REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Comfortable
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Stiff
Harsh midsole
Heavy
Asics Gel-Venture 9 Review
An affordable, durable shoe, that's best for walking on mixed surfaces, but less ideal for serious runners
Credit: Matthew Richardson
RELATED: Best Trail Running Shoes for Men
Our Verdict
The Asics Gel-Venture 9 is an affordable, well-made shoe but suffers from a stiff dense midsole. We'd recommend this most for those who plan on walking on mixed surfaces but want to be able to run from time to time. For more serious runners, we'd opt for something that has a bit more midsole compliance and provides better long-distance comfort. This is a fine option for those who don't need more technical uppers and foams.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Asics Gel-Venture 9 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best for Long Distance Trail Runs |  Best Value Men's Trail Runners | |||
| Price | $58.95 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $170 List $180.00 at Backcountry | $145.00 at REI Compare at 4 sellers | $130.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $109.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods Compare at 4 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | More serious runners should opt for a shoe with a better midsole | Nearly perfect in the upper fit but loose in the forefoot, which creates an issue when descending very steep slopes | While comfortable, sometimes the heel rigidity felt overbearing, but this is still a great option for technical terrain | This version's upper fit is narrower, which adds more technical performance but may feel tighter than some like | While great in moderate terrain those in technical or loose may opt for something more rugged |
| Rating Categories | Asics Gel-Venture 9 | Nnormal Tomir 2.0 | La Sportiva Bushido... | Hoka Torrent 4 | Brooks Divide 5 |
| Foot Protection (25%) | |||||
| Traction (20%) | |||||
| Sensitivity (15%) | |||||
| Stability (15%) | |||||
| Comfort and Fit (15%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Asics Gel-Venture 9 | Nnormal Tomir 2.0 | La Sportiva Bushido... | Hoka Torrent 4 | Brooks Divide 5 |
| Sizes Available | 7 - 15 US regular |
4.5 - 12.5 US regular | 6 - 14.5 US regular and wide | 7 - 15 US regular |
7 - 15 US regular |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 36 mm | 36 mm | 30 mm | 31 mm | 38 mm |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 11 mm | 12 mm | 8 mm | 5 mm | 11 mm |
| Rock Plate | No | No | 1.5mm EVA | No | No |
| Measured Lug Depth | 3.18 mm | 5.0 mm | 4.2 mm | 4.32 mm | 2.79 mm |
| Measured Weight | 11.82 oz | 10.84 oz | 11.60 oz | 9.40 oz | 10.55 oz |
| Upper | Mesh | Monofilament polyester + TPE | AirMesh, thermal adhesive microfiber, high-frequency welded ripstop overlays with mono-burr mesh inlays, TPU toe cap | Single layer mesh upper | Mesh |
| Midsole | AMPLIFOAM™ cushioning | EExpure midsole | 4mm LaSpEVA, compression-molded MEMlex, 1.5 mm dual-density compressed EVA rock guard in forefoot, TPU STB inserts | Foam | Foam |
| Outsole | Rubber | Vibram Litebase | Bi-Compound FriXion XT 2.0 V-Groove3, FLEX Inserts | Rubber | Rubber |
| Heel Tab Type | Finger Loop | None | Finger Loop | Finger Loop | None |
| Claimed Heel-to-Toe Drop | 10 mm | 8 mm | 6 mm | 5 mm | 8 mm |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Asics Gel-Venture 9 is a reliable and budget-friendly choice for those seeking a versatile shoe to walk on mixed terrains and break into the occasional run. However, its stiff and dense midsole may not suit more serious runners looking for greater compliance and enhanced comfort over long distances. If you don't require advanced foams or technical uppers, this shoe is a solid option.
Performance Comparison
The Gel-Venture is fairly stiff and not a great shoe for lots of running. But if you're mixing walking and running, this budget-friendly option could be a solid choice for you.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Foot Protection
Due to its substantial stiffness, the Gel-Venture 9 provides great foot protection. This may be a bit of a downside for those who are looking for comfort though. This stiffness leads to a shoe that feels overly harsh for long-distance running. We'd recommend this most for those who plan on mostly walking but would like to run from time to time. The Venture 9 will work on many different terrain types but it's best for easy to moderate trails where the supportive design will give a consistent feel. On more technical terrain the model will most likely feel overly stiff.
