Show more The Expert: I became a runner in middle school and have covered running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World and as a freelance journalist. I’ve written more about running shoes than any other kind of gear, and I have firsthand experience running in models from a range of brands, including Asics. I first wrote this guide in 2018, and I have updated it regularly as Asics releases new shoes and running shoe tech. What to Consider When Shopping for Asics Running Shoes Asics Gel-Venture 9 has an exciting upper. It exudes protection and comfort by just looking at it. Asics made slight adjustments in the upper to make it more accommodating and protective than the previous version. For instance, the previous version runs narrow, but in Gel Venture 9, the toe box is slightly broader and more structured.

I was ok with this shoe on short to medium runs, but I felt the shoe was too stiff for me on longer 10+ mile runs. Rearfoot Gel Technology: silicone gel integrated into the rear of the shoe helps lessen the impact from heel striking and helps your foot transition smoothly into the rest of its step progression. The gel cushioning naturally adjusts to your unique gait cycle to help mitigate the impact of the ground. With a little extra cushioning in the heel counter and the forefoot, your gait cycle is a little more supported when running on uneven surfaces such as trails. MC: Historically, Asics shoes have been known for using multiple layers of cushioning to create a stable, well-cushioned (and somewhat stiff) ride. Core models like the Gel-Cumulus still exhibit this construction, with a moderate drop and layers of Gel and foam in the midsole for a plush feel that’s great for long runs and training miles. It doesn’t provide runners with that soft squishy feel like EVA foam but instead provides targeted support and energy return where you need it most.The ASICS Trabuco Terra models of trail running shoes feature the FF Blast technology. How to select the best ASICS trail running shoes for you Foot width Despite the lower density, Amplifoam midsoles are relatively durable and do a decent job at retaining their shape and flexibility despite the stressors that come with trail running.

Someone looking for an outdoor shoe for various terrains since Asics Venture 9 is an all-around shoe. This style of rubber is the same material that is used to make car tires, so you know that it is incredibly durable. Runners found that this shoe shows very few signs of overall wear and tear even after 100 miles. If you need something that will last for hundreds of miles, the outsole of the Gel Venture 8 is up for the challenge. Believe it or not, ASICS is an acronym for the Latin phrase anima sana in corpore sano, which roughly translates to “you should pray for a healthy mind in a healthy body.” Plus, the stiff nature of the upper and outsole limits your overall flexibility, which means that it also isn’t great for speedy agility work. So, who exactly is the Asics Gel Venture 8 built for? The previous model of the Gel Venture featured a near identical outsole, similar midsole, and upgraded upper. The midsole changes were mostly aesthetic without much of an effect on function.

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Now, with their foray into trail running shoes, you can enjoy the quality of ASICS’ craftsmanship and shoe technology in yet another outdoor activity. ASICS shoe technologies Quite solid, not too much flexibility, and lots of grip. My first run was along the Charles River Esplanade and the shoes felt ready enough for a longer trail run. Some ASICS trail running shoes are made with synthetic and water-resistant materials in the upper. Synthetic materials are naturally water-resistant because they do not absorb water like other natural materials, like leather or cotton textiles. Like other shoemakers, Asics has its own proprietary cushioning, called FlyteFoam. Although it’s based on ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), the traditional running shoe cushioning material, this foam is formulated to be lighter and more resilient than standard EVA. It doesn’t have quite the same springy feel as the other types of FlyteFoam below, but it works fine for everyday running. It’s used in Asics’ more affordable shoes, like the GT-1000. Even when it was 50F (10C) out, I still saw sweat collecting inside the shoe, especially on this foam fabric.

One of the things that make ASICS unique is that they offer a high-volume (wider) version of many of their trail running shoes. So, if you know your feet are wider and if you’ve been struggling to find shoes to accommodate your higher-volume feet, try out a pair of wide ASICS trail runners. Typical climateWhile the Asics Gel Venture 8 is built tough, it’s not necessarily built for extremes. Sure, the outsole is incredibly durable, but the minimal support in the midsole means that it’s not necessarily ideal for running long distances. Asics has long been known for creating durable, well-cushioned, and highly supportive training shoes–the Gel-Kayano is a prime example–so if you run long and often, this is a great brand to consider. In recent years, Asics has also broken out of that mold to create excellent racing shoes with new, lightweight foams to compete with other brands’ premium models. Asics gel venture models are popular Asics shoe models, especially among trail runners. They are known for their comfort, versatility on a variety of terrain, and durability. While the gel Venture 8 was an exciting shoe, Asics designers needed to make some significant improvements. Therefore, the Asics Venture 9 has exciting features to look forward to.