Did I tell you that I was originally an ASICS girl? Yup, ASICS GT 2000 were my shoe of choice and for a year into my running addiction I went through several pairs because once I commit, I commit. Back then I also only ran on treadmills for 30 minutes and that’s it. Then, I randomly discovered other shoes and realized a monogamous relationship with just one shoe is completely impossible with all the different New England seasons and terrain that I run in. I’m addicted to trying new running shoes like most girls are addicted to a near pair of heels.
So when I had an opportunity to try out the new Gel-Pursue, I was immediately excited.
Out of the box I was immediately surprised and slightly delighted that they have kept their colors simple. I know, I know, I love bright colors as much as the next runner gal, but I prefer to pick them with my clothes vs. my shoes and sometimes my running skirt of choice can clash with my shoes. So there’s a pro and a con to the simple color scheme. Although, it does come with a nice purple and neon accent that matches my running socks!
ASICS GEL-Pursue has been awarded “Best Debut Shoe” in the September 2014 Shoe Guide issue of Runner’s World due to its equal parts cushioning and stability in a package that rides slightly lower to the ground. However, I wanted to find out for myself how comfy this shoe is.
First thing I noticed with the GEL Pursue vs. the GT-2000 series was that they removed the medial post for stability turning this into a a neutral shoe. Part of the reason why I stopped running in the GT-2000 series was the realization that I was a neutral running and that the stability post was creating an unnatural gait for me. So I was happy to see it gone. I also read that compared to the Gel-Cumulus and Gel-Nimbus, it has a slightly firmer mid-sole and more responsive ride but I’ve never ran in either of those shoes so I’ll take their word for it.
So far I’ve been running in these shoes for about 2 weeks ranging in distance from a 3 miler to a 10 miler. However, I haven’t had a chance yet to try them on a “long run” such as a 20 miler because of my triathlon schedule. The extra support was a nice bonus when my calves were tired from a spin class and made the easy runs extra easy on my body. The one down side of having a more supportive shoe was that I found them to be a little bit heavier and warmer than some of my more minimalist shoes. However, I’m happy to report there wasn’t much of a pace difference in my runs.
To Summarize:
The ASICS GEL-Pursue is an overall great shoe for Neutral runners that retails for $110. I think the extra comfort is great for newer runners and distance runners who like the extra support.
The CONs
There’s only a few cons that I found with these shoes
- They are not ideal shoes for speedwork as the extra padding made me feel a little clunky
- At 8.7 oz, I found them a little heavy
- Lack of color options. From what I saw online these are your only colors for women
The PROs
However, I found that the pros out-weight the cons
- Impact Guidance System (I.G.S®) ASICS® design philosophy that employs linked componentry to enhance the foot’s natural gait from heel strike to toe-off.
- FluidRide™ provides the ultimate combination of bounce back and cushioning properties with reduced weight and exceptional durability. So although it’s a little heavier, it works in my favor on the longer runs when I need a little more bounce in my extra miles.
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL® Cushioning Systems – Attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle.
- Guidance Trusstic System® -This Trusstic System® integrates Guidance Line® construction for enhanced gait efficiency while providing midfoot structural integrity.
- Guidance Line® Vertical flex groove decouples the tooling along the line of progression for enhanced gait efficiency.
- Heel Clutching System™ Exoskeletal heel counter provides improved support and creates improved heel fitting environment.
- Discrete Eyelets – Independently placed eyelets disburse lace tension, creating a customized fitting environment and enhanced upper comfort.
And here’s the good news, anything I love, I usually try to make sure I can get a pair to one of my readers and the folks at ASICs were happy to give one Run To Munch reader a pair. Giveaway will be open until Friday September 19th at midnight and is open to U.S. residents only. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Disclaimer: I received a pair of ASICS GEL-Pursue shoes for the purpose of this review. I was also given a pair to give to one of my readers. All opinions and writing are 100% my own.
My favorite run of the week was the one I did after a bike ride. It was a fun workout!
It’s like a reverse brick workout.
great job!
Ill share but HHHAAADDD to share Id almost forgotten how hardcore asics I used to be!!!
They’re awesome!
This weekend I ran a 5k after 2 months of no running. Nothing but insanity. Happy to say I didn’t lose much speed although it wasn’t a PR. Excited to get back to running more this fall.
Great job!
Sometimes breaks are good for the soul and legs.
I am attempting to get into running & reviews like this help a newbie like me! I feel so clueless all the time so thank you!!
Glad I could help. These are great shows for anyone including new runners.
I ran 5 miles with my SO on Friday. While it’s on the lower end of my typical mileage, it’s a huge accomplishment for my guy! This is his debut summer for running and 5 miles is now his farthest distance!
Congrats to your SO! I love running with mine.
