#ff squishy

[feralfiendsvn]

As you do yard work, you hear Trevor's cat, Squishy, digging in his garden. Upon closer inspection, you see she's dug up some old deer bones Trevor had buried. You find it a bit odd he would bury them in his flower garden, but who are you to judge?

[gunsatthaphan]

#get urself a man who's a walking meme.

[foldingfittedsheets]

hi, just wanted to pop in and say thank you for your mattress advice post! I've just replaced an old mattress i was using as a box spring with an actual box spring and i hadn't realized how little support i was getting from my nice newer mattress due to the old one caving away underneath it. the difference is really dramatic!!

That’s awesome! I’d like to speak to the person who sold you a bed and didn’t ask what you were putting it on and allowed that to happen but ultimately happy ending!

[cosmowgyral]

OMG IkeVil just released a second anniversary short story. I'm not sure if it'll eventually be a story sale but HOLY CRAP IT'S ADORABLE.

Jude, Victor, Ellis, Nica, Ring and Harrsion have been TURNED INTO PLUSHIES FFS.

I CANNOT...UGHHHH

Here's a glimpse of my absolutely squishy cute baby HUSBAND AAAAAH

"A plushie that looked exactly like Jude stood up and tapped its little feet on the floor."

HOLY HELL I CAN'T STOP SCREAMING.

Imma translate this soon 'cause I can't wait to share this with y'all.

[shannonsketches]

Do you think Vegeta was a little flirty towards Bulma?

You mentioned Bulma made the first move. Why do you think that?

And you also said that Vegeta didn’t like giving into those desires, but if that were the case, couldn’t Vegeta easily stop and push her away? I like to think he secretly liked his sexual relationship with her. (and her flirting)

Oh my god what fun questions, thank you

H'okay

In his own way, yes, definitely! I hc Vegeta's become more properly flirty with her as he's become more comfortable with her and her culture, but I think there's probably very little difference between Vegeta being flirty and Vegeta being smug. His earlier arcs displayed that he has a lot of sass with people he knows well, whether he particularly enjoys them or not, and I have no doubt that the more time he spent around Bulma the more of that witty bitchy snark slipped out. The main difference between Bulma and Vegeta's fellow FF Lords is that Bulma likes it, and we know Vegeta knows how to play to his audience. -

While I do maintain that she didn't have any genuine romantic interest in him until well after the breakup, I do think she used to flirt with Vegeta when she was still dating Yamcha, just because she's a brat and found it fun to make him uncomfortable (which definitely freaked out Yamcha, who does not want to die twice, thanks). I like to think that Bulma establishing that as her personality with him, along with her non-performative strong will and consistent demand to be treated with respect, accidentally built up a level of tolerance for that behavior that other people didn't get with Vegeta due to his formal rank and monstrous reputation. He just wrote her off as being Like That, and the lack of actual intent behind her behavior quietly eroded his guard around her, however slowly, over the years. My "main" headcanon of how she crossed the barrier between being playful and being serious is that she got plastered at a party, got mad that Yamcha brought his new girlfriend (which she told him he could, but then got drunk and insecure and had a problem with it anyway, because I believe in women's rights and women's wrongs), wandered off to the same place Vegeta happened to be, and after some one-word answers to super drunk questions decided to press her luck, only to be interrupted by someone coming to look for her because an event at the party was going to start. Vegeta denied the attempt was made and Bulma wrote it off as a weird dream until she was looking at security footage and saw it was not a dream and Vegeta was absolutely going to let her kiss him. -

Yes! And personally I think Bulma did get denied access more than once after the initial hookup, and regularly abandoned shortly after the deed was done. I have an old headcanon that after hooking up in the gravity room Vegeta kicked her out by initializing the gravity when she tries to talk to him about their little habit, and she only had the time it took the engine to boot up before she'd be crushed by the kind of gravity he was training under. I love Vegeta but he didn't evolve out of being a jerk overnight. I enjoy the idea that their relationship started out soft and sweet in very short bursts between bouts of intense passion and deep emotional immaturity. And I absolutely agree that Vegeta liked it a lot, which is the main thing he's mad about. My headcanon/observation is always that Vegeta really never blames his actions on external factors. It's his lapse, his failure, his error in judgement, etc. This includes dipping into a self-indulgent love affair. That's weakness! Saiyans aren't supposed to want soft and squishy and pleasure and lips and embrace, they're supposed to want blood and war and violence and murder and victory. A Saiyan Elite does not crave kisses, that's ridiculous. Slander. Virtriol. Burn the heretic, how dare you. This isn't about her, it's clearly just him getting lazy and bored on this backwater planet, and not being focused enough on his goals(, he lied to himself, definitely not thinking about her cute stupid face). But the proof is in the pudding! Even Freeza's higher ranking officers had trouble making Vegeta compliant, Bulma would've stood no chance if that indulgence wasn't mutual. This is something I think only Bulma was willing to admit, however. One of the many things in the Android saga that is obvious to everyone, but Vegeta still chooses to be childish about. At least until Cell knocks his maturity back into his head. Bulma grew tf up first (probably right around the time she decided to keep the baby) but Vegeta learned how to catch up quick, like he always does. And now their sex life is everyone else's problem, because their sex literally saved the world and that's just that's not an achievement you should ever hand the most egotistical couple you know.

