On Running vs ASICS Women's Running Shoes: The 2026 Australian Comparison

Winter Running, Without the Excuses

Cold mornings, shorter daylight and wet footpaths make July the month most Australian women reconsider their running routine. But the runners who stick with it through a Sydney or Adelaide winter usually credit one thing: the right shoe. Two of the most talked-about brands among Australian women runners right now are On Running, the Swiss label known for its distinctive CloudTec pods, and ASICS, the Japanese heritage brand built on decades of GEL cushioning research.

Both brands show up constantly in Australian running club chat and on parkrun Instagram tags. Here's how they actually compare, using live LUZActive pricing so you can shop with confidence this winter.

Quick Verdict

On Running suits women who want a lighter, more dynamic ride with a distinctive rolling gait feel, while ASICS delivers deeper, more traditional cushioning that favours comfort over long winter distances. Runners chasing a springy, energetic stride should lean On; those prioritising plush support for high-mileage weeks should lean ASICS.

Brand Overview

On Running

Founded in Switzerland in 2010 by former professional triathlete Olivier Bernhard, On built its name on CloudTec — hollow cushioning pods that compress on landing and firm up on push-off. The brand has grown rapidly in Australia over the past few years, helped by a design language that crosses easily from the running track to the café strip.

ASICS

ASICS has been engineering running shoes since 1949, with GEL cushioning technology at the core of its performance range since the 1980s. The brand's women's-specific last and long-standing relationships with sports podiatrists have made it a default recommendation at Australian running stores for decades.

LUZActive is an independent Australian multi-brand retailer and is not an official partner of either On Running or ASICS — we simply stock both so Australian runners can compare and buy the shoe that fits them best.

Head-to-Head Comparison Table

Model	Price (AUD)	Weight (approx.)	Cushioning	Best For	LUZActive Availability
On Running Cloudmonster Women's	$275.00	~240g	Dual CloudTec pods, high stack, springy	Easy runs, maximalist daily training	Check Availability
On Running Cloudswift 4 Women's	$250.00	~250g	Helion foam + CloudTec, urban-tuned	Tempo runs, wet pavement grip	Check Availability
ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 Women's	$349.00	~245g	PureGEL + FF BLAST+ ECO, plush neutral cushioning	Long, slow winter distance	Check Availability
ASICS Gel Kayano 32 Women's	$349.00	~260g	4D Guidance System, stability cushioning	Runners needing extra support/overpronation control	Check Availability

[Image Placeholder: Connected Canva editorial product shot. Alt Text: "On Running vs ASICS comparison Australia"]

Who Should Buy On Running

• You want a lighter shoe with a distinctive rolling, springy feel underfoot.
• You run a mix of pavement and light trail and want the Cloudvista-style versatility on offer across the range.
• You like a shoe that looks equally at home on a run and running errands afterwards.
• You're newer to structured training and want a forgiving, easy-to-love daily shoe.

Who Should Buy ASICS

• You're logging higher weekly mileage through winter and want maximum cushioning underfoot.
• You overpronate or need additional stability — the Gel Kayano 32's guidance system is built for this.
• You prefer a more traditional, structured running shoe feel over a springier ride.
• You've run in ASICS before and know the fit works for your foot shape.

AUD Pricing (Live at Time of Writing)

Direct from the LUZActive catalogue: the On Running Cloudmonster Women's is $275.00 AUD and the Cloudswift 4 Women's is $250.00 AUD, while the ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 Women's and Gel Kayano 32 Women's both sit at $349.00 AUD. All prices are in AUD, include GST, and are covered by LUZActive's Landed Price Guarantee — the price you see is the price you pay at checkout, with no added import duties.

Shop the Range

Browse the full On Running Women's collection or the ASICS Women's collection at LUZActive, or explore our broader Shop All Women's Footwear range. Winter stock sells through quickly across both brands, so use the Check Availability link on each product page for the latest position.

Keep reading with our related comparisons: On Running vs Nike: Best Running Shoes in Australia, New Balance vs ASICS: Best Running Shoes in Australia, and Nike vs adidas: Best Running Shoes in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for winter running, On Running or ASICS?

On Running's CloudTec pods give a lighter, springier ride that many women runners enjoy on wet winter pavement, while ASICS' deeper GEL cushioning suits those doing higher-mileage, slower winter base training.

Is On Running or ASICS better for beginners?

Both brands offer beginner-friendly models. The On Running Cloudmonster is a forgiving, easy-to-love daily shoe, while the ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 is a long-standing recommendation for new runners who want reliable, plush cushioning.

Do On Running shoes run true to size for Australian women?

On Running shoes generally fit true to size, though the brand's narrower heel cup means some Australian runners prefer sizing up half a size for extra toe room on longer runs.

What is the best ASICS running shoe for women in 2026?

The ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 Women's is the standout neutral cushioning option this year, while the Gel Kayano 32 Women's is the pick for runners who need additional stability.

Are On Running shoes good for wet Australian winters?

The Cloudswift 4's Helion foam and grippy outsole are specifically tuned for urban, wet-weather running, making it one of the better On Running options for a rainy Melbourne or Sydney winter.