I did a triathlon yesterday, and the only thing I can say about the run part was “numb feet!”. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Great job on the Tri!
I ran a 10 mile trail run on Saturday and didn’t get eaten by forest animals :).
Awesome run!
I ran 5 miles this am and averaged a new personal best, so I am feeling on top of the world!
Great job! THose mornings are always the best!
I used to be an Asics girl too, but haven’t run in them I awhile. This makes me want to try them again!
YEa, it’s worth a look back and try them again!
I haven’t been running in a while but I need to start again – I love how it makes my legs feel.
It’s a great feeling!
I was a one shoe runner with New Balance when I started out. But I’m branching out now.
NB are the only shoes I haven’t tried yet, but I heard good things.
I love running because it makes me feel great. I love the “high” you get afterward and my favorite runs always are with my four-legged running partner.
I really want a dog to run with. Thats awesome that you got your four legged friend.
I am really enjoying this cooler weather for my outdoor runs. I ran in 90 plus degrees this summer so this is a welcome change!
agreed times a hundred at least
On a recent run I made small talk with an older couple that walks at the same time I run. We’ve been hitting the neighborhood bright and early together for three years now. It’s fun to make friends with neighbors in this way!
Pushed through tired legs during a sprint tri sunday and still posted sub 8-min mile pace!
I’d love to try Asics again, it’s been a while.
Def recommend trying these.
I took a few weeks off and am getting back into running 2-3 miles twice a week.
yay that’s great!
I recently got a pair of Asics and I love them! They fit my feet great!
Glad they are working out
I’ve had a foot injury but am out of the boot next week so hopefully running soon and need new shoes 🙂
Hope you feel better soon
I did am hour in these shoes this morning, I love them 🙂
yay glad you liked them!
I used to run ASICS Gel-Cumulus, so I’d be very curious to try these out. Just ran a race over the weekend and it was a lot of fun to get back out there!
Great job on getting back out there
I love these. Just started working out and could use a new pair of shoes.
They’re great.
I’ve just been getting back into running and my legs seem to be tired all the time, I’d love to try these and see if the extra support helps!
Try different shoes, it might help. Good luck!
My last run was 7 wks ago. (I had a baby 5 weeks ago.) Hoping (assuming) I’ll be cleared for running next week, so I am already planning next week’s runs!
Congrats!
Good luck on getting next week’s run in.
Training for my first half and havent run in three weeks because of eye surgery- have to get back at it next week!
Hope you have a speedy recovery from your surgery
I PR’d my 10 miler on Sunday and had an awesome 6 mile run this morning!
congrat son the PR!
I haven’t run in a while, it’s time I get back on the trail. It’s always been too hot to run outdoors and I hate running on a treadmill.
Treadmill isn’t so bad, it’s kinda fun if you find entertainment like TV shows.
I ran with my friend in the morning. We were both pushing jogging strollers.
that’s a great way to catch up and get some running in.
I enjoy running with my dog! He usually keeps me going. 🙂
Yay! bEst running buddy.
I run with my son a couple times a week – he pushes me to go further.
That’s awesome that you run with your son. I hope to do that too when I have kids.
My favorite run hasn’t happened yet – I’m looking forward to doing my first half in Oct. with my daughter as my pacer. We have run the same events before, but never side by side, she’s much faster than I. Oct. cant get here fast enough for me.
that’s some great family bonding! I would love to get my mother out on a run.
Last weekend I ran a solo 18-miler and fought hard to keep my mental game up. I know I’m stronger for it! Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
Great job on the 18 miler! Those are tough ones.
After not running much for about a month, I went out yesterday and ran a great 5 miles.
Great job!
They look and sound amazing!
And my most recent runs have definitely benefited from the addition of my new headlamp!
Yay! I need a new one too. Duracell batteries killed my flashlight.
I recently ran Reach the Beach relay in NH and loved it, especially the nighttime run!
Oo congrats!
Don’t smack me but… I have been wearing the same sneakers for the past 6 years! OMFG GiGi what are you doing to your poor feet! Okay, I am smacking myself! LOL!
Yes, you are in a good need of some new ones girl!
It’s been a crazy week so I’ve missed my last two scheduled runs. However, I’m not missing my makeup long run tomorrow morning at the break of dawn!
Good luck. Hope you had a great long run!
I ran my fastest on the treadmill for two minutes!
Awesome! Great job
I’m just getting back into running after taking a few months off. Slowly but surely I’m finding my running mono again.
*mojo not mono. Oops!
That’s awesome!
Running mono would be awful.
I did a 12 mile treadmill run this week… mental challenge for sure!
Woah! Great job, anything over 10 on the treadmill is a challenge
Started running recently- 5k in 42 mins. Not fast but proud of myself
That’s a great first step!
I’m so excited to have won! Thanks! How do I contact you to send you my info?
Congrats Meena!