Details
Brand
Asics
Breathability
8/10
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Breathable upper• Durable• Responsive• Exceptional stability• Comfortable
Upper
The upper unit of the Pursue 2 contributes a broad, sock-like fit which encourages comfort. The Asics brand applied a breathable engineered mesh throughout the upper which allows the foot to move naturally during their running motion. Wearers will now be able to run without socks thanks to the seamless upper. The absence of seams in the Asics Gel Pursue 2 prevents irritation towards the feet. The inner area doesn’t have any unnecessary stitched areas either. Reviewers have claimed that the seamless upper has been one of the most appreciated features of Asics Gel Pursue 2. There is also a Heel Clutching System that provides stability in the back end area of the foot.
Midsole
The midsole is made with a combination of high-quality Asics technology that is prepared to provide the wearer with a superior running experience. There is a Gel Cushioning System placed in the heel and forefoot of the sneaker. This section is fairly comfortable and helps with the overall responsiveness of the shoe. There is also the Guidance Line, a flex groove that stays consistent throughout the entirety of the midsole. This feature allows the wearer to gain an efficient stride during the run.
Outsole
The outsole is one of the strongest sections of the Asics Gel Pursue 2. Asics used High Abrasion Resistant Rubber on specific parts of the outsole that are typically known to wear out at a rapid pace. This type of rubber protects the bottom of the sneaker from the rigorous consequences that come with consistent running. There is also the Asics-exclusive DuraSponge material in the forefoot, which is known for comfort and a good grip. DuraSponge is a blown rubber that increases comfort while supplying extra support. The outsole has a common pattern, with a majority of the tread placed throughout the wide platform in the front. The tread near the heel seems a lot deeper in comparison to those in the front, implying that someone who is a heel striker will likely gain significant traction.
Breathability
Breathability is a highlighted feature for the Pursue 2. The engineered mesh upper on the Asics Gel Pursue 2 allows a maximum amount of airflow, giving the shoe an A in breathability. The sock-like upper is thin and encourages air to flow through the sneaker and keep the feet cool, even on the hottest of days. In the event that your feet are drenched with sweat, or you run into a puddle, there will be enough air traffic to dry everything out. The seamless structure and mesh material of the upper deem the Pursue 2 to be a highly breathable running sneaker.
Comfort
There is a great amount of comfort in the Asics Gel Pursue 2, particularly in the forefoot. The DuraSponge technology in the outsole is a blown rubber material that resides primarily in the forefoot. This feature delivers a lot more cushioning, which helps when using the forefoot in each step. The FluidRide technology in the midsole offers a lot of cushioning, a feature that is very useful during long runs. FluidRide works hand in hand with the Gel Cushioning System in order to offer a comfortable running experience. Despite the generous amount of cushioning within this shoe, it doesn’t give the runner a mushy feel, which tends to happen with high-cushioned running sneakers.
Style
These running sneakers have the standard Asics look to them. The Asics logo is branded from the heel, all the way across the midfoot. As far as colorways are concerned, the most popular combination is either the Electric Blue-Flash Yellow-Navy scheme or Pink-Aqua-Turquoise. Another colorway that has been seen every so often is the silver-coral Although it is evident that the Asics Gel Pursue 2 are primarily running sneakers, the loud colorways also suggest that they could be used casually as well.
Durability
The Asics Gel Pursue 2 has all the tools needed to last long. Starting with the outsole, the bottom of the Pursue 2 is made with exclusive AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Resistant Rubber.) AHAR is a very strong material that was placed on specific parts of the outsole that are known to be used the most. This is important because it substantially increases the lifespan of the Pursue 2 because they will be able to take on additional miles. Reviewers were very impressed with the durability of the outsole. The breathable upper is thick enough to withstand any force as well. It stretches just enough to give the feet a natural fit but doesn’t leave the foot exposed to conflict with things such as the curb or a tree stump.
Protection
There are a few features in the midsole that provide a significant amount of protection, particularly for the underfoot. Fluidride does a great job of absorbing shock and utilizing it for energy. This process thoroughly protects the foot from any type of discomfort. The heel and forefoot of the Asics Gel Pursue 2 are covered with the Gel Cushioning System. This technology has the ability to reduce the amount of shock applied to the feet while running, providing a comfortable experience for the wearer throughout the running cycle. Despite being a breathable sneaker, the mesh upper does not necessarily expose the runner’s feet to the dangers on the road. There is also a decent amount of cushioning around the tongue and ankle. With the extra cushioning, the runner will less likely be exposed to blisters and irritation.
