Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10.6 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Lightweight
Key Features
• AHAR+ rubber outsole protects from general wear and tear• FluidAxis construction features deep grooves for enhanced flexibility• Guidance Line featured in outsole promotes flexibility• SpEVA midsole foam provides excellent cushioning• Solyte midsole material provides excellent rebound• Gel Cushioning in heel• Trusstic System adds support for the wearer• Heel Clutch System promotes locked in feel• Memory foam in heel area enhances comfort• ComforDry EVA sock liner wicks away moisture and adds layer of comfort• Breathable mesh upper
Upper
The Asics Gel Excel33 2 features a comfortable mesh upper. The mesh material provides appropriate ventilation even when the weather is less than perfect. The upper is flexible enough to accommodate various foot shapes. The upper also features the Heel Clutch System which ensures that the heel is locked in and helps eliminate instability. Memory foam in the heel area helps to ensure that the locked in feeling does not produce uncomfortable pressure points. A ComforDry EVA sock liner included inside the shoe is removable and has antibacterial properties. The well-padded tongue adds another element of comfort for the wearer. Finally, the toe box of the Asics Gel Excel33 2 has been widened a bit to provide more room to breathe and accommodate natural foot splay.
Midsole
The Asics Gel Excel33 2 is a highly cushioned neutral shoe. The shoe is meant to provide ample padding and protection for runners. As a neutral shoe, it does not have a medial post and is instead geared towards runners with efficient biomechanics.;The midsole contains full-length spEVA foam which provides ample cushioning for the wearer. Also contained in the midsole is Solyte cushioning which provides excellent energy return. Included in the heel of the shoe is standard Asics Gel cushioning. The shoe also contains the same Trusstic System as before, which some slight improvements. The construction has been updated to provide better arch support and enable a more efficient toe-off. The benefits of the Trusstic System are apparent when running at higher speed. Faster runs will produce more energy-return for the wearer.
Outsole
The outsole of the Asics Gel Excel33 2 features an AHAR+ rubber outsole. The AHAR+ (Asics High Abrasion Resistant) outsole material is quite durable and is meant to evenly distribute impact forces throughout the sole. The outsole also features prominent groove in the midfoot to ensure better flexibility. The flexion is intended to promote a more natural forefoot or midfoot strike. The tough rubber outsole is also able to handle varied surfaces, even light trail running. There’s not enough protection underfoot to head out of technical trails, though.
Breathability
The Asics Gel Excel33 2 features a mesh upper. The upper ensures the wearer’s foot is well-ventilated. Most reviewers commented that the shoe wicked away moisture effectively and that they did not experience hot spots or blisters when wearing the shoe. The inner ComforDry EVA sock liner wicks away moisture effectively and helps to fight off bacteria build up that can result in foul meals. The slightly wider forefoot area provides more breathing room and was also appreciated by many reviewers.
Comfort
The Asics Gel Excel33 2 is fairly similar to the first version of the shoe and provides the same amount of comfort for the wearer. The shoe offers up a generous amount of cushioning underfoot. The midsole contains full-length spEVA foam which provides comfortable padding and impact protection for the wearer. It also features energy-efficient Solyte cushion which provides a nice rebound for the wearer. In addition, the Gel cushioning in the heel helps to soften any impact. The interior ComforDry sock liner helps to keep the interior dry and also adds a bit of padding to the inside of the shoe. Wearers reported that they did not experience uncomfortable pressure points or hot spots when wearing the shoe.
Style
The style of the Asics Gel Excel33 2 isn’t particularly notable. It looks very similar to other Asics brand shoes. It does come in some fresh, fun colors but there’s little that’s unique in terms of design. The design is clean and accented by overlays. A few pops of color add interest to the overall aesthetic and there’s sure to be a color option that pleases most runners. For men, the colors available are red/black/lime, blue with bright orange accents, and grey with bright orange accents. For women, the shoe comes in a black color that’s accented by bright pink and blue. The women’s version also comes in a unique grey and purple combo. It’s always nice to see colors other than pink being offered for women !
Durability
The Asics Gel Excel33 2 is a solid shoe with a few caveats. The AHAR+ rubber outsole provides excellent protection from use, even when running high-mileage. The midsole spEVA foam and Gel Cushioning provide ample padding that feels fresh for miles. Unfortunately, many reviewers had something negative to say about the shoe’s upper. The mesh upper was likely to degrade more quickly and show signs of wear according to reviewers. Runners found the outsole and midsole durable enough to withstand miles of training, but the upper was often the first part of the shoe to tear. Not a deal breaker, but unfortunate for those training for a marathon who find themselves dealing with a punctured upper.
