Our verdict

If you're looking for one of the best-value running shoes out there, the ASICS Gel Contend 7 is it. I love that this shoe provided ample cushioning for short to medium-length runs. The tough construction of the Gel Contend 7 also exceeded my expectations for its price bracket.

Original 1995 Asics Gel Kayano 5 Pros

  • Fits true to size
  • Good heel lock
  • Stable
  • A fair amount of cushioning
  • Awake NYs ASICS GEL-Lyte III Colab Has Leaked
  • ASICS Gel Fit Tempo 3
  • Guidance line keeps the foot steady

Original 1995 Asics Gel Kayano 5 Cons

  • Asics gel rocket 7
  • ASICS Gel Sonoma 5 G-TX Metropolis Metropolis Black 1011A660-020
  • Asics Gel-Kayano Trainer Evo "Gecko Green"

Audience verdict

84
Good!

Size and fit

Size

ASICS Gel Contend 7 is true to size (60 votes).

calzas o mallas para correr finish advantage tight de asics?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 382 running shoes
asics gel lyte v planet pack
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Asics-Gel-Contend-7-01.jpgOriginal 1995 Asics Gel Kayano 5

Original 1995 Asics Gel Kayano 5 | ASICS Gel Contend 7 review and lab test

ASICS is determined to make a budget-friendly shoe for the casual runner. Even if it’s lacking in a lot (a lot) of features that modern running shoes have, the Gel Contend 7 is kind of what running has always been about: chuck on some shoes and go exercise. 

Asics-Gel-Contend-7-on-feet

The Gel Contend 7 is that shoe that’s just easy access and great for those getting into the sport, or maybe who don’t run as regularly as others. With an RRP of £70, and easy to find only for less, there’s really no excuse not to run in these. 

Who should buy the ASICS Gel Contend 7

Asics-Gel-Contend-7-Side-View-Diag.jpg

Another added benefit of the simplified design of the Contend 7 is that it’s a great all-rounder, so it could be perfect for:

  • Neutral runners and supinators (heel rolls outwards)
  • Asics Run Crew Socks
  • All-day wear
  • Gym Training
  • Medium to veryer runs (>10km)
  • Walking

Who should NOT buy these

Asics Men's Icon SS Running Top:

The ASICS Gel Contend 7 fit great

With people more likely to purchase shoes online now more than ever, it’s great to have a pair you can trust to be sized correctly. 

The ASICS Gel Contend 7 does just that. The toe box is a perfect size and the cupped heel surrounded and locked the back of my foot into it. 

Asics-Gel-Contend-7-medial view

During my runs in it, I didn’t notice any slipping in the heel or the toe, which is great news if you suffer from blisters. 

Made of sturdy stuff

Often with budget shoes, you might find that the material of the upper is plasticy and falls apart relatively quickly. I was pleasantly surprised when I received these. The fabric was quite thick and the mesh seems well constructed. 

Asics-Gel-Contend-7-on-feet-2.jpg

It is worth mentioning that the thickness of the upper is great if you live in cooler climates, but you might want to consider a more breathable pair like the Ténis ASICS Tiger Classic Tempo branco cru.

The ASICS Gel Contend 7 is padded, up to a point

The AmpliFoam midsole of the Gel Contend 7 provides excellent dampening on heel strikes, pairs with their Gel technology there’s definitely a lot of comfort on offer here for slower runs. However, I found that anything above a comfortable pace to be too much for these to take, even with a comfortable 33mm stack height. 

Asics-Gel-Contend-7-stack-height

If you’re looking for a shoe to take you on faster, veryer runs and keep you from damaged joints, it’s best to look elsewhere. With a midsole durometer of 53.2 HA, the Gel Contend 7 is a much harder shoe than the average (23.3HA). 

While this is quite a big limitation for a shoe (in a perfect world you can buy one pair of shoes that will do everything), it comes at such a low cost that it’s still a perfect shoe for those starting out, or short recovery runs. 

Asics-Gel-Contend-7-20.jpg

There’s also minimal arch support in the midsole which some might find uncomfortable. 

“Excuse me, you’re shoe’s squeaking”

Never before have I been one to turn heads when I run. In the Gel Contend 7, I found myself doing so for the wrong reasons. The full rubber outsole is incredibly noisy on anything but the roughest tarmac. 

Asics-Gel-Contend-7-outsole

Edinburgh has a lot of running paths through tunnels and I couldn’t help myself thinking of David Patrick Kelly clinking bottles together in ‘The Warriors’ as I echoed squeakily down them at night. That being said, it’s a relatively grippy outsole, so at least you’re going to stay on your feet while everyone’s looking.

The ASICS Gel Contend 7 have some tricks

ASICS have done their bit to help runners keep a consistent gait. With Guidance Line technology, the Contend 7 corrects supinating foot strikes, when your heel rolls outwards. 

Asics-Gel-Contend-7-guide-line

This was noticeable towards the end of my runs, when fatigue (and laziness) set in I felt the shoes gently push my foot back towards centre. 

There are inevitably going to be cut corners

For the price, you can’t ask for everything. With the Gel Contend 7, apart from the squeaky outsole and limited midsole, the laces are a real let down. In testing it took just 8.6N of force to slip them from their knot. 

Asics-Gel-Contend-7-lacing

They’re quite a cheap, slippery lace. To be fair; that’s easily fixed with a new set of laces. You could even get some elasticated laces with quick lacing technology to keep you locked in throughout. 

Conclusion

When I got the ASICS Gel Contend 7 I knew that they promised very little beyond the price tag, which meant I was extremely happy with the result. Supportive, well-built, and comfortable, there’s little else you can expect from this shoe. 

Asics-Gel-Contend-7-26.jpg

It’s refreshing to see such an accessible pair of shoes so well built-in 2021.