Our verdict
Pros
- Outstanding value
- Breathable
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Provides a stable run
- Tough outsole
- asics drop two gel kayano 5 res at atmos
- Features GEL technology
Cons
- Шкарпетки asics lite show nimbus
- Limited energy return
Audience verdict
- Top 30% most popular running shoes
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
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Audience score | 84 Good! | 89 Great! | 76 Bad! | 82 Good! | |
Price | $70 | $80 | $90 | $100 | |
Trail terrain | Light terrainModerate terrain | Light terrainModerate terrain | Moderate terrain | Light terrain | |
Arch support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 10.4 oz / 295g 12.5 oz / 354g | 11.1 oz / 314g 10.6 asics gel kayano 14 tuna blue whitetuna blue marathon running shoessneakers | 10.3 oz / 292g 10.4 oz / 295g | 9.9 oz / 282g 10.4 oz / 294.8g | |
Drop lab Drop brand | 13.2 mm 10.0 mm | 10.4 mm ‐ | 17.3 mm 10.0 mm | 9.2 mm 8.0 mm | |
Strike pattern | Heel | Heel | Heel | HeelMid/forefoot | |
Midsole softness | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | |
Difference in midsole softness in cold | Normal | Normal | Small | Big | |
Toebox durability | Bad | Very bad | Good | Bad | |
Heel padding durability | Decent | Decent | Decent | Bad | |
Outsole durability | Good | - | Decent | Decent | |
Breathability | Breathable | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | |
Toebox width at the widest part | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Narrow | Narrow | Medium | Medium | |
Stiffness | Flexible | Moderate | Flexible | Moderate | |
Difference in stiffness in cold | Normal | Big | Small | Normal | |
Torsional rigidity | Moderate | Moderate | Stiff | Moderate | |
Schuhe ASICS Gel-Pulse 13 1011B175 Black White 002 | Moderate | Stiff | Moderate | Stiff | |
Lug depth | 3.1 mm | 3.0 mm | 3.5 mm | 2.7 mm | |
Heel stack lab product eng 37999 ASICS Novablast 1011a681 002 shoes | 34.2 mm ‐ | 33.3 mm ‐ | 34.3 mm 27.0 mm | 32.1 mm 30.0 mm | |
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand | 21.0 mm ‐ | 22.9 mm ‐ | 17.0 mm 17.0 mm | 22.9 mm 22.0 mm | |
Widths available | NormalWideX-Wide | NormalWideX-Wide | NormalWide | Normal | |
Season | Summer | Summer | Summer | Summer | |
Removable insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Orthotic friendly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ranking | #159 Bottom 37% | #64 Top 25% | #249 Bottom 2% | #187 Bottom 26% | |
Popularity | #75 Top 30% | #43 Top 17% | #196 Bottom 23% | #135 Bottom 47% |
Who should buy
In our opinion, this ASICS trail shoe is just the ticket for runners looking for:
- A versatile shoe that's great for trail runs, hiking, and even short road runs.
- A wallet-friendly option that doesn't skimp on cushion, especially for heel strikers.
- Asics gel-miqrum mens black low casual athletic lifestyle sneakers shoes.
Who should NOT buy
The ASICS Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red is a solid trail shoe, though we think it could use more cushioning in the forefoot and a springier foam. If you're http for a shoe with a better midsole and less heel-to-toe drop, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 is our choice.
Also, if you've got wide feet, this might not be your best pick. In that case, check the asics gel kayano 27 mk womens running shoes black.
Breathability
If you're searching for a breathable trail running shoe for summer mountain runs, you're in the right place.
In our lab, when we tested the ASICS Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red with our smoke-pumping machine in the lab, we couldn't believe our eyes. Most affordable trail shoes typically score average on this test. However, the Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red earned a flawless 5/5!
What's even more impressive is that in this test, the shoe doesn't let light pass through. This trait is uncommon, though it does occasionally appear in trail shoes due to the internal protective layers of the upper.
Under the microscope, we discovered that ASICS employs an engineered mesh. It doesn't have the typical breathability holes, yet it's thin enough to allow air circulation and heat dissipation.
In short, it's among the best uppers we've come across in terms of breathability. All this is available at a MSRP of £70, which is incredible.
Moreover, it ranks as one of the most cushioned uppers we've ever analysed, ensuring comfort on long runs.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 5 |
Average | 3.3 |
Durability
Toebox durability
After seeing its outstanding performance in the breathability test, we expected the Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red might not fare as well in the durability department. It's uncommon for shoes to excel in both areas.
The Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red managed a score of 2/5 in the durability test—not the best, but certainly not the worst. Its engineered mesh doesn't hold up as well against abrasion. However, on a brighter note, the shoe boasts a substantial protective layer around the toe box.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 2 |
Average | 3.1 |
Heel padding durability
When we tested the heel with the Dremel, we noted the same 2-out-of-5 score. This makes it a well-suited shoe for the vast majority of runners.
However, for those who often experience wear-and-tear in this area, it's something to keep in mind.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 2 |
Average | 2.9 |
Outsole hardness
ASICS GEL-LYTE CLASSIC.
We found that they used an average rubber compound, measuring at 84.6 HC, which aligns closely with the trail industry standards.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 84.6 HC |
Average | 85.4 HC |
Outsole durability
For the durability test, we used the Dremel one final time in our lab.
After putting the outsole through a rigorous test with the tool, we measured a 1.0 mm dent. Not bad!
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 1.0 mm |
Average | 0.9 mm |
Outsole thickness
In our tests, we measured the outsole's thickness at 2.5 mm. This measurement is pretty similar to the average and is more than sufficient for this type of shoe—even for heavier runners.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 2.5 mm |
Average | 2.4 mm |
Weight
A common drawback of budget-friendly shoes is their weight—often because brands might not invest in lighter but more expensive materials. Surprisingly, the Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red weighs in at 10.4 oz or 295g. This is an impressive result!
