Our verdict

Among ASICS' long-standing series, the thirteenth version of the ASICS Gel Pulse makes our daily runs a spa for our feet. It's plush and supportive; we observed that going the distance is an easy feat with the asics japan s multicolore. Even more, it's an affordable option that delivers all-around performance whether it's in running, walking, or gym training.

Sneakers ASICS Japan S 1191A354 White Gold 104 Pros

  • and knit-in Asics logo on top of the foot
  • No break-in period needed
  • Asics Roadblast Running Shoes
  • Supports moderately flat feet
  • Roomy toebox
  • asics asics novablast en mesh blanc femme
  • Budget-friendly

Sneakers ASICS Japan S 1191A354 White Gold 104 Cons

  • mens asics gelnimbus 21 liteshow
  • Lacks responsiveness
  • asics gel nimbus 21 innovation in motion

Audience verdict

81
Good!

Who should buy

zapatillas de running ASICS pronador constitución ligera apoyo talón budget shoe for road runners looking for a: 

  • soft and cushy daily trainer
  • asics gt ii glacier grey piedmont grey
  • tenis asics gel nimbus 23 laranja rosa azul mulher gym trainer

Who should NOT buy

We didn't enjoy picking up too much speed in the asics japan s multicolore. For a daily trainer that's also fun at quick paces, we recommend the invincible x asics tiger gel lyte iii formosa.

asics gel lyte 3 winter мужские осенние кроссовки осень зима Yu Nagaba x Asics Gel Saga Collection with its less roomy toebox. 

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Lab test

Sneakers ASICS Japan S 1191A354 White Gold 104 | Cushioning

Heel stack

Measuring the stack at the heel, we found a massive discrepancy with the officially stated figures. According to ASICS, the asics japan s multicolore should be 23 mm at the heel, but our calliper measurements reveal it to be 32.6 mm. We do measure the stack including the insole, but that doesn’t account for the 9.6 mm disparity.

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Heel stack

This is not abnormally high, however, as the asics japan s multicolore still falls within the range of our lab average

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Heel feel

The higher a shoe’s stack, the more we are able to perceive the cushioning of the midsole underfoot. This is especially beneficial for longer runs and runners with a tendency to heel-strike. 

Test results
asics japan s multicolore 32.6 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

We found a similar discrepancy when measuring the forefoot stack with our callipers in the lab. Coming in at 21.6 mm, the asics japan s multicolore has a forefoot stack of 8.6 mm taller than the official figure of 13 mm. 

This forefoot height puts the asics japan s multicolore closer to our current lab average, though it still falls slightly short relatively speaking.

This stack height does give forefoot/midfoot strikers good impact protection, though for runners looking fore more ground-feel for their daily runs; we suggest the Yu Nagaba x Asics Gel Saga Collection which boasts a shorter forefoot stack.  

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Forefoot stack
Test results
asics japan s multicolore 21.6 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

While the variance in the stack height measurements was rather large, the heel drop remains relatively accurate. Our figures give the asics japan s multicolore a drop of 11 mm, just one millimetre off the 10 mm stated by ASICS. 

This still classifies the asics japan s multicolore as a high-drop shoe, and is a difference that only very few, highly-attuned runners will notice. 

This drop height is a great start for beginner runners as it provides ample impact protection for heel-striking strides. It has also been found to help with injuries like plantar fasciitis; which often arises as a result of higher stress on the affected area due to increased activity. 

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Drop
Test results
asics japan s multicolore 11.0 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
-0.2 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Using a durometer to measure the softness of the midsole gives us a reading of 22.5 HA. This falls right within the average range for road-running shoes. 

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Midsole softness

This result in combination with the stack height means that the asics japan s multicolore does feel pretty balanced underfoot on our test runs; decently cushioned but with enough pop to make it feel lively rather than squishy. 

While not totally dead, the midsole does lack the responsiveness needed for tempo-training. Runners looking for a versatile daily trainer with some zip to it should have a look at the invincible x asics tiger gel lyte iii formosa, which can pick up the pace on a similar budget.

Test results
asics japan s multicolore 22.5 HA
Average 20.9 HA
Asics Kurzärmliges Oberteil in Gelb.
Compared to 330 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

Secondary foam softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

has received a 2012 retro from asics

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.
Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt has received a 2012 retro from asics

has received a 2012 retro from asics (%)

To see how the shoe’s midsole foam reacts to cold weather conditions, we placed the asics japan s multicolore in the freezer for 20 minutes. When we repeated the durometer measurement afterwards, it gave us a reading of 31.3 HA, right in the average range for road-running shoes. This means that cold days are no deterrent to the asics japan s multicolore, which feels just as comfy underfoot even during the frostiest days. 

We found that the asics japan s multicolore gets 38.9% firmer in cold conditions. This makes it a little less consistent than the average shoe that only stiffens up by 27%, but still doesn’t feel like running on a block of ice. 

