The Asics Gel Venture 9 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The ASICS Gel Venture 9 is a versatile trail runner and hiker designed for those seeking comfort and breathability at an accessible price point. With a significant 12 mm drop, it is ideal for heel strikers who benefit from enhanced cushioning during their runs. The soft yet responsive midsole foam translates to effective shock absorption, allowing for a comfortable experience on varied terrains.

While the ASICS Gel Venture 9 may not be the most durable option available, its performance in terms of comfort and breathability makes it a noteworthy choice at just $80. The verified cushioning properties contribute to reducing fatigue over long distances, making it suitable for extended outdoor activities.


Pros

  • Fantastic value
  • Summer-ready mesh upper
  • Enough stack height
  • Stable ride
  • Good for heel strikers
  • Ready for hiking
  • GEL technology for amazing impact protection

Cons

  • Durability could be better
  • Lacks energy return
  • Heavy

Key Features

  • Mesh upper: Improves breathability for enhanced comfort during runs.
  • Sockliner: Produced with a solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by around 45%, while also improving impact absorption and providing a softer feeling at footstrike.
  • Rearfoot GEL technology: Enhances impact absorption, creating a softer landing with each stride.
  • AMPLIFOAM cushioning: Provides superior cushioning to support longer runs.
  • Trail-specific outsole pattern: Delivers improved grip on various surfaces, ensuring stability whether you're on a rocky path or a smooth road.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Outer material: Polyester
  • Inner material: Gel

Asics Gel Venture 9 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

ASICS Gel Venture 9 New Balance 510 v6 New Balance Tektrel ASICS Gel Venture 10
Price $80 $90 $90 $80
Trail terrain Light Light Light Light
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 11.1 oz / 314g 11 oz / 312g 10.7 oz / 302g 11.4 oz / 322g
Drop lab Drop brand 10.4 mm 8.2 mm 8.0 mm 12.0 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Heel Heel
Size True to size True to size Slightly small True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Balanced Soft
Difference in midsole softness in cold Normal Small Normal Big
Toebox durability Very bad Decent Good Good
Heel padding durability Decent Bad Decent Good
Outsole durability - Good Decent Good
Breathability Moderate Moderate Breathable Moderate
Width / fit Narrow Narrow Medium Narrow
Toebox width Narrow Medium Wide Narrow
Stiffness Moderate Stiff Stiff Moderate
Torsional rigidity Moderate Moderate Moderate Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Moderate Moderate Moderate
Lug depth 3.0 mm 2.9 mm 2.4 mm 3.7 mm
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand 33.3 mm 33.8 mm 32.2 mm 35.3 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 22.9 mm 25.6 mm 24.2 mm 23.3 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Season All seasons All seasons Summer All seasons
Removable insole
Orthotic friendly
Ranking Bottom 27% Bottom 3% Bottom 6% Bottom 34%
Popularity Top 28% Bottom 13% Top 49% Top 20%