Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• AHAR rubber outsole• Gel technology midsole• Breathable, mesh upper• Redesigned midsole and upper• Extra reinforcement on the sides of the shoe• Heel collar• 10mm drop• Multi-directional lugs
Upper
The upper is comprised of a durable mesh material. Asics improved the upper from the previous version, ensuring that there is added breathability which helps keep the foot cool and dry, ensuring a comfortable running experience. The upper is comprised of a synthetic mesh that contributes to the shoe’s overall flexibility and durability. It also boasts a plush, comfortable tongue. There is also a toe bumper that is stitched down. This feature helps provide protection, fit and comfort. Reviewers were impressed with the shoe’s upper, noting its durability and breathability.
Midsole
The Gel Venture 6 uses gel technology to cushion the foot while running. Asics’ uses its proprietary GEL technology on the rear of the foot to handle the shock from impact and create smoother transitions. Asics has updated the midsole from its previous version by accommodating the heightened cushioning for a better return on energy. The midsole overall creates a comfortable environment while running. However, the midsole’s design ensures that there is optimal energy return. Reviewers thought that the midsole’s updates make for a much more comfortable experience. However, some still felt that there needed to be more gel for the harder impact.
Outsole
The Asics Gel Venture 6 outsole is made to handle the trails. The outsole is designed as one piece to provide optimal tread for trail running. The outsole is made from AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber). The AHAR is strategically placed to ensure maximum durability and flexibility. Since trail shoes need traction and grip, Asics uses multi-directional lugs that provide enhanced grip on a variety of surfaces. Runners can rest assured that this shoe will perform well on all the uneven terrain encountered on trails. The outsole is designed to withstand abrasive elements and debris from trails. The outsole also performs well in wet conditions. Reviewers were impressed with the outsole’s grip, traction and overall durability, and had no related issues.
Breathability
The Gel Venture 6 has been updated to make the shoe much more breathable than previous versions. The shoe’s upper is comprised of a synthetic mesh material that ensures maximum breathability. With the updated design, the shoe keeps the foot cooler and dryer. Reviewers were impressed with the breathability the shoe provides.
Comfort
This is a trail shoe that keeps the foot comfortable. The midsole with its GEL technology ensures that the foot stays comfortable during impact and toe off. The outsole uses AHAR rubber to keep the base of the foot protected and comfortable. The upper also provides comfort by using a breathable, mesh material that ensures that the foot stays cool and dry. Reviewers had a few issues with the comfort after some time, as the shoe gets broken in. Some also that the heel lost its comfort after time as well. Depending on preferences, this may be an issue for the purchaser, as reviewers felt that the comfort level was not as high as other Asics’ shoes.
Style
The Asics Gel Venture 6 has a good style. The streamlined trail shoe uses a good amount of color to create a stylish design without feeling too overwhelming. Reviewers liked the overall style of the shoe.
Durability
The Asics Gel Venture 6 is a crafted in a strong manner that can withstand the elements of trail running. The shoe’s outsole uses Asics’ AHAR rubber to create a one-piece outsole that contributes to the shoe’s overall durability. Its tread and lugs are also strong on the trails. The gel midsole, while comfortable, is still strong and durable. The upper uses a synthetic mesh material that is durable to handle the debris and elements along the trail. The shoe’s enhanced durability makes this a prime choice for purchasers looking for a shoe to go the distance.
Protection
This trail shoe offers a strong amount of protection. Starting with the outsole that uses AHAR rubber to protect the foot from various elements encountered on the trail, the shoe’s foundation is designed to keep the foot safe. The Asics Gel Venture 6’s midsole uses gel cushioning to protect the foot during impact, and ensure that the foot is comfortable and protected. The upper uses synthetic mesh to protect the foot from debris found on a trail. There is also a toe bumper that is stitched down to provide even more protection. Reviewers were impressed with the level of protection the Asics Gel Venture 6 offers.
Responsiveness
The Asics Gel Venture 6 offers a good amount of responsiveness. The shoe uses gel technology on the rear foot. This helps protect the foot during impact and allows for smoother transitions. The shoe also boasts a 10 mm drop that helps support the shoe’s responsiveness. Reviewers wanted more responsiveness from the shoe, though. While the cushioning is comfortable, the responsiveness was lacking.
