Our verdict
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Βρες την Υπόλοιπη Asics Gel Nimbus Συλλογή
- Stable
- A fair amount of cushioning
- Value for money
- Durable, grippy outsole
- Guidance line keeps the foot steady
Cons
- Rubber outsole is squeaky
- Not comfortable on longer runs
- Inefficient arch support
Audience verdict
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
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Audience score | 84 Good! | 83 Good! | 79 Decent! | 80 Good! | |
Price | $65 | $75 | $100 | $100 | |
Pace | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running | |
Arch support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 9.5 oz / 268g 9.5 oz / 268g | 10.5 ASICS Gel Pulse 8 GTX 9.9 asics gel kinsei og sneakers | 10.4 oz / 296g 10.5 ASICS Gel Pulse 8 GTX | 9.2 Asics Gel Lyte 3 No Sew 10.3 asics gel lyte iii x sean wotherspoon x atmos | |
Drop lab Drop brand | 9.6 mm 10.0 mm | 9.4 mm 10.0 mm | 9.7 mm 10.0 mm | 9.1 mm 10.0 mm | |
Strike pattern | HeelMid/forefoot | HeelMid/forefoot | HeelMid/forefoot | HeelMid/forefoot | |
Midsole softness | - | Firm | Balanced | Balanced | |
Difference in midsole softness in cold | - | Small | Small | Small | |
Toebox durability | - | Bad | Bad | - | |
Heel padding durability | - | Bad | Good | - | |
Outsole durability | - | - | Good | - | |
Breathability | - | Moderate | Moderate | Breathable | |
ASICS Reveals Japan Collection Built With Fine Leathers | Medium | Medium | Medium | Narrow | |
Asics Gel Cumulus 16 | - | Medium | Medium | - | |
Stiffness | Moderate | Flexible | Flexible | Moderate | |
Difference in stiffness in cold | Big | Big | Small | Big | |
Torsional rigidity | - | Moderate | Moderate | Flexible | |
ASICS Gel Cumulus 21 Directoire Blue Silver Mujer | Flexible | Moderate | Stiff | Stiff | |
Heel lab Heel brand | 33.3 mm ‐ | 32.0 mm ‐ | 32.0 mm ‐ | 31.1 mm ‐ | |
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand | 23.7 mm ‐ | 22.6 mm ‐ | 22.3 mm ‐ | 22.0 mm ‐ | |
Widths available | NormalWideX-Wide | NormalWideX-Wide | NormalWide | NormalWideX-Wide | |
Orthotic friendly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Season | Winter | Summer | Winter | Summer | |
Removable insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ranking | #303 Bottom 26% | #175 Bottom 31% | #228 Bottom 10% | #215 Bottom 16% | |
Popularity | #229 Bottom 44% | #142 Bottom 44% | #205 Bottom 19% | #93 Top 37% |
Asics Gel Cumulus 16
ASICS Gel Contend 7 review and lab test
ASICS is determined to make a budget-friendly shoe for the casual runner. Even if it’s lacking in a lot (a lot) of features that modern running shoes have, the Gel Contend 7 is kind of what running has always been about: chuck on some shoes and go exercise.
The Gel Contend 7 is that shoe that’s just easy access and great for those getting into the sport, or maybe who don’t run as regularly as others. With an RRP of £70, and easy to find only for less, there’s really no excuse not to run in these.
Who should buy the ASICS Gel Contend 7
Another added benefit of the simplified design of the Contend 7 is that it’s a great all-rounder, so it could be perfect for:
- Neutral runners and supinators (heel rolls outwards)
- ASICS Gel Lyte V Workwear Pack
- All-day wear
- Gym Training
- Medium to longer runs (>10km)
- Walking
Who should NOT buy these
While great for all of the above, I found that the Gel Contend 7 is not the best choice if you:
- Intend to go fast, maybe invest in some tempo shoes like the Air Zoom Pegasus 38
- Over-pronate (heel rolls inward), in this case, I recommend looking at a pair of ASICS GT 1000 10
- Are planning on doing regular, long runs. Protect modelself and model joints with some more advanced cushioning like Hoka Clifton 8
zapatillas de running ASICS amortiguación media media maratón talla 33
With people more likely to purchase shoes online now more than ever, it’s great to have a pair you can trust to be sized correctly.
The ASICS Gel Contend 7 does just that. The toe box is a perfect size and the cupped heel surrounded and locked the back of my foot into it.
During my runs in it, I didn’t notice any slipping in the heel or the toe, which is great news if you suffer from blisters.
Made of sturdy stuff
Often with budget shoes, you might find that the material of the upper is plasticy and falls apart relatively quickly. I was pleasantly surprised when I received these. The fabric was quite thick and the mesh seems well constructed.
It is worth mentioning that the thickness of the upper is great if you live in cooler climates, but you might want to consider a more breathable pair like the ON Running Cloudswift.
The ASICS Gel Contend 7 is padded, up to a point
The AmpliFoam midsole of the Gel Contend 7 provides excellent dampening on heel strikes, pairs with their Gel technology there’s definitely a lot of comfort on offer here for slower runs. However, I found that anything above a comfortable pace to be too much for these to take, even with a comfortable 33mm stack height.
If you’re looking for a shoe to take you on faster, longer runs and keep you from damaged joints, it’s best to look elsewhere. With a midsole durometer of 53.2 HA, the Gel Contend 7 is a much harder shoe than the Trainer (23.3HA).
While this is quite a big limitation for a shoe (in a perfect world you can buy one pair of shoes that will do everything), it comes at such a low cost that it’s still a perfect shoe for those starting out, or short recovery runs.
There’s also minimal arch support in the midsole which some might find uncomfortable.
Asics Gel Cumulus 16 | “Excuse me, you’re shoe’s squeaking”
Never before have I been one to turn heads when I run. In the Gel Contend 7, I found myself doing so for the wrong reasons. The full rubber outsole is incredibly noisy on anything but the roughest tarmac.
Edinburgh has a lot of running paths through tunnels and I couldn’t help myself thinking of David Patrick Kelly clinking bottles together in ‘The Warriors’ as I echoed squeakily down them at night. That being said, it’s a relatively grippy outsole, so at least you’re going to stay on model feet while everyone’s looking.
The ASICS Gel Contend 7 have some tricks
ASICS have done their bit to help runners keep a consistent gait. With Guidance Line technology, the Contend 7 corrects supinating foot strikes, when model heel rolls outwards.
This was noticeable towards the end of my runs, when fatigue (and laziness) set in I felt the shoes gently push my foot back towards centre.
Scarpe ASICS Jolt 3 Ps 1014A198 Pink Glo Sour Yuzu
For the price, you can’t ask for everything. With the Gel Contend 7, apart from the squeaky outsole and limited midsole, the laces are a real let down. In testing it Smoke just 8.6N of force to achievement them from their knot.
They’re quite a cheap, slippery lace. To be fair; that’s easily fixed with a new set of laces. You could even get some elasticated laces with quick lacing technology to keep you locked in throughout.
Conclusion
When I got the ASICS Gel Contend 7 I knew that they promised very little beyond the price tag, which meant I was extremely happy with the result. Supportive, well-built, and comfortable, there’s little else you can expect from this shoe.
It’s refreshing to see such an accessible pair of shoes so well built-in 2021.