[malsperanza]

MXTX the unreliable narrator vs. her unreliable protagonists

One of the things MXTX does so well is to blur the line between narrator and internal monologue. Scum Villain is almost entirely written from SQQ's POV, and we know that he is a classic unreliable protagonist. But it's not 100% true that SVSSS is entirely from SQQ's POV. There are several places where the book goes head-hopping and we get other people's internal monologues. Since this isn't signaled or called out in any way, it leaves the reader without real clarity about what is narrator and what is POV. One example comes quite early on, when the young LBH fights a series of duels with the demons during their invasion of Cang Qiong Mountain. We briefly get the POV of his combatants. This may just be a sign of MXTX's imperfect command of her form (she wrote the book when she was in high school ffs), or it may be deliberate.

Either way, this squishiness means that the reader can't be sure that there is no omniscient narrator who is suppressing or providing info that SQQ might not have. In addition, we have the System's interference in the novel, which is not exactly omniscient narrator, and not POV character either. And then there's SQQ's own tendency to lie to himself. He is unreliable not only because he neglects to mention certain things, but also because he is so un-self-aware that he doesn't know some things even from inside his own POV.

[Later, in Heaven Official's Blessing, MXTX wields the tools of narrator omniscience and narrator omission much more smoothly. We get a narrator who seems to be confidently omniscient and honest. Yet we can see - only on reread - how much salient info is omitted at crucial points. Exactly what happened in the past. Exactly why Xie Lian ascended. Exactly who Hua Cheng is. And then we have the unreliable Xie Lian, in whose POV most of the book is given. XL isn't unreliable because he lies (he doesn't lie); nor because he's ignorant or unself-aware (he is neither); but because he prefers not to tell anyone - including us - more than he needs to. He's very private, and he plays his cards close to his chest. He has a wicked sense of humor, but enjoys himself entirely in private and alone.]

So in SVSSS the line isn't necessarily a clear one. Further, the confusion on the part of the reader may not be a mistake or misreading - it may be provoked deliberately by MXTX. That's because in the greater scheme of the book, MXTX is intentionally putting us in the same role with respect to SVSSS that SQQ has with respect to Proud Immortal Demon Way. That is: we have our preferences about the protagonists and antagonists and our opinions about the quality of the writing, the inclusion of episodes for reasons not required by the plot (starting with the introduction of the System as a character in the book, separate from The Narrator, and separate again from MXTX).

That said, some readers do misread or interpret in ways that the text doesn't really support. But they're allowed to do that because the book is so deliberately confusing, and because the theme of the book is Fandom and its quixotic relationship with the Text.

It's an incredibly layered and complicated setup.

One thing I've noticed about MXTX readers (and maybe Danmei readers in general) is that they fall in love with the version of the book they like and want, and then tend to read through that lens. This may mean taking info as "fact" when it's really just the opinion of the POV character, and not reliable.

Which of course is Shen Yuan's problem with respect to PIDW in the first place. MXTX is amazingly savvy about her readers and not shy about parodying us too.

EDIT: I realize that I need to credit @gaywatch 's reading streams on YT of MXTX books for the starting points for my various meta thoughts. So much insight stuck in the middle of hilarious and delightful deconstructed and subverted versions of audiobooks. https://www.youtube.com/@Gaywatch

[mariasont]

maybe i'm a little (or a lottle) hormonal, but the thought of telling aaron and jack that he (jack) is going to be a big brother?!?!?! aaron bringing him in to meet the baby and he's got a big brother shirt on??? OR SPENCER???? holding onto the little plastic baby cot/tub for dear life, knuckles white, while his brand new tiny squishy human baby naps and you're laying there in the hospital bed watching him watch your baby???

the idea of driving a minivan full of little hotchners or reids much to the delight/amusement of the BAU gang?! "jesus christ hotch/reid get off of the poor girl!" (oh they do, they do)

or maybe surprising rossi with a pee'd on stick and a sarcastically sweet "i know you were trying to prove a point that you've still got it but ffs"

heyyyyyyy need u to know i hyperfixated so heavy on the minivan im lolololol. such an evil thought and i love it.

hotch driving a crusty beige van with three kids screaming and a diaper bag in the passenger seat. #never stopping 4 mcdonalds that's for sure. wearing his suit. someone honks and he yells "use your signal" like he's not driving a clown car.

meanwhile, reid's minivan is full of snacks, notebooks, a broken car toy prob, a baby sock on the dashboard, and he's listening to mozart but also the encanto soundtrack on loop.

maybe they even create a car pool schedule 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

you hit rossi with the "congrats on your sperm count"

[rottenpumpkin13]

You’ve really inspired me to start sharing my thoughts on FF so thank you!

I’m really curious though, how is Angeal when it comes to children? I imagine he would be much more responsible than say Genesis or Zack, but he is a complex character at heart. I’d like your opinion on it if it isn’t a bother!

