Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
7.8/10
Latest Version
Gel Storm 2
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Abrasion-resistant outsole AHAR• Cushioned EVA Midsole• GEL cushioning unit on the Rear foot• Horizontal and vertical flex grooves• Removable sockliner• Breathable mesh upper• Drop form the heel to the toe of 10mm
Upper
The top of the Storm is made of a micro mesh material which is lightweight and allows fairly good airflow into the shoe. Bonded overlays cover much of the upper and lessen the breathability of the shoe somewhat. The overlays do provide structure, but some runners felt they restricted the movement of the foot. A standard lacing system works with the overlays for a customized fit. The heel collar has extra padding for a snug and comfortable fit and a cushioned tongue adds comfort as well. The supplied sockliner is removable and adds a layer or comfort underfoot.
Midsole
A double thickness EVA padded sole that runs the length of the shoe gives great padding underneath. At the point when this delicate froth material reaches the ground, it springs back and gives vitality back to the runner. This froth material is exceptionally solid and will keep its shape for some miles. The most noted component of the padded sole is ASICS’ rearfoot GEL trademark® padding framework unit, noticeable in the back of the shoe, which decreases the hard feel of contact with the street
Outsole
This shoe’s outsole highlights ASICS High Rubber Resistant Abrasion (AHAR). This elastic makes up the tread which is put in the territories that get the most street effect. The AHAR tread can withstand some overwhelming beating from the asphalt and still give footing and control. The tread is genuinely level which implies the runner is low to the ground. It additionally implies this not planned to be a high mileage shoe as the tread wears rather rapidly. The outsole additionally offers some padding alongside the rearfoot gel pad framework situated in the padded sole of the shoe. Furrows that keep running over the tread of the shoe give superb adaptability in the toe zone and help position the foot effectively for a sheltered and agreeable run.
Breathability
The mesh upper of this shoe offers fairly good breathability. The material is very lightweight and allows air to pass into and out of the shoe. The overlays that cover most of the shoe do block some ventilation, but runners had no real complaints about hot feet. The shoe has a fairly toe box that is wide which helps with the airflow into the shoe and all around the toes.
Comfort
The Storm is a very comfy shoe which can be taken for a walk or run right out of the box. Padding in the ankle area adds comfort and also maintains the foot centered and secure. A tongue that is padded lessens the compression of the laces vertically on the top of the foot. The supplied sockliner adds a some additional cushioning and can be done away with and replaced with a more supportive or customized insert. The upper and inner lining of the shoe has good moisture-wicking properties to keep the foot cool and dry. The midsole foam and AHAR carbon rubber outsole provide a soft and cushioned ride. In the heel of the shoe, the gel cushioning unit absorbs the shock of road impact which can be felt throughout the foot and not just the heel. The design of this shoe is great for heel strikers, but also benefits walkers and runners of all levels. Although listed as a running shoe, the Storm is a good walking or daily activity shoe. Many runners found that this shoe runs small and had to size a full size up for a comfortable fit. A few runners with wide feet found the shoe to be narrow and had no room to wiggle their toes.
Style
The Gel Storm features typical ASICS running shoe characteristics. The overlays add energy to the shoe with their design and lots of color and contrast. Because this shoe is a discontinued model, popular colors and sizes are limited. This is a great shoe for anyone looking for a comfortable shoe who isn’t overly concerned about color and style. Runners who cannot find this shoe in their normal size fit might want to upgrade to the Gel Storm 2 that has more improved features and also gets satisfactory reviews. Both shoes tend to run small so it would be a good idea to go up one full size or try the shoes on before buying.
Durability
For starting-level shoe, runners will be pleased with the overall durability of the Storm. Its outsole is made from very durable rubber that will stand up to many miles of walking or running. The tread is placed in the areas that receive the most wear which keeps the shoe from wearing out prematurely. The upper is made from strong material and will hold up for many miles as well. A synthetic overlay over the shoe’s front works as a guard for the toes to protect the shoe and the foot from road hazards. An extended portion on the outsole also protects the front of the foot. The same heavier material used in the front of the shoe is utilized in the rear of this shoe which adds support and structure to the back of the shoe.
