Asics Gel Contend 3

Editor rating: 8.1 / 10

User's rating: based on 13 user ratings

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By Ryan Sabin

All ASICS Shoes

Asics Gel Contend 3 Review Facts

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The award-winning brand Asics released the third version of the Contend series, and according to the reviewers, it is here to stay. The Asics Gel-Contend 3 incorporates heel cushioning and ample midsole cushion for new runners. The various parts of the Asics Gel Contend 3 are meant to ensure a comfortable and smooth ride. They are perfect running shoes for those who are starting and make great entry shoes. The Gel Contend 3 feel light on your feet and provide the best cushioning you can expect from the combination of its entry technology. We will expect you experience an even more pleasant and comfortable first ride with these shoes. Neutral runners, who loved the previous generations of Gel Contend, are going to be especially thrilled with the third edition of the series when experiencing one of the lightest and most cushioned versions of the Gel Contend series.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

Comfy fit
Good support from the insole
Very durable
Gel cushioning in the heel

Cons

Not very wide toe box
Tricky fit as they tend to be narrow

Outsole

The outsole of the Asics Gel Contend 3 is a very basic one. The textured outsole provides adequate grip on pavement. The outsole also has Flex Grooves, placed in the forefoot area, which helps with flexibility.

Midsole

Just like the outsole, the Asics Gel Contend 3 feature a basic midsole. It has a single layer of standard EVA as the main component of the midsole. The midsole also incorporates the Gel Cushioning System that attenuates shock during the impact phase in every stride you take. The Asics Gel Contend 3 Gel Cushioning System, located in the heel, allows a smoother transition from landing to take off.

Upper

The Asics Gel Contend 3's upper provides an average amount of breathability. The Asics Gel Contend 3 also has synthetic overlays that help giving structure to the shoes. The upper also incorporates a contoured and removable sock liner for extra comfort and support. Last but not least, the Asics Gel Contend 3's upper features reflective portions to ensure you're visible when the light begins to dim.

Weight

These are fairly heavy shoes. The Asics Gel Contend 3 shouldn't be your first choice for fast runs. The shoe weighs about 298 grams (or 10.5 oz) for the men's version and about 241 grams (or 8.5 oz) for the ladies version. The shoe is not the lightest in the neutral lineup but it's definitely comfortable. It's also not the heaviest in the Asics lineup, so there's that!

Breathability

The Asics Gel Contend 3's mesh upper ensures that your feet won't get too hot when running in warm weather. The mesh allows air to move through and circulate. Inside the shoe, a microfiber liner has anti-microbial properties and wicks away moisture. Also, the shoe is available in wider widths.

Comfort

These are really comfortable neutral shoes! Reviewers raved about the shoe's comfortability. The shoe provides soft cushioning without having a sinking feeling. The Asics Gel Contend 3 offers enough energy return to ensure a comfortable bouncy ride. The Gel cushioning in the heel pads each run and there's a sock liner inside that can be taken out if you need to insert a medical orthotic.

Style

This isn't the hottest shoe in the Asics lineup. It comes in a fairly basic style but thankfully, this third version of the Asics Gel Contend 3 has gotten a bit of a style update. According to some runners, it's an improvement, albeit small, since previous versions. The shoe comes in a few colors and the style is that of a bland running shoe. It's more about function than form for the Asics Gel Contend 3. The shoe will suit those who are looking for a standard shoe without much flashiness.

Durability

The Asics Gel Contend 3 is made with resistant materials but still manages to offer a bit of pliability. Even the midsole's EVA foam is durable! Reviewers were very happy with the shoe's ability to last throughout training.

Protection

The Asics Gel Contend 3 offers a decent amount of protection. The shoe's midsole EVA foam provides a lot of padding underfoot which helps to soften some of the impacts felt from running. Gel cushioning does the same but in the rearfoot. The sock liner also adds a bit of extra cushioning inside the shoe.

Responsiveness

On flat roads free from obstacles, the Asics Gel Contend 3 performs well. The shoe fits well with average energy return.

Support

The Asics Gel Contend 3 provides good support for a neutral shoe.

Terrain

The Asics Gel Contend 3 will perform the best when used on road-type surfaces. The shoes can breathe well even when the weather gets too hot for comfort.

Price

Asics Gel Contend 3 is priced at around $30 USD at the low range and go up to about $140 USD. For new runners, this is a good value shoe.

Traction

The outsole of the Asics Gel Contend 3 is made of rubber and can handle surfaces even after it's rained hard. The criss-cross pattern of the shoe helps the shoe to perform on even surfaces no matter if they're wet or not. However, reviewers have pointed out that the traction is inferior compared to the previous versions of the same line and brand.

Flexibility

The Asics Gel Contend 3 is a very flexible shoe even with the ample midsole cushion and Gel heel. Asics was really pushing for a budget-friendly shoe rather than a super high quality running shoe with this model.

Stability

The sock-like fit provides the bulk of the Asics Gel Contend 3's stability. The outsole also contributes some stability thanks to its grip. The adaptable midsole cushioning also provides another modicum of support. Over time, the shoes will lose their ability to provide stability, though, so make sure to replace them at the correct time.

Drop

The Asics Gel Contend 3 has a 10 mm drop. Some reviewers did find that the shoe's ground feel was poor because the sole of the shoe was much too thick.

Key Features

•Removable sock liner

•Breathable upper mesh

•Multiple mesh weave underlays and glossy side

•Full-length GEL cushioning

•Width Specific

Bottom line

The Asics Gel Contend 3 neutral shoes are great for first-time runners who want an affordable option to train for their first race, like a 5K. The shoes provide a supportive base and are very comfortable. The Asics Gel Contend 3 is a good all-around neutral shoe that gives runners a nice layer of midsole padding and a comfortable fit that's true to size.