Angeal would undoubtedly be responsible and caring when it comes to children, but his approach would be a delicate balance of discipline and tenderness.....which is both heartwarming and mildly ridiculous.

Child he's babysitting scrapes their knee, he turns it into a life lesson. Child spills a drink all over the table, Angeal patiently shows them how to clean it up, telling them that mistakes are okay as long as you take responsibility. Child loses their favorite toy and starts crying, so Angeal helps them search for it, teaching them the importance of staying calm and not giving up when something's lost. He's so nurturing and patient and gives off such dad older brother energy, that kids naturally love him.

Child, holding a worm: I named him Squishy!

Zack, in the background: :)

Angeal: Squishy is your responsibility now. You must protect him, nurture him, and—

*Child immediately drops the worm*

Child: Oops.

Zack: !

Angeal, already digging a tiny grave: We honor Squishy's brief life with the utmost respect.

Child, picking up the worm: Wait! I think it's still alive!

Zack: :) !

Angeal: Life, no matter how small, deserves our respect.

*The child drops the worm again*

Child: Oops, it's definitely dead now.

Zack: !!!!???!??

Angeal, still digging the hole: The circle of life is fragile, but we carry its lessons with us, in all things.

[styrmwb]

Rambling About Magic the Gathering X Final Fantasy - Final Fantasy II

Next up, we got the black sheep of the FF series that yeah sure it isn't perfect but it's still worth playing cause it does some cool stuff for its time so stop dunking on it!

Minwu, White Mage

The big guy from II that everyone knows and loves; Minwu deserves to be here. I don't know if this is intentional, but his attacking meaning you gain life meaning he gets counters and gets stronger feels like FFII's leveling system where your stats get better the more they're used?

Swallowed by Leviathan

This is a crazy moment I did not expect to be represented in the slightest. I BELIEVE the intention is to "eat" the target spell, and your graveyard is the people inside Leviathan's belly? I'm not super sure, or super smart. Regardless, the art is very cool, and it's awesome that this got in.

Hecteyes

What I love about this card is I feel like it represents the FFII encounter of "rocks fall you die" where sometimes you just get ambushed by 5 guys that kill you on touch and you die and there's nothing you can do about it. It's awesome. I also like how they used the original appearance of the Hecteyes, but mostly cause I like the blue.

Firion, Wild Rose Warrior

The main character himself appears. One, I love the art being in Pandaemonium, cause that's the best part of the whole game. I think their intention with Firion here is to be like his Dissidia incarnation, where he's a sort of jack of all trades weaponmaster. You cycle through a bunch of different weapons quickly.

Random Encounter

When I saw this card revealed, I died laughing. With the generic JRPG cards being made, of course there was gonna be a random encounter. But for it to be FFII? Amazing. The game with trap rooms with heightened encounters cause fuck you. But the art is really what does it here for me. Remember the rocks fall you die I mentioned before? Coeurls were the biggest thing that did this to me; Malboros are also a top contender, but they go for a slow death by status encounters. Then finally we got the Iron Giant, the secret Warmech-like superboss. They picked the perfect enemies.

Coliseum Behemoth

The Behemoth could have been represented anywhere, but I'm glad they picked the first incarnation. I would have taken XV as well. Of course it's a creature of brute force, but the one part I don't quite get is the draw effect? The original guy doesn't do any kind of meteor fun that later incarnations do, so I can forgive that not really fitting in, though I suppose the destroy effect could be thought of as that.

Commune with Beavers

This is a very funny card. One that I'm not surprised got in, but I'm happy about it. Look how fat and squishy they are in the art. I love how Guy speak to the beavers to get items. Also, I'm glad Guy got to show up at all in the set. Wish the other party members could have been as lucky.

The Emperor of Palamecia/The Lord Master of Hell

The art for The Emperor here is incredible; the lighting and the from below perspective really gives him this vibe of above you, as he would want you to feel. I'm glad Starfall is his ability too, that's just too iconic; plus the fact that he gains power from the graveyard, feels like he's getting power from Hell. I like how he's fueled by strong spells, but I would have also liked for him to die and transform, though I suppose that's too close to Garland/Chaos.

Crossroads Village

Not much to say here, but I am glad an FFII town got mentioned. Bafsk is probably up there in importance with the Dreadnought mentioned. The fact that it enters tapped, while probably not intentional, echoes all the towns in that game getting destroyed in my brain.

Swamp

It took me a second to recognize this, but it's clearly the Jade Passage, right from the end of the game before Pandaemonium. Beautiful art, and I'm glad they picked the bit with the waterfalls; look for the secret merchant.

Cid, Timeless Artificer

Our first of many Cids. I did post about this separately but I love that he's next to that table he is literally always at, even with the guy that operates the airship; which even gets to appear in the back. The fact that Cid's effect gets better the more Cids you have cracks me up. The word "timeless" in his title really gets across the bit here.

FFII has 10/309 cards, representing 3.2% of the set (Cid is not counted until later). I know II isn't that beloved, so really I didn't expect it to get much at all. I'm pleasantly surprised with some of the bits it got, it almost feels like the Magic devs ACTUALLY played the game. It still sucks that there's so little, but at least it got a special numbered art card; more than some games.

