Details
Brand
Asics
Breathability
7.9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• SpEVA midsole• AHAR+ outsole• Gel Cushioning System• Removable molded EVA sock liner• Reflectivity in dark conditions• Synthetic nylon mesh upper• Blown Rubber compound in the outsole
Upper
The upper of these shoes have been redesigned in order to provide better breathability, more durable structure and a better look. This time the mesh upper comes with wider holes that allow more air to come in and go out from the shoe for optimal perspiration and comfort. The new design of the overlays promotes a better fit for enhanced responsiveness and comfort. The stitched overlays come in different colors and are more durable than the ones used in the Excite 3. These shoes feature 3M reflective materials in the sides and back of the shoes for better visibility when running on lower light conditions. You can also find removable and really cushioned EVA sock liners inside the shoes for better comfort.
Midsole
These shoes feature a SpEVA midsole from ASICS. That midsole unit covers the full length of the shoe providing lightweight protection and durability to the whole shoe. The SpEVA midsole manages to provide great cushioning and comfort to your underfoot. It is also known to provide more durability and cushioning than traditional EVA midsoles. In the rearfoot area, the shoes feature the Gel Cushioning System. It consists of a Gel unit (made of a silicone-like material) in the heel area of the shoe for better shock absorption and extra cushioning. The combination of both technologies in the midsole of the shoe makes the Excite 4 a very comfortable easy to ride shoe.
Outsole
The outsole of these shoes has a very flat design. The lugs are very shallow and the lug distribution is very uniform. Due to those characteristics, the outsole performs the best when running on flat and even surfaces. When running on wet surfaces, the traction can be compromised. These shoes feature an ASICS High Abrasion Rubber Plus (AHAR+) outsole. One that has been recognized for its durability. The AHAR+ component covers most of the surface of the outsole with the exemption of some areas in the forefoot. Those areas are covered with a Blown Rubber compound for enhanced grip and cushioning. The Flex Grooves provide good flexibly from the base of the shoe.
Breathability
These shoes have been improved in order to provide better breathability. The redesigned upper mesh comes with wider holes to let the air get in easier and the moist to escape faster from the inside of the shoe. Most of the shoe is covered in that breathable mesh. The EVA sock liner the Gel Excite 4 feature provides good moisture management properties, so the excess of sweat in the shoe can get wicked away. These shoes will keep your feet cool and dry for longer, lowering the risk of getting blisters or uncomfortable hot spots due to excess of moisture.
Comfort
These shoes are many runners favorites due to the plush cushioning they provide. Recognized as highly comfortable shoes, the Gel Excite 4 have been chosen by many as their recovery shoes. The Blown Rubber in the outsole, combined with the SpEVA midsole and the molded EVA sock liner, provide great cushioning and high energy return. The Gel Cushioning System is one of the best technologies from ASICS, it provides remarkable shock absorption generating very soft landings. These shoes come in different widths, so the comfort expands to different shapes of feet. From Normal to Extra Wide, these shoes can accommodate with comfort any kind of foot shape.
Style
These shoes have the classic style of ASICS, they look very lightweight but powerful. The combination of colors and the stitched overlays gives them a very distinctive look. The big ASICS logos placed on both sides of the shoe are made with 3M reflective material designed to make you visible when running on dark conditions. You can find these shoes in a variety of colors, Lapis/Hot Pink/Safety Yellow, Black/White/Mint, Carbon/Silver/Black, Classic Blue/Silver/Black are some of the most popular combinations. The wide toe box makes them seem bigger than they really are.
Durability
As most of the running shoes from ASICS, these shoes have been designed to last for a longer. The outsole features the AHAR+ technology, one strategically placed in the areas of higher abrasion for enhanced durability. The SpEVA midsole claims to be more durable, flexible and lighter than the regular EVA midsoles from the brand. The redesign of the upper provides better structured and stitched overlays that bring durable structural stability to the shoes overall. The cushioning of the Gel Excite 4 last more than in other similar shoes, heavy runners can give a good use of these shoes. The padded collar and tongue also retain their shape for longer.
