ASICS Women's Gel-Flux 5 Running Shoes Review
The ASICS Women's Gel-Flux 5 Running Shoes are designed with runners in mind, offering both comfort and performance. With a sleek MID Grey, White, and Opal Green colorway, these shoes not only look great but also deliver a remarkably cushioned ride that allows you to tackle long-distance runs with ease. Built on a legacy of excellence since 1949, ASICS continues to innovate in athletic footwear, making them a trusted choice for serious athletes.
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Features
- SpevaFoam Midsole Material: Improves bounce back characteristics and decreases midsole breakdown.
- Guidance Line Midsole Technology: Vertical flex groove decouples the tooling along the line of progression for enhanced gait efficiency.
- AHAR Outsole: Acronym for ASICS High Abrasion Rubber, placed in critical areas of the outsole for exceptional durability.
- Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system: Attenuates shock during impact phase and allows for a smooth transition to midstance.
- DuraSponge Outsole: A blown AHAR rubber compound for enhanced cushioning and durability in the forefoot.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning for long-distance runs
- Breathable material for comfort
- Durable construction with high-quality rubber
- Lightweight design enhances speed
- Stylish appearance suitable for casual wear
Cons
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort
- Not the best option for trail running
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | ASICS Gel-Flux 5 | Brooks Ghost 14 | Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushioning Technology | Rearfoot GEL | BioMoGo DNA | Zoom Air |
| Midsole Material | SpevaFoam | DNA Loft | React Foam |
| Outsole Material | AHAR Rubber | High Durability Rubber | Rubber Pods |
| Weight (Women's Size 8) | 8.4 oz | 8.8 oz | 8.0 oz |
Detailed Review
The ASICS Women's Gel-Flux 5 Running Shoes excel in several key categories:
- Comfort: The combination of SpevaFoam and Rearfoot GEL technology creates a plush environment for your feet, ideal for absorbing shock and providing a smooth ride. Whether you’re hitting the pavement for a quick jog or preparing for a marathon, these shoes deliver the support you need.
- Breathability: The materials used in the upper construction allow for ample airflow, helping to keep your feet cool even during long runs. This feature is particularly beneficial in warmer weather.
- Durability: The AHAR outsole is specifically designed to withstand wear and tear, ensuring that these shoes will last through countless miles without significant degradation.
- Aesthetics: Available in a stylish MID Grey/White/Opal Green color scheme, the Gel-Flux 5 offers both functionality and fashion, making it easy to pair with workout gear or casual outfits.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional padding and support for longer runs. |
| Durability | 8/10 | High abrasion rubber provides great longevity. |
| Style | 8/10 | Visually appealing design suitable for sporty looks. |
| Breathability | 9/10 | Allows for excellent airflow, keeping feet dry. |
| Value | 7/10 | Good performance but could be priced lower compared to competitors. |
User Reviews
Wasn't expecting to, because I only had about a month of training with them, but ran the 2016 Honolulu Marathon in these shoes (my 2nd marathon).Last year I wore Asics Cumulus 15's and they were fine. My legs only hurt for the next 3 or 4 days (but my right knee was sore for a more than a week). I was actually planning on wearing those Cumulus's again, but these shoes came in and they were a great fit for me! I was a little worried because they were still relatively new, and I'm not sure how long the break-in period for shoes should be.In any case, I don't know if I trained more this year, if I should have pushed myself to run faster (though I improve to 5:45, down from 6:30 last year), or if these shoes (Flux 2) were the reason, but my legs and knees were virtually pain free the next day!These shoes feel solid (trained on sidewalks and grass) and cool (feet don't get super sweaty). They also look nice!!! I've owned many pairs of Asics, but this is the only pair I really felt like reviewing. I don't know if I can trust Ascis's foot chart (the one matches their shoes to specific pronation states) as the Cumulus and Flux are identified for the same type of feet (but feel so different to me now), but I'm glad that I got these (from Amazon Warehouse, no less!) and will be buying the Flux 2 (or 3) for next year's marathon.
I stopped running and started brisk walking (3~4 mph) 10 or so years ago. I walk daily for about 1 to 1.5 miles, sometimes twice. I have tried walking shoes, cross trainers and running shoes and found the latter best suited to my need. A year ago I bought my first pair of ASICS (Excite 2) - a low end (price wise) model with rear foot gel cushioning. It was the most comfortable pair of sneakers I ever had. That got me interested in finding out more about my walking style and quickly realized that I have underpronation. So I went to ASICS's web site and used their shoe finder tool. It came back with two recommendations - GEL Sorm 2 (read foot gel cushion) and GEL Flux 2 (rear and fore foot gel cushion. I decided to upgrade to the Gel Flux 2.I started to look for the Flux 2 online and in the stores. ASICS shoes are hardly on sale except for discontinued models. Went to a factory outlet mall the weekend before Thanksgiving. All the other athletic shoes stores had store wide XX% off etc., except ASICS. Amazon.com consistently offers the best price. And when they offer 20% off for Thanksgiving week promotion, I jumped at it and grab my pair of Flux 2.The Gel Flux felt stiff right out of the box. When I first put it on, it is a bit tight as compared to my well worn Excite 2. But after the first 1/2 mile, it started to loosen up. And by the end of my second walk, it felt real comfortable. As for my underpronation, I noticed almost immediately that the Gel Flux 2 gently but comfortably nudges my fore foot to land more to the inside. I look forward to see the sole wear pattern as compared to my other sneakers.I give it 4.5 star one little negative point - the color schemes available for Gel Flux 2 color are not the best ASICS has to offer. But for the price and comfort level, I am not complaining.
I noted that this shoe does not give good arch support. Folks, I've never found any shoe to give good arch support. I have high arches and have custom orthotics made. I insert them in all my athletic shoes, so the "arch support" question was really an irrelevant. What I look for in an athletic shoe is good, stout construction and quality materials. I like the Gel filled soles. I like a bit of tooth to the treads. Some of the soles in the Asics I've purchased over the last few years have been made of a rather slippery "rubber". These are less "slickery" and I appreciate that. When I test the quality of an athletic shoe, I grab the toe and the heel and twist it. The shoe needs to have good resistance to the twist - healthy rigidity, it should not twist up like mush. I am happy to report that this pair is nicely resistant to the "Twist Test".Lastly, I said they "fit as expected". They do, but I have to note here that I find that Asics run small. I normally wear a men's 12 M, or a women's 12.5 M. I ordered these in a men's 12.5 M. They fit perfectly. No pinches in the toes, nice, even fit all the way through.Overall, I really like Asics, that said, sometimes the Women's running shoes are not as well made as men's. I've had the lining on women's models just dissolve at the heel as fast as 3 month's after purchase, which seriously pissed me off. The women's models are often much more expensive than the mens, and the men's models I've bought have never done that. Also, the mens score higher in my "Twist Test". I still like Asics better than any other brands I have worn, but that's just not acceptable. I like the look of the women's styles better than the men's, but I have to think about quality first.