Things that I would add; more mentions of the other party members. Maria and Leon didn't get to appear, but there's also the leagues of temp characters (other than Minwu); Josef, Gordon, Leila, Ricard, and Scott. I'm not saying they all needed to show up, but at minimum Maria deserved better. I'm choosing to believe Leila is in the Leviathan art somewhere

[feralfiendsvn]

HE HAS A PET TIGER!? (I’m new)

Yes, and no!

Squishy is both a domestic cat with a tiger coat, and a whole ass Tiger. Her form depends on how Trevor is feeling. If he's stressed out or scared, she's padding around as a Tiger.

He's good at hiding his emotions, so he will seem as friendly as normal, then Squishy plods up and it's just. Yeah lmao, he's lying to you.

Exposition dump explanation belowwwww

In this universe, Demons, and Fiends (Trevor is a Fiend) are such energy heavy beings, that sharp spikes of traumatic emotions, has a small chance of just straight up creating life. These beings are called "Laguna". They can feel their persons emotional state, and essentially are service pets.

There's two types.

Demon made Laguna, which only have one form. The form can be anything from Earth or Pit (The Demons home world).

Fiend created Laguna, which have two forms. A smaller more friendly form, and a larger more aggressive form. The forms must be from the same family, but don't necessarily have to be from the same time era. Through Fiend Laguna pets, science has been able to give proper form and coats to extinct species.

The smaller form tells how well a person handled the traumatic event externally. While the larger form is how well they handled it internally.

Example. A Fiend's Laguna pet can be a chicken, but they become upset, and their pet shifts into the bigger form, and it's a whole ass T-Rex. Externally they handled the trauma well, internally they didn't really process it at all.

-

Both versions can be given up by their owners if they feel they've moved past their trauma. There are people who care for Laguna pets and help get them to people with similar trauma that the pets were made from.

[myownwholewildworld]

wherever you go (a joel miller’s ff) - chapter 6 snippet

masterlist

pairing: outbreak!2003!joel x f!reader. (it's actually 2004 now)

a/n: hiya! here i come with another snippet of the next chapter, "timeless". this one is going to be combo of many things, so i hope you like it! 👀 i don't know if you've realised yet, but i love drama just a teeny tiny bit lol. also, it's joel's bday, so you have a very special gift for him 😌 the man deserves a bit of love, don't you think? take care! <3

snippet warnings: MDNI, 18+. filthy smut. unprotected piv. reader is female, no other description given. reader is mid-late 20s, joel is 37. no use of y/n.  joel's and reader's pov.

He thought himself mad for believing you, but he did. Because he was mad for you, regardless of what he tried to convince himself of. He lifted your butt up off his lap with his hands ― with the help of his legs, the heels of his feet against the bedsheets, he thrusted into you like a madman while you remained still on top of him ― drilling your weeping cunt, as hard and fast as he could. He just wanted to know how it felt just once; he wanted you to milk him dry. Joel fucked you like there was no tomorrow, the room echoing the squishy sounds and the impact of flesh on flesh. He was fucking you so hard that you came again at the same time he spilled his spent in you ― Joel groaned like you never heard before. The slick warmth you felt inside made you smile, your face buried in the curve of his neck. With his pulsing dick still inside of you, you bit the skin on his neck, leaving a mark behind. “Happy birthday, sir”, you whispered in his ear. That was your gift to him. And to yourself, because you had wanted this from the very first time he impaled you in the forest.

[fraulein-ciano]

Question (BG3 Spoilers)

I need an answer to a question about Gale before I possibly allow him to leave camp again.... Spoilery Question under the cut...

Does Gale emit the necrotic aura EVERY TIME he dies in battle, or just the first time when you have to go through his protocol? Or only if he dies while suffering arcane hunger? Because I absolutely cannot have a squishy ass wizard that will kill the rest of the party going into battle (he was killed by a goddamn frog ffs)...

[deeisace]

My oven has got like. A whole buncha weird shit on the bottom?

I scraped it off just now, it's kinda like a black squishy topskin? With brown sponge texture underneath?

The estate agent was like "it looks old but don't worry it is clean" and now I'm like. Well there's this mystery substance. And it smokes like buggery if you use it for longer than the time it takes to heat up. So I don't believe you.

But I don't have the headspace to get on t them about replacing it, or finding out how to clean it myself, and I don't have. Any money. So we are just turning the fire alarm off every however long. Because I deserve pizza.

Armed with a broom in order to turn the smoke alarms off use my oven. Ffs.

