Details
Brand
Asics
Breathability
8.2/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• I.G.S. (Impact Guided System) Technology• Fluidride midsole• Dynamic Duomax support system• Rearfoot and forefoot GEL technology cushioning systems• Guided Trusstic system technology• Guidance Line midsole technology• Comfordry sockliner• AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) outsole
Upper
Just as they do with their other models, ASICS makes full use of their company logo in order to incorporate synthetic overlays on the medial side of the GEL-Surveyor 5. The rest of the upper is pretty simple, comprised of soft mesh and plush interior. The ankle collar and tongue are exceptionally padded and provide the runner with a very comfortable and snug fit, especially with the synthetic overlays built in. ASICS’ ComforDry sockliner technology is a premium sock lining fabric that features higher rebounding qualities and excellent moisture absorbing properties. The material breathes very well according to runners who have ran in the GEL-Surveyor 5.
Midsole
Running the entire length of the shoe is ASICS’ own FluidRide midsole technology. FluidRide gives runners an ideal combination of response and cushioning while designed to minimize weight and provide great durability. A dual-density midsole system referred to by ASICS as the DuoMax support system is positioned specifically to improve the shoe’s stability and support. Its gradual increase in density, beginning from the heel to the midfoot beneath the arch, is designed to curb excessive overpronation and make each transition as smooth as possible. The Guidance Trusstic System mentioned within the outsole assists the midsole as well by enhancing the shoe’s rigidity and support. Rearfoot and forefoot GEL cushioning systems within the midsole absorb heavy amounts of shock during impact and take-off phases and allows for increased movement and cushioning.
Outsole
Like most ASICS running shoes, the GEL-Surveyor 5 features flex grooves that run deep into the outsole to provide better flexibility. A vertical Guidance Line, ASICS’ own technology, runs from the heel to the forefoot in order to enhance the efficiency of the runner’s gait and transition. ASICS incorporates much of their own technology into the GEL-Surveyor 5’s outsole, including a Trusstic System. Simply, the Trusstic System is a piece of plastic built into the outsole that uses energy to provide forward propulsion during the run. It works by mimicking the foot’s ligaments, mainly the plantar fascia, and absorbs shock through the heel strike and transfers that energy into a strong toe off. ASICS builds the outsole of the GEL-Surveyor 5 with an AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) and DuraSponge compound. The blown rubber is placed in critical areas receiving the most contact in order to maximize durability and traction.
Breathability
Many reviewers raved about how breathable the upper mesh of the GEL-Surveyor 5 is. The holes in the mesh in this version of the GEL-Surveyor are reportedly larger than its previous version, allowing more airflow into the shoe. The specialized ComforDry sockliner handles moisture very well. The removable sockliner contains anti-microbial properties that provide the runner with a cooler, drier and healthier environment.
Comfort
One area where the GEL-Surveyor stands out to runners is its level of comfort. The midsole technology, consisting of the DuoMax, Fluidride, and GEL cushioning components, the newest version of the GEL-Surveyor family is a shoe that runners will fall in love with. With all of the added plush cushioning, runners felt this was one of the most comfortable shoes they’ve ever worn, and that with extensive use they reported no blisters or other pain they may have experienced in previous models of this shoe or other similar shoes.
Style
ASICS offers stylish shoes and commonly found in various colors. The GEL-Surveyor 5 by no means is a plain, basic shoe. It can be purchased in 5 unique colorways. This shoe features ASICS signature logo but still has an eye-catching look.
Durability
Many runners stated that the GEL-Surveyor 5’s durability is excellent. The upper mesh, which has been newly redesigned for better breathability, still holds up over extended usage. The upper also provided enough support and security with the overlays built into the material. The midsole, constructed with the FluidRide and DuoMax support systems, maintains its supportive qualities as well. On the outsole, the AHAR rubber is found in specific areas in order to withstand repeated impact over time.
