Asics Gel-Quantum 180

The outsole of the shoe features AHAR technology (Asics High Abrasion Rubber.) Made mainly of rubber, the Asics Gel-Quantum 180 uses the AHAR technology to not only provide constant comfort in every step but to ensure long lasting durability. Additionally, the Gel-Quantum 180 offers stellar stability thanks to the outsole.

The Gel-Quantum 180 from Asics features a Solyte midsole material, meant to be a lighter weight cushion than the standard EVA and SpEVA offered by Asics. In addition to the lightweight midsole, the Solyte technology offers remarkable cushioning, which also adds a higher level of comfort to the shoe. The durability of the midsole makes the shoe longlasting.

The upper consists of a Comfordry X-40 Sockliner meant to provide the runner with great breathability, while at the same time ensuring moisture management. The Comfordry material is meant to provide a high level of comfort by delivering a snug fit around the foot. The Gel-Quantum 180 is made seamlessly, meaning there is a reduced risk of irritation in the upper of the shoe.

While the Gel-Quantum 180 isn’t necessarily a heavy shoe by any means, many runners may be used to a lighter shoe. Weighing in at 11.06 ounces, the shoe isn’t the lightest by any standards either, which is a little surprising since the midsole of the shoe features technology emphasizing a lightweight cushioning. This lightweight midsole helps keep the shoe from being too heavy to run in.

The breathability of this shoe is great. The Comfordry sockliner in the upper provides the shoe with not only excellent breathability but also a high-quality moisture control. The upper of the shoe is thin but strong, adding to the overall breathability of the shoe.

The Asics Gel-Quantum 180 has proved to be amazing in terms of comfort. A majority of this comfort can be linked to the Solyte midsole material, along with the Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel cushioning systems. The Solyte delivers high levels of cushioning while maintaining a lightweight sole, giving the runner high levels of comfort. The Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel, on the other hand, are gel cushioning systems added in critical spots of the shoe, helping to lessen the shock upon impact.

As far as style is concerned, the Asics Gel-Quantum 180 has consistently received great ratings. With six different color options to choose from, buyers have plenty of options in front of them. They look very modern and sleek look, maintaining the look of a running shoe while still being able to add a bit of a “wow” factor.

Protection is very important in any shoe, and the Asics Gel-Quantum 180 does a great job at keeping the feet protected; as far as the bottom of the foot goes at least. With the combination of the Solyte midsole material and the Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel cushioning system, the sole of the shoe offers a great cushion to protect the bottoms of the feet from damage due to hard surfaces, or even from solely a long-distance run. The upper of the shoe doesn't necessarily offer the best protection, though it definitely isn’t terrible. Since the upper is made primarily of a lightweight Comfordry X-40 sockliner, it offers enough where the foot won’t experience too many problems.

While the responsiveness of the Gel-Quantum 180 could definitely be worse, it isn’t the best responsiveness in a running shoe you will see. This is mainly due to the heavy cushioning technologies are seen throughout the shoe. While this does absolutely add to the comfort of the shoe, it takes away a bit from the responsiveness. Since both the front and the back of the shoe are heavily cushioned due to the Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel cushioning system, this makes the whole shoe a little less responsive than some may prefer.

Support is another category where the Gel-Quantum 180 soars. The Solyte technology and the Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel cushioning systems combine together yet again to deliver stellar support for the shoe. While the Solyte technology focuses mainly on weight efficient midsole cushioning, the Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel cushioning systems focus on delivering cushioning to specific parts of the foot where it will be most needed for runners. The main focus is to lessen the force of the shock when the heel hits the ground, and then provide the cushion for when the front of the foot leaves the ground. This on top of a cushioned midsole brings a strong feeling of support that many runners are bound to love.

As far as terrain goes, the Asics Gel-Quantum 180 is mainly suited for running on hard flat terrain, such as roads, sidewalks, etc. This shoe would not be fitted as much for runners who prefer running on trails, or other rough surfaces, and may not perform as well.

While these shoes are listed at different prices depending on who you are getting them from, the price is pretty high for a running shoe. Though there are many upsides to this shoe from features to technology that may sway the price to be a little higher, the shoe is still expensive nevertheless.

The traction of this shoe is nothing out of the ordinary, though it definitely has the most effective traction when running on flat and hard surfaces. When brought to different surfaces, be it dirt, sand, etc. it will see a loss in traction as that’s not what the shoe is meant to be run on.

The Asics Gel-Quantum 180 has a nice flexibility to it. While it by no means is the most flexible shoe on earth, the lightweight “Solyte” midsole in addition with the Comfordry sockliner upper makes for a shoe that will be comfortably flexible to the runner; a nice mix between stiff and bendy. The runner using the shoe will most likely appreciate the average flexibility this shoe offers.

Stability is yet another category the Asics Gel-Quantum 180 seems to do very well in. It all goes back to the durable cushioning provided by the Solyte midsole, and the Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel cushioning systems. Aside from the stability added by the cushioning, the Gel-Quantum 180 offers a seamless design, which means there is no chance for the seams or stitching to come out of the shoe. Lastly, there is a lot of stability in the upper because of the Comfordry sockliner. This strong upper of the shoe offers a snug fit for the foot, making sure to keep the foot very stable and keep it in place for the run.

The drop seen in the Gel-Quantum 180 is a very standard drop. With the heel at 22mm and the toe at 10mm, the heel-toe drop is a 10mm drop; again, very standard. Most runners will be used to the drop seen in this shoe and should have no problems in this category.

• Solyte midsole offers lightweight durable cushioning in the midsole

• Comfordry sockliner offers great breathability and moisture control

• Outsole offers Forefoot and Rearfoot Gel cushioning systems

• Durable

• Very high levels of cushioning

Overall, the Asics Gel-Quantum 180 is a higher priced shoe that offers great technology and features throughout. The cushioning seen in the shoe is exceptional and adds amazing levels of comfort, pleasing many customers. The lightweight midsole is a great bonus and keeps the shoe from being too heavy, while still maintaining high levels of cushioning to keep the runner pain free during their runs. The snugness of the upper shoe is also a great bonus, as it keeps the runner’s foot in place while still being comfortable at the same time. If you are a runner who is looking for a shoe with a lot of cushioning and are not willing to spend a little bit more for the added technology, the Asics Gel-Quantum 180 may just be the right shoe for you.