The dense midsole found on the Gel-Venture 9 makes it a protective model that will protect against roots, rocks, and trail debris.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Traction
The traction design is well suited for its best trail type of easy-to-moderate terrain. The Gel-Venture 9 will work great for those wanting to do a mix of everything, from road to trail. The 3.2 mm lugs are some of the shortest in our test group so don't expect a lot of performance in mud or loose conditions.
The traction on the Gel-Venture 9 works for a variety of different terrain types but doesn't standout among the rest.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Sensitivity
Due to the stiff midsole, you'll have more sensitivity than in some other models we've tested. This adds confidence in foot placements as there is little soft foam deflecting your intended footstrike. A heel stack of 36 mm is above average, but the 25 mm forefoot allows for sensitivity when landing on your forefoot. We'd recommend this model most for something sub-half-marathon — unless your legs have a lot of strength to accommodate the lack of cushioning.
The Venture 9 lacks sensitivity but provides good support so we recommend deciding what you prioritize most.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Stability
There is a high level of stability with this model and it's supportive of your ankles, knees, and hips. While more fatiguing than some others, this shoe does a great job stabilizing on shorter runs and should be a consideration for those who value both affordability and support. The Gel-Venture is laterally stiff, providing a rigid platform for consistent footstrikes. Performing best in more consistent terrain, we had the most success running in these shoes on easy to moderate trails that are less rocky. The high stability is less comfortable when on off-camber terrain, putting more strain on your ankles. Higher stability lends itself to comfortable walking and jogging, and is a good option for those who want supportive features out of their running shoes.
The Gel-Venture 9 has great support but could feel overly rigid for those on technical terrain. We'd recommend it most for moderate trail and gravel paths.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Comfort and Fit
While lacking cushioning comfort, the upper was comfortable and well-built for being so affordable. We have no durability concerns about these materials, built to last many miles. The toe box is well-designed and the heel and midfoot lockdown felt right. The classic tongue and lace design provides the ability to keep your foot loose or tighten it down, depending on the terrain. These materials were less breathable than some of the competition, so if you plan on running for extended periods in hot terrain you may opt for something lighter or more breathable.
Being one of the heaviest in our lineup, the Gel-Venture 9 somewhat redeems itself by being both comfortable and affordable.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Weight
As one of the heaviest shoes we've tested, weighing 11.82 ounces per shoe in US men's size 10.5, the Gel-Venture saves cost by implementing fewer lightweight materials. However, full outsole rubber and a comfortable upper should be reasons to consider the model if you want an affordable trail runner. We noticed the heavier weight on our trail runs but it never felt overly cumbersome, to the point where we wouldn't recommend the model on weight alone. We think this model could be perfect for the right person and it may not be worth deciding on weight alone if the other features fit your needs.
The Gel-Venture 9 is heavier than others we tested, people hiking trails may find the shoe more usable than those wanting to run fast times.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Should You Buy the Asics Gel-Venture 9?
We'd recommend this model most for those who will be mostly walking. The running comfort of the Gel-Venture 9 isn't great as this model is incredibly stiff. This will most likely be uncomfortable for beginners or those who plan on doing lots of running. However, if you are value-minded and want a durable comfortable upper for a mixture of walking and running, this is a solid option to consider.
While the Gel-Venture 9 is comfortable and affordable - but for serious runners we recommend spending a little bit more to get a significant boost in all aspects of performance.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
What Other Men's Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?
The Brooks Divide 5 is worth the modest increase in price and has similar features to the Gel-Venture 9 — but all are improved, with better overall performance that's more running-oriented. The Divide's underfoot comfort is softer and provides better landing and energy return. The upper is also thinner which will provide better breathability in hot conditions.
Here, our lead tester Matthew tries the Gel-Venture 9 on a sunny day in southwest Colorado.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
—Matthew Richardson
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