[cleverhottubmiracle]

Anima sana in corpore sano is a Latin phrase that means “a sound mind in a sound body.” It's also the founding ethos (and acronym) behind Asics, one of the most popular running shoe brands in the world. The Kobe-based sportswear company's first shoe (way back in 1950) was for basketball, and the brand's no stranger to the sneaker scene, but it's running where Asics has really found its footing. Most runners will be familiar the brand's visible Gel technology, but deciphering a vast collection where some shoe names read like serial numbers can make it tricky to find the best Asics running shoes for your specific needs.In the main pack of Asics running shoes, there are a few famous pacers like the Gel-Kayano and Gel-Nimbus, but recently, the decades-old corporation has been adding notable new members to its team with findings from its Institute of Sport Science. If you used to view Asics running shoes as old-school and stability-focused, it's time for a check-in. These days, the company makes some of the best running shoes you can get, whether you're out for a daily jaunt around the neighborhood or lining up at one of the World Marathon Majors.I've worn Asics shoes to do both—and I've tested the rest of what's been coming out of Kobe recently, too. After hundreds of miles of smashing Gel pods against the pavement, here's all my intel on which Asics running shoes you should buy depending on what kind of running you're doing.Best Asics Running Shoes, At a Glance:Looking for Something Specific?AccordionItemContainerButtonBest Overall: Superblast 2AsicsSuperblast 2AccordionItemContainerButtonProsVery durableLightweightGood for any kind of runConsWhen it first came out, the Superblast was confusing: It looked a lot like the so-called “super shoes” made for marathon racing but with no carbon fiber plate, and so much midsole it was technically race-illegal. But once runners realized that it was the perfect partner for long runs, short runs, speed runs, and even recovery runs, it gained a cult following and went down as one of the best pairs of the year. The Superblast 2 builds on that track record with a slightly different upper and midsole but handily avoided a sophomore slump—the new version is as versatile and adept as its predecessor. The key is that foam platform, which is thick but also rigid and stable, poppy and comfortable but not squishy. You can hammer on it and it responds, but if you take it easy it doesn't feel like too much shoe for the job. I've found myself lacing up in this shoe again and again, logging over 500 miles on my first pair (that durability makes the high price tag go down easier) and I fully expect to get as many out of version two.Best Daily Trainer: Novablast 5AsicsNovablast 5AccordionItemContainerButtonProsVery comfortableResponsive and bouncy feelConsSofter than the previous versionIf Superblast 2's $200 seems like too much to spend on your running footwear, the Novablast 5 comes in a photo-finish second place—for a lot less. The shoe has a stocky midsole made of ASICS' new FF Blast Max foam, which is proving to provide the ideal mix of cushion and bounce-back. One of the first things I noticed running in the Novablast was how comfy it is straight out of the box, but it managed to stay nimble out on the road, and was plenty stable with not a wobble to speak of. The upper is sleek, comfy, and secure, with a lacing system that seems pressure point-proof. Past versions of this shoe were ideal for everyday miles and speed; this one's still well-rounded but its extra softness makes it a little less snappy. Still, we like it for pretty much any kind of run. If you're training for a race, this shoe will get you to the start line.Another Awesome Daily Trainer: Gel-Nimbus 26AsicsGel-Nimbus 26AccordionItemContainerButtonProsVery comfortableUpper is accommodating and supportiveConsNot as ideal for faster pacesA (very) honorable mention: Not only is the Gel-Nimbus the brand's best-selling running shoe, it was also the third most-worn shoe by runners on Strava in 