Some beefier trail running shoes add more tabs around the heel so you can attach an ankle gaiters (Altra does this on their Lone Peak line of shoes), but we don’t see any of that on this budget trail running shoe. The Latin phrase was one of the major inspirations for the founder of ASICS, Kihachiro Onitsuka. He believed that physical activity was an essential part of healthy living. The adhesive is mild, such that you can still remove the insole, but it keeps the insole in place when removing or putting the shoe on.

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. Second, a layer of firmer cushioning (called LiteTruss) is placed in the medial side of midsole; it counteracts overpronation and keeps your foot aligned as you run. Overpronators and anyone who likes a more supportive shoe should seek out Asics models that have this tech, like the Gel-Kayano and the GT-1000. How We Evaluated the Best Asics Running Shoes One of the most reliable brands in road and trail running, Asics provides a wide range of shoe series, each with their dedicated uses. The Gel-Venture family is an entry-level trail shoe, with the new Gel Venture 9 hitting an interesting balance between road and trail running. I would suggest this running shoe for runners that like to go on nice easy tempo runs out on the trails. Other users also love this shoe as a casual walking shoe due to its durable outsole and super-cushioned upper.When it comes to performance footwear for active lifestyles and athletics, there are few other brands that do it better than ASICS. Since the 1940s, ASICS has been helping push the footwear industry forward with unique designs, innovative technologies, and a classic, unmistakable aesthetic. If you are on the hunt for a simple and affordable running shoe that gets the job done, the Asics Gel Venture takes it easy on your bank account. The EVA foam in the midsole is maybe a concern, as I had scuffs and mild amounts of abrasive marks on them which may not bode well for more aggressive trail runners. Even when it was 50F (10C) out, I still saw sweat collecting inside the shoe, especially on this foam fabric.

After finishing this first test trail run, I was pleased since the shoes held up and I had seemingly no problems on my feet. Trying on trail runners is more than just slipping on a pair of shoes and calling it good. If you’re going to be relying on ASICS shoes to protect and support your feet while trail running, you want them to be more than good–you want them to be perfect. Try them on in the afternoon: throughout the day, your feet swell. So, to get the most accurate fit, it’s best to try new shoes on after they’ve swelled sometime in the afternoon. Avoid using them as everyday shoes. You can preserve the outsole by not wearing your trail runners all the time.Someone looking for an outdoor shoe for various terrains since Asics Venture 9 is an all-around shoe. This is something I wish more trail running shoes did, and honestly something I wish more regular shoe companies did. There’s a long list of ASICS shoe technologies that make their footwear different from other manufacturers. The following section contains a shortened list of tech you can expect to see in their lineup of trail running shoes. Amplifoam technology dampens vibrations 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 climate Plus, FF Blast tech creates a more energized toe-off. In other words, it helps convert the impact of your step into energy for your next step as your foot progresses through its natural stride pattern.

While 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. 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.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.