ASICS Gel SlowCush Preview: Meet ASICS’ New 48 mm Max Cushion Shoe

For a long while many running brands had one big max stack shoe on their roster, now they have two or three. It’s fun and confusing trying to figure out exactly what makes each different and which is right for you. 

There was also a time when Hokas with their midsoles ranging from 29 to 33 millimeters were considered max cushion, while currently 33 millimeters is considered low to the ground and nimble. 

Those days, despite being a mere four or five years ago, are long gone.

With the upcoming release of the Asics Gel Slowcush, Asics is adding yet another max cushion cruiser to their lineup, joining the Nimbus and Glideride Max as the big boys on the block.

Let’s get into the details to see what Asics has in store for us max cushion enthusiasts.

Asics Gel Slow Cush Specs:

• Brand: Asics
• Usage: Cushioned running shoe
• Previous model: None
• Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 10.5 ounces (unisex)
• Stack: 48 mm
• Midsole: FF Luxe+ with PureGel PLUS
• Two reported colorways available upon release
• Price: unknown, releasing October 1, 2026

That’s right 48mm of cushion! That puts it very close to the Nike Vomero Premium at 50mm, which we all described as being like a moon shoe. Of course this doesn’t have that layer of air…but that’s a whole lot of cushion.

That one also comes at a pretty steep price point…will this?

Asics Gel Slowcush: The Nuts n’ Bolts

New shoe, new materials is the motto here. The Asics Gel Slow Cush is a brand new series from Asics and it will be built upon a bed of FlyteFoam Luxe+ (FF Luxe+) for a more plush and energetic running experience. 

FF Luxe+ is a new foam from Asics and is slated to be the next step in the evolution of Asics’ FlyteFoam. What began as an EVA foam became an EVA mixed with OBC in their FF Blast/FF Blast+. The most recent iteration of FlyteFoam, FF Blast Max, is a POE (Polyolefin) foam that performs better in the all-important energy return department. It is also known to react better to cold temperatures.

As of now there is no word on what the specific compound will make up FF Luxe+, but Asics has shown they move in incremental updates with their daily training foams, so there is the possibility there will be an improvement in responsiveness and durabilit over FF Blast Max.

Make no mistake, this will be a huge midsole, sitting at 48 millimeters in the heel and 40 millimeters in the forefoot, resulting in an 8 millimeter drop. If Asics does indeed improve upon their FF Blast Max+, then the FF Luxe+ will likely be a soft and protective foam with a good amount of energy return.

Asics’ well-known GEL technology will be implemented in the midsole, but it will be in the form of their new PureGel PLUS, purported to be 20% lighter than the original PureGel seen in recent releases of the Nimbus.

The outsole will be a combination of AHARPLUS and ASICSGRIP. AHARPLUS is not exactly known for its sticky grip. The inclusion of ASICSGRIP will serve the purpose of enhancing grip, but due to its softer constitution it will likely be the faster-wearing portion of the outsole.

A breathable engineered mesh upper will offer strategic support zones and complimentary zones of breathability. A traditional heel counter is there to help kep your heels locked in during easy and long runs

Who is the Slowcush for?

• Wide Feet: Asics has slowly increased the width of their last two Novablasts, and if they keep a similar profile with the Slow Cush it should work just fine for the wide footed.
• Heavier Runners: With 48 mm of foam underfoot and a wide base, yes, this will be a heavier runner’s dream.
• Long runs: The big, comfy, and lighter-than-heavy-weight midsole should provide more than enough comfort and protection over long miles.
• Front of the pack: This will most likely be a shoe for the masses, given the word “slow” in the title.

Where will the Slowcush Fit in Asics’ Lineup?

This is where I throw my hands up in the air and utter, “my guess is maybe only a little better than yours”.

With the Gel Nimbus 28 and Glideride Max 2 already firmly established in Asics’ running shoe lineup, this will likely be competing for time with the Nimbus.

The Slow Cush will have an additional 5 millimeters of midsole stack under foot and it may even give Asics the chance to cut out some of the foam and bring the Nimbus back to its sub-40 millimeter roots.

However, more cushion is the going trend these days, and I might be more lucky to be appointed the secretary of the treasury than to  see Asics bring the midsole stack of the Nimbus back down to a more slim profile. And it’s not uncommon for brands to have more than one giant easy day specialist so there’s a good chance nothing may change.

The Glideride is more of a long run specialist than a maximalist daily trainer. Based on what we know, the Slow Cush should also adeptly handle any long runs in your training, but without the assistance of a plate and with a more plush underfoot feel.

What to read next?

• Is running in max cushioned shoes bad for us?
• Our top picks for best cushioned running shoes
• Read all our cushioned running shoe reviews