Step 02 — The lineup
6 shoes scored across eleven metrics · Any purpose
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Asics Gel-Contend 9 — The classic first running shoe — durable, affordable, uncomplicated.
Sizing note
Everything here fits true to size. Leave a thumbnail of space at the toe.
Durability
Expect roughly 475 miles before the midsole flattens out.
Step 03 — Every metric
| Metric | Asics Gel Kayano 28 | Asics Gel-Kayano 31(2024) | Asics GT-4000 4 | Nike Structure 26(2024) | On Cloudrunner 2 Waterproof | Nike Structure 27(2025) | Nike Journey Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 312 g / 11.0 oz | 300 g / 10.6 oz | 310 g / 10.9 oz | 300 g / 10.6 oz | 323 g / 11.4 oz | 295 g / 10.4 oz | 300 g / 10.6 oz |
| Drop | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm |
| Stack (heel) | 37 mm | 40 mm | 36 mm | 38 mm | 39 mm | 38 mm | 35 mm |
| Cushioning | |||||||
| Flexibility | |||||||
| Stability | |||||||
| Rocker geometry | |||||||
| Energy return | |||||||
| Responsiveness | |||||||
| Toe-box | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Plate | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Intended pace | 9:00–12:00 /mi | 9:00–12:00 /mi | 9:00–12:30 /mi | 8:30–11:30 /mi | 7:30–10:00 /mi | 8:30–11:30 /mi | 9:00–12:00 /mi |
| Purpose | Daily, Long run, Recovery | Daily, Long run, Recovery | Daily, Long run | Daily, Long run | Daily, Long run | Daily, Long run | Daily, Recovery |
| Sizing | True to size | True to size | True to size | True to size | True to size | True to size | True to size |
| Durability | ~500 mi | ~500 mi | ~500 mi | ~500 mi | ~400 mi | ~500 mi | ~450 mi |
| Price | $145 | $165 | $140 | $140 | $180 | $145 | $90 |
Your reference shoe is shown first for context. Cushioning, flexibility and stability are rated 1–5.