The Asics Gel Pulse 14 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The ASICS Gel Pulse 14 is a comfort-oriented daily trainer designed for runners seeking a budget-friendly option. With its verified AMPLIFOAM midsole, it provides necessary cushioning that is particularly beneficial during low-intensity workouts, making it ideal for those who prefer easy runs and gym sessions.

Lab tests indicate that the shoe maintains consistent performance in various conditions, including freezer tests, which highlights its capability as a reliable year-round training partner. The shoe effectively supports your foot with its cushioned padding, ensuring a comfortable experience during longer wear.


Pros

  • Well-cushioned and comfortable
  • Generously padded interior
  • Great for easy runs and recovery days
  • Flexible and forgiving on the foot
  • Reliable traction
  • Secure lockdown
  • Accommodating toebox
  • Feels decently stable
  • Good for cold winter runs
  • Works well as a gym/walking shoe
  • Lots of colorway options

Cons

  • Average breathability at best
  • Could be lighter
  • Not ideal for forefoot strikers
  • Midsole lacks responsiveness

Key Features

  • Fully engineered jacquard mesh upper: Improves breathability for optimal comfort.
  • Sustainable materials: At least 20% of the shoe's main upper material is made with recycled content, reducing waste and carbon emissions.
  • Water-efficient sockliner: Produced with a solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by about 45% compared to conventional methods.
  • AMPLIFOAM cushioning technology: Offers durability at softer densities, enhancing flexibility and comfort during footstrike.
  • Rearfoot GEL technology: Improves impact absorption, providing a softer feel upon each step.

Specifications

  • Fabric type: 100% Synthetic
  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Outer material: Polyester
  • Rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 688 reviews

Asics Gel Pulse 14 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

ASICS Gel Pulse 14 ASICS Gel Contend 9 Nike Downshifter 13 ASICS Gel Pulse 15
Price $100 $70 $75 $100
Pace Daily running Daily running Daily running Daily running
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 10.4 oz / 296g 9.7 oz / 275g 9.3 oz / 265g 8.4 oz / 237g
Lightweight
Drop lab Drop brand 9.7 mm 7.8 mm 10.1 mm 8.1 mm
Strike pattern Heel Mid/forefoot Heel Heel
Size True to size True to size Slightly small True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Balanced Balanced
Difference in midsole softness in cold Small Small Small Small
Toebox durability Bad Bad Decent Decent
Heel padding durability Good Good Good Good
Outsole durability Good Decent Good Good
Breathability Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Medium
Stiffness Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Torsional rigidity Moderate Moderate Moderate Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Stiff Moderate Stiff
Heel lab Heel brand 32.0 mm 31.2 mm 32.2 mm 35.3 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 22.3 mm 23.4 mm 22.1 mm 27.2 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Narrow Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season All seasons All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Ranking Bottom 13% Bottom 13% Bottom 10% Bottom 28%
Popularity Bottom 7% Top 24% Top 27% Bottom 49%