Protection
From the outsole to the upper, these shoes provide basic but very effective protection technologies. The most remarkable one is the Gel Cushioning System that makes sure to absorb the impacts of landing with precision and ease. The silicone-like material used in the unit makes possible to your knees and hips to have softer landings. The cushioning of the SpEVA midsole helps to convert the energy from the landings into more powerful take-offs. A toe cap is featured in these shoes. It will make sure to protect you from any debris you may find on the road. The upper provides a good fit and combined with the heel counter, they securely lock your foot in the right position preventing injuries.
Responsiveness
The redesigned upper features stitched overlays located with precision in order to provide a sock-like feeling that makes the shoe very responsive to your moves from the top down. The fit and the flexibility these shoes provide make possible for it to adapt with ease to the movements you make while running. The SpEVA midsole and the Blown Carbon rubber compound in the outsole gives a bouncy feeling that translates into a smooth heel to toe transitions. The Gel Cushioning System in the heel area manages to absorb the impact from landings and helps creating more energetic toe offs. The traction of these shoes is very good when running on dry asphalt.
Support
Thanks to the plush cushioning these shoes provide, they are able to support many shapes of feet. The high arch support in the midsole provides support not only for neutral runners, but underpronators as well. The shoes are not orthopedic shoes that can fix the supination, but are able to provide comfortable runs. The molded EVA sock liners are removable so you can put your custom made orthopedic insoles for better support. These shoes welcome heavy runners, the good and durable cushioning makes them better than similar shoes. The Gel Excite 4 have been recognized as good recovery shoes due to the support and comfort they can bring.
Terrain
These shoes are made for taking you for comfortable short distance runs in the city. They perform their best on the road, so asphalt, running tracks, and some light gravel are the natural surfaces for these shoes. Perfect for taking them to gym training sessions and other indoor activities. If you like to walk long distances or you are looking for shoes for standing long periods of time these shoes will suit you very well.
Price
One of the best pros of these shoes is that they are affordable. Just above the $100 USD line for the most affordable running shoes, we think they are worth to consider when looking for low-cost shoes. These shoes run about $120 USD. As they have been released a while ago, you can even find better deals online. The price of the shoes depends on the size but also on the width. Remember that they come in different widths. Regardless, these are a good deal.
Drop
The ASICS Gel Excite 4 has a 10 mm drop. This is a standard drop and promotes a cushioned heel strike with a very smooth transition for a more comfortable gait cycle. As mentioned above, these shoes are known to perform well as recovery shoes, especially for people that are used to a heel strike.
Stability
The padded collar and tongue, in combination with the heel counter, will lock your foot in the right position for extra stability. Those features manage to generate a good position for your feet, knees, and hips. The stitched overlays on the upper provide structural stability to the shoes and provide a sock-like feeling to your feet. The wide surface of the shoe generates a greater contact area for your foot to land in a more stable way. The SpEVA midsole and the molded EVA sock liner provide extra stability thanks to the adaptive cushioning.
Flexibility
The Flex Grooves places along the midfoot and forefoot areas of the outsole manage to provide good flexibility to the shoe. The extra cushioning and padding make them feel less flexible than they really are. The SpEVA midsole is known to be very flexible in order to adapt to your movements and foot shape. They look bulky and they feel like that for a couple of runs. After those runs, you will be able to feel more flexibility from the shoes.
Traction
The shallow lugs in the outsole and the very uniform lug pattern make these shoe not very versatile when it comes to running on different surfaces. They definitely do their best when running on asphalt, pavement, and track. The AHAR+ technology in the outsole provides extended durability and additional traction in the heel area of the shoe. The Blown Carbon rubber compound provides good grip in their forefoot area. The traction can be better, but it is not bad when sticking to road running. Be careful when running on wet surfaces, they do not do very well on those.
Bottom Line
The ASICS Gel Excite 4 is the favorite amongst many runners as low mileage and recovery shoes. The amazing cushioning they provide make any run, walk or wait standing up more comfortable than ever before. These shoes are equipped to absorb the impact of landings in a very efficient way thanks to the Gel Cushioning System unique from the brand. The upper was redesigned for better breathability and more responsive fit. You will not have to worry about blisters anymore, the optimal breathability of these shoes will keep your feet dry and cool for longer. The molded EVA sock liners are removable so you can use your own custom-made insoles in them. They provide good support for neutral runners and runners who underpronate. What are you waiting for, they are really good value for your money.