2024. The shoe has been around for a while, but recent overhauls have made it one of the most comfortable running shoes you can get, period. A shoe that feels this squishy out of the box runs the risk of sapping energy out of every stride, but the FF Blast Plus Eco foam provides enough bounce-back to prevent that from happening. Combined with a stretchy yet supportive upper, the shoe is the perfect partner not just for daily running, but also for walking around in. It's good for the long haul too: I put 250 miles on version 25 and am rounding triple digits on this edition.Best for Speed Training: Magic Speed 4AsicsMagic Speed 4AccordionItemContainerButtonProsGood stabilityMore forgiving than other plated shoesConsUse case is very specific (best as part of a shoe rotation)Most running shoe brands these days have a shoe a step below their premier race shoe (the Metaspeed Sky and Edge in Asics's case) that has some of the propulsive speed tech but is slightly more approachable (and affordable). The Superblast sort of does this and the Novablast sort of does this, but they're more versatile and neither really sits firmly in the speed day niche. The Magic Speed 4 does. It has a mix of FF Blast Plus and FF Turbo foams—the slab is thick at 43.5mm under the heel—and a full-length carbon plate. These make the shoe feel rigid like a race day shoe, but when you put it under the high-impact forces of 400-meter repeats, it kicks into gear. Unlike purebred racers, the Magic Speed 4 is more stable with its wider base. I tested the shoe at a range of distances and paces and found that speed work is where the shoe wears best; its foam doesn't have the softness of the Novablast's, so it's not the best pick for take-it-easy days. But when you're ready to rip, your wish is the Magic Speed's command.Best for Racing: Metaspeed Sky Paris and Metaspeed Edge ParisAsicsMetaspeed Sky ParisAccordionItemContainerButtonProsUltra lightweightFast and poppy feelingConsOutsole foam is delicateIt can be tricky to figure out which shoe is best for youAsicsMetaspeed Edge ParisIn the “super shoe” drag race that Nike kicked off with the Vaporfly, there are many contestants. Asics has found itself right up alongside the Swoosh at the head of the pack with the Metaspeed, which comes in two versions, Sky and Edge. Stemming from research at the company's Institute of Sport Science that showed runners either increase the length of their stride or increase their stride length and stride frequency as they speed up, the two versions address both. The difference is both technical—the carbon fiber plates in the midsoles are shaped and positioned differently—and subjective, as the shoes feel different, despite near-identical looks. I tested both and I liked both, but ultimately found that the Metaspeed Sky Paris had a better overall feel for me (I ended up running the 2024 London Marathon in the shoe too). Differences aside, both are what you expect from a super shoe made for marathon PRs: an ultralight upper, carbon fiber plate, and poppy feel that's made for fast paces.Best for Long Runs: Glideride MaxAsicsGlideride MaxAccordionItemContainerButtonProsPlanted and supportive feelSmooth rideConsAsics has a lot of max-cushion shoes in its lineup, but not all of them have that max-cushion feel. The Glideride Max does, though—running in it, you can feel that you have a little more between you and the road and not in a heavy or clunky way. This is the same feeling I get running in many Hoka running shoes, and the Glideride Max feels more similar to the Clifton than the Superblast or Novablast. Supplementing the FF Blast Max foam is Asics's Guidesole tech, which adds a little rocker to the shoe's profile to help roll you through each footfall. It's great for everyday runs, but it's ideal for long ones where things might get a little more clumsy in those later miles. It's versatile enough for short distances too, but there might be better choices in the Asics lineup if you never plan on getting into those double digits.Best for Stability: Gel-Kayano 31

