Updated 3 Nov 2026
Is the ASICS Gel-NYC worth it?
Yes — a comfy retro runner.
It mixes old ASICS running parts into one shoe, with gel in the sole, so it's well cushioned and stays comfortable for hours. The mesh breathes well and there's a little room at the toes. The sole is stiff, it's not light, and the lining at the toe is the first part to wear.
90%of 50 owners give it 4 or 5 stars
- Well cushioned for long days
- Breathable mesh
- Layered retro runner look
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What owners say
Nearly all verified owners are happy and mostly praise the comfort; very few complaints.
Good to know
- The sole is stiff and doesn't bend much.
- About 370 g each.
- The toe lining wears through first.
- A few owners find it runs small.
From 50 buyer ratings at Otto (Germany), every complaint read by us, November 2026. How we do this
What they love
- ComfortableMentioned a lot
- Looks greatMentioned often
- Well madeAlso mentioned
What they complain about
Hardly any: just 5 of 50 owners gave it 3 stars or fewer, and no complaint came up often enough to list.
Get it if…
- You want a cushioned retro runner.
- You're on your feet for hours.
- You like the layered 2000s look.
Skip it if…
- You want a flexible, light shoe — get the 327.
- You want the cheapest comfy pick — the Gel-1130 costs less.
More on the Gel-NYC
How we reached this verdict
RunRepeat's lab rated it 90/100: cushioned (104 shock absorption), breathable and with medium room at the toes (70.5 mm), but stiff and with weak toe-box durability. A second expert review hasn't covered it, so the verdict also rests on Otto's verified buyers, nearly all happy, who mostly praise the comfort.
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RunRepeat: ASICS Gel-NYC, ASICS (specs), RunRepeat: ASICS Gel-1130, RunRepeat: adidas Samba OG, RunRepeat: adidas Gazelle, RunRepeat: New Balance 530, RunRepeat: New Balance 9060, RunRepeat: Nike Air Force 1 '07, RunRepeat: Reebok Club C 85, RunRepeat: Nike Dunk Low, RunRepeat: New Balance 550, RunRepeat: New Balance 574, RunRepeat: Nike Air Max SC, RunRepeat: Vans Old Skool, RunRepeat: New Balance 2002R, Captain Creps: sizing guides, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 3 Nov 2026How we decide