Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
7.5/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Asics Gel Flux 3• Relatively lightweight materials create a shoe built to feel light but are durable.• The SPEVA midsole offers comfortable cushioning and strength.• Mesh and synthetic uppers create a secure fit while still offering air movement for ventilation.• The Gel Flux 3 has decent arch support for those that need it.• The AHAR outsole offers a high level of durability.• The price of the Gel Flux 3 is comparable to other Asics shoes and general running shoes.
Upper
The upper of the Gel Flux 3 is made of open mesh, which allows for air to pass through and keep the foot cool and dry. The synthetic overlays on the upper provide structure and supportive, secure fit. By bringing these overlays into the lacing system the shoe is secured around the upper foot. The upper also features a standard sock liner just above the midsole which provides additional padding and makes the shoe more comfortable.
Midsole
The SPEVA midsole provides a good amount of cushioning underfoot. This material improves bounce back when contact is made with the ground. It also provides a strong material to keep the midsole from breaking down through extended use. The midsole also features the Guidance Line system, which is a vertical groove that traverses the length of the shoes. It helps guide the foot through each step to improves gait.
Outsole
The outsole of the Gel Flux 2 is made with a combination of material including the AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Resistant Rubber) as well as DuraSponge. The AHAR section is specific rubber designed to stand up to the torture of the road while providing traction. The outsole also provides a cushion with the rearfoot gel cushion system to pad the heel strike. The DuraSponge is a compound placed near the middle and the forefoot that is featured on other Asics shoes like the Gel Kayano. It is softer and more responsive than standard outsoles while offering a solid foundation for most any runner.
Breathability
With a full mesh upper, there is no problem letting air in to cool and dry the foot. Even with the attached synthetic uppers, air can move through very well. Many full running shoes trap heat in, but the Gel Flux 3 is able to keep you comfortable as you move down the road for miles.
Comfort
Running shoes are often designed for a specific task and Asics are no different. From those for triathlon to trails, Asics has something for every runner. The Gel Flux 3 fits right into its own category: road running. While that alone doesn’t spell comfort, the thicker midsole and cool mesh/synthetic upper create something that can be enjoyed for miles along the highway. Many runners also feel this shoe is comfortable enough for daily wear.
Style
The Asics Gel Flux 3 offers classic Asics tennis shoe style without breaking the bank. These shoes are available in a variety of base colors including blue, silver, and gray. The upper mesh and some of the synthetic uppers are similar in color on each design, but the key to the style is the Asics logo. In each design choice, the logo and the sole (plus a few other accents) are bright contrasting colors that really draw attention to the shoes without being overly ostentatious. For running shoes that you wouldn’t mind wearing on a daily basis, these just might fit the bill.
Durability
The durability of the Asics Gel Flux 3 is on par with other Asics brand running shoes. This is likely due to the fact that Asics Gel series of shoes use the AHAR on the parts of the shoe that see the most abuse. This rubber, specifically designed to hold up to the test of road use, helps these shoes last longer than much of the competition. The thick SPEVA midsole material also creates a nice bounce-back feeling and stops the midsole from breaking down.
Protection
The thick gel outsole with AHAR and Durasponge material protects the foot from the dangers lurking along the asphalt (as well as from the asphalt itself). This thick rubber outsole will keep your feet secure even over the toughest terrain. The upper mesh covers the whole foot and the combination of mesh and synthetic creates a tight, secure space around the runner’s foot. Well known for their quality products, Asics have continued their commitment to higher quality with the Gel Flux 3.
Responsiveness
The Gel Flux 3 are shoes that are responsive but have enough cushion to insulate you from the hard asphalt. The midsole provides a springy feeling to help you connect with the road underneath you, but the outsole and midsole also provide protection. There is a decent arch support but nothing too dramatic. These shoes work best with runners that already have a neutral pattern or those that slightly underpronate. The Gel Flux 3 will allow you to be comfortable while really feeling the response of the ground underneath you.
Support
The support offered by the Gel Flux 3 comes from the solid cushioning underneath and the upper that can tighten around your foot to create a comfortable and snug it. The upper synthetics create a system to pull the shoe tight around your foot but offers very little ankle support. For road runners needing full arch support, this shoe might not be the best choice, but for average arches or those needing less support underneath it is a very comfortable option.
Terrain
The Gel Flux 3 is designed to do one thing and do it well. It is intended for road use and that is where it is strongest. While it could be used on light off-road or gravel, it is best suited for the highway or bike path. The AHAR material keeps the shoe durable while offering thick padding to keep you comfortable. Designed for quick movement on asphalt as well as durability, the sole just isn’t aggressive enough to take on tough trails, but there are plenty of Asics built for those environments.
Price
The Gel Flux 3 comes in at the lower end of Asics pricing but are comparable to other shoes in the same category. Without overcharging, Asics offers shoes that are of high quality and last longer than some other options, meaning that the price comes with a durability that creates a higher value than if the shoes were less sturdy. There is also something to say for comfort, which is worth the money if you are looking for quality running shoes to help you get your miles in. Don’t let the entry-level thought to fool you, these shoes are built for running.
Drop
The heel height on the men’s shoe is 23mm and the women’s is 22mm. This is fairly standard for most Asics running shoes. The forefoot height on the Gel Flux 3 is 13mm for men and 12mm for women. This means that these shoes have the standard 10mm heel-toe drop that is common for the brand. For runners used to a zero drop or a smaller drop, this might feel a bit steep. For runners seeking something with a bit of drop, because they are looking to compensate for their heel strikes, this shoe could be the perfect option.
Stability
The Gel Flux 3 is designed for runners that underpronate or run in neutral positioning. This shoe creates stability for those runners by utilizing the guidance line system and offering flex to keep your feet in just the right position. The shoe works extremely well at keeping you stable as you move forward on even the toughest roads. From the first strike of your foot to the end of the stride, the Flux 3 will keep your foot stable and move forward.
Flexibility
Although the cushioning system in this shoe offers a soft and comfortable foundation, the guidance line system ensures that the flexibility will happen in exactly the right position to help improve your running form. This vertical groove along the middle allows the shoe to flex and absorb the energy created as you strike the ground with each stride. The midsole cushioning also flexes along with each step you take, offering a responsive action for every stride.
Traction
These shoes offer serious traction for their intended surface use. The outsole offers grip to keep you from slipping and the guidance line creates a line of progression for gait improvement. It doesn’t matter if the road around you is dry, wet, or even slightly snowy, these will connect you to the ground and keep you moving. The upper connects tightly to your foot and keeps you tightly connected to the outsole at the bottom, meaning you can really maintain grip because you are in contact with the bottom so well.
Bottom Line
The Gel Flux 3 is an entry-level option with the Asics brand, but don’t let that fool you. This shoe features high-quality design and components to create an affordable luxury item. The cushioning in the outer and midsole are strong but giving to allow for comfort while you run. The uppers hug the runner’s foot and help offer support to the runner through being connected to the edge of the shoe and that late system.
