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FAQ + live marketUpdated 2026-03-11

ASICS Tiger Runner II

A budget-friendly 1980s jogger tribute with improved EZFOAM comfort and clean retro lines, offering decent value but lacking the cachet and build quality of ASICS' premium retro models.

Guide Score

68/100
Good
Lens
Lifestyle
Comfort
5/10
Durability
6/10
Width
Standard fit
Dress code
Casual
Cushioning
GEL

0-100 overall guide score. Higher is better. It is not a stock or price score.

Confidence
Medium
Sources
8 cited pages linked in the guide
Data
Live SoleFeed store data

Analytics

Live market data

Shop all

5 products currently for sale across 2 stores.

Products

5

4 new in Q1 26

30d avg price

$69

Current live median

Stores

2

0 new last 30d

40%+ off

No multi-store retail baseline

Sold out

40%

Share of sizes marked sold out across stores

Collabs

0%

No major collabs

What sizes are left?

Price distribution

Average price over time

Colors

26%
26%
11%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%
5%

Release cadence

Key facts

  • Popularity: Budget ASICS option, modest following compared to Gel models
  • Comfort: EZFOAM sockliner and thicker EVA improve over predecessor
  • Fit: Standard ASICS sizing, some find arch support lacking
  • Value: Very affordable entry point to ASICS sportstyle
  • Use case: Everyday casual wear, light walking, budget retro styling
  • Risk: Inconsistent quality reports and minimal arch support

Shoe intelligence

Comfort 5/10Durability 6/10GELEveryday

Guide

Full breakdown

The ASICS Tiger Runner II is an entry-level lifestyle sneaker drawing design inspiration from 1980s jogging shoes, particularly the archived OHAIO and X-CALIBER silhouettes. It features an EVA midsole with EZFOAM sockliner for improved underfoot comfort, a reconfigured outsole with rippled tread pattern, and an updated last design. Positioned as an accessible everyday sneaker, it sits well below ASICS' premium Gel retro models in both price and materials quality.

Questions answered

FAQ

How does the Tiger Runner II compare to ASICS Gel models?

It's a significant step down in materials, cushioning, and build quality. The Gel-NYC, Gel-1130, and other Gel retros use GEL technology and premium materials. The Tiger Runner II uses basic EVA foam and simpler construction at a fraction of the price.

Is the Tiger Runner II comfortable?

The EZFOAM sockliner and thicker midsole are improvements over the first Tiger Runner. Comfort is adequate for light daily wear, but some buyers note insufficient arch support. It's not designed for extended walking or any athletic activity.

Is the Tiger Runner II good value?

At its price point, yes. The clean retro design and ASICS branding provide decent style value. However, spending slightly more on a Gel-Lyte III or similar model gets significantly better comfort and build quality.

What's the quality like?

Reviews are mixed. Some buyers praise the clean design and comfortable feel, while others report quality issues including loose stitching and poor finishing. It's a budget shoe and the inconsistency reflects that price point.

Sources & methodology

This page mixes guide writing with current store data.

The guide text links specific claims directly to these pages.