REASONS TO BUY
Ready to walk out of the box
Breathable upper
Materials feel premium
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited support underfoot
Midsole could pack in sooner than others
Less lively feel
Asics Gel-Contend 10 - Women's Review
These are a solid pick for anyone, budget-minded or not. They are comfy and ready to tackle your next walk, though not as supportive as others
Credit: Becca Glades
By Becca Glades ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ November 10, 2026
RELATED: The Best Walking Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
We genuinely loved the Asics Gel-Contend 10. They continually had us thinking we were wearing a much more expensive shoe. They punch well above their class and make us wonder why you'd spend any more. The build is high-quality, supportive, and comfortable for long walks and days on your feet. These prove that you don't have to spend much to get great.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Asics Gel-Contend 10 - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Bang for Your Buck |  Best for Casual Wear and Travel | |||
| Price | $80 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $100 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $70 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $75 List Check Price at Amazon | $65 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Despite the low price, these shoes are ready to walk. They keep your feet comfortable but have minimal support | An easy-to-style shoe that delivers sturdy, all-day support and traction | A reliable performer that punches above its affordable price point | These are a good choice for standing or running errands, but their rigidity makes them less ideal for long walks | A comfortable and affordable walking shoe that offers strong performance for the price |
| Rating Categories | Asics Gel-Contend 10 | New Balance 574 Core | Ryka Devotion Plus 3 | Under Armour Charged... | Skechers GO WALK Joy |
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Support (25%) | |||||
| Durability (20%) | |||||
| Traction (15%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Asics Gel-Contend 10 | New Balance 574 Core | Ryka Devotion Plus 3 | Under Armour Charged... | Skechers GO WALK Joy |
| Best Use | Athletic walking | Casual, travel | Athletic walking | Althetic walking | Casual |
| Width Options | Regular, wide | Regular, wide | Regular, wide | Regular, wide | Regular, wide |
| Support Design | Neutral, underpronation | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| Measured Weight | 8.28 oz | 9.75 oz | 7.75 oz | 8.04 oz | 5.16 oz |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 9 mm | 14 mm | 10 mm | 8 mm | 9 mm |
| Closure Type | Lace | Lace | Lace | Lace | None |
| Upper Material | Mesh | Suede, mesh | Mesh, lycra | Mesh | Mesh |
| Midsole Material | Amplifoam | EVA foam | Lightweight EVA | Charged+ | 5Gen |
| Outsole Material | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber | Flexible traction |
| Heel Tab Type | None | None | Pull tab | Finger loop | Finger loop |
| Measured Heel Stack | 35 mm | 36 mm | 31 mm | 33 mm | 29 mm |
| Measured Width | 4.4 in. | 4.0 in. | 4.3 in. | 4.4 in. | 4.0 in. |
Our Asics Gel-Contend 20 Experience
The Gel-Contend 10 is built like a much more expensive shoe. The materials feel great, and the midsole is an obvious upgrade compared to similarly priced options. Right away, we noticed the lateral support offered by the slightly flared-out midsole. Paired with the deep heel cup, we felt sure-footed with each and every step.
The Asics Gel-Contend 10 was a favorite for various types of walking. Credit: Becca Glades
We love that the toe box doesn't flare in aggressively at any point. Our big toe can remain straight, and our pinky toe doesn't get squished.
Out of the box, we noticed major changes from the Gel-Contend 10's predecessor. It is no longer the flexible, ultralight shoe that we grew to love. However, we really love this new version for completely different reasons. The Amplifoam midsole is no longer flexible. Instead, it is more rigid and supportive. However, it isn't as springy or lively as some of the other options with more energy return.
Here is what is going on inside the Contend. While it looks like lots of foam from the outside, it is much more subdued inside. Credit: Matt Lighthart
There isn't anything overly offensive about this shoe. It is comfortable right away, and gets better with time. The upper is breathable and light, and the laces can be let out enough when feet swell. We were somewhat put off by the toe rocker at first, but we grew to ignore it once we got used to it. If we could change one thing, it would be that. Otherwise, Asics made a great shoe at a really great price.
The Gel-Contend 10 is a good pick for someone who wears athletic walking shoes here and there. They take no break-in and won't be offensive to wear on occasional walks. They can handle more extensive wear, but we are also willing to shell out the extra for a more lively midsole with more arch support.
