Asics Gel-Contend 9 Review

The Gel-Contend is a budget-friendly option for walking, gym work, and short runs.   Credit: Matthew Richardson

The Gel-Contend is fairly lightweight compared to other shoes of its type.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

Previous Next

Comfort and Fit

The Gel-Contend fits standard and accommodating, true to size, with enough room in the toe box for most foot shapes. The jacquard mesh with synthetic overlays is comfortable enough for daily wear and short runs, with no hot spots. There's not much padding in the tongue or collar compared to pricier shoes, which gives it a simpler, less cradled feel. We didn't get the plush, premium step-in experience of a shoe twice the price, but it doesn't feel harsh or uncomfortable either. The heel counter is stiff, which helps with lockdown. The Gel-Contend is available in regular, wide, and extra wide, so it covers a broad range of feet. For the price, it's a fine fit; functional, straightforward, and nothing we worried about.

The Gel-Contend has 32mm of cushioning foam.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Gel-Contend has a simple mesh upper with synthetic overlays and a standard fit.   Credit: Matthew Richardson

Previous Next

Cushioning

This is where the lower price becomes more apparent. The Asics' AMPLIFOAM+ foam is firm and flat. It absorbed impact well, keeping our feet from the ground, but it didn't return any energy or give any sense of bounce. Each step in, each step out, and nothing extra happens in between. Asics includes a rearfoot GEL insert and highlights it in the marketing, but it's thin enough that we honestly couldn't feel any difference. If they took it out, we don't think we'd notice. On short runs of two to three miles and on walks, the cushioning is fine. Our feet felt protected and comfortable enough, and we could get through the effort without complaint.

On anything over four or five miles, the lack of depth and responsiveness becomes obvious; our legs start doing all the work that a better foam would help with. Runners building up mileage will outgrow this shoe quickly and start reaching for something with more cushioning underfoot.

The mesh upper on the Gel-Contend offers better breathability than the portions with a leather overlay.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

Mesh panels on the Gel-Contend provide some airflow, but overlays limit ventilation.   Credit: Matthew Richardson

Previous Next

Breathability

The mesh upper is decent, but the synthetic overlays across the midfoot block some airflow. It runs warmer than we expected for a shoe at this weight, and warmer than it needs to compared to other options. On cooler days and for short outings, it's a non-issue. In summer heat or for longer efforts where feet might swell, the lack of ventilation becomes noticeable. The materials don't feel stuffy or unpleasant; they just don't breathe as well as a shoe with fewer overlays and a more open mesh construction would. For a shoe primarily used for walking, gym sessions, and the occasional short run, it's fine. For regular running in warm conditions, we'd want better airflow.

A full rubber outsole on the Gel-Contend provides durable grip on maintained surfaces.   Credit: Matthew Richardson

The Gel-Contend has a full rubber sole that feels durable.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

Previous Next

Traction

The outsole is actually one of the Gel-Contend's stronger points relative to its price. It features full synthetic rubber coverage with solid durability, good grip on dry roads and concrete, and decent grip on damp pavement, so we never felt uncertain. There's no tread pattern to speak of, so it won't handle loose gravel or anything off-road, but on maintained surfaces it holds up well. The rubber itself feels durable and should last a long time, probably longer than the midsole foam will remain comfortable. For a budget shoe, having an outsole that doesn't fall apart is a real plus.

Should You Buy the Asics Gel-Contend 9?

If budget is the main factor and you need a shoe for walking, gym sessions, short runs, or daily wear, the Contend 9 handles those basics without any problems. It's well-built for the price, fits a wide range of feet, and the outsole will last. For runners who plan to build mileage or run regularly, we'd recommend looking at shoes with better cushioning. A previous-year model of one of the higher-rated shoes on sale will often cost the same or just slightly more, and the difference in ride quality is significant. The Contend 9 is a fine starting point, but most runners will likely want to upgrade fairly quickly once they know they're sticking with the sport.

What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?