What Is ASICS GEL? How GEL Cushioning Works and Which ASICS GEL Shoe to Buy

Quick answer: ASICS GEL is a soft, silicone-based cushioning material placed inside the sole, usually at the heel and sometimes at the forefoot. When your foot lands, the GEL spreads out the impact so the step feels softer. ASICS has used GEL since the 1980s, and you'll find it in both lifestyle sneakers and serious running shoes. For everyday style, pick the GEL-1130. For running with extra support, pick the GEL-Kayano. For the most cushion in a neutral running shoe, pick the GEL-Nimbus.

Foam does most of the cushioning in any running shoe, and foam can slowly pack down over time. GEL works with the foam to take the sting out of hard landings, which is why ASICS GEL shoes are known for a smooth, protective feel.

Most running shoe soles are made of foam. Foam is full of tiny air pockets that squish when you land. Over hundreds of miles, those pockets can flatten, and the shoe starts to feel hard or "dead."

GEL is different. It's a soft, silicone-based material with no air pockets to flatten. When your heel hits the ground, the GEL squishes and spreads the force out, then springs back to its shape. ASICS places it right where you land hardest, so it takes the edge off each step while the foam around it handles the rest.

Runners often ask why their shoes feel hard after a few months. That's usually the foam packing down.

JD Expert Question: "Does the newer PureGEL™ in shoes like the GEL-Nimbus feel different from older visible GEL, and will the shoe feel mushy?"

JD Expert Answer: PureGEL™ sits inside the foam instead of showing through a window on the side. It feels softer than older GEL, but it's paired with ASICS' bouncy FF BLAST™ foam and a stable base, so the ride feels smooth, not mushy. If you want a firmer, more classic feel, the GEL-1130 and other retro styles still use the older visible GEL.

In newer ASICS running shoes, you'll see PureGEL™ instead of the visible GEL windows of older models. It's the biggest update to GEL in years, and it's built into the midsole.

• Softer feel: ASICS made PureGEL™ softer than its original GEL, for a plush feel on landing.
• More bounce: It's tuned to give back a bit more energy, so it doesn't just absorb the hit.
• Hidden inside: Moving GEL inside the foam makes the ride smoother from heel to toe.

Who should buy ASICS for GEL cushioning?

ASICS GEL shoes are a great pick if you log a lot of miles, spend long days on your feet, or just want a sneaker with a smooth, protective feel. If your current shoes feel flat after a few months, GEL plus ASICS' newer foams can help the ride stay comfortable for longer.

Ready to shop? Browse ASICS shoes at JD Sports.

ASICS GEL shoes fall into two groups. Lifestyle pairs are retro running designs made for everyday wear. Performance pairs are built for running.

• GEL-1130 (lifestyle): A 2000s-style retro runner with visible GEL and a supportive midfoot. Great for daily wear, style, and long days on your feet.
• GEL-NYC (lifestyle): A chunkier retro look that mixes older ASICS running designs. Comfortable for casual wear.
• GEL-Kayano (running): ASICS' top stability shoe. Best if you have flat feet or your feet roll inward.
• GEL-Nimbus (running): ASICS' most cushioned neutral shoe. Best for long runs, recovery days, and walking.
• GEL-Cumulus (running): A lighter, everyday neutral running shoe that's a step down in cushion from the Nimbus.

Most people wear their usual size in ASICS.

• GEL-1130 and other retro styles: True to size, with a snug midfoot. Go up a half size if you have wide feet.
• Kayano and Nimbus: True to size. Both come in wide sizes, which is often better than sizing up.
• Coming from Nike: Most shoppers wear the same size. ASICS often feels a bit roomier up front.

• What does GEL do in ASICS shoes? It softens hard landings by spreading out the impact, mostly at the heel.
• Is ASICS GEL good for standing all day? Yes. GEL plus a cushioned midsole makes shoes like the GEL-1130 and GEL-Nimbus popular for long shifts.
• Is the GEL-1130 a running shoe? It's based on a 2000s running shoe, but today it's sold as a lifestyle sneaker. For serious running, choose the Kayano, Nimbus, or Cumulus.
• What is PureGEL™? It's ASICS' newest, softer GEL, built inside the foam of newer running shoes like the GEL-Kayano and GEL-Nimbus.
• Where can I buy ASICS GEL shoes? Shop ASICS at JD Sports online and in stores.

• ASICS Product Information: How GEL, PureGEL™, and FF BLAST™ foam work, from ASICS' official product details.
• ASICS Brand History: How GEL cushioning became part of ASICS running shoes, starting in the 1980s.
• Independent Reviews: Wear tests comparing the cushioning and comfort of popular ASICS GEL models.
• JD Sports Fit Feedback: Sizing and comfort feedback from JD Sports store teams across North America.