Details
Brand
Asics
Breathability
7.9/10
Latest Version
Gel Excite 4
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• EVA midsole• AHAR+ outsole• Rearfoot Gel Cushioning System• Removable sock liner• Reflectivity in dark conditions• Mesh upper
Upper
These shoes feature an improved mesh upper that provides better breathability and fit the runners’ feet. The mesh upper has wider holes than the Gel Excite 2, promoting more efficient air regulation for cooler and dryer runs. These shoes will maintain airflow and keep cool for shorter runs. The moisture control on the inside of the shoe is not the best, so you may experience excess build-up when performing intense activities or extended runs in the double-digits. The new distribution of overlays definitely provides a better fit and better structural integrity to the upper, however, the stitched overlays do not look very appealing and are known to cause blisters and hot spots. A removable sock liner is integrated into the shoe.
Midsole
A basic full-length EVA midsole is featured for enhanced cushioning and comfort when running. The midsole features fairly basic technologies but that make the shoe more comfortable but are somewhat heavy. The durability of the EVA midsoles is not as good as whats used in updated shoe models, such as SpEVA. Nevertheless, the underfoot will be adequately supported and comfortable throughout the duration of your run. The Rearfoot Gel Cushioning System placed in between the midsole and outsole in the heel area of the shoe allows remarkable shock absorption. That technology consists of a silicone-like unit that makes sure to absorb and distribute the impact of landings more effectively in order to provide further comfort and protection to the runner.
Outsole
They feature an outsole that provides good traction when running on dry and flat surfaces. The lug pattern has been designed to help provide more responsiveness by featuring squared lugs distributed throughout the full length of the outsole. The ASICS High AHAR+ rubber outsole provides reinforcement in the high abrasion areas of the shoe for enhanced durability. The AHAR+ compound has been strategically placed in the heel area and the midfoot area making the outsole not only more durable but it also enhances its traction. The outsole also features Flex Grooves horizontally in the forefoot area and vertically across its full length. That technology enhances the flexibility and adaptability of the shoe overall.
Breathability
The breathability here is better than the that of the previous version. They feature wider holes in the mesh upper for enhanced airflow. These shoes have a significantly wider area of mesh compared to its predecessor. They manage to encourage airflow very well but have limited capacity to wick moisture away from the inside out. The ability to reverse the significant build-up of moisture is limited once its set in so take this into consideration when thinking about going on demanding runs. For the same reason, we do not recommend to wear them when raining or for running on wet surfaces. They are perfect for running short distances on dry days.
Comfort
One of the best features of these shoes is the all-around plush cushioning. From the cushioned EVA midsole to the padded tongue and collar, these shoes will hug your foot from all angles for optimal fit and comfort. Chosen as great daily runners, these shoes provide more effective comfort when used for non-intense workouts. The toe box provides the room you need for your toes to splay comfortably. The shock absorption properties brought by the Rearfoot Gel Cushioning System make softer landings possible and more comfortable extended periods of time standing.
Style
The style of the shoes is nothing special, but they don’t look bad. They look like another pair of entry-level ASICS shoes. The combination of colors is fairly basic but most reviewers favor these shoes on top of similar shoes due to the wider palette of colors. From silver, yellow to black or orange for men and black, pink to turquoise and blue for women, they do have something to offer in this department. Because of the many combinations, the colors are the visual highlight of the shoes. The stitched overlays look fairly low quality. The Asics logo is reflective on the sides of the shoes for enhanced visibility in low light conditions, however, it looks poorly stitched on top of the overlays.
Durability
Apart from the AHAR+ outsole, these shoes do not come with any other special technologies to make them more durable than the standard running shoe. The outsole will last, but the rest of the shoe is known to provide no more than a couple of months of good use if you are a daily runner. The outsole comes off easily and the stitched overlays break apart compromising the structural integrity of the whole shoe. We recommend you to buy these shoes as daily shoes for short distance runs rather than a marathon distance running shoes. That way you may be able to extend their life. The new version of these shoes, the Asics Gel Excite 4 are more durable as running shoes so they are a good option to look into.
Protection
The main feature of these shoes in terms of protection is their Rearfoot Gel Cushioning System and it provides remarkable shock absorption properties. You will experience softer landings and a more comfortable feeling overall. This feature will help protect your knees and hips from the impact of hard landings. Toe caps in the front are incorporated to provide protection against hard objects that you may bump with your toe as you run. A good fit in the midfoot area provides better control. Unfortunately, these shoes have been known to produce blisters on runners’ feet due to poor moisture management and the stitched overlays.
