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 many 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 also played the previous version (
Resolution 7 ). In this review we 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 than version 7, especially on 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. Version 7 also worked quite well for a narrower foot, but the fairly stiff PU upper made it less easy to close the forefoot. I feel that the ASICS Gel Resolution 8 also provides more forefoot support.
Stability:
What is immediately noticeable about this shoe is that the more subtle 'Trusstic' has been replaced by a Dynawall construction. The characteristic ASICS Trusstic technology gives the shoe torsional stiffness but also lateral support. You could say that the lateral support has received a major upgrade! This Dynawall is somewhat reminiscent of earlier Barricades from Adidas. This is also clearly noticeable in terms of playing, with this shoe you do not have to be afraid of spraining your ankles. The support is excellent, partly due to the nice lock-in at the heel and the heavily reinforced heel cap. The forefoot support I mentioned earlier due to the different lacing certainly also helps. In short: the stability is excellent!
Sustainability:
To be completely honest, I have not yet spent enough hours on this shoe to be able to make a good judgment about its durability. The material of the outsole and the toe box remain the same sturdy construction as its predecessor, so it should fit well. Moreover, ASICS dares to give a 6-month warranty on the outsole. The upper part of the shoe is significantly different. The previous version was made of a thicker (and stiffer) PU, this version has a slightly more flexible PU. I cannot yet assess the wear resistance of this upper, but knowing ASICS it will be 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 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, while the Gel itself mainly provides comfort for shock absorption. The shoe provides great protection without feeling too soft. I tested this shoe on the carpet. Under a thin layer of carpet it is directly concrete, so the impact on the knees and ankles can usually be felt. The nice thing about this shoe is that it gives 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 hard courts and carpet, but can also be used on various outdoor surfaces. However, you do sacrifice some grip outside. The best-selling outdoor version has a deep herringbone, previously also called 'clay' sole. The grip on the version I tested was fine, without being too rough that I found myself pinning down. Rotating on the forefoot works fine. There is also sufficient grip when you need to start a sprint, for example.
Bottom line:
The ASICS Gel Resolution 8 is a killer shoe! The familiar support has even improved, the wear resistance remains, where in my opinion the fit has improved considerably. The shoe offers nice cushioning and protection, without feeling too squishy and losing the direct feel of the shoe. In addition, the more flexible upper requires less 'break-in time', making the shoe feel ready to start straight away. Highly recommended!