ASICS Gel-Venture 8

Do you expect trail running shoes to be durable, resilient and most importantly for an affordable price tag? Well, ASICS Gel-Venture 8 is a typical model of such running shoes. For example, as for the price I really found it to be great value for money. No matter whether you purchase it on Amazon or at some other online store. You can easily find it around 50 – 70 dollars per pair which is quite good. But how did it go in the case of testing these running shoes? I have run in the man’s version for quite some distance – over 150 miles in total. Let’s take a look at the model in more detail. 

First impressions

When I slipped into ASICS Gel-Venture 8 for the first time, I immediately noticed that they were smaller than expected. The toebox was large enough but in the middle of the foot, they felt narrow. Not a tragedy, though. I got them exchanged for half a size bigger and then they felt absolutely fine. I always wear trail running shoes in the US 10 but went up to 10.5. Other than that, ASICS Gel-Venture 8 felt nicely comfortable. 

I tested the shoes in the hilly surroundings. I went for over 8 miles for the first time and I went on an unpaved road up the hill in the forest, between the rocks over the top and on the steep slopes down on the grass. I simply tested the shoes on what they should serve for: Running on trails, possibly middle-difficulty/leisure hiking. For both activities, I found ASICS Gel-Venture 8 to be very good. Even after testing them for 100 miles, I could barely see some scratches or excessive marks usage.

Grip of outsoles

The outsoles are fairly durable. They have a deep pattern that perfectly hinders slippering as soon as it turns wet or rainy outside. Me, as someone who prefers extreme conditions, I truly appreciated the outsoles. Way better than in the case of classic running shoes. Way better than my previous trail running shoes – New Balance 410V6. Those had the pattern on the outsoles too shallow and thus, they were more slippery in the rain than one would say. 

As for the outsoles, on the other hand, they are quite similar to the previous model of Asics Gel-Venture 6. You can find my review of ASICS Gel-Venture 6 here. I had that one before and I must say that they were more comfortable. ASICS Gel-Venture 6 were true to size and the toe box was roomier. If I could decide between those two models, I would go for the earlier one. The price is almost the same in the end. 

What I liked about ASICS Gel-Venture 8 

The breathability of the upper was absolutely great. In the case of ASICS Gel-Venture 8 it was actually the other way than in the case of ASICS Gel-Venture 6. I felt pretty hot in that model when running for too long. They definitely improved the thickness so that ASICS Gel-Venture 6 feels more breathable than the model before. 

Another thing is the overall comfort of the midsoles. I have never been a big fan of ASICS. The fact is that I prefer Adidas for myself. For example Adidas SL20 is my favourite model (not for trails). But ASICS Gel-Venture 8 nicely surprised me. There is truly plenty of cushioning. The midsoles made of gel cushioning secure a smooth ride for the whole time. They are for neutral runners, so I think that in my case it perfectly makes sense to feel them as appropriate for myself. 

After having so many models tested, I would just say that the quality of ASICS Gel-Venture 6 is sufficient enough. The fact that the price is very decent and then the fact that they lasted over 150 miles without excessive usage makes them for me a great model of trail running shoes. Just size them half the size up and you will not regret the purchase. For medium-distance running you will love these shoes.