The ASICS Gel-Pulse 14 is a reliable road running shoe designed for comfort and support, ideal for neutral runners and underpronators. With its breathable jacquard mesh upper, AMPLIFOAM cushioning, and Rearfoot GEL technology, it ensures a smooth and stable experience for light to moderate activities like recovery runs, gym sessions, or casual walks.
Eco-friendly materials add sustainability to its design, while the secure fit and durable outsole make it a versatile choice for everyday use. Whether you’re an experienced runner or prefer light exercise, the ASICS Gel-Pulse 14 offers comfort and performance tailored to your needs.
Spec: ASICS Gel Pulse 14
| Feature | ASICS GEL-Pulse 14 |
|---|---|
| Midsole Technology | GEL and AMPLIFOAM |
| Midsole Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel Height | _ |
| Forefoot Height | _ |
| Support System | Neutral |
| Weight (Men’s) | 10.5 oz / 300 g |
| Weight (Women’s) | 8.6 oz / 245 g |
| Waterproofing | No |
| Widths Available | Normal, Wide |
| Removable Insole | YES |
| Price | $100 |
| Customer Rating | 4.2 out of 5 |
Pros & Cons: ASICS Gel Pulse 14
Pros
- The shoe fits comfortably and adjusts well to different foot shapes.
- You don’t need to break them in—they’re ready to wear right out of the box.
- The price is affordable for most people.
- It holds up decently well and provides a good grip within its category.
- The cushioning feels soft and provides comfort during runs or walks.
- The interior has extra padding, making it cozy for easy runs and recovery days.
- It flexes easily and feels gentle on the feet.
- The shoe stays secure on your foot, offering a good lockdown fit.
- It’s stable enough for light activities and feels dependable.
- Great for cold weather or winter runs.
- Works well not just for running but also for gym sessions or walking.
Cons:
- The shoes feel a little “flat” and don’t provide much spring or energy return.
- The laces and tongue are thin, which can cause pressure points or discomfort.
- They don’t have strong support, which might not suit all runners.
- The midsole doesn’t feel very responsive, making it less ideal for faster runs.
- The breathability is average, which may lead to warm feet during long runs.
- The shoe could be a bit lighter for better performance.
- It’s not the best choice for runners who land on their forefoot.
Upper
The upper of the ASICS Gel-Pulse 14 features an engineered jacquard mesh that prioritizes breathability. This material enhances airflow to help keep your feet cool, especially during workouts or runs.
However, while the mesh provides decent ventilation, the breathability may feel average for some runners, particularly on longer runs in warm conditions.
The soft and snug fit of the upper ensures comfort by wrapping the foot securely, minimizing potential irritation.
Additionally, its eco-friendly construction, with at least 20% of the upper made from recycled materials, reduces waste and carbon emissions, offering a sustainable choice without compromising on performance.
Despite its thoughtful design, the upper may retain more heat than some users prefer during extended sessions. For light activities or moderate distances, it works well, but it might not be ideal for runners who prioritize exceptional ventilation in their footwear.
Overall, the upper strikes a balance between comfort, eco-consciousness, and fit, but the average breathability could be a concern for those tackling longer or hotter runs.
Midsole
The midsole of the ASICS Gel-Pulse 14 is designed for a smooth and comfortable ride. It features AMPLIFOAM cushioning paired with GEL technology, creating a balance between softness and responsiveness. This combination helps absorb impact during footstrike, making runs and gym workouts feel less taxing on your feet.
The midsole’s construction ensures a steady and forgiving experience, especially for neutral runners or those with underpronation.
While the cushioning offers comfort and support for daily activities or light runs, it lacks the energy return needed for more dynamic or faster-paced workouts.
The ride might feel slightly “flat” for runners who prefer a springy or bouncy sensation underfoot.
Overall, the midsole is well-suited for easy runs, recovery days, or casual wear. However, it might not appeal to those seeking high responsiveness or extra propulsion for faster sessions. It aligns well with the shoe’s overall purpose of providing comfort and stability for neutral runners.
Outsole
The outsole of the ASICS Gel-Pulse 14 is crafted to provide dependable grip and durability for road running and light activities. Equipped with AHARPLUS heel plug rubber, it enhances the shoe’s lifespan, especially in high-wear areas. This durable material ensures that the shoe holds up well during regular use, making it a solid choice for runners who prioritize reliability.
The traction on the outsole performs well on dry and slightly wet surfaces, offering confidence during gym sessions, recovery runs, or casual walks. Its design supports neutral runners by maintaining stability without feeling overly rigid, aligning well with the shoe’s overall comfort-focused features.
While the outsole offers decent grip, it may lack the performance needed for more technical terrains or slick conditions. Additionally, its flexibility and lightweight design are not ideal for runners seeking a firmer, more responsive feel during faster runs or sprints.
In conclusion, the ASICS Gel-Pulse 14 outsole provides solid durability and reliable traction for everyday road running and gym activities.
