Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Asics Gel Pulse 8• It is a comfortable and well-cushioned shoe.• The shoe is lightweight and fairly responsive thanks to the Trusstic System, Gel Cushioning and spEVA midsole.• The shoe is quite breathable and features wider mesh openings than previous versions.
Upper
The Asics Gel Pulse 8 features a mesh upper that’s seen in many Asics model shoes. Though a noticeable difference is that this mesh is actually more open and allows for a more breathable shoe. The tongue of the shoe has been updated in this version of the Gel Pulse. It’s more padded than previous versions in the line. This extra padding makes the shoe even more comfortable. This Gel Pulse version also features a less rigid overlay design. The overlays, for the most part, have been printed on and gone is the hard, nonflexible overlay from before.
Midsole
The Asics Gel Pulse 8 includes spEVA foam in the shoe’s midsole allowing for increased cushioning. It offers a nice bouncy ride for the wearer. The shoe also contains TPU in its midsole. TPU is similar to EVA foam but is more durable and is able to function under a wider variety of temperatures. The Gel Pulse 8 offers a very cushioned ride and a great amount of shock absorption as well.
Outsole
The Asics Gel Pulse 8 features AHAR carbon rubber in the heel, like many other Asics brand shoes. The AHAR rubber makes for a more durable outsole so that the wearer can make use of their shoes for miles and miles. In the Gel Pulse, the forefoot and heel are both nicely padded since each contains Asics Gel Cushioning. The Gel Pulse also contains the Guidance Line tech featured in other Asics brand shoes. This vertical flex groove allows for a more efficient gait. The groove also serves to increase the shoe’s flexibility. Runners won’t find this shoe as rigid as other in the Asics line.
Breathability
The Asics Gel Pulse 8 features a mesh upper like previous models in the Gel Pulse line. This iteration of the Pulse features wider mesh openings, especially in the forefoot which offers excellent breathability. With these wider mesh openings, the wearer will be able to avoid an extra hot ride. Runners have little to say about the wicking abilities of the Gel Pulse 8, so thankfully the bigger mesh openings have been added to allow for more air circulation. More air circulation means less perspiration and less of a chance for blisters to form due to excessive wetness.
Comfort
The Asics Gel Pulse 8 is an extremely comfortable shoe according to wearers. This is, in part, thanks to the great cushioning technology featured in the shoe. The Gel padding in the forefoot and heel allow for maximum shock absorption and the spEVA foam introduces, even more, cushioning to the Gel Pulse 8. This version of the Gel Pulse 8 also features increased padding in the heel casing and shoe tongue. The extra padding allows for extra comfort. The hard, rigid overlays have also been nixed and instead the upper is much more flexible and allows for a more comfortable fit.
Style
The Asics Gel Pulse 8 shoe comes in a few different colors. Most of the colors offered for the men’s version of the shoe are subtle and subdued. They feature a pop of color and nothing more. The women’s Gel Pulse 8 colors are a little bit flashier. The Gel Pulse 8 is not overwhelming stylish, they offer a standard fare for runners as is the trend with Asics brand shoes. There’s nothing outlandish in terms of style, these shoes will stand the test of time in terms of look. There’s nothing excessively trendy going on with these shoes.
Durability
The Asics Gel Pulse 8 are a very durable shoe thanks to the AHAR carbon rubber featured in the outsole of the shoe. The spEVA 45 Lasting foam in the midsole is also built to last. It’s meant to reduce the amount of breakdown that occurs with a runner’s pounding on the pavement. It increases the midsole’s durability so that a runner can continue to use this shoe for many miles. Getting mileage out of a running shoe is important and the Gel Pulse 8 is built to last.
Protection
The Asics Gel Pulse 8 offers adequate protection from the constant force of pounding on the pavement. Runners will find that the cushioned ride also means that they are protected from excessive forces upon the body. The spEVA foam in the midsole offers extra protection, in addition to the Gel padding in the front and back of the shoe. The Gel padding is standard Asics fare and offers super shock absorption. spEVA 45 Lasting offers a foam density of 45 which offers the highest amount of cushioning available. Runners will enjoy a plush ride and protection thanks to this technology.