Protection
The Asics Gel Excel33 2 provides ample protection in terms of shock attenuation. The well-cushioned midsole provides the brunt of the shock absorption. The Gel Cushioning in the heel also provides protection from impact. Runners can rest easy knowing they are protected from impact forces in the Gel Excel33 2. The shoe’s AHAR+ rubber outsole also manages to provide protection from general use. The breathable mesh upper protects runner’s feet from getting too hot since it breathes quite well, This is important for all runners, especially those running in very warm places. Proper ventilation ensures reduced swelling, less hot spots and blisters, and a more comfortable ride. The shoe also features reflective components on the upper which ensure that runners are seen even in the dim light of the evening.
Responsiveness
The Asics Gel Excel33 2 is much more responsive than the previous model of the shoe. The midsole contains Solyte cushioning material which provides excellent energy return and ensures a responsive ride. The outsole of the shoe features flexible materials in the front of the shoe to ensure natural foot movement and promote a natural forefoot or midfoot strike. The bouncy ride is also enhanced by the shoe’s Gel Cushioning, found in the heel.
Support
The Asics Gel Excel33 2 is a neutral shoe but it still provides a stable ride for runners. The Trusstic System in the shoe ensures the shoe retains in structure and provides decent arch support. The shoe also features ample midsole Solyte cushioning which helps to provide a supportive base for the wearer.
Terrain
The Asics Gel Excel33 2’s AHAR+ rubber outsole ensures that runners can train for a marathon without having to worry about what kinds of damage they’re doing to the shoe’s sole. The shoe is not designed to handle tough trails but the outsole can still handle some off-road running. The lugs on the outsole of the Gel Excel33 2 provide excellent traction for a variety of weather conditions. They can definitely handle a bit of light trail running. The majority of wearers were very pleased with the outsole, commenting that they found it very durable.
Price
The Asics Gel Excel33 2 has a fairly high price tag but it’s not without reason. The shoe is durable enough to handle high mileage training. There’s a lot of cushioning packed into that midsole and the shoe is well-constructed. Runners did encounter some durability issues with the shoe’s upper but a few holes in the mesh did not mar the overall reputation of the shoe. Meant for runners looking to go the distance, the higher price tag should not be a deterrent for potential buyers.
Drop
The Asics Gel Excel33 2 has a 10mm drop. It’s not a super low heel to toe drop. In fact, it’s fairly standard. Some minimalists found the Asics Gel Excel33 2 a little too bulky for their taste. Despite the higher drop, the shoe manages to promote a more natural forefoot/midfoot strike thanks to the high flexibility in the forefoot.
Stability
The Asics Gel Excel33 2 is a neutral shoe and thus offers a minimal amount of stability. There is, of course, no medial post. Made for those with normal pronation or supination, the shoe simply provides stability in the form of a secure fitting upper. The Heel Clutch System ensures the wearer is locked in tightly. The Trusstic System enhances arch support and maintains the shoe’s structural form. The ample midsole cushioning provides a supportive and stable base for the wearer. And, of course, the AHAR+ outsole provides excellent traction and keeps running upright and moving forward even in the worst of conditions.
Flexibility
The Asics Gel Excel33 2 is much more flexible than its predecessor. The new FluidAxis construction features deeper forefoot grooves for better flexibility. The prominent forefoot grooves ensure runners can experience natural flexion when moving forward. The most flexible part of the shoe is in the forefoot, decreasing towards the back of the shoe. This is intended to promote a more natural footstrike. The Guidance Line in the outsole adds another elimination of flexibility making the Asics Gel Excel33 2 a very pliable shoe.
Traction
The Asics Gel Excel33 2 features a durable AHAR+ rubber outsole. The sole provides good grip on pavement whether the weather is dry or there’s a rainstorm coming down. Runners looking to head out on non-technical trails should have no problem using the Asics Gel Excel33 2 thanks to the grippy lugs underfoot. The tough rubber outsole is able to handle whatever you throw at it. Take care when tackling icy conditions, though, even the most aggressive soles might have trouble with winter running.
Bottom Line
The Asics Gel Excel33 2 is a solid road shoe intended for high mileage runners. The trainer is built to last thanks to its durable AHAR+ rubber outsole and ample midsole cushioning. Some reviewers did encounter durability issues with the upper and it’s a problem we hope will be fixed in the next iteration of the shoe. The shoe provides a locked in, comfortable fit and is a great option for those looking for a dedicated shoe during marathon trainer. What will you get with the Asics Gel Excel33 2? A well-cushioned, responsive ride in a durable package.
