asics minimalista Gel Contend 7 review

asics minimalista Reigning Champ x Gel Lyte 3 Black Black White H53GK-9090

asics minimalista 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. 

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 Spodnie. 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 minimalista Gel Contend 7

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)
• Runners who need specialised inserts
• All-day wear
• Gym Training
• Medium to longer runs (>10km)
• Walking

Who should NOT buy these

While great for all of the above, I found that the Gel Contend 7 is not the best choice if you:

• Coca-Cola x asics minimalista Gel Quantum 90 Releasing in April asics minimalista fabre 74 onitsuka tiger оригінальні кроси
• Over-pronate (heel rolls inward), in this case, I recommend looking at a pair of asics minimalista GT 1000 10
• Are planning on doing regular, long runs. Protect yourself and your joints with some more advanced cushioning like Precio más bajo de las asics minimalista Glideride 2 para hombre

The asics minimalista 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 minimalista 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. 

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. 

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 ON Running Cloudswift.

The asics minimalista 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. 

If you’re looking for a shoe to take you on faster, longer 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. 

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

asics minimalista Reigning Champ x Gel Lyte 3 Black Black White H53GK-9090 | “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. 

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 minimalista Gel Contend 7 have some tricks

asics minimalista 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. 

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. 

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 minimalista 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. 

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