Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• AHAR+ rubber outsole• FluidAxis Technology in the outsole• FluidRide Technology in the midsole• SpEVA and solyte midsole foam• Rearfoot GEL Cushioning system• Heel Clutch System• ComforDry EVA sockliner• MonoSock Fit system• Seamless and improved upper• 10mm offset
Upper
The Gel Excel33 3 features a seamless, open mesh upper which is quite different from the previous model. Welded overlays cover the sides of the shoe and have been reduced in size and number for improved flexibility and ventilation. The upper also features a redesigned heel counter which is lower and more padded. Unchanged from the previous version is a Heel Clutch System which is an exoskeletal heel cup that keeps the heel locked in place and prevents heel slipping inside the shoe. A removable ComforDry EVA sockliner adds more cushioning underfoot. The sockliner has antibacterial properties to keep the foot healthy and dry. A well-padded tongue also adds comfort to the shoe. The toe box, widened with the release of the Gel Excel33 2, is still equally wide and provides room for good airflow and natural foot splay.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe uses ASICS’ signature GEL cushioning in the heel area. This silicon-based unit absorbs the shock of hard landings and also maintains a smooth transition through the running gait cycle. Most of ASICS’ shoes have this gel cushioning. The midsole also features the company’s FluidRide technology which provides good energy return and a smooth ride. FluidRide uses a layer of soft SpEVA foam and a layer of denser SoLyte foam to cushion the foot from front to back. The combination of foams provides a soft platform for the foot that bends and flexes as needed. A midfoot shank used in the second version of the shoe is not used in this shoe. Some runners complained that it made the shoe feel stiff in the midfoot and did not propel their foot forward as advertised.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe features ASICS’ High-Abrasion Rubber (AHAR+) tread placed in the areas of high impact on the sole. The forefoot is made from a blown DuraSponge AHAR compound which provides flexibility and cushioning. The heel area is comprised of a very durable carbon AHAR compound which provides good traction and grip on most hard surfaces. The outsole also features FluidAxis technology which are deep grooves aligned to the joints (all 33 of them) in the human foot. The grooves follow the natural movement of the runner’s foot and adjust to changes in position as the foot moves through the running cycle. This allows for a smooth and natural feeling ride.
Breathability
The improved upper and reduced overlays make the Gel Excel33 3 a very breathable shoe. The open mesh material allows for good ventilation around the foot. Runners commented that the shoe kept their feet dry and they did not experience chafing or blisters. The ComforDry EVA sockliner wicks away moisture effectively and helps prevent bacteria from forming in the shoe. The wide toe box provides adequate breathing room for the toes and was appreciated by many wearers.
Comfort
This shoe is not highly cushioned (28mm heel, 18mm forefoot), but it is quite comfortable. The midsole is made from spEVA foam which provides comfort and impact protection and also resilient Solyte foam which provides good energy return for the wearer. The Gel cushioning unit in the heel also helps to soften road impact throughout the foot. The improved upper has some stretch to it and wraps around the foot for a tight, yet comfortable fit. ASICS calls this their MonoSock Fit system which is mostly in the design of the tongue. The ComforDry sockliner not only wicks away moisture but adds a layer of cushioning to the shoe. Wearers reported that the shoe was very comfortable and had a natural feel that moved with their foot. The seamless upper is soft enough that runners can go sockless if desired.
Style
ASICS running shoes tend to have a typical running shoe style. The overlays, which are very similar from shoe to shoe, give the shoe a sense of motion and energy but are not overly dramatic. Colors are often limited and standard. For the Gel Excel 33 3, men have an option of grey or blue. Ladies can pick from light blue or charcoal. This shoe focuses more on features than fashion, and runners looking for a solid trainer or racer will appreciate all the shoe has to offer, boring or not.
Durability
The Gel Excel33 3 is a fairly durable shoe. The AHAR+ rubber outsole can stand up to many miles of general wear and tear. The midsole foam and Gel Cushioning unit provide a responsive ride that continues to feel fresh for many runs. Durability issues from the previous model and been resolved by an improved upper. An overlay across the toe and extended flap of outsole protect both the shoe and the foot. A few runners thought the shoe tread wore out quicker than expected.
