Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• ASICS FluidFit upper• Rearfoot and forefoot Gel Cushioning System• Guidance Line• Trusstic System• Solyte midsole• Impact Guidance System (IGS)• DuraSponge outsole unit• ComforDry sock liner• AMPA Seal of Acceptance• AHAR+ rubber technology
Upper
Following the ACIS FluidFit technology, this shoe features a multidirectional stretch mesh for enhanced fit and stability. It incorporates stretch reinforcements that provide a better sock-like feeling. The upper is flexible as well as breathable. A Heel Clutching System unit is placed in the rear foot for enhanced stability. It keeps your heels in place while promoting a more fluid heel to toe transition. With stitched overlays in the upper, the shoe remains very stable during all kinds of activity. The overlays are connected to the lacing system to provide a secured fit and structure to the shoe overall. A ComforDry sock liner helps to bring extra cushioning, temperature control and breathability.
Midsole
The Solyte midsole featured in these shoes is lighter, more durable and more cushioned than regular EVA and SpEVA used in other Asics shoes. The Impact Guidance System (IGS) in the midsole works with the Guidance Line to provide smoother heel to toe transitions for natural and efficient gait cycles. As mentioned in their name, the shoe features the Gel Cushioning System. Rearfoot and forefoot Gel Cushioning units made of a silicone-like material provide excellent shock absorption during the landing phase and promote more efficient take offs. Good protection, flexibility, and durability are what you can expect from the midsole.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe features two different compounds that provide good cushioning and durability. The harder and more durable outsole unit in the heel is made with the Asics High Abrasion Rubber Plus (AHAR+) technology which provides extended durability. The forefoot area of the outsole features the softer DuraSponge technology, which is a blown AHAR rubber compound that provides lightweight durability and cushioning. This technology also provides a solid grip for more powerful takeoffs. A Guidance Line runs vertically on the forefoot area which enhances flexibility and gait efficiency. A Trusstic System unit, placed in the midfoot area of the outsole provides a lightweight stability.
Breathability
The mesh upper provides excellent breathability, regardless of the weather conditions. Keeping your feet cool and dry is important. Good breathability reduces the chances of getting blisters. The ComforDry sock liner contributes to the breathability, temperature control and moisture management of the Sendai 3.
Comfort
As is usual when running in any Asics shoes, the Sendai 3 feels very comfortable regardless of the activity you are performing. Made for racing, these shoes are perfect for marathons. However, they can also be used as training shoes. The cushioning keeps you comfortable on long runs. In particular, the Gel Cushioning System absorbs the shock of landings. The FluidFit technology provides a tight but gentle fit.
Style
These shoes look really powerful and aggressive. The shoes come in limited colors. For men, they come in black/onyx/red or ink/black/flash yellow. For women, they come in several flashy colors, such as aqua mint/pink glow/electric blue or flash yellow/turquoise/hot pink.
Durability
These shoes are highly durable. Some reviewers have managed to put over 500 miles in them and stated that they still feel comfortable and look great. The high-quality materials and intelligent design including the AHAR+ component in the outsole and the stitch overlays on the upper make for a durable, long lasting shoe. However, some reviewers had issues with the durability of the DuraSponge outsole unit in the forefoot area. The blown rubber is softer in order to provide more cushioning, but it seems, also less durable.
Protection
An amazing feature of the Asics Gel series is the protection they provide to your knees and hips. Thanks to the Gel Cushioning System in both the rearfoot and the forefoot, the shock absorption from landing is absorbed and distributed evenly. This technology will prevent injuries to your knees and hips. The Heel Clutching System provides more stability, protecting you from twisting your ankles or running with improper form. The shoes promote a more natural gait cycle, making your runs smoother and more fluid. The excellent breathability of the shoe will prevent blisters or hot spots from forming.
Responsiveness
While they look bulky and heavy, many reviewers thought the shoe felt light and responsive. The combination the FluidFit, the IGS and the Propulsion Trusstic technologies provide a solid fit, enhanced control and overall responsiveness. The high energy return from the Gel Cushioning System and the Solyte midsole promote a smoother heel to toe transition for enhanced gait efficiency. The traction from the outsole contributes to the overall responsiveness overall of the shoe.
Support
These shoes provide support for underpronators and neutral pronators. They prevent feet from rolling outward more than necessary. Some reviewers stated that the shoe even helps with overpronation. The Heel Clutching System provides support by keeping your heel in place. Reviewers stated that these shoes do not provide enough support for heavier runners.
Terrain
These shoes are made for road running. The traction from the outsole, support and protection makes them perfect for running on smooth, hard surfaces such as asphalt and pavement. Many runners use them for running half marathons and full marathons, as well as using them for Crossfit or gym workouts. The Sendai 3 is not meant for trails, so in order to get the best life out of your shoe, keep them on the road, tracks and light gravel paths.
Price
With an MSRP $120 USD for both men and women, these shoes are a bit expensive. The price depends on the size of the shoe and also if there are made for men or women. Considering the protection, support, and responsiveness they provide, these shoes are worth the investment.
Drop
The drop of these shoes is of 10 mm which is pretty standard. The drop is the difference between the height of the heel and the forefoot. The men’s shoes have a heel height of 22 mm and a forefoot height of 12 mm. The women’s shoes have a heel height of 21 mm and a forefoot height of 11 mm.
Stability
The Trusstic System is specifically designed to bring structural integrity to the shoe from the midsection of the outsole. The Heel Clutching System provides excellent stability in the heel area of the shoe by acting like a heel cup allowing for more efficient gait cycles.
Flexibility
According to reviewers, these shoes need a good period of breaking in before they reach optimum flexibility and comfort. After the break-in period, you will feel how comfortable these shoes really are. The stretch mesh upper provides a multi-directional flexibility that creates a truly customized fit. The midsole and outsole also enhance the flexibly of the shoe overall thanks to the IGS and the Guidance Line that act like flex grooves on the outsole.
Traction
The grip and traction of these shoes are remarkable. The outsole is lightweight and cushioned while providing traction under many conditions. Reviewers state the shoe has good traction on wet surfaces. The lug pattern and the design of the outsole, including the AHAR+ component provides excellent traction for long runs.
Bottom Line
If you are already a fan of ASICS, the third version of the Sendai line will provide the same comfort and support you love. If you are trying ASICS shoes for the first time, these shoes are a great example of why the brand is one of the top footwear brands on the market. The ASICS Gel Sendai 3 provide great responsiveness during longs distance runs, cross fit training and working outs in the gym. They are very versatile shoes. They provide enough cushioning, protection and support for underpronators.
