Asics or Mizuno is better for you.
Comparison Table
| Category | Asics | Mizuno |
|---|---|---|
| Founded In | 1949 | 1906 |
| Comfort & Fit | Gel cushioning provides responsive, customized fit | Wave Plate technology gives exceptional stability and support |
| Color Options | Wide range of colors and styles | More limited color options |
| Durability | Very durable with quality materials | Extremely durable with reinforced elements |
| Performance | Guidance Line technology provides excellent grip and traction | Propels you forward, optimized for sports performance |
| Design & Style | Wide variety, from minimal to maximalist styles | Performance-focused designs best for athletic endeavors |
| Popularity | One of the most popular running shoe brands | Less mainstream appeal than some competitors |
| Best Selling Model | ASICS Gel-Nimbus | Mizuno Wave Rider |
Asics Overview
Asics was founded way back in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka in Kobe, Japan.
The name “Asics” actually comes from the Latin phrase “anima sana in corpore sano,” which translates to “healthy soul in a healthy body.” Asics shoes really align with that mission, aiming to provide runners with equipment that enables peak performance.
Throughout its long history, Asics has continuously innovated and evolved its shoe technologies.
Key components that provide the renowned Asics fit and feel include the IGS (Impact Guidance System) for a natural gait cycle, Trusstic System tech for light stability, SpevaFoam cushioning for soft landings, and Dynamic DuoMax support for optimal alignment.
The outer soles utilize Asics’ specialized rubber compounds called AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber) that hold up to heavy mileage on roads.
From fast, feather-light racing flats to well-cushioned trainers, Asics offers a diverse range of running shoe models to suit different needs.
But across the board, Asics shoes are known for their structured, classic look and feel.
If you want a running shoe with proven performance and durability from a brand that’s withstood the test of time, Asics is a solid choice.
Mizuno Overview
Founded in 1906 in Japan by Rihachi Mizuno, Mizuno is steeped in a long heritage of innovative sports footwear.
While newer to the American running shoe scene than some brands, Mizuno has quietly built a following for its responsive, well-balanced performance.
Mizuno running shoes utilize technologies like Enerzy foam cushioning and Wave Plates engineered into the midsole to provide a springy yet stable platform. The smooth but supportive ride makes Mizuno a great choice for tempo runs and speed workouts.
The breathable mesh uppers hug feet securely but allow adequate airflow on hot runs.
Mizuno shoes run slightly narrow but are tailored to most foot shapes with a curved anatomical last. Sizes accommodate regular and wider width options.
The outsoles use durable carbon rubber in high-wear areas for impressive longevity over hundreds of miles. Traction lugs grip well on varied terrain from tracks to light trails.
While the shoes skew minimalist rather than heavily cushioned, the responsive foam and smooth transitions still offer plenty of comfort for long distances. Testers note the quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail shine through.
For runners seeking a well-balanced shoe for mid to high-mileage training, Mizuno delivers a harmonious blend of comfort, responsiveness, and versatility at a reasonable price point.
Major Differences between the Brands
Comfort and Fit
When it comes to comfort and fit, Asics tends to offer more cushioning while Mizuno emphasizes balanced support. Asics utilizes Gel, FlyteFoam and SpEVA to create plush cushioning ideal for neutral runners and overpronators. Mizuno uses firmer cushioning technologies like Wave Plate and U4ic to enable smooth transitions with each step.
Asics offers more width sizing options for wider feet. Mizuno runs slightly narrower through the midfoot for a more snug performance fit. Both brands cater to regular and wider foot shapes, but Asics has greater size diversity overall.
Durability and Performance
Both Asics and Mizuno construct shoes to last, using durable rubber outsoles and reinforced uppers. Asics excels at shock absorption and energy return, making the shoes ideal for high mileage neutral runners and overpronators.
Mizuno promotes stability and smooth transitions through technologies like the Wave Plate, suiting neutral runners and mild overpronators. Both deliver excellent performance but with different cushioning and support philosophies.
Price
On average, Asics and Mizuno shoes fall within the same general price range, typically $100 to $200 based on the model. Asics offers slightly greater diversity, with options spanning from $60 for basic running shoes to $200+ for premium shoes packed with tech.
Mizuno’s pricing ranges from around $100 to $250, concentrated more in the mid-to-high end as a premium performance brand. Both represent an investment but deliver quality and endurance to match.
