SCORE: 9/10

Weight: 249g/8.8 oz (M size 9), 229g/8.1oz, (W size 8)

Heel drop: 12mm

Shoe Type: Neutral daily trainer

Pace: Moderate/Easy

Running surface: Road

Take Away

The Asics Gel-Pulse 14 falls in the category of Asics low-budget running sneakers yet with high-performance ability. The Pulse 14 is a neutral cushioned running shoe with generous cushioning and excellent versatility.

Pros

• Soft underfoot ride
• Grippy and durable outsole
• Roomy and comfortable
• Snug-fitting
• It has both standard and wide width
• Pocket friendly
• Responsive
• Versatile

Cons

• Not highly responsible
• Can cause fitting issues for narrow-footed runners

Introduction

Asics Gel-Pulse 14 has numerous design updates that make it an improvement from the previous version. The upper features a fully engineered jacquard mesh and draws into the Gel-Nimbus lite model to give it a modernized appearance and feel for daily running. However, the Asics Pulse 14 is a downgrade of the Asics Nimbus Lite, which is lighter, max-cushioned, and bouncy compared to the Asics Gel Pulse 14, which is firmer and heavier considering the varying midsole foam cushioning, stack, and design. What I love about the Asics Gel Pulse 14 is its versatility.

Asics Gel Pulse 14 Upper Design and Fitting

The Gel-Pulse 14 has a doubled layered upper comprising a fully engineered jacquard mesh in the outer and soft inner lining that cradles the foot to offer a comfortable, snug fitting. The air inflow is remarkable since the feet breathe well even in humid weather. The heel collar and tongue have significant padding, and a soft lining inside offers a premium feel. It is so soft that you can use it without socks. The thickness of the heel collar and tongue enhances the fit.

Asics Gel Pulse 14 has a roomy toe box,  and the toe bumper is strong enough to handle abrasive terrain like a light trail surface. The heel counter is relatively rigid, and the extended soft top-up does well to protect the Achilles.

Overall the upper has a great fit; the medium medial size makes it more accommodating to persons with standard feet sizes.

Asics Gel-Pulse 14 Midsole Design and Performance

The midsole of Asics Gel-Pulse 14 has been redesigned. It features soft Amplifoam cushioning and Gel-Pulse underfoot technology to create a soft, responsive running stride. The Amplifoam is featured in the previous version except for the density. It is softer than what we have in Gel-Pulse 13 but has the same softness as in version 12.

I have done over 50 miles in Asics Gel Pulse 14, and it's more cushioning than propulsion. It has a soft underfoot ride. The 12mm heel drop favors heel strikers like me. Besides, I enjoy the gel pulse's softness under the heel. The Gel technology does well to stabilize heel abruption to maintain the neutral movement of the feet.

Asics Pulse 14 Outsole

The outsole design is similar to version 13. The design of the AHAR carbon outsole rubber is the same, including the thickness. Therefore, Asics Gel-Pulse 14 has guaranteed stability and durability for up to 500 miles or 700 kilometers. I have run in the mud and wet grass, and the outsole holds up well.

How Does Asics Pulse 14 Ride?

The well-cushioned Gel Pulse 14 can sustain a long workout, including a short marathon. Though not a fast shoe, it offers an exciting ride at a moderately fast pace. And it is more exciting for a heel striker because of the Gel-Pulse in the heel. The cushioning and stability also make Pulse 14 excellent in recovery runs, all-day walking, and workouts in the gym.

At 11 ounces or 312g, Pulse has significant weight to it. However, it feels light on foot, especially at a moderate pace.

Asics Gel Pulse 14 is a high-quality shoe despite the pocket-friendly pricing because it offers value for money.

Who Should Buy Asics Gel Pulse 14?

Asics Gel-Pulse fits neutral runners or beginner runners looking for an all-around running shoe.

It also fits someone seeking an all-around, budget-friendly running shoe for gym training, and all-day walking.

Asics Gel-Pulse 14 fits someone who wants a pocket-friendly running shoe that can support long-distance running.

Finally fits someone who wants a relatively cushy soft daily trainer.

Who Should NOT Purchase Asics Gel Pulse 14?

The Gel Pulse 14 is unsuitable for a speed enthusiast or someone with narrow feet.

Reviewed by Bruce Cavette

Bruce Cavette is an ardent runner and a shoe lover.  He likes to stretch his training into miles, so he does nothing short of a 5k.