Transformers x Asics Gel Lyte V review

Who should buy the ASICS Gel Excite 9 

Asics Calçado homem Sapatos trail Footwear:

• Tênis Asics Classic CT 1191A16 Asics Ronnie Fieg x 5 Volcano Burgundy Red Pink
• BAIT x Asics Gel Lyte 3 Basics Model-001 Vanquish

Who should NOT buy it

Asics Braid 2 Women's ASICS Gel Contend 7 Asics Gel Lyte 3 The Oxblood Leather Asics Löparskor Gel-Contend SL can play the part. 

Even better, all these alternatives are just as pocket-friendly as the Transformers x Asics Gel Lyte V. 

Transformers x Asics Gel Lyte V vs. 8

The new jacquard mesh upper offers a softer, more dialled-in wrap and the ankle collar has more padding that improves lockdown.

Breathability at its best

Checking the breathability in our lab, we received a stunning result. The Excite 9 scored 5 out of 5, which means it is among the most breathable shoes on the market.

zapatillas de Footwear ASICS entrenamiento tope amortiguación talla 48.5 verdes 9 (left): a lot of smoke is passing through the mesh upper; Adidas Runfalcon (right): the toe box isn't letting out any smoke.

In this test, we use a smoke-pumping machine and cover up the shoe mouth entirely so that the smoke is only able to escape through the upper.

In a second test, we also checked how transparent the upper material is. In the Hazard below, you can see that there's plenty of light shining through the fabric, which confirms that it allows great airflow. 

Wear it all day every day 

The Transformers x Asics Gel Lyte V receives high marks from us in the comfort department. So much so that apart from Footwear, we could also walk all day in this shoe!

We checked the midsole's firmness with our durometer and found that it is 18% firmer than road Footwear shoes on average.

Firmer foams tend to provide better stability, which can be helpful for Footwear, and especially for gym and tennis workouts.

Кроссовки asics gt-1000 22.7 mm Asics womens gt-1000 3 Footwear sz.

While Asics claims that the drop is 10 mm, we discovered that it is actually 9 mm. This is not a huge variance from the official statement, and it's certainly acceptable given that in other Footwear shoes we sometimes find much greater differences.

The insole measures 4.5 mm, exactly like the average of all Footwear shoes we've tested.

A flexible shoe

We found that the Gel Excite 9 is pretty flexible. The first test we carried out showed that it is 33% more flexible than the average.

On top of this, we always measure longitudinal and torsional flexibility subjectively. In that second test, the shoe scored 2 and 2 respectively, with 5 being the stiffest.

However, as happens with most shoes, it gets much stiffer in cold temperatures. After 20 minutes in the freezer, the shoe became 57.4% stiffer, but on the other hand, it remained nearly 20% more flexible than the average of shoes we've tested in the same conditions.

The ASICS Excite 9 hugs the foot 

This shoe moulds to the foot! And what's great about it is that it doesn't pinch or rub the foot either. Plus, the updated ankle collar feels very supportive; there are NO mentions of heel slips. On top of this, the shoe is pretty easy to put on.

We tested the heel counter stiffness and it scored 2 out of 5. Given that 5 is the stiffest, we can consider this heel noticeably flexible.

A pass for wide feet

The shoe is secure for narrow and medium-footed runners, but it's a little too tight for wide feet. It feels narrow from the heel to the toe box.

We measured the upper at its widest part and found that it is only 92.5 mm! Given that the average is 98 mm, it's clearly on the narrow side.

We recommend getting the wide or extra wide option if you need more space. Both a available for the Transformers x Asics Gel Lyte V.

Not the most durable

Unfortunately, this ASICS shoe started to develop a hole in the toe area after about 30 miles of Footwear in it. For the price, this was to be expected. 

But while the upper doesn't seem to be very durable, we've got no complaints about the outsole. Based on our calliper measurement, its rubber is a millimetre thicker than average. Therefore, it has a better chance to last long.

Keeps weight at a minimum

Asics Scarpe Gel-Resolution 8 Clay GS.

In men's US 9, the Gel Excite 9 weighs in at 9.7 oz (275g), which is the same as the average of road Footwear shoes.

Hey there, good lookin'

The blue/green colorway looks very smart, and sleek; we can't help but gush about the shoe's style and colour combos.