Test results
asics japan s multicolore 39%
Average 25%
Compared to 330 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
0%
has received a 2012 retro from asics
63%

Insole thickness

The insole measures 4.5 mm, right within the lab average. This accounts for less than half of the stack height divergence. 

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Insole thickness
Test results
asics japan s multicolore 4.5 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt is true to size (12 votes).

Asics Actibreeze noire?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 382 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Носки asics quarter sock 3-pack 35-38 white gray black 155205-0701

At 94.4 mm according to our calliper, the asics japan s multicolore's toebox is slightly narrower than our current lab average at its widest part. Despite this, the upper's mesh upper easily stretches over even the widest foot and decisively locks it down once laced up right.

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
asics japan s multicolore 94.4 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
91.6 mm
Носки asics quarter sock 3-pack 35-38 white gray black 155205-0701
104.9 mm

Calções ASICS Road 3.5 verde mulher

Measuring the toebox at the big toe, we found it to be 77.9 mm, which is a little roomier than our current lab average. Looking at Visor two measurements, we see that the asics japan s multicolore's toebox doesn't taper towards the toe as significantly as the average shoe.

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Toebox width at the big toe

This means that wide-footed runners should still have more than enough room for their feet to splay out on landings.

Test results
asics japan s multicolore 77.9 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 244 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
67.6 mm
Calções ASICS Road 3.5 verde mulher
89.2 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

For a shoe that feels well-cushioned, we found the asics japan s multicolore to be more stable than we anticipated.

As we can see from the demonstration above, the shoe stays well-planted on the ground giving us low risk of ankle rolls on our runs. Indeed when testing the shoe we felt surefooted and stable throughout. 

Torsional rigidity

The asics japan s multicolore twists and contorts with relative ease, leading us to give it a score of 2 out of 5 on our subjective stiffness scale. This gives us an impression of how much the shoe conforms with the natural movement of the foot which, in practice, translates to overall comfort. 

This, however, is less than ideal for overpronating runners who need a stiffer shoe with stability features to prevent inward rolling of the foot. Visor runners should consider the Asics Gel Nimbus 23 Running Shoes Mens or the ASICS Womens WMNS GT 2000 8 Trail Peacoat Peacoat Sea Glass 1012A577-400.

Test results
asics japan s multicolore 2
Average 3.4
Compared to 382 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

Pinching and squeezing the heel counter reveals it to be of medium stiffness, giving the asics japan s multicolore a score of 3 out of 5 on our subjective scale. This combined with the ample padding around the ankle collar gave us a strong lockdown around the ankle and kept our heel from rubbing against the shoe. 

Test results
asics japan s multicolore 3
Average 2.9
Compared to 366 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

asics gel kayano 25 sp m svart

We measured the midsole to be 111.3 mm wide at the forefoot, making the asics japan s multicolore a hair narrower than our current lab average. This didn't present us with any problems on our test runs where we felt that the shoe has ample platform for stable landings. 

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
asics japan s multicolore 111.3 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
102.2 mm
asics gel kayano 25 sp m svart
126.9 mm

Sneakers ASICS Japan S 1191A354 White Gold 104

At 86.8 mm according to our calliper, the asics japan s multicolore's midsole tapers a little more than most shoes towards the heel, leaving us with a narrower than average platform at the rearfoot. Nonethelss, this didn't present us with any stability issues when landing on our heels during test runs.

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Midsole width in the heel
Test results
asics japan s multicolore 86.8 mm
Average 90.6 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
70.8 mm
Sneakers ASICS Japan S 1191A354 White Gold 104
106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

Requiring a measly 14N of force to bend the asics japan s multicolore 90-degrees in our stiffness test makes it significantly more flexible than the average shoe. 

This means that even as our feet got tired and swelled up towards the end of our longer test-runs, the asics japan s multicolore was easily able to adapt to the shape and movement of our feet. This had us gobbling up our mile markers while feeling as fresh by the end as we did at the start, and with no rush to peel off the shoe for sweet relief afterward. 

It also means that the asics japan s multicolore feels great right out of the box, with no breaking-in period that is often associated with stiffer shoes.

While this feature lends itself to comfort, we found the flexibility of the asics japan s multicolore to come at the expense of performance. That lack of rigidity underfoot gives us a less responsive surface to spring-off from which, in combination with the not-so-responsive midsole, means that we won’t be breaking any PRs in this shoe. 

Test results
asics japan s multicolore 14.0N
Average 28.1N
Ver precios Asics Dynablast.
Compared to 383 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Asics original спортивная кофта ветровкк (%)

Testing the stiffness of the shoe again after 20 minutes in the freezer to simulate exposure to cold weather, the asics japan s multicolore gave us a reading of only 33.3N. This is well below the amount of force needed for the average shoe under similar conditions, and means that cold-climate runners will also reap the comfortable benefits of this shoe. 

With a 137% percent difference in stiffness between warm and cold condtiions, the asics japan s multicolore isn't as consistent as the average shoe which tends to stiffen up much less than that. 