[norajworld]

Anima sana in corpore sano is a Latin phrase that means “a sound mind in a sound body.” It's also the founding ethos (and acronym) behind Asics, one of the most popular running shoe brands in the world. The Kobe-based sportswear company's first shoe (way back in 1950) was for basketball, and the brand's no stranger to the sneaker scene, but it's running where Asics has really found its footing. Most runners will be familiar the brand's visible Gel technology, but deciphering a vast collection where some shoe names read like serial numbers can make it tricky to find the best Asics running shoes for your specific needs.In the main pack of Asics running shoes, there are a few famous pacers like the Gel-Kayano and Gel-Nimbus, but recently, the decades-old corporation has been adding notable new members to its team with findings from its Institute of Sport Science. If you used to view Asics running shoes as old-school and stability-focused, it's time for a check-in. These days, the company makes some of the best running shoes you can get, whether you're out for a daily jaunt around the neighborhood or lining up at one of the World Marathon Majors.I've worn Asics shoes to do both—and I've tested the rest of what's been coming out of Kobe recently, too. After hundreds of miles of smashing Gel pods against the pavement, here's all my intel on which Asics running shoes you should buy depending on what kind of running you're doing.Best Asics Running Shoes, At a Glance:Looking for Something Specific?AccordionItemContainerButtonBest Overall: Superblast 2AsicsSuperblast 2AccordionItemContainerButtonProsVery durableLightweightGood for any kind of runConsWhen it first came out, the Superblast was confusing: It looked a lot like the so-called “super shoes” made for marathon racing but with no carbon fiber plate, and so much midsole it was technically race-illegal. But once runners realized that it was the perfect partner for long runs, short runs, speed runs, and even recovery runs, it gained a cult following and went down as one of the best pairs of the year. The Superblast 2 builds on that track record with a slightly different upper and midsole but handily avoided a sophomore slump—the new version is as versatile and adept as its predecessor. The key is that foam platform, which is thick but also rigid and stable, poppy and comfortable but not squishy. You can hammer on it and it responds, but if you take it easy it doesn't feel like too much shoe for the job. I've found myself lacing up in this shoe again and again, logging over 500 miles on my first pair (that durability makes the high price tag go down easier) and I fully expect to get as many out of version two.Best Daily Trainer: Novablast 5AsicsNovablast 5AccordionItemContainerButtonProsVery comfortableResponsive and bouncy feelConsSofter than the previous versionIf Superblast 2's $200 seems like too much to spend on your running footwear, the Novablast 5 comes in a photo-finish second place—for a lot less. The shoe has a stocky midsole made of ASICS' new FF Blast Max foam, which is proving to provide the ideal mix of cushion and bounce-back. One of the first things I noticed running in the Novablast was how comfy it is straight out of the box, but it managed to stay nimble out on the road, and was plenty stable with not a wobble to speak of. The upper is sleek, comfy, and secure, with a lacing system that seems pressure point-proof. Past versions of this shoe were ideal for everyday miles and speed; this one's still well-rounded but its extra softness makes it a little less snappy. Still, we like it for pretty much any kind of run. If you're training for a race, this shoe will get you to the start line.Another Awesome Daily Trainer: Gel-Nimbus 26AsicsGel-Nimbus 26AccordionItemContainerButtonProsVery comfortableUpper is accommodating and supportiveConsNot as ideal for faster pacesA (very) honorable mention: Not only is the Gel-Nimbus the brand's best-selling running shoe, it was also the third most-worn shoe by runners on Strava in 2024. The shoe has been around for a while, but recent overhauls have made it one of the most comfortable running shoes you can get, period. A shoe that feels this squishy out of the box runs the risk of sapping energy out of every stride, but the FF Blast Plus Eco foam provides enough bounce-back to prevent that from happening. Combined with a stretchy yet supportive upper, the shoe is the perfect partner not just for daily running, but also for walking around in. It's good for the long haul too: I put 250 miles on version 25 and am rounding triple digits on this edition.Best for Speed Training: Magic Speed 4AsicsMagic Speed 4AccordionItemContainerButtonProsGood stabilityMore forgiving than other plated shoesConsUse case is very specific (best as part of a shoe rotation)Most running shoe brands these days have a shoe a step below their premier race shoe (the Metaspeed Sky and Edge in Asics's case) that has some of the propulsive speed tech but is slightly more approachable (and affordable). The Superblast sort of does this and the Novablast sort of does this, but they're more versatile and neither really sits firmly in the speed day niche. The Magic Speed 4 does. It has a mix of FF Blast Plus and FF Turbo foams—the slab is thick at 43.5mm under the heel—and a full-length carbon plate. These make the shoe feel rigid like a race day shoe, but when you put it under the high-impact forces of 400-meter repeats, it kicks into gear. Unlike purebred racers, the Magic Speed 4 is more stable with its wider base. I tested the shoe at a range of distances and paces and found that speed work is where the shoe wears best; its foam doesn't have the softness of the Novablast's, so it's not the best pick for take-it-easy days. But when you're ready to rip, your wish is the Magic Speed's command.Best for Racing: Metaspeed Sky Paris and Metaspeed Edge ParisAsicsMetaspeed Sky ParisAccordionItemContainerButtonProsUltra lightweightFast and poppy feelingConsOutsole foam is delicateIt can be tricky to figure out which shoe is best for youAsicsMetaspeed Edge ParisIn the “super shoe” drag race that Nike kicked off with the Vaporfly, there are many contestants. Asics has found itself right up alongside the Swoosh at the head of the pack with the Metaspeed, which comes in two versions, Sky and Edge. Stemming from research at the company's Institute of Sport Science that showed runners either increase the length of their stride or increase their stride length and stride frequency as they speed up, the two versions address both. The difference is both technical—the carbon fiber plates in the midsoles are shaped and positioned differently—and subjective, as the shoes feel different, despite near-identical looks. I tested both and I liked both, but ultimately found that the Metaspeed Sky Paris had a better overall feel for me (I ended up running the 2024 London Marathon in the shoe too). Differences aside, both are what you expect from a super shoe made for marathon PRs: an ultralight upper, carbon fiber plate, and poppy feel that's made for fast paces.Best for Long Runs: Glideride MaxAsicsGlideride MaxAccordionItemContainerButtonProsPlanted and supportive feelSmooth rideConsAsics has a lot of max-cushion shoes in its lineup, but not all of them have that max-cushion feel. The Glideride Max does, though—running in it, you can feel that you have a little more between you and the road and not in a heavy or clunky way. This is the same feeling I get running in many Hoka running shoes, and the Glideride Max feels more similar to the Clifton than the Superblast or Novablast. Supplementing the FF Blast Max foam is Asics's Guidesole tech, which adds a little rocker to the shoe's profile to help roll you through each footfall. It's great for everyday runs, but it's ideal for long ones where things might get a little more clumsy in those later miles. It's versatile enough for short distances too, but there might be better choices in the Asics lineup if you never plan on getting into those double digits.Best for Stability: Gel-Kayano 31