Protection
This shoe is meant to be used on the roads. It can be used on mild trails, but the thin upper and minimal cushioning do not offer much protection from rough terrain. The AHAR rubber outsole is the main component for protecting the runner’s foot from the road. The updated mesh upper works well to hold the foot securely in the shoe and the padded tongue and MonoSock technology provides a secure and comfortable fit across the top of the foot. This shoe can be worn with or without socks for an irritation-free run. An overlay across the front of the shoe adds some protection from encountered road hazards.
Responsiveness
The Gel Excel33 3 is a very responsive shoe. The outsole FluidAxis design uses anatomical flex grooves which allow the shoe to respond to the unique stride of each runner. The midsole’s FluidRide technology contains Solyte foam which provides excellent energy return with every step. The AHAR outsole also features more flexible rubber in the front of the shoe to ensure natural foot movement and promote a forefoot or midfoot landing. The responsive nature of the shoe is further enhanced by the Gel Cushioning unit in the heel of the shoe. Although designed to be a trainer, the responsive components make the shoe a good racer as well.
Support
The Gel Excel33 3 is a neutral shoe that offers good support to the runner through the design of the midsole. The FluidRide technology provides structure to the shoe’s midfoot area and offers decent arch support. The shoe also features midsole Solyte cushioning which helps provide a supportive landing base for the runner. The Heel Clutch system and upper of the shoe also keep the foot secure and centred when running. The good traction of the outsole ensures a powerful and confident run. Runners found the shoe to be very supportive, especially at higher speeds.
Terrain
This shoe performs very well on most solid terrain including wet surfaces. The outsole tread provides good traction for road running and can take on mild trail conditions. The shoe lacks protective features for rocky or highly technical trails. Runners looking for a dependable road shoe will not be disappointed with the Gel Excel 33 3.
Price
The Asics Gel Excel33 3 debuted in 2014 with a price tag of $125. The shoe can now be found for quite a bit less than that. For a quality daily trainer, this shoe is worth the money. Although the outsole tread may not last past 300 miles for some runners, the shoe provides good support and flexibility and makes a great trainer or racer.
Drop
This shoe has a heel-to-toe drop of 10mm. For a shoe with minimal features, this may be a bit high for some runners. Despite the higher drop, the shoe still manages to promote a natural forefoot strike due to the flexibility in the forefoot and slight stiffness in the heel.
Stability
The Gel Excel33 3 is a neutral shoe which offers average stability. The shoe is designed for runners with good form or those looking to improve their form. Most of the stability is provided by the upper which wraps around the foot for a tight fit. The Heel Clutch System ensures the heel will not slip inside or accidentally out of the shoe. The midsole cushioning provides a supportive and stable base for the runner and the wide toe box helps with stable landings and toe-offs. The outsole tread provides good traction on solid surfaces and keeps the runner on his or her feet and moving forward, even in wet conditions.
Traction
This shoe features a fairly durable AHAR+ rubber outsole. Although not overly aggressive, the tread design and placement provides good grip on hard surfaces. Runners liked how the heel and forefoot of the shoe had a different feel on the road which allowed for a smooth and natural feeling. The shoes have adequate traction for light, well-groomed trails, dirt roads, grass, and other surfaces that are not too rough and ragged.
Bottom Line
The ASICS Gel Excel33 3 is a dependable road shoe intended for high mileage training runs. The lightweight, natural feel also makes it a good racer. A durable AHAR+ rubber outsole and midsole cushioning make the shoe comfortable and responsive. Some runners felt the outsole wore out too quickly, but most runners were happy with the mileage they got out of the shoe. Features of the shoe provide a locked in, secure, and comfortable fit making it a great shoe for long distance runs. The shoe caters to forefoot and midfoot strikers, but heel strikers trying to improve their form will benefit from the shoe’s responsive nature. A rearfoot gel unit dissipates the shock of hard landings making this shoe suitable for runners of all abilities. For a quality road shoe at a decent price, consider taking this 33-Series shoe for a spin.
