The brand new
ASICS Gel Resolution 8 tested! The Resolution maintains the well-known support and durability, but has an improved fit and a more comfortable upper!
Specifications ASICS Gel Resolution 8:
Brand: ASICS Model: Gel Resolution 8 Weight: 417 grams (size 10.5 = 44.5)
Intro:
For years, the ASICS Gel Resolution has been one of the most stable, but also most durable shoes on the market. ASICS is one of the few brands that dares to give a 6-month warranty on the outsole. I have also played the previous version (the Resolution 7). In this review, I will regularly compare it with that model.
Fit:
In terms of fit, the shoe has improved considerably in my opinion. I have an average to slightly narrower foot and this Resolution 8 is easier to lock in than version 7, especially at the forefoot. The (in this case) blue straps on the forefoot certainly help with this. The fact that the upper has become slightly more flexible also contributes to this. Version 7 also worked quite well for a narrower foot, but due to the rather stiff PU upper, it was less easy to close around the forefoot. In my opinion, the ASICS Gel Resolution 8 also provides more forefoot support because of this.
Stability:
What immediately stands out about this shoe is that the somewhat more subtle 'Trusstic' has been replaced by a Dynawall construction. The characteristic ASICS Trusstic technology gives the shoe torsional stiffness but also lateral support. The lateral support has been given a major upgrade, you could say! This Dynawall is somewhat reminiscent of the earlier Barricades from Adidas. In terms of play, this is also clearly noticeable; with this shoe you don't have to worry about spraining your ankles. The support is excellent, partly due to the fine lock-in at the heel and the considerably reinforced heel cap. The forefoot support I mentioned earlier due to the different lace closure certainly helps too. In short: the stability is excellent!
Sustainability:
To be completely honest, I haven't spent enough hours on this shoe to be able to make a good judgement about its durability. The material of the outsole and the toe box remain the same sturdy construction as its predecessor, so that will probably be fine. Moreover, ASICS dares to give a supposedly 6-month guarantee on the outsole. The upper of the shoe is fundamentally different. The previous version was made of a thicker (and stiffer) PU, this version has a somewhat more flexible PU. I can't yet judge the wear resistance of this upper, but knowing ASICS, this will be more than fine. I dare say that durability, in addition to support, are the pillars of this shoe.
Comfort/cushioning ASICS Gel Resolution 8:
The comfort of the shoe is nice, without the shoe feeling too soft. This is also logical given the solid character of the ASICS Gel Resolution 8. In addition to Gel, ASICS also uses the lighter FlyteFoam for the midsole in this shoe. This material is light and provides long-lasting cushioning, where the Gel itself mainly provides the comfort for shock absorption. The shoe provides nice protection without feeling too soft. I tested this shoe on the carpet. Under a thin layer of carpet it is immediately concrete, so the impact for the knees and ankles can usually be felt. The nice thing about this shoe is that it does give the 'low to the ground' feel for a good connection with the surface, but that the shoe also offers excellent comfort.
Grip:
The version of the Resolution 8 that I tested has an all-round sole. This sole has a not too deep herringbone combined with 3 'pivot points' (turning circles) on the forefoot. This sole type works great on hardcourt and carpet, but can also be used on various outdoor surfaces. However, you do lose some grip outdoors. The best-selling version for outdoors has a deep herringbone, previously also called a 'clay' sole. The grip of the version that I tested was fine, without being too coarse that I got stuck. Rotating on the forefoot works fine. There is also sufficient grip when you have to start sprinting, for example.
Bottom line:
The ASICS Gel Resolution 8 is a great shoe! The familiar support has even been improved, the durability remains, where the fit has improved considerably in my opinion. The shoe offers fine cushioning and protection, without feeling too squishy and losing the direct feel of the shoe. In addition, the more flexible upper needs less 'breaking in time', so the shoe feels ready to go right away. Highly recommended!