SCORE: 9/10 for its category
Support: Neutral
Cushioning: Regular
Toe box- regular
Use: Trail run and light hiking
Pros
- Secure fitting
- Enhanced traction
- Exceptionally comfortable
- Roomy toe box
- Affordable
- Durable
Cons
- Moderate breathability; thus, not suitable for hot summer.
- Not comfortable over prolonged intense use
- Not appropriate regular training shoes outside trail running
Introduction
Asics gel venture models are popular Asics shoe models, especially among trail runners. They are known for their comfort, versatility on a variety of terrain, and durability. While the gel Venture 8 was an exciting shoe, Asics designers needed to make some significant improvements. Therefore, the Asics Venture 9 has exciting features to look forward to.
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.
Besides, venture 9 has a different lacing system whereby the laces are shorter and thinner but have a secure locking mechanism that keeps them in place when running. Asics also changed the outsole rubber with large, more aggressive, detailed lugs to enhance traction on the trail. While Asics retained the rear gel technology that combines with the amplifoam midsole foam, it increased the stack height.
Therefore, the new Asics Gel Venture 9 has trail-specific outsole patterns and improved overall comfort, stability, and ride. Notably, venture 8 had a good width, and Asics had no reason to change anything.
Asics Gel Venture 9 Upper design and Fitting
Asics Gel-Venture 9 has an exciting upper. It exudes protection and comfort by just looking at it. Asics made slight adjustments in the upper to make it more accommodating and protective than the previous version. For instance, the previous version runs narrow, but in Gel Venture 9, the toe box is slightly broader and more structured.
The roof of the toe box does not sit blatantly on the toes, creating more room for the toes to splay naturally. Asics also cut down overlays to make it slightly more breathable than the previous version. Still, the breathability of Gel Venture 9 is not suitable for hot day training.
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 Venture 9 Midsole Design Ride
The midsole is concocted with the Amplifoam midsole foam with a rear gel technology. Those who have tried the Asics Gel Content 8 have 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.
Besides, the Gel-Venture 9 is not bulky. Thus heel to toe transition is pretty effortless.
I also love the consistent foot strikes associated with Asics Gel Venture 9. The reason is that Asics updated the outsole by making the lugs larger, more aggressive, and more detailed. For this reason, there is improved traction.
Unfortunately, the cushioning is regular, so it cannot withstand extreme conditions like rocky terrains or prolonged periods of intense use. Also, the shoe is designed for trail and light hiking. The outsole cannot withstand extremely rocky conditions.
Why Asics venture 9 is Not for Regular Trail Running
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.
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.
Gel-Venture 9 has Exceptional Durability
Despite being a budget-friendly trail running shoe, the Asics Gel Venture 9 can withstand over 800 miles. I have done 200 miles, and the outsole has minimal sights of wear. I am sure about getting new pairs before they wear out.
Who Should Buy Asics Gel-Venture 9
Asics Venture 9 suits:
- A runner in need of a budget-friendly trail running shoe or light hiking shoe. However, it cannot handle extreme rocky conditions because it has limited protective features like lacking a robust toe guard.
- Someone looking for an outdoor shoe for various terrains since Asics Venture 9 is an all-around shoe.
- A runner looking for a road running shoe for regular runs (slow to moderate runs).
- Someone looking for casual wear, an all-day walking shoe with regular cushioning and support features. Venture 9 has supportive features for those with rolling ankles.
Final Verdict
Asics deigners made slight but very significant changes to Asics Venture 9. Therefore, it has improved comfort, ride, and traction. It is a reliable trail running shoe at an affordable price.
By Smith Carter
Carter is an experienced runner from South Carolina. Smith is an ardent runner with thousands of miles on his feet. At 36, he has 12 years of running experience.