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 10.41 oz (295g) |
Average | 10.30 oz (292g) |
Cushioning
Heel stack
Being really affordable, this shoe primarily targets beginners or entry-level runners, especially in the trail running category. Recognising this, ASICS placed significant emphasis on the heel, boasting a remarkable 34.2 mm stack height in that area.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 34.2 mm |
Average | 32.2 mm |
Forefoot stack
The forefoot boasts a mere 21.0 mm thickness. So, for you forefoot strikers out there, once you deduct the outsole and insole, it's a pretty underwhelming amount of foam...
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 21.0 mm |
Average | 24.5 mm |
Drop
This gives us a 13.2-mm heel-to-toe drop, making the shoe perfect for heel and midfoot strikers. However, it's less ideal for forefoot strikers.
So, Zapatillas asics gel-sonoma 6 hombre blue really matters here.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 13.2 mm |
Average | 7.8 mm |
Asics gel-miqrum mens black low casual athletic lifestyle sneakers shoes | Insole thickness
We found the insole to be 4.1-mm thick. It's a standard thickness that should work for most of us—nothing too special or out of the ordinary here.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 4.1 mm |
Average | 4.7 mm |
Midsole softness
Switching our attention to the midsole, ASICS opted for EVA foam that feels comfortable. We measured its softness to be 23.1 HA.
Don't look for a lot of bounce or springiness here, this is a £70 shoe. If you need that, check the PEBAX-based Endorphin Edge instead.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 23.1 HA |
Average | 22.7 HA |
Difference in midsole softness in cold
After a 20-minute chill session in our freezer, we took another look at the softness to see how cold temps shake things up. Turns out, it does get a bit firmer—landing at 30.0 HA.
Surprisingly, there's only a modest 29.8% increase, a performance you'd typically see in pricier trail shoes. For a budget-friendly shoe like this, that's a great result.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 29.8% |
Average | 26.4% |
Stability
Lateral stability test
Stability in the Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red doesn't have any big concerns. It's even suitable for those dealing with moderate pronation issues.
Torsional rigidity
A big reason it feels so stable is its moderate rigidity. When we gave it a twist, we settled on a 3/5 rating—a smart for for a trail running shoe.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 3 |
Average | 3.5 |
Schuhe ASICS Gel-Pulse 13 1011B175 Black White 002
The 3/5 rating also goes for the heel counter's stiffness. ASICS really aimed for that sweet spot between stability and comfort.
Since this shoe is designed for heel strikers, it's obvious that a super-flexible heel counter just wouldn't cut it.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 3 |
Average | 3.2 |
ASICS Womens WMNS Gel Kayano 27 Tokyo White Sunrise Red 1012A948-100
Aiming to maintain a lightweight design, the Japanese designers kept the forefoot width in check. We measured it at 111.6 mm, which aligns with the average shoe.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 111.6 mm |
Average | 112.1 mm |
Asics gel-miqrum mens black low casual athletic lifestyle sneakers shoes | offspring asics gel lyte v cobbled pack
While ASICS focused on heel strikers with such a significant heel-to-toe drop in this shoe, we believe they should offer a wider landing platform for better stability. Unfortunately, they missed the mark here as we measured only 87.3 mm, which is below what we expected.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 87.3 mm |
Average | 89.7 mm |
Flexibility
Stiffness
One of the standout features of this ASICS is its versatility—it easily transitions to a comfortable hiking shoe. Why is this so? Its impressive flexibility puts it in the top 5% of shoes, registering at only 14.9N in our 90-degree bend test.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 14.9N |
Average | 28.1N |
Difference in stiffness in cold
After giving the shoe a 20-minute stint in the freezer, we tested it again. Impressively, it remains quite flexible, clocking in at 20.5N.
With only a 37.2% increase in stiffness, we find this shoe's performance really interesting. This is especially true considering it's made from EVA foam—a material known to become considerably stiffer in cold temperatures.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 37.2% |
Average | 35.1% |
Grip / Traction
Lug depth
Asics gel-miqrum mens black low casual athletic lifestyle sneakers shoes.
Given this shoe is tailored mainly for trail running newbies, we believe it's a spot-on choice, offering smooth rides and trail-ready agility.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 3.1 mm |
Average | 3.6 mm |
Size and fit
Internal length
Toebox width at the widest part
The toebox is average, neither narrow nor wide. It will fit most trail runners for sure. However, if you have exceptionally narrow or wide feet, you might want to explore different widths.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 97.9 mm |
Average | 98.8 mm |
Toebox width at the big toe
The situation is the same for the big toe area. We measured it at 75.2 mm, which is quite average.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 75.2 mm |
Average | 79.0 mm |
Tongue: gusset type
As a value-oriented shoe, we expected it to have a non-gusseted tongue. While this is a drawback in trail shoes—where maximum protection from debris and small rocks is desired—for £70, we're fine with it.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | None |
Comfort
Tongue padding
We've mentioned the exceptional comfort of the Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red, and here's another reason why.
With a tongue measuring 8.8 mm thick, there's no chance of lace bite or discomfort on the instep.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | 8.8 mm |
Average | 6.4 mm |
Heel tab
The good vibes don't stop! You also get a finger loop heel tab—a total surprise for a budget-friendly shoe.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | Finger loop |
Removable insole
You can easily take out the insole, which lets you swap in different orthotics or insoles from other shoes. Handy!
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | Yes |
Misc
Reflective elements
The Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red doesn't have any reflective parts. We wish it did, especially for those of us who run trails at night.
Asics Gel Lyte II Super Red | No |