Protection
The Gel Storm works best when used on the roads, which can be taken for runs on light, well-groomed trails. The hardened outsole rubber made of carbon and cushioned midsole are the main components for keeping the foot off the ground and protected from any hazards underfoot. The snug fit of the upper keeps the foot locked and centered inside these shoes to minimize and side to side movement. The overlays and lacing system also keep the foot tight within the shoe. I thicker overlay across the toe helps deflect small objects. When used on trails, runners will want to be on the lookout for sharp rocks or roots and anything that snag the sides of these shoes.
Responsiveness
The EVA midsole foam makes this shoe responsive fair compared to others. The foam provides cushioning, but also has a good bounce-back energy. EVA foam is used in many running shoe midsoles because it is resilient and very durable. The Gel cushioning in the heel also helps the shoe feel springy. Although an entry-level shoe, ASICS doesn’t skimp when it comes to the most important features of a shoe. A shoe lacking responsive characteristics will leave the runner’s legs and feet feeling unnecessarily tired and possibly discourage them from buying that brand of shoe in the future.
Support
This neutral shoe is best for for runners and walkers with low to medium to arches. Runners with flat or high arches may not enjoy the feel of this shoe. The supplied sockliner can be removed and replaced with absolutely any type of thin insole for more support. Most of the support for the runner comes from the soft foam fabric of the midfoot which holds the foot in place throughout the run. The foot sits down in the foam rather than riding on top. The mesh upper in conjunction with the overlays which provides support by creating a snug fitting without being uncomfortably tight. The Gel cushioning unit in the heel provides assistance to the entire foot by creating cushioned landings which allow the foot to roll smoothly forward for a powerful push-off. As a running shoe, some heavier wearers felt the support could be better. Walkers had few complaints about the shoe’s support features.
Terrain
The design of the Gel Storm makes it a good road running shoe. It can be used on sidewalks, asphalt, tracks, concrete and other similar hard surfaces. This shoe can handle mild trails, grass, and other soft surfaces, but will not perform as well. The design of the outsole and midsole respond best on hard surfaces. This shoe is also a good choice for people who have to stand on hard surfaces all day.
Price
ASICS offers a line of running shoes which are very reasonable for the starting runner. The Gel Storm is a more established, stopped shoe which implies it can be found for a good under $50. This shoe is a decent decision for anybody searching for a deal estimated better than average strolling or treadmill shoe. This shoe and some of ASICS new-level shoes can be found in most department stores. Your local running shoe store will probably not have this model available.
Drop
The Gel Storm has a drop in the heel to its toe of 10mm. This means the heel is higher than the forefoot. A 10mm drop is fairly standard for budget running or walking shoes. An elevated heel creates a softer heel strike for a more comfortable run. As runners begging to improve their form and start running longer distances, they might want to try a drop shoe that is lower which encourage a more forefoot landing.
Stability
This shoe is fairly stable. Although cushioned, it is not high off the ground and the design of the shoe keeps the keeps the foot in a stable level position. The forefoot area is rather wide under the ball around the foot which helps with solid landings. A heel that is high -to-toe offset (10mm) also helps with the solidity of the shoe by cushioning heel strikes. Few runners complained of rolled ankles or other stability issues.
Traction
The shoe has good traction on most hard surfaces. The tread is designed to grab and grip, but also allow for a fluid transition from the heel to the toe. The Gel unit in the heel helps by ensuring a cushioned landing. Because the tread of this shoe is rather flat, it would not make a very good trail shoe where the trails had loose or rocky soil. Wearers of this shoe said the shoe had great traction on most surfaces, including wet streets and floors.
Bottom Line
A good choice of a much lower mileage and new runners, ASICS Gel Storm offers a comfortable and cushioned ride for most wearers. Runners with extra wide feet or flat or high arches may not find this shoe quite so comfortable. The rearfoot cushioning system with Gel lessens the shock upon impact and adds to the shoe’s overall responsiveness. A breathable mesh upper features synthetic overlays with an energetic design, adding style and structure into this shoe. Runners, walkers and anyone looking for a trusted everyday shoe won’t be disappointed by its comfort and quality found in the very budget-friendly Gel Storm.
