Asics Gel Contend 7 Review

Pros	Cons
Good general comfort	Slightly stiff cushioning
Solid shoe for the price	The upper can cause unpleasant friction
Sufficient space for the toes
Minimum price

About

In the age of “super shoes” with a carbon blade costing more than 200 euros, it is good to see a simple, efficient and affordable model like the Asics Gel Contend 7.

At less than 70 euros, the Contend presents itself as an entry-level shoe that incorporates the know-how of the Japanese brand with a more basic configuration. Thus, we find a sole that combines rubber for resistance and grip and AmpliFoam for comfortable cushioning. The heel is even equipped with a GEL unit for a softer footing. According to the testers, the comfort is there and does not have to be ashamed of the comparison with more expensive models.

Of course, at this price, not everything is perfect: the rubber is basic and a bit noisy, the upper can cause friction and the cushioning is a little stiff. Nevertheless, overall the price-performance ratio is good. The best is to see the Contend as a complementary shoe to alternate with your regular shoes and get your feet used to another configuration.

In summary, the Asics Gel Contend 7 is a good running shoe with unbeatable value for money that is worth a look.

Technologies

outsole

• The rugged rubber outsole provides impeccable grip on city surfaces.

Midsole

• The midsole of the Asics Gel Contend 7 features AmpliFoam : a soft, lightweight foam that reduces impact and maximizes rebound for a quick heel-to-toe transition.
• Guidance Line : a special flex groove that should allow the sole to follow the movements during the stride. Thus, it provides greater dynamism for more comfort.
• Rearfoot GEL : a cushioning piece located under the heel in silicone-based gel that provides soft impact absorption.

Upper part (upper)

• The technical mesh holds the foot comfortably and provides good ventilation in the shoe in all conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does the Asics Gel Contend 7 fit?

The Contend 7 fits correctly. Indeed, for the moment, we have not seen any notices from runners warning that this model is too small or too large. So you can choose your regular size for sports shoes.

Is the Gel Contend 7 suitable for pronator runners?

Yes, because this model is a shoe for a neutral stride (universal). Thus, it is aimed at all runners whatever their stride. It does not display specific help to avoid pronation or supination. Note here that, in any case, models for pronators are no more effective than neutral (universal) shoes in limiting the risk of injury (see our article on the subject).

Is this shoe suitable for heavy athletes (80 kg or more)?

Yes, this model should be suitable whatever your size because its sole is moderately thick and offers sufficient cushioning for the majority of runners.

Are these shoes suitable for running a marathon or a half marathon?

The Contend 7 is an entry-level shoe and, despite a good overall performance, its small flaws (upper friction) may be amplified on longer distances such as half marathon and marathon. We therefore advise you to use them for your training and to opt for a more “premium” model for your race. However, there are no official contraindications. If you find it perfectly comfortable, then there should be no problem!