Details
Brand
Asics
Breathability
8/10
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Patented F.A.S.T. technologies• FluidAxis• Seamlessly constructed upper• Solyte foam
Upper
The upper of this shoe is created using breathable mesh. This is great for hot days because it keeps the foot cool and helps control moisture. The lightweight, breathable mesh creates a very flexible feel for the shoe, and runners reported that there was no need to break the shoe in. It felt natural right from the first run. This thin and pliable upper wraps around the foot and provides snug security to keep it in place, even during fast runs. The upper is well made but uses minimal material to keep its flexibility. The upper is also equipped with a Standard Sock Liner to add just a bit more cushioning.
Midsole
The Midsole of the Asics Gel Lyte 33-3 is comprised using the Solyte technology. This midsole foam material that runs the entire length of the midsole. This foam is lighter than Asics’s standard EVA or SpEVA foam midsole material. This keeps the midsole flexible and cushioned, but it does not add extra weight. The midsole of the Gel Lyte 33-3 is much more compact than that of its predecessor, the Gel Lyte 33-2. The midsole here losses close to 3 mm around the heel, bringing it closer to the ground and giving it much more natural, minimalist feel. In addition, the midsole of this shoe uses the Gel Cushioning System which can be found in the heel of the shoe. This helps absorb shock during each stride.
Outsole
High-quality rubber lines the outsole of these shoes, adding to their durability and reliability. Asics uses a powerful rubber, AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber) in their design. This rubber gives extra durability to the shoe by providing extra density in key areas. This shoe also uses the F.A.S.T. Sole technology. By using F.A.S.T.™ Sole technology, the shoe is able to reduce its weight by reducing the rubber material found on the outsole.
Breathability
The upper of the Asics Lyte33-3 is made of a very light, very breathable mesh. This light mesh makes for an extra flexible feel. It also does a great job of managing moisture and temperature of the foot. Runners know that a dry foot is a happy foot! Less moisture keeps the foot sanitary and protected from friction and blisters. Even though the upper wraps and protects the foot, it does so without suffocating the foot.
Comfort
This shoe is designed with multiple technologies that add to the extra comfort that the Gel Lyte33-3’s offer. This shoe has even received the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Seal of Approval). Every runner has his or her own unique idea of what the most comfortable shoe feels like to them. Runners who love this shoe report liking a shoe with less padding and a firmer landing. If you are looking for an extra cushioned shoe, this might not be the shoe for you, but if you appreciate a firmer feel, this is a good choice for you. Runners did appreciate that the shoe felt snug in the upper and provided good stability in the heel as well.
Style
Expect to find the signature Asics insignia along the side of these shoes, but they also come with a little twist. While the color combinations of the Gel Lyte33-3 run more on the classic side (red and black with white), the design that runs along the side is a unique, almost zebra stripe pattern. Runners reported that the shoe is unique and got them lots of attention at the starting line of their races.
Durability
While this shoe does offer various technologies to improve the durability of this shoe, including the AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber) and Solyte Midsole Material, reviews found that this shoe tended to break down easily in the outsole and upper areas. The AHAR rubber found in the outsole is a signature of Asics, and in other models, runners reported that the shoes lasted mile after mile, however, in these particular models, runners reported that they felt the need to replace the shoes long before they expected.
Protection
The Rearfoot Gel Cushioning System found in the outsole of these shoes provides the heel with added protection against movement. Likewise, the breathable upper mesh is designed to eliminate unwanted sweat to keep the feet dry and cool. The upper is also designed using a seamless construction that helps eliminate friction and unwanted movement in the shoe which can lead to blisters. While the shoe is protective in these areas, don’t expect to get lots of shock absorption in your stride. The shoe is very much on the minimal side, and while does off a responsive run, you won’t find extra cushioning for joints.
Responsiveness
The outsole of this shoe is designed using anatomically correct flex grooves. These flex grooves allow the shoe to respond to the unique stride of each runner and adapt accordingly. This creates a highly responsive running experience. This is important to racers because the shoe needs to be able to bend and respond around curves and over pavement while the runner moves swiftly. The Fluid Axis midsole technology aligns with the joints of the feet to respond to each movement. Runners reported that this shoe provided excellent feedback on roads.
Support
This shoe has a low drop, so if you are a runner looking for extra arch support, this might not be a great choice for you. Runners who loved this shoe loved the natural, minimalistic feel. They appreciated how adaptable the thin shoe was to their stride and easy it was for them to feel the road beneath them. This shoe is suggested for a lightweight and efficiency runner who doesn’t need an excessive amount of cushioning or support. Flat footed runners gave this shoe high marks while runners who needed extra arch support didn’t find this to be the best shoe for them.
Terrain
This shoe was made for the road and the track. Since this is a shoe designed for speedwork and shorter distances, runners reported loving the way this shoe took them through speed drills on the track. They did also comment that this isn’t a great shoe to take on rainy day runs or on uneven terrain. While there are great shoes out there for trail running, these shoes are not the best choice.
Price
This shoe is a bargain! This is a high-quality racing shoe for the experienced runner, and you can find it for under one hundred dollars. That is a rare find for a shoe that is able to keep up with your pace like this shoe. Many quality running shoes can run you upwards of one hundred and fifty to even two hundred dollars. The fact that you can find these for under one hundred is a great deal.
Drop
This shoe provides a stack height that is relatively low which helps to give the shoe its natural feel. The official drop of the shoe is 6 mm. Expect a shoe that will closely fit your foot. Runners reported that the shoe was very responsive and they loved how they felt very close to the road while running with these shoes.
Stability
Runners reported feeling safe and comfortable running at a fast pace with this shoe. The Rear Foot Gel Cushioning system combined with a mesh upper that wrapped the foot provided runners with less friction and movement on their runs. It keeps the foot stable without adding weight.
Flexibility
This is a very flexible shoe. Runners reported feeling like it fit instantly, with little or no need to “break it in.” The breathable mesh upper is partially responsible for the high flexibility of the Gel Lyte 33-3. Another reason for the added flexibility of this shoe is the minimal padding of the mid and outsole. Both the mid and outsole are designed using lightweight materials that will keep the shoe flexible and won’t make it bulky at all.
Traction
This is a shoe that was designed for speed. The Asics Gel Lyte 33-3 are definitely a shoe made for the track and the road, but their added responsiveness helps with traction. These shoes won’t be the best for wet roads, but they will do the job on your regular runs.
Bottom Line
The Asics Gel Lyte 33-3 is a fast, light, flexible shoe that is ideal for racing or completing training runs for marathons or half marathons. These are great shoes if you are looking for a shoe to rotate into your training schedule. They will give you a natural, minimal feel and they utilize some of the newest technology that adds minimal cushioning without sacrificing one of the lightest weights the Asics brand has to offer. This is a simple shoe that is constructed well for the efficient fast, runner.