Asics made some major changes between the Gel-Contend 9 and 10. The 9s were much more flexible through the midsole, bending easily in hand. They had a lighter and snappier feel, though they didn't have the support needed for long walks or long hours on your feet. The 10s do. The midsole is much stiffer and feels more supportive for longer walks. However, the new version doesn't have as much arch support, and the toe rocker is much more obvious. Really, we don't prefer one over the other as they are so different in style. If you like a more flexible shoe and can still find the 9 at an even better discount, go for it. Otherwise, if you want more structured support, the 10 is a great choice.
At under $100, we think these are a fantastic deal and worth every penny. Unless you need a stability shoe, these are a great pick. They don't have a ton of arch support, but you can throw in an aftermarket insole with all the money you save.
We loved the Asics Gel-Cumulus 28, which has far more support underfoot. The midsole feels relieving, yet has a bouncy feel to make walking less of a chore. The New Balance 574 Core is around the same price (often on sale), but they have a more casual look. These everyday shoes have a similar support to athletic shoes, but transition between outings more easily.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Comfort
We were impressed with the Gel-Contend's out-of-the-box comfort. They took no break-in and were ready to tackle their first walk. After a few walks, the midsole softened slightly and was even better.
After cutting in half, we measured 35 millimeters of foam at the heel. This moderate amount of cushion resulted in a kinder heel strike that absorbed more impact. The foot strike is followed by a gentle transition to the toe with a light rocker to set you up for your next step. We had mixed feelings about the rocker. Many walking shoes have a rocker, but this one was more obvious until the midsole broke in more.
The Gel-Contend 10 has a rubberized bottom that can transition from concrete to light gravel. Credit: Becca Glades
The upper is among the most breathable. As we picked up the pace on warmer days, our feet didn't feel like they were trapped in an oven. We could also let the laces our enough to accommodate our swelling feet.
The Contend 10 is one of the most breathable shoes. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Support
We didn't have as much support as we would've liked. Previous versions of this shoe had a pronounced arch support, but this one didn't. In fact, we would suggest including your third-party insoles for extra arch support.
That said, they weren't completely lacking any support whatsoever. The midsole still hugged the feet and offered a nice blend of firmness and flexibility for longer walks. The heel cup was snug enough that we weren't sliding around and hot spots were never a problem.
Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior
The toe rocker is much more obvious from the inside. Use this tool to compare exterior and interior features of this shoe, like padding around the ankle.
Durability
You can expect a standard 300-mile life out of these shoes with normal wear. The uppers have a similar feel to the premium shoes from Asics, though its important to remember they are mesh. Mesh is susceptible to holes and snags. Though it you wear a hole in the upper, chances are the midsole is already packed in enough to be replaced.
The heel tab is worth extra awareness. The interior fabric is susceptible to folding in. Still, you can prevent this by lacing up your shoes each time instead of forcing your foot in. We wish it had a pull tab, but these are the “bells-and-whistles” you sacrifice at this price point.
The Amplifoam midsole is where we have longevity concerns. While you'll get a standard walking season in, others could offer 100-200 more miles before packing in.
These shoes had a reasonable lifespan for a sub-$100 shoe. Credit: Becca Glades
Traction
The Gel-Contend 10 is a road shoe by design. It does best on concrete and pavement. The rubber outsole also performs well on indoor surfaces, though you should take extra caution on wet tile. Light gravel and dirt walking paths are also doable in these shoes, though you won't have as much grip as something with a lugged outsole.
The snug, athletic fit adds to the surefooted feel. You can expect good enough traction on most surfaces, though if you need a slip-resistant shoe, keep searching.
The Asics Gel-Contend is fine on most walking surfaces, though it is best suited for concrete and hard flooring. Credit: Becca Glades
Weight
At 8.3 ounces per shoe, these are right around average. For a running-shoe/walking-shoe hybrid, the weight is what we would expect.
On the foot, these feel light. The breathable uppers add to this feeling of airiness, and nothing is too bulky. The midsole feels built, but not clunky. Meanwhile, the sidewalls have structure, but aren't overly built. All in all, we have no complaints about the weight.
The Gel-Contend 10 is about average for weight. Credit: Matt Lighthart
—Becca Glades
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