The comparison
GEL-NYC or GEL-1130?
Choose the GEL-NYC for a newer design with more height underfoot and GEL in the heel and forefoot. Choose the GEL-1130 for the 2008 stability-runner look, TRUSSTIC support and a lower ASICS retail price. Start with your usual size in either. RunRepeat's buyer polls rate both true to size.
Shop the selection
Two kinds of retro
The GEL-1130 is a reissue. ASICS describes it as the ninth version of its GEL-1000 series, a stability running shoe from 2008. It returned as a lifestyle trainer in 2021.
The GEL-NYC is a newer design built from archive references. ASICS says its upper draws on the early-2000s GEL-NIMBUS 3, with detailing from the GEL-MC PLUS V, and its tooling comes from the GEL-CUMULUS 16. It first appeared in January 2023, in two Awake NY collaborations.
Cushioning and materials
ASICS lists rearfoot GEL and the TRUSSTIC support system for the GEL-1130. The GEL-NYC has GEL in the rearfoot and forefoot. ASICS does not list TRUSSTIC for the original GEL-NYC; it names it as an addition on the separate GEL-NYC 2.0.
In RunRepeat's lab, the GEL-NYC measured taller and firmer. Its heel stack was 34.8 mm, against 32.3 mm for the GEL-1130. Its midsole read firmer than average, while the GEL-1130's read softer.
ASICS lists breathable mesh, suede overlays and patent synthetic leather across GEL-NYC colourways. GEL-1130 uppers pair mesh with synthetic leather or suede overlays, depending on the release. In RunRepeat's abrasion tests, the GEL-NYC's mesh, heel lining and outsole wore faster, and the testers suggest the GEL-1130 as the better option for wearing every day. The GEL-1130 they tested was a leather version.
A side-by-side comparison
Check the exact colourway as well. Materials can change between releases.
| Compare | GEL-NYC | GEL-1130 |
|---|---|---|
| Origins | New design, first released in January 2023 | 2008 stability running shoe; reissued in 2021 |
| Design references (ASICS) | GEL-NIMBUS 3 upper, GEL-MC PLUS V details, GEL-CUMULUS 16 tooling | Ninth GEL-1000 model; inspired by the GEL-KAYANO 14 |
| GEL placement (ASICS) | Rearfoot and forefoot | Rearfoot |
| TRUSSTIC support (ASICS) | Not listed | Yes |
| Upper (ASICS) | Mesh with suede overlays; patent synthetic leather on some colourways | Mesh with synthetic leather or suede overlays |
| Heel and forefoot height (RunRepeat lab) | 34.8 mm and 24.8 mm | 32.3 mm and 22.3 mm |
| Midsole (RunRepeat lab) | Firmer than average | Softer than average |
| Width (RunRepeat lab) | Medium | Medium |
| Size verdict (RunRepeat buyer polls) | True to size | True to size |
| Price and sizes | See the current selection below | See the current selection below |
Do the GEL-NYC and GEL-1130 fit true to size?
Yes, according to RunRepeat's buyer polls. The GEL-NYC (223 votes) and the GEL-1130 (352 votes) both rate true to size. ASICS describes GEL-NYC styles as unisex, and ASICS UK sizes unisex versions of both on its men's chart below.
Measure both feet at the end of the day, from heel to longest toe, and use the longer foot. If a listing uses women's sizes, it follows the ASICS women's chart: a women's UK 6 is 25 cm, the same length as a unisex UK 5.5.
| UK | US men's | EU | Foot length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 39 | 24.5 |
| 5.5 | 6.5 | 39.5 | 25 |
| 6 | 7 | 40 | 25.25 |
| 6.5 | 7.5 | 40.5 | 25.5 |
| 7 | 8 | 41.5 | 26 |
| 7.5 | 8.5 | 42 | 26.5 |
| 8 | 9 | 42.5 | 27 |
| 8.5 | 9.5 | 43.5 | 27.5 |
| 9 | 10 | 44 | 28 |
| 9.5 | 10.5 | 44.5 | 28.25 |
| 10 | 11 | 45 | 28.5 |
| 10.5 | 11.5 | 46 | 29 |
| 11 | 12 | 46.5 | 29.5 |
| 11.5 | 12.5 | 47 | 30 |
| 12 | 13 | 48 | 30.5 |
Do ASICS run small?
The evidence for these two says no. RunRepeat finds ASICS sizing generally consistent with the industry average, and its buyer polls rate both models true to size. ASICS recommends half a size up from your casual size for its running shoes. The GEL-NYC and GEL-1130 are SportStyle trainers, so start with your measured size.
Which is better for narrow feet?
Neither comes in a narrow width. RunRepeat's lab rates both as medium, and the ASICS listings show both in standard width only. The measurements are close. The GEL-1130 is slightly wider at its widest point (94.5 mm against 93.0 mm). The GEL-NYC is slightly wider at the big toe (70.5 mm against 69.1 mm) and taller over the toes (26.8 mm against 24.4 mm).
On these numbers there is no clear winner. The GEL-1130 leaves less space above the toes. If your feet are narrow, check that your heel stays in place and that the laces can close the upper without it bunching.
Are the GEL-NYC and GEL-1130 good for walking?
Yes. ASICS describes the GEL-NYC as a lifestyle shoe tuned for walking, commuting and long days on your feet. It says the GEL-1130's comfort is remixed for extended periods of standing and walking. RunRepeat's testers found both comfortable for long walks. For running, ASICS points to the current performance versions of its GEL-KAYANO and GEL-NIMBUS.
Who each suits
Our suggestion, based on the details above:
- The GEL-NYC, if you want a newer silhouette, more height underfoot and GEL in the forefoot as well as the heel.
- The GEL-1130, if you want the 2008 stability-runner look, TRUSSTIC support, a lower ASICS retail price and stronger results in RunRepeat's abrasion tests, which used a leather version.
- Still undecided? Choose the colourway you will wear most, then check that your size is available.
Before you order
Every item is checked in-house for authenticity before dispatch. UK tracked delivery costs £5 and is estimated to take 3–6 working days. If the size is not right, contact us within 14 days of delivery to request a return, and read our returns page first.
Our UK, US and EU selector relabels the same variant using the equivalents stored for that shoe. If they differ from your box or the ASICS chart, contact customer care before ordering. The cards below show live prices and stock.
