The ASICS Gel Quantum 360, Gel NYC and Gel 1130 are the three retro ASICS sneakers Australians search for most, and they are easy to confuse. All three borrow from 2000s running design, all three use GEL cushioning, and all three are made for everyday wear rather than training. This guide separates them by look, comfort, sizing and price, using what is in our stock right now.
We checked every model, price and stock level in this comparison against live inventory in October 2026. Prices are landed AUD, GST and import duty included, so there is no customs bill at your door. Many colourways are marked down, so we show the range currently in stock. LUZActive is an independent multi-brand Australian retailer, not an official partner or affiliate of ASICS.
Quick Answer: Which Retro ASICS Should You Buy?
Pick the Gel Quantum 360 for the boldest, most technical look, the Gel NYC for the easiest everyday sneaker that goes with most outfits, and the Gel 1130 for a slim, low-profile retro runner. All three are lifestyle shoes, so buy a performance model like the Gel Kayano or Gel Nimbus if you actually run.
- Boldest and most futuristic: Gel Quantum 360, men's from $224 and women's from $215.
- Best all-rounder for daily wear: Gel NYC, from $232 for men's and women's.
- Slimmest retro runner: Gel 1130, $249 for men's and women's.
- Chunkier retro alternative: Gel Kayano 14, men's from $309 and women's from $186.
What's in This Guide
- The three models at a glance (live stock and prices)
- ASICS Gel Quantum 360
- ASICS Gel NYC
- ASICS Gel 1130
- Where the Gel Kayano 14 fits
- Which is most comfortable?
- Sizing and fit
- How to wear each one
- Who should buy which
- Frequently asked questions
The Three Models at a Glance
Prices below are what we currently have in stock, landed in AUD.
| Model | Look | Men's price (AUD) | Women's price (AUD) | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gel Quantum 360 (versions 1 and 5) | Bold, technical, futuristic | $224–$368 | $215–$326 | Quantum 360 |
| Gel NYC and Gel NYC 2.0 | Layered, street-ready, versatile | $232–$258 | $232–$258 | Gel NYC |
| Gel 1130 | Slim, low-profile retro runner | $249 | $249 | Gel 1130 |
| Gel Kayano 14 | Chunkier, more technical retro | $309–$334 | $186–$334 | Gel Kayano 14 |
ASICS Gel Quantum 360: The Boldest of the Three
The Gel Quantum 360 is the most distinctive shoe here. It comes from ASICS' Quantum line and is built around full-length GEL cushioning and a technical, sculpted upper, so it reads as a performance-inspired sneaker rather than a classic runner. We stock two generations: the Gel Quantum 360 1 and the Gel Quantum 360 5, plus special versions including the 'Jacquard' and 'Chameleoid Mesh'.
In our stock the men's range runs from $224 to $368 and the women's from $215 to $326, depending on colourway and whether it is marked down. Several colourways in both black and white are on clearance, so it is worth browsing the whole Gel Quantum 360 collection rather than the first shoe you see.
Best for: anyone who wants a statement sneaker, and anyone who likes the techy 2000s look but wants something more modern than a plain retro runner.
ASICS Gel NYC: The Easiest Everyday Pick
The Gel NYC is the model we would suggest to most people choosing between these three. It draws on ASICS' early-2000s running heritage, with a layered upper and GEL cushioning, but the shape is calmer than the Quantum 360, so it works with jeans, shorts and trousers alike. We also stock the Gel NYC 2.0 ($258).
Prices sit in a tight band, from $232 to $258 for both men's and women's, and many colourways (black, white, grey, brown, beige and blue) are marked down from their original price. See everything in the Gel NYC collection.
Best for: daily wear, travel days and anyone who wants a retro ASICS that does not shout.
ASICS Gel 1130: The Slim Retro Runner
The Gel 1130 is the slimmest and most minimal of the group, a low-profile retro runner with GEL cushioning in the heel. It is the closest ASICS alternative to the New Balance 530, and a good choice if you like that silhouette but want something less common. It is $249 in men's and women's, and we stock it in black and white. See also the women's Gel 1130.
Best for: people who prefer a slimmer profile and a cleaner look over a chunky sole.
Where the Gel Kayano 14 Fits
If you want something chunkier and more technical than any of the above, the Gel Kayano 14 is the step up. It is the retro cousin of ASICS' Kayano stability line, and in our stock men's pairs run $309–$334 while women's start at $186 for marked-down colourways. See the full Gel Kayano range if you want the current performance shoes instead.
