Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioning
Key Features
• 10-millimeter drop• Asics high abrasion rubber outsole• Gel cushioning midsole• Solyte full-length midsole foam• Trusstic System along the medial side of the shoe• Breathable mesh upper• Padded tongue and collar
Upper
The upper of the Patriot 7 features a breathable mesh material. This material provides maximum airflow to reach to runner’s foot and helps to regulate the temperature inside of the shoe to reduce blisters or hot spots. This model also features synthetic leather overlays to help support the runner and help reduce the risk of unwanted side to side movement. To ensure that runners get the most comfortable ride possible, Asics also included details like a padded tongue and collar to keep runners comfortable. The built-in sock liner added additional support and cushioning.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe is designed to absorb the shock of each foot-fall and help improve the gait of the runner. The midsole is designed for the runner who is just starting out or who is injury prone and needs extra support with pronation issues. The Patriot 7 uses Asic’s Solyte midsole foam. This foam is plush and conforms to the shape of the runner’s foot. It is a full-length foam that covers the entirety of the foot and ensures that all parts of the foot are protected during the run. This shoe comes with a Trusstic System along the medial side of the foot to provide extra support for the runner who needs assistance with pronation problems. Although this midsole foam provides added stability, runners reported that it still felt flexible and comfortable underfoot.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe is designed to absorb shock and protect the runner and the rest of the shoe from wear and tear. The outsole is designed using Asics signature High Abrasion Rubber +. It is a thicker material and is virtually indestructible. This material is extremely durable, and it also is known to add extra traction for the runner. The outsole of the shoe does a great job of absorbing shock and helping the runner stay pain free.
Breathability
Runners raved about the breathability of this shoe. The upper is made using a lightweight, breathable mesh. This mesh material is made using a tight weaving system that allows for air to freely flow to the foot. This helps to regulate the temperature inside of the shoe and keeps the runner from overheating and experiencing discomfort and distraction caused by blisters or hot spots. Even in extreme heat, runners reported that their feet were able to stay cool and dry.
Comfort
Runners commented that this is a very comfortable, plush shoe. The added cushioning and stability elements make this a great choice for the runner who is prone to injury. The Solyte midsole is designed to absorb the harmful shock of each footfall, and the full-length midsole foam adjusts to the unique shape of the foot to provide runners with a customizable fit. Additionally, the upper of the shoe is made of a lightweight mesh material that helps to keep the foot cool and dry regardless of the weather. The synthetic leather overlays help the foot stay in place which reduces unwanted side to side movement that can lead to injury and friction that can cause blisters.
Style
Runners who like brightly colored running shoes will like the style of the Asics Patriot 7. Runners can expect to find the classic Asics insignia along the side and they will have a plethora of color options to choose from, ranging from more muted to bright and vibrant. Runners did comment that this is not a shoe designed for casual wear like some other brands that have tapped into the athletic-leisure lifestyle look for their shoes.
Durability
One of the highest rates areas of this shoe was for its durability. This can be attributed to the High Abrasion Rubber that lines the outsole. This outsole material is thicker and more durable than other tradition outsole materials. This not only protects the runner from encountering the dangerous debris on the road, but it also protects the rest of the shoe from wear and tear. Runners reported that even after extensive use, their shoes still felt and looked new. Additionally, although the upper is constructed using a lightweight mesh, this mesh is actually very durable and runners reported that they never had to worry about rips or tears to the upper of their shoes.
Protection
Regarding protection, runners who were prone to injury found that the gel cushioning found in the midsole of these shoes did a great job of absorbing the shock of each foot fall and reducing the impact on the joints. In addition to this, the upper of the shoe is covered in reflective details that help to protect runners in low light and low visibility running areas. These details make it possible for runners to run in the evening without fear of being hit by a car.
Responsiveness
Although the outsole of this shoe uses a thicker material in the High Abrasion Rubber, runners reported that this shoe actually provided a very responsive feel. The heel drop is a traditional 10 millimeter’s, but runners reported that they could easily feel the road below them and that the Patriot 7 did a great job of responding quickly and efficiently to changes is pace and direction.
Support
One of the reasons why this shoe is so great for new runners is because it provides a ton of support to help the new runner perfect their gait. Runners will find lots of support in the design of the upper. The newer model of the Patriot 7 utilizes synthetic leather overlays to help keep the runner’s foot in place. This newer design also offered addition arch support.
Terrain
This shoe is suggested for road running and everyday wear. This shoe is too bulky for speed and therefore is not a great companion for speed work on the track. Additionally, while the High Abrasion Rubber does provide runners with some extra traction, it isn’t enough to protect runners on uneven trails.
Price
This price of these shoes is more than reasonable. This is another reason why runners loved this shoe for beginners. Runners liked that they could get a high-quality shoe without spending a ton of money. There are newer versions of this shoe on the market, and therefore, the Patriot 7 can be found for a reduced cost. This is a good choice for runners who are looking for a great entry level shoe and don’t care about having the newest model.
Drop
This shoe features a traditional heel drop of 10 millimeters. Runners who are used to running in a traditional drop road running shoe will have no problem with this shoe and it will require little to no breaking in. The heel height of this shoe is 24 millimeters while the forefoot height is 14 millimeters. This design helps to propel the runner forward as they run.
Stability
This is a shoe that is designed for the runner who is suffering from mild to moderate pronation issues. The key design element to assist the runner with pronation issues is the trusstic system. This provides technology runs along the medial side of the foot and prevents the foot from rolling inward during the gait cycle. Over time, this improves the form of the runner and helps to prevent injury.
Flexibility
Runners were surprised by the high level of flexibility considering the weight and support and stability features that are offered in this shoe. This can be attributed to the Solyte midsole foam. Although this midsole foam provided added plush cushioning for the runner, it is actually very flexible and easily bends with the natural movement of the foot. Additionally, the upper of the shoe is made from a mesh material that is stretchy and provides adequate flexibility too.
Traction
The high abrasion rubber that lines the outsole of these shoes provides some extra traction to this ride. Runners reported that they felt secure why running and walking on wet surfaces. However, this is not enough to carry runners safety on difficult trails, so this is still a shoe that is best used on the roads.
Bottom Line
The Asics Gel Patriot 7 is a sturdy shoe that is perfect for the new runner or the runner who is looking for help to improve their gait. It is a heavier stability shoe that comes with innovative technology in the midsole to keep the foot from rolling inward during the gait cycle. This helps reduce the risk of injury, and it also provides extra support for the newer runner. Although this shoe is made with sturdy details like the High Abrasion Rubber outsole and the synthetic leather overlays in the upper, runners were pleased with how flexible this shoe can be. It is a heavier shoe and isn’t suggested for speedy workouts, but is a great companion for shorter, everyday runs. The shoe comes in a wide variety of colors and runners can expect to find the signature Asics insignia along the side. The price of this hoe is more than reasonable, and runners appreciated that they didn’t have to sacrifice quality to afford a high-quality shoe. Another plus of this shoe is the long-lasting durability. Runners reported that they were able to wear this shoe for an extended amount of time and rack up high mileage without the shoe showing any signs of wear and tear.
