Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
7.3/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Impact Guidance System enhances the foot’s gait cycle and disperses shock of impact during footfall• Gel cushioning absorbs shock and feels comfortable• FluidFit upper with stretch mesh fits comfortably and conforms around the foot• FluidRide midsole that is well-cushioned and has a nice bounce back• Bright & seamless upper featuring rising sun-inspired side overlays• Propulsion Trusstic System encourages forward momentum• Removable insole
Upper
The upper utilizes Asics FluidFit technology, which is a multi-dimensional mesh that stretches with the foot as it moves. It’s a technology that is designed to mold and conform to the shape of the foot without suffocating it or making it uncomfortable. The seamless upper allows the Kinsei 6 to be worn without socks.;If a runner decides to run without socks in a pair of these shoes, they can run easy knowing that they will be well-protected from things like blisters and irritation. This is helped by the ComforDry X-40 Sock Liner, which maintains the comfort and breathability of the shoe. The upper also features a heel clutch system, which supports and holds the heel of your foot in place. It adds a little bit of extra weight but it helps with the stability and protection.
Midsole
The midsole is where you’re going to find Asics FluidRide 2.0 technology. The “Gel” in the Asics Gel series isn’t just a fancy name. Asics has developed a midsole that is springy and responsive, along with being unique looking. Since it’s a gel substance, it doesn’t significantly add to the overall weight of the shoe. The Gel Cushioning System is designed to absorb the shock of impact during a run, and it accomplishes this admirably. The gel is located in the forefoot and the heel, which allows for an even dispersal of pressure when your foot strikes the ground. Asics also uses their Propulsion Trusstic Technology. This technology is designed to mimic the connective tissue in the foot, essentially giving the shoe a natural feel during a run. Despite looking similar, the men’s and women’s shoes are different in the midsole, since Asics designed gender-specific midsoles to cater to the unique physiologies between the sexes. The women’s shoe uses a lower density in the top layer of the midsole since the female body puts less pressure on the foot while running. By using a lower density, the shoe maintains its cushioning and responsiveness for women instead of being firmer and stiffer. Like the outsole, the midsole has a unique look, but like the rest of the shoe, it’s well-designed and well-constructed.
Outsole
Asics uses their patented Asics High Abrasion Resistant Rubber on the outsole of the Gel Kinsei 6. This rubber is not only durable but offers a high amount of protection from the elements and hard running surfaces. It is not only durable but also provides great grip. The deep flex grooves in the forefoot of the outsole contribute to the shoe’s overall flexibility.;The outsole features Asics’ Impact Guide System, which is in the form of a strip of black rubber along the edge of the outsole. This feature helps the runner through the gait cycle. Some runners have commented that even though the outsole is thick, they are still able to get through the gait cycle with no issues. At first glance the outsole doesn’t look conventional–and it’s not–but it all comes together to provide a stable and durable ride.
Breathability
The upper provides great breathability, and a closer look at the shoe really shows just how breathable the Kinsei 6 is, especially in the forefoot of the upper. With no overlays on the upper, outside of the Asics logo, the upper provides plenty of ventilation. Besides this, while the FluidFit technology comfortably wraps around the foot, it still has plenty of perforations so it isn’t suffocating.
Style
As mentioned, the Kinsei 6 does not look conventional or sleek in the least. It’s a shoe that stands out in many, many ways. It’s a very “busy” shoe that is going to garner a lot of attention on the road. The colors are anything but bland: there are at least three different colors blended into the shoe, with some shoes featuring four or five different colors. The gel in the heel gives the shoe a unique look that you’re not going to find–or at least not this well done–on most other shoes.
Responsiveness
The FluidRide and Gel technology in the midsole works together to give the foot one of the most responsive rides that can be found on the market today. The midsole is soft, and runners will notice the squishy feel underneath as they run due to the gel inserts. There’s no “barely there” feel with this shoe, which is good for runners who enjoy a great amount of responsiveness in their trainer. The only downside to the responsiveness is the lack of overall flexibility. Due to the weight on the shoe, the flexibility is lacking a bit. However, this isn’t all bad, and the Kinsei 6 is more flexible than one would expect.
Support
The Kinsei 6 supports neutral arches and under/neutral pronation. The compression feel of the midsole means that the shoe is great with support and dealing with the stresses that come from pounding the pavement. As previously mentioned, Asics made the women’s midsole less dense to offset the weight and give men and women an equal amount of support when they run.
Terrain
The Kinsei 6 is meant for the road, but with a durable outsole that grips well and provides protection, runners can safely wear this shoe on easy trails and other light terrains. It’s not a trail shoe, and it’s not going to grip too well on the muddy and uneven surfaces of tough trails, but for a light trail that is easy to run on, the Gel Kensei 6 will hold up.
Price
One of the main drawbacks of the Asics Gel Kinsei 6 is its price point. Simply put, this is an investment shoe. Perhaps this will scare away some novice runners, but for the experienced runner that’s looking for a high-quality, high-performance everyday trainer that is both durable and comfortable, the Kinsei 6 is going to last a long time and the money will be well-spent.
Drop
The Kinsei 6 features a 10mm heel to toe drop, which is the standard for running shoes. This drop should present no problem to neutral runners and those used to this common drop.
Stability
With a standard 10mm drop and a sturdy outsole made of Asic’s High Abrasion Resistant Rubber, neutral runners will benefit most from the stability the Kinsei 6 has to offer. While it may provide some relief and comfort for those with overpronation issues, it is not specifically a stability shoe.
Flexibility
One drawback with the Kinsei 6 is its somewhat limited flexibility. While not a terribly stiff shoe, some runners may find its outsole to be somewhat stiff compared to shoes in the same class. However, this stiffness also provides an explosive toe-off, so this may vary from runner to runner depending on their needs.
Traction
The Kinsei 6 is made to perform on traditional running surfaces: asphalt, pavement, track, and light trails. As such, its traction is similarly constructed to perform on these surfaces. While runners shouldn’t expect to break any speed records in these shoes—in fact, they’re more for mid-pack runners and those who need the extra comfort, stability, and support in their trainers—the traction provided in the Kinsei 6 is suitable to keep moving forward without difficulty.
Bottom Line
The Kinsei 6 is a high-quality trainer that comes at a high-quality price. From the upper to the midsole to outsole, everything comes together for a beautifully constructed ride. It’s comfortable, durable, responsive, performs well, and has a unique look. There are a couple of issues that certain runners may not appreciate due to their running style, but the vast majority of runners will love these shoes. While it may be a somewhat pricey shoe, it’s also going to be a long-lasting one—and it’s better to invest in one great shoe than five average ones.