Which Is Most Comfortable?
All three use ASICS GEL cushioning, so they are comfortable for walking and day-to-day wear, but none is built to be a training shoe. As a rough guide:
- Gel Quantum 360: the most cushioned and substantial feel of the three, suited to a full day on your feet.
- Gel NYC: a balanced, comfortable everyday feel.
- Gel 1130: the slimmest and lightest-looking, with a lower, more minimal feel.
If you need a shoe for regular running, choose a current performance trainer such as the Gel Nimbus, Gel Cumulus or Novablast. Our ASICS vs New Balance guide covers those in detail.
Sizing and Fit
ASICS shoes are listed in US sizing on our site. Check the exact measurements before you order:
As a general rule ASICS recommends going up half a size from your casual shoe size for running shoes. For lifestyle models, stay with your usual size, and consider half a size up if you have a wide foot or plan to wear thick socks. If you are unsure, contact us before ordering.
How to Wear Each One
- Gel Quantum 360: let the shoe be the focus. It pairs well with simple, relaxed outfits in neutral colours.
- Gel NYC: the most flexible of the three. It works with jeans, cargo pants, shorts and trackpants.
- Gel 1130: works well with slim and straight-leg trousers where a bulky sole would look heavy.
Who Should Buy Which
Choose the Gel Quantum 360 if...
- You want a standout sneaker people will notice.
- You like a technical, sporty look.
- You want one of the special versions such as 'Jacquard' or 'Chameleoid Mesh'.
Choose the Gel NYC if...
- You want one retro ASICS for daily wear.
- You want the widest choice of colours at the lowest starting price.
- You prefer a more balanced shape.
Choose the Gel 1130 if...
- You prefer a slim, low-profile shoe.
- You like the New Balance 530 look but want something different.
Buying From LUZActive
Afterpay is available at checkout, and clearance colourways are listed in the ASICS clearance collection. LUZActive is a parallel importer, so packaging and warranty may differ from locally distributed stock. We cover faults, wrong items and sizing problems under our returns policy, and we explain how we source stock on our authenticity page. Browse everything: all ASICS, men's ASICS, women's ASICS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the ASICS Gel Quantum 360 and Gel NYC?
The Gel Quantum 360 has a bolder, more technical, futuristic look and a more substantial feel, while the Gel NYC has a calmer, layered retro-runner look that is easier to wear every day. Both use GEL cushioning.
Is the ASICS Gel 1130 or Gel NYC more comfortable?
Both are comfortable for walking and daily wear. The Gel NYC has a more layered build, while the Gel 1130 is slimmer and lower profile. Comfort comes down to the shape you prefer.
How much do the ASICS Gel Quantum 360 and Gel NYC cost in Australia?
In our current stock the Gel Quantum 360 runs from $215 to $368 depending on version and colourway, and the Gel NYC from $232 to $258. Prices are landed AUD with GST and duties included.
Can I run in the ASICS Gel Quantum 360, Gel NYC or Gel 1130?
They are lifestyle sneakers designed for everyday wear. For regular running, choose a performance trainer such as the Gel Nimbus, Gel Cumulus or Novablast.
Which ASICS is most like the New Balance 530?
The ASICS Gel 1130 is the closest match, with a similar slim, low-profile retro-runner silhouette.
Do ASICS Gel Quantum 360 shoes run true to size?
Check our ASICS size guides, which list US sizing with centimetre measurements. If you have a wide foot or are between sizes, consider going up half a size.
Do you offer Afterpay on ASICS sneakers?
Yes. Afterpay is available at checkout on eligible orders.
Are some ASICS Gel Quantum 360 and Gel NYC colourways on clearance?
Yes. Several colourways are marked down from their original price. Browse the ASICS clearance collection for the current list.
Are these prices final for Australia?
Yes. Prices include GST and any applicable import duty, with no customs fees added at delivery.
Final Verdict
If you want one retro ASICS, start with the Gel NYC: it is the most versatile and the lowest starting price. Choose the Gel Quantum 360 if you want a statement shoe, and the Gel 1130 if you prefer a slim profile. For serious running, go to the running shoe guide instead.
Also see our ASICS vs New Balance guide and On Running vs ASICS women's guide.
Stock, pricing and availability last verified against live LUZActive inventory in October 2026. LUZActive (Luzscape Pty Ltd) is an independent Australian multi-brand retailer and is not an official partner or affiliate of ASICS.
