Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• AHAR outsole material for superior durability• Solyte midsole foam is lightweight yet durable• Gel Cushioning System absorbs impact and protects against long-term injury• ComforDry X-40 sockliner keeps the foot cool, dry and odor-free• Breathable mesh upper
Upper
This shoe utilizes the smart design of a seamless construct that eliminates friction and irritation. This reduces the chance of blisters or hot spots for the runner. Runners reported that the upper of the shoe is so comfortable and well designed that they were comfortable even without wearing socks. The material of this seamless upper is a breathable mesh. This is specifically designed to allow for maximum airflow during runs. The upper of this shoe also offers synthetic overlays to secure the foot and provide an unbeatable fit. These overlay also add to the overall durability of the shoe and protect the upper from wear and tear. Runners reported that this shoe looked newer for longer compared to similar products.
Midsole
Asics uses their signature Solyte foam in the midsole. This is a lightweight foam that adjusts to the shape of the foot, giving each runner a customized fit. This foam is much lighter than traditional midsole foam like an EVA midsole foam. Unlike many thinner and lighter midsole foams, the Solyte foam is designed to ensure that durability is not sacrificed. This foam is known to keep its form even after intense running sessions and many miles. Another patented technology used in the midsole of the Gel Quantum 180 2 is the Gel Cushioning System. This is a technology that is used to absorb the impact of each footfall. It also promotes a more natural gait. The final detail of this midsole is designed to give the runner added cushioning and comfort. This shoe comes designed with the ComforDry X-40 sock liner. This moisture-wicking sockliner works hard to keep the foot cool and dry and eliminate odor causing bacteria in the shoe, keeping the foot comfy and clean.
Outsole
This shoe uses an outsole material that is known to be one of the most durable outsole material on the market today. Asics uses their patented Asics High Abrasion Rubber also knows as AHAR. This outsole material is specifically designed to be durable and add traction to the ride. This shoe is a road running shoe, but runners reported that due to the durability and traction afforded by the outsole, they felt protected taking the Asics Gel Quantum 180 2 on groomed trails too. The flex grooves found in the underfoot support a natural gait. They promote a strong toe-off which can help protect the runner against injury in the long run. This outsole is designed to protect the runner from the elements of the road, the rest of the shoe from breaking down too quickly and also protect the runner by reinforcing a more natural gait.
Breathability
The upper of the Asics Gel Quantum 180 2 uses a breathable mesh. This material provides maximum airflow and helps keep the foot cool and dry. In addition to this, another level of breathability is from the fact that runners do not need to wear socks with this shoe. This is because the upper is constructed using a seamless technology that eliminates friction.
Comfort
The midsole of this shoe really shines in terms of the comfort it affords the runners. Two elements, in particular, the Gel Cushioning System and the ComforDry X-40 sock liner work, in their own ways to give the runner the added comfort that they are looking for. The Gel Cushioning System absorbs the shock of the road and this makes for a much smoother, more comfortable ride. The Sock Liner is made from a moisture-wicking material that keeps the foot cool and comfortable even on the hottest runs. Runners loved the overall comfort afforded by this shoe. They commented again and again how this is a supportive shoe for the runner who is looking for more comfort.
Style
This shoe comes in a variety of different colors and designs for the runner who appreciates a vibrant shoe. The color options range from a more classic gray and black to a very vibrant yellow and blue. Runners reported that these shoes had such a good look to them, that they loved wearing them out and about, not just during runs.
Durability
The outsole of this shoe is made from Asics-patented Asics High Abrasion Rubber. This outsole material is specifically designed to hold up against wear and tear of long miles and an aggressive training schedule The upper of this shoe is also durable due to the TPU overlays.
Protection
There are a few different protective elements to this shoe. For one, the upper of the shoe has reflective material on it to keep the runner safe on evening adventures. In addition to the reflective materials, one of the key protective elements is the highly responsive midsole. This midsole is designed to absorb shock from each footfall and promotes a natural gait. Both of these will reduce the risk of injury in the long run. Both the forefoot and the rearfoot of this shoe feature the Gel Cushioning System. The placement of this gel is specifically designed to absorb shock where the runner needs it most.
Responsiveness
Although the outsole and midsole of this shoe are thicker to add cushioning and stability, runners reported that this shoe still had a responsive feel. This could be, in part, due to the flex grooves that line the underfoot. They promote a natural gait cycle and allow the runner to feel connected to the road below them.
Support
While the midsole of this shoe does offer added cushioning through the Solyte foam and the Gel Cushioning System, this is still a neutral running shoe. The Asics Gel Quantum 180 2 does not come with any technological elements to provide arch support. Some runners reported that they were expecting more support from this shoe.
Terrain
The Asics Gel Quantum 180 2 is designed for a road running shoe. The Asics High Abrasion Rubber outsole helps give the shoe extra grip, and the flex grooves found on the underfoot promote a more natural stride, but this is still not a shoe you should take on extreme off road adventures.
Price
The interesting thing about these shoes is that they come in a variety of prices that have to do with the color selection and design. Some runners appreciate a good aesthetic and are willing to pay more.
Drop
This shoe comes with a 10 mm heel drop. This is slightly lower than a traditional heel drop of 12 or 13 millimeters. In order for a shoe to be considered a minimalist running shoe, the heel drop needs to be 4 millimeters or below. This shoe certainly has more of a traditional feel than a natural running shoe will. This is a shoe for the runner who is looking for more support and stability through the heel.
Stability
Although this shoe has added support and cushioning, runners were unhappy with the amount of stability that this shoe offered. There is no additional arch support provided in these shoes, but the midsole foam is cushioned and the outsole provides support for the runner. For the runner who has special arch needs, they may need to find a different pair of shoes.
Flexibility
The outsole of the shoe is actually very flexible in spite of the added stability and cushioning it offers. The flex grooves that line the bottom promote natural movement and help the runner to never feel constricted. The upper of this shoe comes with synthetic overlays to create a more rigid and protected feel.
Traction
It should be noted that the traction available on these shoes is not high enough to take the runner on extreme wilderness adventures. With that being said, the outsole of this shoe does offer some impressive additional traction for a road running shoe. Runners reported feeling very secure and confident using the sics Gel Quantum 180 2 on steep uphill climbs as well as steep downhill descents. Runners also commented that because of the added grip achieved through the Asics patented High Abrasion Rubber, they felt confident and safe even running in the rain.
Bottom Line
The bottom line with the Asics Gel Quantum 180 2 is that it an overall great shoe. Runners raved about the quality and technological features it offers. It is clear that the folks at Asics listened to the feedback from the original Asics Gel Quantum 180 and made the appropriate changes. While this shoe features added cushioning and support through the midsole and outsole, Asics worked hard to include the lightest weight technology to eliminate unnecessary weight from this shoe. It isn’t the lightest shoe, but it also is not the heaviest either. From bigger design elements like the Solyte midsole foam to smaller design elements like the plethora of bright colors offered, this shoe provides the runner with a high-quality product that has not disappointed runners.