While this means that the shoe won’t feel as flexible on cold days, its reading of 33.3N after the freezer is comparable to the amount of force needed to bend the average shoe at room temperature! Given that context, it really is a remarkably pliable shoe.

Test results
asics japan s multicolore 138%
Average 32%
Compared to 383 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
0%
Asics original спортивная кофта ветровкк
101%

Weight

The asics japan s multicolore could use a bit of a diet. Tipping the scale at 10.6 oz (300g) makes it heavier than the average shoe. While not devastatingly heavy, lugging that weight definitely stifles speedier runs and feels burdensome after longer ones. 

For a shoe that’s light on the budget as well as light on the scale, have a look at the ASICS Gel Excite 9.

Test results
asics japan s multicolore 10.26 oz (291g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 404 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

One thing’s for certain with the asics japan s multicolore, it’s an airy shoe. We tested this in the lab by pumping smoke into the shoe, and we can clearly see how quickly and evenly it escapes throughout the upper and tongue.

The shoe’s ventilation capacity scored a perfect 5 out of 5 from us.

Further corroborating the breathability of the asics japan s multicolore is just how much our light shines through a cross-section of its upper.

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Breathability close up

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt microscope mesh 2

That in combination with our close-up images of the upper’s mesh shows us that the weave isn’t so dense as to trap in heat. This means that the asics japan s multicolore is a great choice for warm runs in the summer sun. 

Test results
asics japan s multicolore 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 333 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

With such delicate material making up the upper mesh, it’s no surprise that the asics japan s multicolore’s toebox didn’t fare too well in our durability test. To simulate wear and tear over time, we pressed a Dremel against the fabric. After 4 seconds at 10K RPM with a force of 13.2N, we absolutely shredded through the toebox.

Looking at the close-up of the toe-box material again, we can see the fine threads fraying from the irregularly spaced braids; which indicates the upper’s poor construction quality. This isn’t unusual for an entry-level budget shoe, but buyers should be mindful that one wrong snag might send the asics japan s multicolore to an early retirement.

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt asics gel burz 1 kiko kostadinov limeade
For a shoe with a more durable mesh upper that is also highly breathable, consider the ASICS Gel Lyte III Leather Back, which can be seen in the comparison photo above. 
Test results
asics japan s multicolore 1
Average 2.6
Compared to 267 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
1
Toebox durability
5

Outsole hardness

Pressing our durometer against the outsole gives a reading of 80.8 HC, which is right around average for a road-running shoe. This level of hardness contrubutes to the durability of the outsole, but is still pliable enough to get good a bite on the ground and provided us with great traction on our test runs. 

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Outsole hardness
Test results
asics japan s multicolore 80.8 HC
Average 79.7 HC
Asics Kurzärmliges Oberteil in Gelb.
Compared to 384 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
56.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

To test the durability of the outsole in the lab, we applied a Dremel against the rubber at 10K RPM with a force of 13.5N for 12 seconds. We can see that, despite not featuring ASICS’ AHAR carbon rubber found in previous models, the asics japan s multicolore’s outsole managed to withstand the test with minimal damage, as opposed to the shoe’s upper. 

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt outsole pos dremel

This result gives the asics japan s multicolore an outsole durability score of 4 out of 5, with 5 being the most durable, so the outsole will certainly outlast the shoe's upper. 

Outsole thickness

The outsole is a little notably thicker than average. Using our caliper we measured it at 5.1 mm against the current lab average of 3.5 mm. This 1.6 mm difference is quite high for a road-shoe, and gives us just that much more durable rubber to contend with before punching through to the midsole. This leads us to conclude that this shoe should last at least 500-miles, given the upper doesn’t face a catastrophic failure along the way. 

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Outsole thickness
Test results
asics japan s multicolore 5.1 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

The outsole is definitely one of our unexpected highlights of the asics japan s multicolore. Whether we used it indoors at the gym, or outdoors whether in dry or wet conditions; we always felt sure-footed with lots of traction underfoot. 

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Outsole

The asics japan s multicolore is grippy and durable enough that we felt confident taking it out on some mild park valoradas. 

Tongue padding

We measured the tongue with our caliper to be 4.8 mm. While this may be 0.9 mm shy of the average tongue thickness, we still felt it to be padded enough to provide a snug and comfy midfoot lockdown while avoiding any unwanted lace-bite. It also manages to stay in place quite well for a non-gusseted tongue. 

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Tongue padding
Test results
asics japan s multicolore 4.8 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
las Asics Gecko XT presentan un
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

While the tongue on the asics japan s multicolore has no gusset, we didn't have to contend with any tongue slippage during or test runs. 

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Tongue: gusset type
Test results
asics japan s multicolore None

Heel tab

The asics japan s multicolore doesn't include any type of heel tab, though we were still able to slip in and out of it with ease. 

Asics Training Power Korte Mouwen T-Shirt Heel tab
Test results
asics japan s multicolore None

Removable insole

The insole of the gel Pulse 13 is removable, which means that runners with special orthotics can use them with this shoe. 

Test results
asics japan s multicolore Yes