Responsiveness
One of the things you’ll notice while wearing the Asics Gel Pursue 2 is that it is very responsive. Asics put FluidRide in the midsole to demonstrate a springy ride. Asics’ FludRide technology absorbs the shock from each step to protect the underfoot and prepares the runner for their next step. Another feature from the Pursue 2 is the ComforDry sockliner within the shoe. This high-quality material has aggressive rebound properties that give the runner energy for their next step. The Pursue 2 also has the Impact Guidance System (I.G.S), which is a catalyst for the foot’s natural gait cycle.
Support
The Pursue 2 offers a solid amount of support for neutral runners. One of the most popular features of the Asics Gel Pursue 2 is the Heel Clutching System. This not only gives runners a higher sense of stability, but it also supports the heel during moderate-high intensity running. The exoskeletal heel counter is visible and supports the back of the foot, especially for heel strikers. The abrasion rubber also has a way to provide support for underpronators, since it is placed in the areas that those runners use to most, in order to preserve the shoe’s well being.
Terrain
The Asics Gel Pursue 2 will thrive off of the road. Any runner will be able to feel good in the Gel Pursue 2 on any type of smooth ground. Whether it be on the track, the sidewalk, or even the parking lot, the Asics Gel Pursue 2 has the most potential in the road terrain. The lugs on the outsole are just right, where they can easily grip onto the road terrain, but anything more advanced wouldn’t be efficient. Going out onto a grassy area or somewhere unstable would not be wise for a runner wearing the Pursue 2.
Price
Originally priced over $100, the Gel Pursue 2 is slightly high. The Asics technology laced within the sneaker is a justifiable reason as to why the Pursue 2 was initially beyond the $100 price mark. Since the sneaker is hard to find in current time, you may be able to strike a deal or even find a pair that is a little more expensive in some cases. Don’t be surprised if you can find the Pursue 2 for half of the original price, although it may be a struggle finding the right pair!
Drop
The heel to toe drop for the Pursue 2 is measured at 10 millimeters for both men and women. The 10-millimeter mark has become a lot more common lately, so it is reasonable to say that the average runner will be able to avoid injury or aches with such measurements. Neutral runners and underpronators will find the Asics Gel Pursue 2 to be the most useful to them after acknowledging this measurement.
Stability
There are a few features in the Asics Gel Pursue 2 that keep the feet in place while out on the run. Asics has a Heel Clutching System towards the back of the foot which locks onto the heel and keeps it from slipping out of place. This tool on the heel allows the midsole unit to provide a solid balance for the runner. The midsole also has the Guidance Trusstic System, a technology that adds stability to the midfoot. The Trusstic System essentially decreases the weight of the sole while keeping the foot straight.
Flexibility
Lack of flexibility has been one of the few complaints that reviewers have had about the Asics Gel Pursue 2. The soft upper gives a bit more leeway in regards to flexibility in comparison to the rest of the shoe. The fit of the upper resembles a sock, so it allows the foot to move naturally without any difficulty. As far as the midsole goes, it has been said that this part of the sneaker is very stiff, even after running a significant amount of miles in them. The overall stiffness of the Asics Gel Pursue 2 hinders the overall running motion of the wearer, limiting the natural running motion of the foot.
Traction
Being a road shoe, there isn’t necessarily a dire need for serious traction. The outsole on the Asics Gel Pursue 2 gives the runner just enough tread to grip onto the ground effectively. The lugs seem deep enough to pierce onto a deeper surface, although it is likely the best case scenario to use these sneakers on smooth surfaces. The Gel Pursue 2 is likely to hold up on slippery terrain, such as a slippery sidewalk or an icy surface, but just barely enough to keep going. The AHAR and DuraSponge on the outsole are strong enough to combat these conditions and keep the runner going.
Bottom Line
The Asics Gel Pursue 2 uses top quality technology and cushioning in order to offer neutral runners with a genuine experience. Based off of the heavy weight of the shoe, one can imply that if you’re looking for a lightweight trainer, the Pursue 2 isn’t the best option. But if you’re looking for something with great support and stability, then you can consider this running shoe. With a large amount of underfoot protection, fair stability, a comfortable ride, and an engineered mesh upper that increases the airflow throughout the sneaker, the Asics Gel Pursue 2 is a desirable sneaker for a runner looking to log in a thorough amount of miles.
