ASICS Gel Venture 9 Mens Trail Running Shoes

Product Information

After my 50 miles of running, I saw normal signs of wear on the the upper, maybe have some concerns with the overlays lasting into 200+ mile range. Over the decades, Asics has developed several notable shoe technologies and many superb training shoes for runners, including some of the best running shoes of 2023.

The overall fitting and comfort are exceptional. Asics Venture 9 has a generously padded collar, tongue, and sidewall that hugs the foot snugly. There is an excellent midfoot hold. The heel counter is also solid enough to hold the heels down. The Gel Venture also fits true-to-size for anyone with regular foot size. I wear a size 10. Asics has cooked up quite a few proprietary features, and you’ll see many different terms when browsing the company’s running shoe lineup. To help you get more insight into these features, compare models, and find the right shoe, here’s a deeper dive on the main Asics running shoe tech to know. Gel Cushioning Therefore, with the Amplifoam midsole foam and rear gel technology in the heel, the ride is much softer on the trail than on the road. Besides, the snug, secure fitting of Gel Venture 9 has been revamped for navigating trail terrains. Hence, this may feel uncomfortable and restrictive for regular training, whereby relaxed fitting is preferable. What I also love about the construction of this upper is that it is resistant to water. Technically, it’s not considered to be waterproof, but the materials used help to keep water away from your feet. The ASICS Gel Venture 9’s upper is superbly ventilated. When we tested its breathability using our smoke test, it scored a very commendable 4 out of 5. This winning upper of dense but breathable mesh made us feel the breeze on our toes, making trail runs quite enjoyable.

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There is an important change in the upper, whereby Asics updated the upper design by making it more streamlined and reducing the overlays to make it more breathable than the previous version. The reduction of overlays has made Asics Venture 9 lighter than Asics Venture 8. While the Asics Gel Venture 8 is built tough, it’s not necessarily built for extremes. Sure, the outsole is incredibly durable, but the minimal support in the midsole means that it’s not necessarily ideal for running long distances.

Asics is not an ideal regular running shoe because it has regular cushioning that is not ideal for prolonged running. Besides, the firm outsole runner creates a firm underfoot ride. The outsole is designed to absorb high running impact on irregular terrain. The midsole is concocted with the Amplifoam midsole foam with a rear gel technology. Those who have tried the Asics Gel Content 8have experienced the comfort of Amplifoam midsole foam. Utilizing this foam in Asics Venture 9 has given this shoe a substantially soft ride needed in a trail running shoe. Though it is not as responsive as the Ego Max midsole foam in the Altra Mont Blanc trail shoe, the beefed-up Amplifoam midsole offers sufficient comfort and rebound, especially for a heel striker. Still, the ride is significantly firm but stable. Try them on in the afternoon: throughout the day, your feet swell. So, to get the most accurate fit, it’s best to try new shoes on after they’ve swelled sometime in the afternoon. Asics puts in a fairly aggressive tread pattern on the outsole that features ‘V’ shapes in alternating orientations. This ensures forward and rear motion grip is maximized.The midsole of the Gel Venture 8 is simple yet effective. It boasts a full-length layer of Asics proprietary gel foam cushioning that runs the full length of the shoe. What makes this cushioning unique is that it is made from silicon that is composed of inert polymers that are both supportive and durable.

Sure, the upper is quite hot, but it is also incredibly cushioning and padded. The heel collar and the tongue are highly padded and contour to the shape of your foot. Some ASICS trail running shoes are made with synthetic and water-resistant materials in the upper. Synthetic materials are naturally water-resistant because they do not absorb water like other natural materials, like leather or cotton textiles. The ASICS Gel Venture 9 provides mind-blowing breathability and ample cushioning for the feet on the trails. A versatile all-rounder that has a pleasant grip, the ASICS Gel Venture 9 is on top of the list for the best trail running shoes in the ASICS stable. Quite solid, not too much flexibility, and lots of grip. My first run was along the Charles River Esplanade and the shoes felt ready enough for a longer trail run. That said, the brand has also expanded into lightweight, responsive racing shoes and even trail shoes, too.Plus, FF Blast tech creates a more energized toe-off. In other words, it helps convert the impact of your step into energy for your next step as your foot progresses through its natural stride pattern. Plus, the stiff nature of the upper and outsole limits your overall flexibility, which means that it also isn’t great for speedy agility work. So, who exactly is the Asics Gel Venture 8 built for? I found pretty much all Asics GEL shoes are comfortable and hard to notice any specific area where there is a GEL patch. Trail runners should be most focused on the sole of the shoe, this is what you’re (generally) paying extra for. Trail running is notoriously rougher on your footwear than running on a treadmill or around the neighborhood on the pavement. That’s why we always recommend a little extra shoe care to help your ASICS go for the long haul.

The upper features a new lacing system and a few design changes that provide a mild refresh. However, both versions in the same color look almost identical.

It doesn’t provide runners with that soft squishy feel like EVA foam but instead provides targeted support and energy return where you need it most. However, newer shoes in the Asics lineup, like the NovaBlast, utilize more lightweight, bouncy midsole designs that mirror what other top brands are doing in their premium speedwork and racing shoes. Some models of ASICS trail running shoes are “waterproof,” meaning they are built with water-resistant materials. If you live in a geographic area with a wet climate or just want to be prepared for any type of precipitation or moisture while trail running, consider a pair of ASICS trail runners marked “waterproof.” Intensity, volume, and duration of your trail running