ASICS Men's Gel-Venture 9 Running Shoes Review
The ASICS Men's Gel-Venture 9 Running Shoes are designed to offer a versatile experience whether you're hitting the trails or navigating city streets. This updated model emphasizes improved cushioning and support, making it suitable for various terrains.
The shoes feature a modified midsole equipped with AMPLIFOAM technology and a higher stack height that enhances comfort significantly. Alongside the renowned rearfoot GEL technology, these elements work together to provide a softer feel underfoot, perfect for long runs or casual strolls.
Furthermore, the advanced traction pattern on the outsole ensures reliable grip across both road and trail surfaces, allowing you to transition seamlessly from one environment to another.
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Features
- Mesh upper: Enhances breathability while keeping your feet cool.
- Solution dyeing process: Reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by about 45% compared to conventional dyeing.
- Rearfoot GEL technology: Absorbs impact effectively, providing a soft feel at footstrike.
- AMPLIFOAM cushioning: Improves overall cushioning for added comfort.
- Trail-specific outsole pattern: Offers superior grip on different surfaces.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning for enhanced comfort during long runs.
- Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool.
- Versatile design suitable for both outdoor trails and urban environments.
- Durable rubber sole provides good traction.
Cons
- May take time to break in for some users.
- Limited color options may not appeal to all buyers.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | ASICS Men's Gel-Venture 9 | Brooks Ghost 14 | New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushioning Technology | AMPLIFOAM & Rearfoot GEL | BioMoGo DNA | Fresh Foam |
| Outsole Material | Rubber | Blown Rubber | Rubber |
| Upper Material | Mesh | Engineered Mesh | Knitted Textile |
| Best For | Trail & Road | Road | Road |
Detailed Review
The ASICS Men's Gel-Venture 9 shines in several areas crucial for runners and casual wearers alike.
Comfort: The integration of AMPLIFOAM and rearfoot GEL technologies truly sets this shoe apart in terms of comfort. Users report a soft and responsive feel, minimizing fatigue even on longer outings.
Breathability: The mesh upper plays a significant role in maintaining airflow, which is essential during warmer weather or intense workouts. You'll find that your feet remain cooler and drier compared to traditional running shoes.
Traction: Another key highlight is the traction provided by the outsole’s design. Whether you're on a rugged trail or smooth pavement, the shoes deliver reliable grip, giving you the confidence needed to navigate varying terrains.
Versatility: This shoe excels in its ability to handle multiple environments, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently switch between trail running and urban exploration.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional cushioning with a soft feel throughout. |
| Breathability | 8/10 | Good airflow due to breathable mesh material. |
| Traction | 9/10 | Reliable grip on diverse surfaces, ideal for mixed terrain. |
| Versatility | 9/10 | Well-suited for both trails and urban settings. |
| Durability | 8/10 | Sturdy construction, although some may require breaking in. |
User Reviews
This is my favorite tennis shoe. Fit and comfort are perfect. I just wish it had a more pronounced arch support. I do use custom made insoles for arch support though, so that helps immensely. The fit and finish of this shoe are really good, the color options are great as well. This is my third pair and they do last a long time. I hope they never stop making these, they are really that good. This particular model (venture-9) has a softer feel compared to previous versions - that can be good or bad depending on your taste and what you use this shoe for. I just walk a lot so they work. Running could make them feel a bit loose overtime but that's just a guess. Truth is, you can't go wrong with these.
I have wide feet with a high instep. Regular shoes are either tight on me or do not fit right, but the X-Wide size that ASICS offers is a godsend, and I just love the comfort and performance running shoe; It fits me perfectly and the variety of different colors make each purchase even better. My current purchase was a Black with White and hot Lime Green trim Gel Venture 9 running shoe. Sometimes I buy two different color pairs for different days and events/venues. I walk routinely every day if I can, but I simply use it for everything: at work, grocery shopping, exercise, casual… it’s starting to become my everything footwear (except for sleep). I recall the first time I came across an X-Wide Gel Venture 5 years ago at Ross Dress For Less, and found it so good I repurchased the shoe on Amazon because Ross gets their selection at random or not at all. At Amazon you get to what you order and these always fit right (for whatever reason) so I never needed to do a return (yet). Come to think of it, I have only purchased and worn ASICS Gel Venture iterations for the past several years (thank you Amazon). In conclusion, for this particular shoe model and brand, the extra wide options are accommodating in size and shape and fits me well. The ASICS Gel-Venture 9 shoes are the best at performance and comfort for the price point offered and I plan to continue to purchase the next numbers in the line for years to come. May this shoe line be long lived (because I would like to continue to have good shoes at a fair price).
I like the style and color. Glad there was a wide size option.
Love this shoe. The wide widths definitely a plus. A great combination of "firm and supportive" with good shock absorption. Just excellent for gym workouts....especially on the treadmill.I tend to work out with a fairly heavy footfall. Combining this on a treadmill at a fast pace and max incline will test ANY shoe. This shoe exceeds my expectations...and surpasses others that I have tried in this application.Do recommend.
Fits perfect. Good shoe at a good price.
I use these shoes in the gym for lifting weights. they offer good support, traction, balance and stability.
Bought these for gym and running, which I haven’t done for 10 years doe to bad neck and back - scoliosis. Very comfortable and stable for running. I was concerned running would bring back knee pain but so far no pain!
My husband ordered a pair of gel venture 9’s , as did I , after the gel-kahana 8’s were discontinued. We both have had plantar fasciitis. We are not runners. After searching sites with orthopedic doctors discussing what we would need, the gel venture 9 was recommended often. The heel hugs tight. 👍🏻 We think the toe box may be a tiny bit wider than the 8’s we’re. But we are both keeping them and we hope they’re our next new favorites. If you ever have had plantar fasciitis you’ll know what I mean by saying “you don’t want it again”. Get something that supports your feet.