Design and Style
Asics offers diverse aesthetics across its models, from sleek minimalist racers to bold color-blocked lifestyle designs. This variety provides both understated and head-turning options.
Mizuno shoes have a more uniform performance look, with subtle curves and detailing that prioritize function over flash. Asics ultimately provides greater variety across the style spectrum.
Popularity
With its lifestyle appeal and broad range, Asics stands as one of the most popular athletic brands worldwide. It enjoys greater mainstream recognition than Mizuno, which has a smaller but passionate following among dedicated runners invested in Mizuno’s biomechanics-focused ethos. Both are leaders, but Asics has greater reach and visibility with the general public.
Target Market
The target market for Asics skews towards mainstream and new runners appreciating plush cushioning and style variety. Mizuno caters more narrowly to experienced runners focused on biomechanics over flash or lifestyle appeal. But both still cover a wide spectrum and overlap demographics.
Performance Comparison
For Nurses
Asics offers excellent cushioning to absorb the shock of long hours on your feet. The Gel and FlyteFoam cushioning technologies provide plush comfort without the weight, keeping you energized throughout long shifts. Mizuno’s firmer Wave Plate offers responsive support but less overall softness underfoot, making Asics potentially better suited for all-day comfort.
For Walking
With its focus on guidance and stability, Mizuno excels at facilitating natural foot motion ideal for walking gait cycles. Technologies like SmoothRide keep your stride smooth and efficient across walking sessions. Asics also performs well for walking, though some models have thicker cushioning that provides comfort at the expense of ground-feel awareness.
For Running
For runners needing soft yet responsive cushioning, Asics is a top choice thanks to systems like FlyteFoam and Gel. Overpronators can also find excellent options with stability technologies to reduce excessive inward rolling.
For those prioritizing an anatomically smooth, balanced stride, Mizuno’s Wave Plate guides the foot’s natural motion in harmony. Both are excellent running shoes catering to different preferences.
For Flat Feet
With its assortment of stability shoes, Asics can suit flat feet needing arch support and motion control. The DuoMax and Guidance Line technologies help correct overpronation and excessive inward rolling. For flat feet requiring a balance of cushioning and guidance, Asics has models to address these needs.
For Back Pain
The plush Gel cushioning from Asics minimizes impact to create soft landings ideal for those with back pain. Some Asics shoes also have a shaped heel counter for added lower back support. Mizuno’s responsive Wave Plate can also cushion steps to alleviate pressure, though the firmer feel provides less overall padding than Asics models.
For Standing All Day
For professions like nursing that involve long hours standing, Asics is an ideal selection to combat fatigue. The highly cushioned midsoles maintain comfort even after hours on your feet. While Mizuno offers support, the firmer cushioning doesn’t absorb shock as thoroughly as Asics.
For High Arches
With its assortment of stability options, Mizuno caters well to high arches needing guidance to prevent excessive outward rolling upon heel strike. The Wave Plate also provides a snug midfoot wrap and arch support. Asics likewise offers shoes to address oversupination, providing options if you require plush cushioning alongside support.
For Hiking
Mizuno’s trail shoe offerings combine technologies like Wave Plate with durable materials ready for the trail. Asics trail shoes also deliver, with lugged outsoles and plush midsoles to absorb uneven terrain. Both represent quality hiking options catering to personal preferences for responsiveness versus cushioning.
For Plantar Fasciitis
With ample cushioning from Gel, FlyteFoam and other proprietary materials, Asics is an excellent choice to combat plantar fasciitis pain under the heel and arch. It absorbs shock thoroughly to alleviate pressure on the inflamed plantar fascia tissue. Mizuno can also aid discomfort through its responsive Wave Plate, though some may prefer Asics for maximum softness.
Final Verdict
In the Asics versus Mizuno battle, both Japan-born brands produce excellent athletic shoes backed by decades of research. Asics caters to a wider demographic seeking generously cushioned comfort in bold style varieties. Mizuno targets experienced runners invested in natural foot motion and stability over lifestyle appeal.
For plush shock absorption ideal for activities like walking, working long shifts, or neutral running, Asics excels. If your top priority is anatomical support enabling efficient transitions, Mizuno is tough to beat. Both represent leaders in performance footwear, delivering quality and durability worthy of the price tag.
Choosing between them comes down to cushioning softness versus stability support – two philosophies achieving the same end goal of energizing movement. With an understanding of each brands’ strengths, you can confidently select your next pair of Asics or Mizuno shoes aligned perfectly to your preferences.