THOMAS: If you are familiar with the EvoRide from last year, don’t get too excited for a big update. The ASICS EvoRide 2 is a minor update to the line. The little tweaks do help to make it an even better uptempo daily trainer.
THOMAS: I’ll start with the midsole because, in this case, it defines the character of this model. Last year, ASICS introduced us to the GuideSole platform. A smooth rocker design with an exaggerated toe spring. Let it be known that I am a fan of rockered midsoles. If you aren’t familiar with the term, think of your granny’s rocking chair.
The midsole of the EvoRide 2 is designed to roll you through your stride as efficiently. In the EvoRide, the GuideSole gives the shoe a snappy fast feel. The midsole is not flexible. It is rigid enough that you might think there’s a plate in there. The Flytefoam Propel used in the first version is replaced with straight-up Flytefoam. That foam switch, in conjunction with a slightly higher stack height, make the new version of the shoe feel easier on the legs. However, it’s still a firm shoe.
The men’s stack is now 26 mm/21 mm, so taller, but the drop stays the same at a modest 5 mm (women’s strack heigh is 25/20). On the outsole, ASICS put their AHARPlus rubber for grip and durability.
The upper is a well constructed engineered mesh with clean construction. The “tiger stripes” logo is welded on to support the structure around the arch. The overly generous tongue in the previous version is tamed down and sits lower. This is a good thing. We don’t need shoe tongues crawling up our legs like invasive vines. It also looks goofy as hell.
The upper comfort of the EvoRide 2 sits somewhere between daily trainer and a race shoe. It still has generous padding in the tongue and heel counter, but less of it than in some of ASICS’ pure daily trainer models. The upper fits well, and I had no heel lift or hotspots. I did go down a half size, but I am going a half-size down in all the ASICS models. They run about a half thumbnail too long in my regular 10.5. The size 10.5 I received weighs 253 grams or 8.92 oz.
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THOMAS: The AHARplus rubber works, but it isn’t as grippy as I would like. The lack of tackiness is noticeable on smooth or wet surfaces. Other than that, I don’t really have any issues with the shoe.
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THOMAS: The EVOride 2 is a lightweight, firmer, do-it-all trainer. The fit is good, and the ride is smooth. With a price of around $120, the EVOride is one of the more affordable performance shoes you can use for your training. Other shoes in this category would include the Atreyu Base Model, Saucony Kinvara 12, Brooks Launch, New Balance Propel V2, New Balance Beacon 3, and the Skechers Razor+.
The ASICS EvoRide 2 releases on 2/5/2021 for $120. You can pick it up then at Running Warehouse (featuring free 2-day shipping and 90-day returns) by using the shop link below.
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Is there any sort of Comparison to the Nimbus lite 2? I didn’t see one. They seem to fill the same space for ASICS from what I have read.