Protection
The ASICS Gel-Surveyor 5 protects the foot very well. Although redesigned with slightly larger holes than in previous models of this shoe, the upper mesh does not expose the foot to outside elements. Reviewers stated that the ComforDry sock liner handles moisture from inside the shoe very well and contains anti-bacterial qualities. The DuraSponge and AHAR blown rubber outsole is lightweight but still provides good protection underfoot by absorbing impact and not wearing away too quickly. In the midsole, the rearfoot and forefoot GEL cushioning system absorbs shock from heel to toe off.
Responsiveness
The bounce and energy return provided by the FluidRide midsole has been well received well by reviewers. It is very light by design and does not wear down as quickly as some might think. The FluidRide technology is found in many of ASICS’ newer and high-end models because of its energy return and highly durable characteristics.
Support
The GEL -Surveyor 5 provides a good amount of arch support, which many reviewers said wasn’t too aggressive. Those who are continuously on their feet for long periods of time felt that the support of this shoe was great. For the same reason, reviewers found that the shoe performed well for cross training in the gym as well. The upper mesh has a say in the shoe’s support including the stitched synthetic overlays. Although there are fewer overlays in this shoe than the previous versions, the upper part of the shoe gives equal support without increasing weight and unwanted pressure points. When in doubt about how much support you will need, it is commonly advised to stick with neutral arch support to avoid injuries.
Terrain
This shoe is best suited for daily training on roads, pavement, track and other smooth surfaces. This is not a trail shoe and cannot handle difficult and technical terrain. That being said, it should hold up well enough to handle some light off-road terrain. With the vast amounts of cushion and great comfort, the lightweight GEL-Surveyor 5 is great for road competitions and interval training.
Price
While there may not be many drawbacks to the GEL-Surveyor 5, their price is surely one of them. Originally listed at $160 in October 2016, the shoe has come down in price considerably and can be found for under $100. The vast amount of technology and cushioning surely play a role as to why the shoe was initially so expensive. But with the much lower price, the GEL-Surveyor 5 is definitely a great deal.
Drop
The drop on the ASICS GEL-Surveyor 5 is reported at 10mm in men’s and 13mm in women’s. This offset is more of a traditional drop, rather than a minimal shoe which has a heel-to-toe offset of 4mm or less. The concept behind a shoe with a drop of 10-12mm, like the GEL-Surveyor 5, is that it takes stress off of the Achilles tendon and promotes forward momentum while adding cushion for the heel.
Stability
The GEL-Surveyor 5 is considered a stability shoe and provides a very stable ride, especially with all of the improvements built into the midsole and upper mesh of the shoe. From the runner’s’ perspective, this is a ‘meaty’ shoe that is a very stable ride that doesn’t require a lot of time to break into it. The Dynamic DuoMax is designed to correct overpronation.
Flexibility
The deep grooves in the outsole near the forefoot, provide exceptional flexibility. The Guidance Line running the length of the shoe also improves the shoe’s flexibility and allows for the runner to efficiently move through their gaits.
Traction
Some road shoes with standard hard rubber outsoles may not get enough traction on wet surfaces. With its AHAR rubber outsole, designed with raised crosses meant to provide better traction, the GEL-Surveyor actually handles wet surfaces very well. Reviewers felt that the x-shaped notches gave the shoe added grip on road and other smooth surfaces.
Bottom Line
With the GEL-Surveyor 5, ASICS gives runners a great mix of cushioning and stability. This shoe is very comfortable with Fluidride midsole and GEL technology. The Comfodry sock liner provides a dry, anti-bacteria environment within the shoe. Though slightly on the heavy side, this is a fantastic option for runners who need overpronation correction, as well as a well-cushioned ride. The GEL-Surveyor 5 is also versatile and works well for both slow long-distance runs to quicker interval training. Though originally priced on the high side when it first was introduced back in 2016, the price has come down considerably, making the GEL-Surveyor 5 a great buy.
