Asics Gel Resolution 5 Women’s Shoe Review
Summary
Asics continues to impress us with this update to the Gel Resolution series of high performance tennis shoes. After hours of rigorous play, the Gel Resolution 5 proves to be a clear favorite with our playtest team. With an updated fit and new color options, these super durable shoes provide ample cushioning and support on the court. These comfortable shoes offer an on-court experience unlike any other, complete with a plush and fast feel.
| Asics Gel Resolution 5 Scores | |
|---|---|
| Overall Comfort | 4,3/5 |
| Ventilation | 3,3/5 |
| Arch Support | 4,4/5 |
| Foot Support/Stability | 4,4/5 |
| Overall Sole Durability | 4,6/5 |
| Toe Durability | 4,2/5 |
| Traction | 4,4/5 |
| Weight | 4,4/5 |
| Overall | 4,3/5 |
Comfort – Score 4,3/5
While some playtesters found comfort right out of the box, others described a small break-in period. Despite this, the shoes loosened up quickly and the fit was comfortable and cushioned. The effect of the cushioning was particularly felt in the heel.
Ventilation – Score 3,3/5
Due to the supportive and durable nature of the shoes, there was a little compromise on ventilation. While the ladies did find this to be a slight negative, they didn’t think it took away from the performance of the shoe.
Arch Support – Score 4,4/5
With the arch sitting at lower than medium, the playesters didn’t have any problems with it and found the cushioning to make up for any lack of height.
Foot Support/Stability – Score 4,4/5
Low-to-the-ground feel and high levels of support and stability had the team raving over this shoe. With full ranges of movement possible without fear of spraining an ankle, the playtesters were secure on even the most aggressive movements.
Overall Sole Durability – Score 4,6/5
As far as durability went, the playtest team couldn’t get enough and the Gel Res 5 held up to strenuous hours on the court. Quoted as the “highlight” of the shoe, the team were impressed with the way the sole held up and thought that it surpassed previous models.
Toe Durability – Score 4,2/5
The toe draggers also praised the durability of the toe-box protection. The bumper guard offered full protection and the shoe stood up to tough hours on court.
Traction – Score 4,4/5
With it’s modified tread pattern, the Gel Resolution 5 offered ample grip on the hard court. It was easy for the players to trust the shoes not to slide because of the effective and durable tread on the sole.
Weight – Score 4,4/5
While the durability and stability made the shoe a little heavier, they never felt bulky. Moving around the court was easy, and while the shoe weighed in at 388 grams, this was something the team was willing to sacrifice for such great durability and support.
Overall - Score: 4,3/5
Likes
Karly – "The cushioning and durability. The Gel Resolution 5s had some of the softest padding I've ever felt in a shoe, and with its exceptional durability I didn't have the slightest concern about wearing through it quickly."
Michelle – "I love the cosmetics and color options that Asics continues to provide. I also really enjoy the fast feel of these shoes. I have been wearing them a ton and they aren’t showing much wear in the sole, which is a definite plus for anyone who spends a lot of time on the court."
Brittany – "I liked so many things about this shoe that I'm not sure I can name them all- comfort, durability, support, stability, and cosmetics!"
Carol – "I loved the fit this shoe provided. I found it extremely comfortable, flexible and stable at the same time. Traction was fabulous and this felt like a lightweight shoe that I felt I could play in for hours."
Dislikes
Karly – "The only thing that I would have liked to have changed is the fit. The narrow and shallow toe-box fit really tightly around my medium-wide forefoot, which put a lot of pressure on the sides of my forefoot."
Michelle – "I didn’t love the numbness I was experiencing when wearing these in the beginning of my playtest, which I assume was a result of a snugger fitting toe-box. I wouldn’t mind if the arch support was a bit higher."
Brittany – "The ventilation wasn’t the greatest and the weight was a tad on the heavier side for me."
Carol – "I really have no complaints, but one aspect that I felt was lacking a little was the breathability. It didn’t hamper my comfort on or off the court, though."
Comparison:
Karly – "I thought they played similarly to the New Balance 996s in terms of the low to the ground feel, stability and exceptional durability. I think the biggest differences were the cushioning and weight. The Resolution 5s felt heavier, but the padding was so much softer and more plush than the 996s."
Michelle – "Compared to the Gel Resolution 4, the 5 runs truer to size in length but the toe box is definitely smaller. The 5s also seem to be a bit more flexible than the 4s. Compared to the Babolat Propulses, another heavier and durable shoe, these Asics feel lower to the ground and feel a bit faster out of the box. They also feel lighter, even though they weigh more."
Brittany – "I have worn the two previous Resolutions (3 and the 4), and this is my favorite of the three. I thought Asics improved the fit tremendously. While the toe box is still on the narrower side, it fit my foot much better and I was able to wear my true size. I thought the softer upper created a shorter break-in period and more flexibility for comfort. I would compare it to the Babolat Propulse 4 and the Nike Air Max Cage."
Carol – "This shoe now becomes my favorite playtest shoe. I’ve playtested the Asics Gel Resolution 4 and the Asics Gel Solution Speed and prefer this new Asics Gel Resolution 5 hands down. Asics really improved the flexibility and cushioning aspects in the heel, but not at the expense of added weight. As in all the Asics shoes I have playtested, the fit is great and I love that the shoe adjusts to my feet instead of me having to adjust to the shoe. Durability is great, but I think the other Asics have shown great durability as well. I understand why they offer the six-month guarantee – these shoes do not wear out. Overall, this Asics Gel Resolution 5 is my favorite playtest shoe thus far!"
Playtester Foot Types:
Karly – Medium width / Medium-low arch
Michelle – Medium width / High arch
Brittany – Narrow width / Medium arch
Carol – Medium width / Medium arch
Review date: May 2013. If you found this review interesting or have further questions or comments please contact us: information.en@tenniswarehouse-europe.com.
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