Responsiveness
The Asics Gel Pulse 8 does offer a responsive ride thanks to its spEVA midsole. The technology ensures that users will experience a cushioned and bouncy ride. Some runners did comment on the fact that the shoe was stiff and would have liked a shoe with a bit more flexibility. The Gel Pulse 8 is sure to become more pliable after a few runs. The lightness of the shoe helps in this regard. The lighter the shoe, the more the run feels natural. The Gel Pulse 8 certainly achieves this with a lighter design and comfortable fit.
Support
The Asics Gel Pulse 8 is a neutral cushioned shoe and offer some support for the runner seeking a lightweight but structured shoe. This is not a racing flat. However, the Gel Pulse 8 still delivers a light ride and can be used as a racing shoe for those runners seeking a more substantial shoe. This is a great option for those who have a neutral gait or who under pronate slightly. The Gel Pulse 8 is perfect for the newbie runner who doesn’t want to attach a brick to their foot, but still wants a shoe that offers decent support.
Terrain
The Asics Gel Pulse 8 is fairly standard when it comes to its ability to handle different terrain. This is not a trail shoe by any means, but it would not be impossible to run with the Pulse 8 on terrain other than pavement. The shoe is quite durable and can withstand a fair bit of pounding. Some runners did say that the shoe did not do well when faced with icy conditions. Runners looking to run in the winter or even in the rain will want to take extra caution when wearing the Asics Gel Pulse 8.
Price
The shoe is fairly priced at about $105. Owing to its durability, the Asics Gel Pulse 8 is a shoe that will give the wearer a good bang for their buck. It can be used as a trainer or racing shoe and offer ample cushioning. It’s also a shoe that provides good support and its durable construction materials will ensure that this shoe will last through many miles of wear. Asics does a good job of building shoes to last. Purchasers will feel satisfied that they have received good value with the Gel Pulse 8.
Drop
The Asics Gel Pulse 8 has a 10mm drop. It may be a little bit high for some runners who prefer a more natural, foot to ground contact feeling. But what is not sacrificed in the Gel Pulse 8 is weight. The 10mm naturally means a thicker heel, but the shoe still remains lightweight. Wearers felt that the shoe was bouncy and responsive and the higher heel to toe drop did not hamper their enjoyment of the run at all.
Stability
The Asics Gel Pulse 8 offers some stability, but it’s to be noted that this is primarily a cushioned neutral shoe. Runners looking for more stability should look elsewhere. The Pulse 8 offers a nice snug fit for the wearer ensuring that the ankle is properly held in place during a run.
Flexibility
The Asics Gel Pulse 8 is a flexible shoe thanks to the removal of the rigid overlay seen in previous versions of the Pulse line. The overlay is much more subdued in the Pulse 8 and in this iteration has been printed on. It allows for a better fit for the runner’s foot and gives the wearer’s foot more room to wiggle around. The Trusstic system also offers up a bit more flexibility as it mimics the structures of the foot and allows a runner to propel forward with ease. Some runners did, however, comment that the shoe felt rigid when first worn.
Traction
As mentioned previously, the Asics Gel Pulse 8 does feature a standard AHAR carbon rubber outsole and there are grooves in the sole of the shoe to allow for better traction on slippery surfaces. Still, some runners did complain that the shoe did not perform well in those kinds of conditions. Runners that might encounter icy patches will want to invest in a good set of grips to wear with these shoes. Slipping and sliding by accident can potentially cause harmful injuries that can sidetrack a runner’s training.
Bottom Line
The Asics Gel Pulse 8 is a great option for new runners who want a light shoe without sacrificing support and cushioning. The Pulse 8 is a very comfortable shoe that offers protection from excessive pounding and a responsive, bouncy padding. The shoe is built to last and the AHAR carbon rubber in the outsole will ensure that the Pulse 8 is protected from the repeated pounding by the wearer. It’s a shoe that will last for miles and offers great value for the price.