Responsiveness
These shoes are as responsive as other entry-level running shoes. The outsole provides good traction as long as you run on flat, even and dry surfaces. Due to the plush cushioning these shoes manage to hug your feet in a comfortable way that allows almost a custom fit. That means that the shoes adapt to the movements of your feet with ease. The Flex Grooves in the outsole provide enough flexibility for the shoe to move however you want to. However, due to the cushioning the Gel Excite 3 is not the most flexible shoes. The Rearfoot Cushioning System helps to provide a smooth heel to toe transition when distributing the energy of the landings through the whole surface of the midsole.
Support
Hand by hand with the comfort, the plush cushioning of these shoes provide good support, even for heavy runners. The shoes are able to accommodate and adapt to the shape of your feet with ease and comfort. The Gel Excite 3 road running shoes provide support for neutral and under-pronators. They also come with removable sock liners allowing you to place any other orthopedic insole for customized support. The arch support is neutral but provides comfortable rides to runners that suffer from flat feet. In these shoes the cushioning supplements the lack of other more specialized technologies. For long days standing, these shoes provide great support.
Terrain
As mentioned before, these shoes have been designed and built for running short distances on flat, dry and even surfaces. The lug pattern in the outsole has squared lugs for enhanced traction on the road, tracks and light gravel. If you are planning to take these shoes for trail runs, have in mind that the support and durability decrease in a significant way. Good for short urban runs, better for long distance walks and best as daily shoes.
Price
The durability of these shoes is not outstanding but most reviewers do not mind that as they are very affordable. The average price for the ASICS Gel Excite 3 is only $70 USD. As the shoes have been discontinued but there is still enough stock, you can get them for half that price sometimes. That means that if you like them, you can buy 3 pairs of these shoes for the same price for only one pair of other similar shoes. The price of the shoe also tells something about their quality though.
Drop
The drop of a shoe is the difference between the height of the heel and the height of the toe. The ASICS Gel Excite 3 road running shoes come with a 10 mm drop for both men and women. Due to the drop and the Rearfoot Gel Cushioning system, these shoes promote a heel strike rather than a midfoot strike. You should not be concern about that because they also provide great shock absorption properties for enhanced protection
Stability
The heel counter, the stitched overlays in the upper and the plush cushioning make these shoes stable enough that you can have comfortable and safe runs. The shoe embraces your foot in a comfortable position to keep you stable the whole time. The good support from the EVA midsole provides more stability and support even for under pronators. Better for running short distances and walking, these shoes manage to provide good stability overall. The durability of the stitched overlays may compromise their stability when they break apart.
Flexibility
These shoes are highly cushioned, so their flexibility is limited. Nevertheless, their flexibility is good. Reviewers have stated they do not need a break in period, you can start wearing them as soon as you open the box. The Flex Grooves certainly contribute to the flexibility from the bottom up. They allow more natural movements to take place when running and walking. The goof fit the upper provides and the great cushioning, makes them feel like a sock according to reviewers. The EVA midsole is flexible enough to promote natural gait cycles. Some of the stitched overlays in the upper may create friction during the first runs, but they are flexible enough to adapt to the movements of your feet after a while.
Traction
The traction of these shoes is good as long as you run on dry asphalt surfaces. Their best performance is when running on flat and even surfaces. The lugs are not very deep and the outsole has a poor grip on wet surfaces. The AHAR+ technology provides some extra traction in the heel and forefoot areas for safer landings and more efficient take offs. The squared lugs do a good job at providing responsiveness when you change directions and break. The wide toe box allows your toes to splay more naturally so the responsiveness on the forefoot tends to be better. The AHAR+ compound contributes to that responsiveness.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for shoes that provide good comfort during short daily runs and long walks, these shoes may become part of your list. They provide plush cushioning and good support for neutral and underpronators. They are also great as daily shoes if you are a person that stands for long periods of time. With a very affordable price, but discontinued, these shoes can be considered as good entry level shoes. Their durability is not the best but you can get an extra pair with the same money you would use for buying other similar shoes. Remarkable shock absorption properties and reflective materials to make you more visible during low light conditions add to the value of the ASICS Gel Excite 3.