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Anima sana in corpore sano is a Latin phrase that means “a sound mind in a sound body.” It's also the founding ethos (and acronym) behind Asics, one of the most popular running shoe brands in the world. The Kobe-based sportswear company's first shoe (way back in 1950) was for basketball, and the brand's no stranger to the sneaker scene, but it's running where Asics has really found its footing. Most runners will be familiar the brand's visible Gel technology, but deciphering a vast collection where some shoe names read like serial numbers can make it tricky to find the best Asics running shoes for your specific needs.In the main pack of Asics running shoes, there are a few famous pacers like the Gel-Kayano and Gel-Nimbus, but recently, the decades-old corporation has been adding notable new members to its team with findings from its Institute of Sport Science. If you used to view Asics running shoes as old-school and stability-focused, it's time for a check-in. These days, the company makes some of the best running shoes you can get, whether you're out for a daily jaunt around the neighborhood or lining up at one of the World Marathon Majors.I've worn Asics shoes to do both—and I've tested the rest of what's been coming out of Kobe recently, too. After hundreds of miles of smashing Gel pods against the pavement, here's all my intel on which Asics running shoes you should buy depending on what kind of running you're doing.Best Asics Running Shoes, At a Glance:Looking for Something Specific?AccordionItemContainerButtonBest Overall: Superblast 2AsicsSuperblast 2AccordionItemContainerButtonProsVery durableLightweightGood for any kind of runConsWhen it first came out, the Superblast was confusing: It looked a lot like the so-called “super shoes” made for marathon racing but with no carbon fiber plate, and so much midsole it was technically race-illegal. But once runners realized that it was the perfect partner for long runs, short runs, speed runs, and even recovery runs, it gained a cult following and went down as one of the best pairs of the year. The Superblast 2 builds on that track record with a slightly different upper and midsole but handily avoided a sophomore slump—the new version is as versatile and adept as its predecessor. The key is that foam platform, which is thick but also rigid and stable, poppy and comfortable but not squishy. You can hammer on it and it responds, but if you take it easy it doesn't feel like too much shoe for the job. I've found myself lacing up in this shoe again and again, logging over 500 miles on my first pair (that durability makes the high price tag go down easier) and I fully expect to get as many out of version two.Best Daily Trainer: Novablast 5AsicsNovablast 5AccordionItemContainerButtonProsVery comfortableResponsive and bouncy feelConsSofter than the previous versionIf Superblast 2's $200 seems like too much to spend on your running footwear, the Novablast 5 comes in a photo-finish second place—for a lot less. The shoe has a stocky midsole made of ASICS' new FF Blast Max foam, which is proving to provide the ideal mix of cushion and bounce-back. One of the first things I noticed running in the Novablast was how comfy it is straight out of the box, but it managed to stay nimble out on the road, and was plenty stable with not a wobble to speak of. The upper is sleek, comfy, and secure, with a lacing system that seems pressure point-proof. Past versions of this shoe were ideal for everyday miles and speed; this one's still well-rounded but its extra softness makes it a little less snappy. Still, we like it for pretty much any kind of run. If you're training for a race, this shoe will get you to the start line.Another Awesome Daily Trainer: Gel-Nimbus 26AsicsGel-Nimbus 26AccordionItemContainerButtonProsVery comfortableUpper is accommodating and supportiveConsNot as ideal for faster pacesA (very) honorable mention: Not only is the Gel-Nimbus the brand's best-selling running shoe, it was also the third most-worn shoe by runners on Strava in 2024. The shoe has been around for a while, but recent overhauls have made it one of the most comfortable running shoes you can get, period. A shoe that feels this squishy out of the box runs the risk of sapping energy out of every stride, but the FF Blast Plus Eco foam provides enough bounce-back to prevent that from happening. Combined with a stretchy yet supportive upper, the shoe is the perfect partner not just for daily running, but also for walking around in. It's good for the long haul too: I put 250 miles on version 25 and am rounding triple digits on this edition.Best for Speed Training: Magic Speed 4AsicsMagic Speed 4AccordionItemContainerButtonProsGood stabilityMore forgiving than other plated shoesConsUse case is very specific (best as part of a shoe rotation)Most running shoe brands these days have a shoe a step below their premier race shoe (the Metaspeed Sky and Edge in Asics's case) that has some of the propulsive speed tech but is slightly more approachable (and affordable). The Superblast sort of does this and the Novablast sort of does this, but they're more versatile and neither really sits firmly in the speed day niche. The Magic Speed 4 does. It has a mix of FF Blast Plus and FF Turbo foams—the slab is thick at 43.5mm under the heel—and a full-length carbon plate. These make the shoe feel rigid like a race day shoe, but when you put it under the high-impact forces of 400-meter repeats, it kicks into gear. Unlike purebred racers, the Magic Speed 4 is more stable with its wider base. I tested the shoe at a range of distances and paces and found that speed work is where the shoe wears best; its foam doesn't have the softness of the Novablast's, so it's not the best pick for take-it-easy days. But when you're ready to rip, your wish is the Magic Speed's command.Best for Racing: Metaspeed Sky Paris and Metaspeed Edge ParisAsicsMetaspeed Sky ParisAccordionItemContainerButtonProsUltra lightweightFast and poppy feelingConsOutsole foam is delicateIt can be tricky to figure out which shoe is best for youAsicsMetaspeed Edge ParisIn the “super shoe” drag race that Nike kicked off with the Vaporfly, there are many contestants. Asics has found itself right up alongside the Swoosh at the head of the pack with the Metaspeed, which comes in two versions, Sky and Edge. Stemming from research at the company's Institute of Sport Science that showed runners either increase the length of their stride or increase their stride length and stride frequency as they speed up, the two versions address both. The difference is both technical—the carbon fiber plates in the midsoles are shaped and positioned differently—and subjective, as the shoes feel different, despite near-identical looks. I tested both and I liked both, but ultimately found that the Metaspeed Sky Paris had a better overall feel for me (I ended up running the 2024 London Marathon in the shoe too). Differences aside, both are what you expect from a super shoe made for marathon PRs: an ultralight upper, carbon fiber plate, and poppy feel that's made for fast paces.Best for Long Runs: Glideride MaxAsicsGlideride MaxAccordionItemContainerButtonProsPlanted and supportive feelSmooth rideConsAsics has a lot of max-cushion shoes in its lineup, but not all of them have that max-cushion feel. The Glideride Max does, though—running in it, you can feel that you have a little more between you and the road and not in a heavy or clunky way. This is the same feeling I get running in many Hoka running shoes, and the Glideride Max feels more similar to the Clifton than the Superblast or Novablast. Supplementing the FF Blast Max foam is Asics's Guidesole tech, which adds a little rocker to the shoe's profile to help roll you through each footfall. It's great for everyday runs, but it's ideal for long ones where things might get a little more clumsy in those later miles. It's versatile enough for short distances too, but there might be better choices in the Asics lineup if you never plan on getting into those double digits.Best for Stability: Gel-Kayano 31