However, its limitations in responsiveness and technical grip align with the shoe’s focus on comfort rather than performance-driven features.
Support
The ASICS Gel-Pulse 14 is thoughtfully designed to support neutral runners and those with underpronation (high arches). For neutral runners, the shoe ensures even weight distribution during push-off, helping maintain stability and comfort during workouts or runs.
For underpronators, the shoe provides essential cushioning through Rearfoot GEL technology, which absorbs impact effectively. This helps reduce strain on the outer edge of the foot and smaller toes, common issues for runners with high arches.
The inclusion of AMPLIFOAM cushioning further enhances comfort by offering a soft yet supportive feel during each stride.
However, the shoe lacks additional stability features, which might not be suitable for overpronators or those requiring strong arch support. While it delivers sufficient support for neutral and underpronating runners, it is best suited for light to moderate activities.
In conclusion, the ASICS Gel-Pulse 14 offers dependable support tailored for its target users, aligning well with its focus on providing a smooth and comfortable ride.
Fit & Sizing: ASICS Gel Pulse 14
The ASICS Gel-Pulse 14 offers a fit that adapts well to a variety of foot shapes, making it a comfortable option for most runners.
The engineered jacquard mesh upper wraps the foot softly, creating a snug yet non-restrictive feel. This design minimizes pressure points and ensures that the shoe stays securely in place during workouts or casual walks.
For sizing, the shoe runs true to size, accommodating runners with standard foot dimensions. The toebox is spacious enough to allow natural toe splay, which adds to the overall comfort during extended use. This feature makes it an excellent choice for runners who value a relaxed and forgiving fit.
However, individuals with particularly narrow or wide feet may need to consider alternative sizing options or models better suited to their specific needs.
While the fit is generally accommodating, the laces and tongue are slightly thin, which could create discomfort for some users if not adjusted carefully.
In conclusion, the ASICS Gel-Pulse 14 delivers a reliable and comfortable fit for most runners, aligning with its goal of providing a smooth and distraction-free experience.
Its versatility in sizing and comfortable upper make it a dependable choice, though slight adjustments might be necessary for certain foot shapes.
Who Is This Shoe Best For?
The ASICS Gel-Pulse 14 is best for neutral runners and underpronators looking for a comfortable, reliable shoe for light to moderate activities. It’s ideal for recovery runs, gym sessions, and casual walks. With its soft cushioning, breathable upper, and secure fit, it suits those who prioritize comfort and a smooth ride. If you’re someone who values eco-friendly materials and a versatile design, this shoe is a great option.
Who Is This Shoe Not Best For?
This shoe is not ideal for overpronators or runners who need extra arch support and stability. It also may not suit those who prefer highly responsive midsoles or shoes designed for fast-paced runs. Additionally, if breathability and lightweight performance are top priorities, this shoe’s average ventilation and weight might be less appealing.
Are There Any Common Issues Runners Face with the Gel Pulse 14?
- Feels a Little Flat: These shoes don’t feel very bouncy and don’t give much energy back when running. If you like a springy feel, these might not be the best fit.
- Thin Laces and Tongue: The laces and tongue are quite thin, which can cause pressure or discomfort on the top of your foot if not tied just right.
- Breathability is Okay: These shoes don’t let a lot of air in, so your feet might get warm during long runs or in hot weather.
- Not Great for Speed: The midsole doesn’t bounce back quickly, making the shoes less ideal for fast runs or speed training.
- Low Support: These shoes don’t have a lot of extra support, so they might not work well for people who need more stability.
- A Bit Heavy: Some runners think these shoes feel a little heavy, which might make your feet tired during longer runs.
- Not Ideal for Forefoot Strikers: If you land on the front part of your foot when running, these shoes might not feel comfortable or perform well for you.
These issues aren’t a problem for everyone, but they’re good to keep in mind when deciding if the Gel-Pulse 14 is the right shoe for you.
Compared With Other Shoes
ASICS GEL-Pulse 14 VS 15
| Feature | ASICS GEL-Pulse 14 | ASICS GEL-Pulse 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Midsole Technology | GEL and AMPLIFOAM | GEL and FLYTEFOAM |
| Midsole Drop | 10 mm | 8 mm |
| Heel Height | _ | 35.0 mm |
| Forefoot Height | _ | 27.0 mm |
| Support System | Neutral | Neutral |
| Weight (Men’s) | 10.5 oz / 300 g | 9.2 oz / 260 g |
| Weight (Women’s) | 8.6 oz / 245 g | 7.9 oz / 225 g |
| Waterproofing | No | No |
| Widths Available | Normal, Wide | Normal, Wide |
| Removable Insole | YES | YES |
| Price | $100 | $100 |
| Customer Rating | 4.2 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 |
READ THE FULL COMPARISON: ASICS GEL-Pulse 14 VS 15: Shoe Comparison Review