The ASICS Gel Resolution 9 tested by Mike! The new Resolution is one of the most stable and durable shoes on the market and the comfort is also very nice! The renewed fit makes the shoe also (again) suitable for the wide foot.
Intro:
I am a big ASICS fan myself. Roughly my last 8 pairs of tennis shoes have all been ASICS shoes. In terms of (narrow) fit and speed, the Solution Speed FF 2 is my favorite. For optimal support, this Gel Resolution 9 is an absolute top. For 'the best of both', so speed and stability , ASICS has the Court FF 3. I have extensively tested all these models, only this latest version of the Resolution was missing. Here it is...!Fit:
In terms of sizing, this Gel Resolution 9 is spot on again. I actually always have a size US 9.5 = EUR 43.5 of my ASICS tennis shoes. The size is also fine now. In terms of fit, a lot has changed compared to the Gel Resolution 8. The Resolution 8 was a lot more compact on the forefoot and had a lower toe box - less volume on the forefoot than version 7. This 9th version clearly has more volume and is therefore again a really good option for the player with a wider forefoot and/or slightly higher instep. I myself had to use a Mysole Solution insole under the standard sole to make the shoe fit my foot properly. Now the test could begin! I tested the shoe on clay, artificial grass and on carpet (indoor).
Speed/agility:
Compared to the previous versions I find the ASICS Gel Resolution 9 a bit faster, although for real speed you need the Solution Speed series. Especially sideways you push off easily and quickly, probably also due to the synthetic Dynawall construction. In that respect, little energy is lost 'in the shoe'. You can move directly and confidently on this shoe.Stability:
Stability is what this shoe is known for! The Gel Resolution 9 is therefore the ideal base or platform shoe for someone who has their own soles. ASICS segments this shoe as the ideal option for the baseliner, the player who moves a lot sideways. This is possible with confidence with this shoe! The Dynawall bridge for lateral support runs all the way to the little toe with a small notch to ensure agility/the flex point of the shoe on the forefoot. The Resolution 9 has, as was also seen in previous versions, a reinforced external heel cap that runs medially and also provides some support in the arch of the foot. All this without the shoe feeling very heavy or clumsy. With this line and the Gel Challenger (the little brother of the Resolution) the sole is 1 platform. This is also to provide extra support. In short: this shoe has everything for maximum stability.
Abrasion resistance and grip ASICS Gel Resolution 9:
The Gel Resolution 9 has the strong PGUARD material over the entire upper (except for the tongue of the shoe of course). This synthetic material is made to provide shape retention, but also wear resistance when dragging and sliding. The material is extended extra high, so that players who completely flatten their feet when sliding do not eat the upper. The Gel Resolution 9 is therefore one of the strongest shoes ever from ASICS. The outsole is also made of extra strong AHARPLUS rubber. The version I tested has the all-court sole, not the deep herringbone of the clay version. The latter is ideal for gravel, artificial grass and smash court. The all-court version mainly for hard court and indoor and to a lesser extent for gravel and artificial grass. I tested the shoe on gravel, artificial grass and indoor (on carpet). Logically, I missed some grip on the first 2 surfaces, although I was quite pleased on gravel. Indoors I played wonderfully on this shoe and on this sole type. There are 3 pivot points on the forefoot, which gives you grip but doesn't lock yourself in completely. I actually think that this sole type could also do well for padel.
Comfort/cushioning:
The ASICS Gel Resolution 9 is very comfortable without feeling too soft and unstable. The shoe has gel in the heel and forefoot, but this is packed solidly, so to speak, to be able to continue to offer maximum support when pushing off sideways. The midsole also contains FlyteFoam, which also cushions itself. The comfort is therefore actually just fine for a shoe with this level of support.ASICS Gel Resolution 9 bottom line:
The Gel Resolution 9 is strong, stable and comfortable! The shoe has a little more volume compared to version 8, which means that ASICS can also serve the player with a wider foot and/or higher instep well. This shoe is recommended for the player who is looking for support, without the shoe becoming too heavy or clumsy. The upper is super durable and the comfort is well above average when we look at the competition. All in all, the Gel Resolution 9 is a very solid shoe for the player who mainly operates from the baseline.
