Expert Rating

86

Just because someone is buying a budget shoe to test their running prowess doesn’t mean they deserve to run in discomfort and potential injury-inducing shoes. Despite some odd design choices, the Gel Contend 5 should provide newbie runners the support they need without causing any undue injuries (provided the run isn’t too long). Check out some more best running shoes to see what else ASICS has to offer!

Why We Like It – ASICS Gel Contend 5

Every company has their budget running shoe brand. Brooks has the Anthem and ADIDAS has the Duramo, for example. It would be hard to convince anyone who was thinking about getting into running to drop close to over $100 on a shoe which is why these brands have their budget shoes and why ASICS now has the Gel Contend 5. Check out some more awesome kicks on our review on 8 of the most tech advanced sneakers money can buy today.

Pros
  • ORTHOLITE Sockliner keeps you fresh for longer
  • Fantastic if you’re a heel-strike runner
  • Wide-range of size options
Cons
  • Horrible if you’re not a heel-strike runner
  • Unflattering design
  • Not great for extra long runs

Performance

The upper mesh on the Gel Contend 5 is breathable and flexes well throughout your run. It uses stitched on overlays to supply more support and protection. The solid rubber outsole gives the shoe high durability and the removable ORTHOLITE Sockliner helps you to stay fresh for longer. If you’re looking for something a little more high-end that ASICS offers, consider the ASICS Gel-Venture 5. Not only are they a great pair of trail-running shoes, they also work well as a standard pair of running shoes too. If you like a shoe with a thicker and responsive midsole, read about it in our Asics gel nimbus 22 review.

Design

The heel height on the ASICS Gel Contend 5 shoe is about 22mm with a 10mm heel drop. They also include a rearfoot gel which is great if you’re a heel-strike runner. If you’re not, all this does is add extra weight to the shoe. If you want a lightweight running shoe, consider looking into the Nike Revolution 3. This rearfoot gel on the ASICS Gel-Contend 5 also doesn’t extend past the immediate heel area which is extra burdensome if, again, you aren’t a heel-strike runner. Read our Adidas lite racer adapt review if you need an easy to slip on shoe.

Value

If you decide to buy your running shoes on the company website the first thing you’ll notice is just how much size selection there is. The select size option ranges from size 6 to a whopping size 15. Other than that, they look like your basic running shoes that come in a variety of colours like black, white, and blue just to name a few. If you’re looking for a shoe with a little more oomph in its style and colour selection check out the KUBUA Running Shoes. A stylish shoe for the stylish runner. You can compare this to Nike’s Lunar2 running shoe.

ASICS Gel Contend 5 Wrap Up

Overall, the ASICS Gel Contend 5 should be able to get you into the groove of running without causing any undue strain. However, this is a budget shoe and won’t last forever. As soon as you feel able to do more than, let’s say, 5 miles on your run, it’s a good idea to start looking for an alternate, better pair of running shoes.

Michael Iaboni Avatar