Support
The Gel Venture 6 is a trail shoe that offers support when needed to combat the often uneven terrain. While there are not any additional features added to provide support, the shoe provides what’s needed for trail running. Asics took the time to upgrade the midsole and upper with contributing to the shoe’s support. The midsole’s gel technology helps support the foot during impact. The outsole also provides support by providing a strong foundation for the runner. In addition, the upper keeps the foot snugly in place. There is some additional reinforcement added to the side of the shoe to support the foot, as well as a heel collar. Reviewers had no issues related to support with the Asics Gel Venture 6.
Terrain
This is a shoe designed to be used primarily for running on trails. However, the shoe still performs well for road running as well. The Asics Gel Venture 6 has a durable build that ensures the shoe can stand up to the worst conditions. The single-piece outsole uses AHAR rubber to provide maximum durability and protection along the trails. In addition, the outsole uses lugs to provide traction and grip needed along the trails. The midsole also supports the runner along the contributing as it uses gel technology to provide cushioning during impact. The upper also ensures the foot stays protected from debris along the trail, while also keeping the foot cool and dry with optimal breathability. Reviewers were impressed with how the shoe performed along the trails, even in wet conditions.
Price
The Asics Gel Venture 6 comes in at an affordable price that many purchasers appreciated. The shoe is jam-packed with features that contribute to the shoe’s overall durability, comfort, and performance. This shoe performs well on trails and is one that purchasers should consider.
Drop
This shoe boasts a 10 mm drop. This is a slightly higher drop that can be attributed to the gel technology cushioning on the heel. In general the drop helps with the shoe’s responsiveness, ensuring for a more efficient toe-off. While reviewers felt that the shoe’s responsiveness was limited, there were no issues with the shoe’s drop.
Stability
This shoe offers some level of stability. However, if overpronation is an issue, purchasers should look for a shoe that is meant for motion control. The Asics Gel Venture 6 does have a removable sockliner that allows the user to add an orthopedic insert to provide additional stability. Asics also added reinforcement to the sides of the shoe and a heel collar. Reviewers felt that the shoe was extremely stable. They appreciated the extra reinforcement and the ability to add the orthopedic insert.
Flexibility
The Gel Venture 6 uses flexibility to ensure optimal performance while running on trails. The outsole is designed in one piece using AHAR rubber. The strategically placed rubber contributes to the shoe’s flexibility. The upper also contributes to the shoe’s flexibility. The synthetic mesh material holds the foot in place snugly, while also ensuring that the foot can move naturally. Reviewers thought that the shoe allowed for natural movement.
Traction
The Asics Gel Venture 6 provides an optimal amount of traction for trail running. The outsole uses AHAR rubber to provide grip and protection along the trails. The outsole also uses multi-directional lugs to provide additional traction. Reviewers enjoyed the excellent grip along their runs. They felt that the traction held up on dry and wet conditions alike.
Bottom Line
The Asics Gel Venture 6 is improved from its previous version. Asics has taken the time to improve the midsole and the upper to ensure that trail runners have the features needed for better performance and protection. The outsole is designed for optimal protection and traction. It uses AHAR rubber that contributes to the shoe’s overall durability. There are also multi-directional lugs that provide traction and grip on and off the trail. The shoe uses gel technology on the midsole to provide soft cushioning that is highly comfortable. The redesigned upper keeps the foot snugly in place while protecting the foot from debris. The upper also provides more breathability ensuring that the foot stays cool and dry. This versatile shoe is a strong option for runners looking for a trail that could work well on trails and roads. While the shoe is slightly heavier than some other options on the market, there are many added features that contribute to the overall durability and protection of the shoe. The shoe also works well for those looking for some stability, as it allows for the addition of an orthopedic insert and has a heel counter. This all-around shoe is also an affordable option for purchasers who have a more limited budget. The only main issue some more experienced runners had was a limited amount of responsiveness, as they were looking for a bit more. The shoe, in general, is a solid option though and should be considered.
