ASICS GEL-VENTURE 6 Review

Did you know that trail running brings in 90 % of cases, some higher risk of injuries? According to a study from 2015, in most cases trail running causes particularly lower back pain (42 % of cases), knee injuries (40 % of cases), problems with foot plantar fasciitis (33 % of cases) and it continues with thigh injuries (30 % of cases) as well. Therefore, the right selection of trail shoes is definitely at place! And if you are one of those fans that love muddy terrain, uphill the same as downhill and conquering the highest peaks on every-day base is the perfect challenge for you, Asics Gel-Venture 6 should be taken by you into real consideration! 

First of all, value vs. money. I haven’t seen so cheap running shoes as these Gel-Venture 6 from this brand of above average quality for quite some time. It is true that Gel cushioning in the back, heel part is pretty much the same as in previous models. I find it quite comparable to Asics Gel-Kayano 25 But what has a real adjustment and I think you will definitely as a trail runner really love, are the outsoles of this version. They are completely different from previous Asics Gel-Venture 5. The treads are deeper, the pods differently shaped and oriented in reverse to the direction of runner’s movement. That perfectly hinders any slippering effect on the wet surface and thus, fulfills the trail outsole purpose.

I would almost say that this should be a new series from Asics. It feels not just as some adjustment of the Venture series. In the end, after having them tested for 50 miles in the forests and during rain showers, I must say that they provide better traction on slippery surfaces than the previous version. So if you are planning to take these as your safeguard for trail running, they will be an awesome, literally, splendid companion. Quality of outsoles is definitely worth the money investment in this case. 

Cushioning well matches the expectations as well. Be prepared, it is not excessive and wouldn’t last long when using the shoes on a hard surface. This is a real trail shoe, for softer, grassy, muddy terrain. Not for hard paved roads. Therefore, if you are planning to combine ASICS Gel-Venture 6 with paved city tracks, you will significantly decrease their lifespan. They are simply just appropriate for trails. Not multifunctional. But I wouldn’t consider it as their disadvantage. Just be aware of what you want to use them for! They still have good arch support though. Which is for their price that they are being sold for, very impressive. As soon as I come across a cheaper model, in most cases, this is the thing where I decrease the rating. But these are made for real trail running. And for that, I strongly believe you will find them very good. 🙂 

The only negative aspect that I see is their upper. It is not well breathable. I find them a bit similar to another trail model of Adidas Terrex Agravic GTX. But in the case of ASICS Gel-Venture 6, it’s better. Just in very hot weather, take thinner socks or you can try to put away the removable sockliner. Some may point out that it is too wide in the forefoot. I have seen that opinion before trying them but I cannot really agree. Instead, I think that it is roomy just correct in the toe part (I have neutral, medium wide feet) and so pretty much fitting true to size in the end. Most of you won’t complain.

So, yeah…. ASICS Gel-Venture 6 is a good trail running shoe. Definitely one of those that won’t cause the aforementioned injuries from the beginning of this article somehow excessively. And on long the same as short distances the shoes will rather make your running experience from conquering the mountains simply excellent.