Two brands dominate the conversation among Australian women runners: On Running, the Swiss label known for its CloudTec pods, and ASICS, the Japanese heritage brand built on decades of GEL cushioning. Both turn up constantly at parkrun and in run-club group chats. The question we get most is simple: which should I buy?
This guide compares the women's range from both brands at LUZActive, checked against live stock in October 2026. Prices are landed AUD, GST and duties included under our Landed Price Guarantee. Because the same model is often listed in several colourways at different prices, we show the range in stock. LUZActive is an independent multi-brand retailer, not an official partner or affiliate of On Running or ASICS.
Quick Verdict
On Running is the pick for a light, rolling ride and wide fits; ASICS is the pick for classic GEL cushioning and structured support, with the Gel-Kayano 33 and GT-2000 15 for stability and the Gel-Nimbus 28 for max cushion. Both have a full women's running range in our stock.
Ready to shop? Browse ASICS Women's, the Gel Kayano range or On Running, and use Check Availability on each product page for your size.
On Running vs ASICS Women's at a Glance
| Use case | On Running | Price (AUD) | ASICS | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily cushioned shoe | Cloudmonster 3 | $266–$360 | Gel-Nimbus 28 | $258 |
| Support / stability | Cloudflyer 5 | $258 | Gel-Kayano 33 | $292 |
| Max cushion / recovery | Cloudsurfer Max | $215–$232 | Gel-Nimbus 28 (D Wide available) | $258 |
| Bouncy daily / tempo | Cloud 6 | $232–$317 | Novablast 6 | $334–$343 |
| Firm everyday support | Cloudflyer 5 | $258 | GT-2000 15 | $326 |
| Retro everyday | Cloud 6 | $232–$317 | Gel 1130 / Gel Kayano 14 (retro) | $186–$334 |
| Mixed trail | Cloudvista 3 | $326 | — | — |
Brand Overview
On Running was founded in Switzerland in 2010 by former professional triathlete Olivier Bernhard. CloudTec's hollow pods compress on landing and firm up for push-off, giving a softer landing and a more propulsive roll-through. Its design language crosses easily from the run to the cafe.
ASICS has been engineering running shoes since 1949, with GEL cushioning at the core of its performance range since the 1980s. Its structured fit and long track record make it a default recommendation at many Australian running stores.
Daily Cushioning: Cloudmonster 3 vs Gel-Nimbus 28
The On Cloudmonster 3 is a high-stack, rockered trainer for long easy runs, forgiving and easy to like. Earlier Cloudmonster colourways are also in stock from $232. The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 ($258, also in D Wide) is ASICS's plush neutral trainer, with a soft GEL feel built for long easy runs and recovery days. See the ASICS Gel Nimbus range. If you want something lighter and bouncier, the Novablast 6 ($334–$343) is ASICS's springy daily and tempo trainer.
Support: Cloudflyer 5 vs Gel-Kayano 33
If you overpronate or want extra structure, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 ($292, also in D Wide) is ASICS's flagship stability trainer, and it is well stocked across several colourways. The ASICS GT-2000 15 ($326, with D Wide and 2E X-Wide options) is the firmer, more structured alternative. The On Cloudflyer 5 ($258) is On's supportive alternative and is also well stocked. See the ASICS Gel Kayano range.
Max Cushion and Recovery
For easy days, the On Cloudsurfer Max ($215–$232, also in D Wide) is a soft, smooth option. On the ASICS side, the Gel-Nimbus 28 is the direct counterpart. The retro Gel Kayano 14 ($186–$334) is very comfortable for walking and everyday wear and fine for short easy runs.
Wide Feet
Check widths before brand. In our women's range, On offers the Cloudsurfer Max in D Wide and the Cloudsurfer in 2E Wide. ASICS offers D Wide on the Gel-Kayano 33 and Gel-Nimbus 28, and the GT-2000 15 in D Wide and 2E X-Wide. See our On Running Women's and ASICS Women's size guides.
Who Should Buy Which
Choose On Running if...
- You want a lighter, springier, rolling ride.
- You run a mix of pavement and light trail (Cloudvista 3).
- You want a shoe that works for the run and the errands afterwards.
- You're newer to structured training and want a forgiving daily shoe.
Choose ASICS if...
- You overpronate and want a proven stability trainer (Gel-Kayano 33 or GT-2000 15).
- You prefer a traditional, structured fit and a snug heel.
- You want plush GEL cushioning for long easy runs (Gel-Nimbus 28).
- You want a cushioned retro shoe (Gel Kayano 14, Gel 1130) for walking and everyday wear.
- You've run in ASICS before and know the fit suits you.
Sizing Notes
Both brands generally run true to size. On's sole can feel narrower underfoot, so if you have a wider forefoot, look at a wide fit or half a size up. ASICS has a narrower, more locked-in heel. If your heel slips in most shoes, ASICS often holds better.
Shop the Range
Browse On Running Women's, ASICS Women's or all women's footwear, and use Check Availability on each product page for your size. See also our ASICS vs New Balance guide, On Running vs Nike comparison and Nike vs adidas running guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is On Running or ASICS better for women?
It depends on what you need. On is the pick for a light, rolling ride and wide options; ASICS is the pick for structured support (Gel-Kayano 33, GT-2000 15) and classic GEL cushioning (Gel-Nimbus 28). Both have a full women's range in our stock.
Is On Running or ASICS better for beginners?
Both have beginner-friendly shoes. The On Cloudmonster 3 is a forgiving daily trainer, and ASICS's Gel-Nimbus 28 is a soft, cushioned option for easy runs and walking.
Do On Running shoes fit true to size for women?
Generally yes, though the CloudTec sole can feel snug. If you have a wider forefoot, consider a wide fit or half a size up.
What is the ASICS equivalent of the On Cloudflyer?
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 is the closest stability counterpart ($292 AUD, also in D Wide), with the GT-2000 15 as a firmer alternative.
Is On Running worth the price compared with ASICS?
On models sit mostly in the $215 to $360 range in our stock, similar to ASICS's current models ($258 to $343), with some ASICS retro colourways cheaper. Choose based on fit and use, not brand.
Are the prices final for Australia?
Yes. Prices include GST and duties under our Landed Price Guarantee, with no customs fees at delivery.
Prices and stock checked against live LUZActive inventory in October 2026.
Still deciding? Our running shoe guide covers cushioning, D/2E widths, men's vs women's sizing and how the major brands compare.
