Asics Gel Exalt 3

8.2
8.2 score
Runnerclick score (8.2)/10

Our overall Runnerclick score is based on 3 different factors: Editor's rating after in-depth testing. User ratings submitted on this page Overall score from the "reviewmeter" based on reviews across the web the weight of each factor is: 40% editor rating 15% user ratings 45% reviewmeter
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Editor rating: 7.9 / 10
User's rating: based on 7 user ratings
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Asics Gel Exalt 3 Review Facts

The Asics Gel Exalt is now in its third design iteration and continues to be a sturdy, reasonably-priced option. It might not be the ultimate choice for those looking for long distance shoes, but it can be a good fit for those short to moderate runs and races. Asics continues to be a brand recommended by many podiatrists due to its thoughtful construction, which should result in feet that are both healthy and happy. This shoe offers a good design that includes innovative technology and good value with a classic look.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Reasonable pricing 
  • Generous toe box
  • Adequate ventilation
  • Will give you a smooth, cushioned ride
Cons
  • Not engineered for the longest runs
  • Might not excite those who crave flash and dazzle
  • Weight could be a factor
See How
Reviews were analyzed here:
We read, analyze and sort reviews into positive & negative categories to give you the complete picture.
What are buyers saying?

We have spent 4 hours analyzing a total of 1500 reviews.

These reviews are then categoried into "Positive" and "Negative" feedback.

Below you will read a summary of them:

Positive
  • These really cured and assisted my plantars. I am so happy to be without pain. They are my everything shoe and I am happy they last. They are also perfect to size.
  • The most supportive and comfortable shoes I own. I have had them for some time and they are still holding up well. They work great for overpronation. They fit like they are supposed to and feel great.
  • I have a partially paralyzed leg ad the other one tends to get pain in it from overcompensating. These have really helped. I am alo in retail and on my feet all day and I am able to rely on this shoe all the time.
  • They squeaked a bit at first but they are the best shoe ever I have bought 4 pairs and will continue to buy them. They are very comfortable and have great absorbance and response. They tend to fall apart when they get old though.
  • This shoe is an overpronators dream. It is so supportive and has so much cushion it is unbelievable. They knew what they were doing with this one. I also have Morton’s toe and it supports my feet with no pain from either.
  • I walk about 10 miles a day on top of my daily routine and these are so good and take the beating with ease. They have a good amount of arch support that keeps my feet in place and the toes are not scrunched up. They look really nice on my feet too.
  • These shoes have been a dream for my osteo eaten toes. They have so much stability and comfort. The Gel is so nice and cozy and keeps me pan freee. I can feel it on my feet when I walk. They also are just right in the size.
  • These are the only overpronation shoe that keeps my knees and feet from hurting due to overcompensation. These correct your stride as well. It seems to guide through every stride and has tons of support. They are a bit bulkier than other Asics but nothing bad.
  • These shoes really support my high arches and prevent falling pain. They help with my lower back pain and they work great with cardio.
  • I love these shoes and they can withstand a beating. I ordered a wide and that still was a bit narrow and ate my toenails when I tried to run a marathon. But, these are great for a low profile journey. It was good n width, just the toe box was too shallow and rubbed.
  • I use these for the treadmill because they run a bit wider than normal. They have so much cushion and are really stable.
  • These had really great support but lacked a little in the comfort. They did help with my plantar fasciitis really well.
  • I have had surgery in both feet and suffer from over pronation. These really work great for my 8 hour shift and walks home. My feet are always tired but they never hurt from the shoes. They offer great support.
  • They have good arch support and work great for my plantars. They are a great price for what they are. I cannot stand in them all day ut the price is great.
  • I am a PT and these are the best shoes I have ever used. I traded my Nikes in for these. They are so durable and have tons of cushion and support. They look nice and they fit like they are supposed to. I did go up a whole size.
  • These are so comfy and supportive with tons of cushioning. I am really impressed with this shoe for the price. I love the gel heel.
  • These shoes have saved my shins. I am not sure which aspect of this awesome shoe did it but my shin splints are now non existent. I thought I would suffer forever. Haven't gotten shin splints since I bought these for jogging.
  • These are some durable shoes. They are really comfortable and carry me long distance with no pain. These support the ankle as well with no digging and rubbing like the 2s.
  • These snug my narrow feet while giving me the toe space I need. These are a great and affordable shoe.
  • These shoes have lasted over 400 miles and they are still cushioned and supportive and the soe is not torn to pieces or worn too much. These are great for overpronation and have not caused me any pain. They are so perfect it’s hard for me to think about buying a new pair. Best shoes I have ever gotten and they are so affordable.
  • These are full of cushioning and have great support. They fit snug and secure in the heel. I love walking and running in these.
Negative
  • These did not have the comfort i needed for my flat feet. Thy said they were for plantars but they gave me a lot of pain. They did fit perfect but just didn’t stand up to what I needed.
  • Man o’ man, did these hurt my feet. They were so awkward. They had no support in my feet and seem completely different from the 2s, which I loved.
  • Thes soles have these black specks in them. They ran too small as well and made my toes ache.
  • I really didn't like these shoes and although I ordered them larger, they still poked up against the top of the shoe. Not my favorite Asic.
  • It only took 3 months for the cushioning to flatten out. They have no supportnow and they roll. I feel shoes should last more than a couple months; they are disposable.
  • Took two months and they have holes in the toes. They were so nice and comfortable and I really loved them. They are just not durable at all.
  • They fit really awful and had black specks in the soles that looked dirty. They felt like cheap plastic.
  • These did not work with my fasciitis at all. They have way too much flexibility in the toe and this caused me some real pain.
  • These were higher in the ankle than the last model and they rubbed me raw. They were do good before, I am not sure why they would do this. I love the comfort and style.
Reviewmeter
The Reviewmeter shows you an overall score that you can easily refer to. The highest rating is 10 (100% positive feedback)
Of the 1500 reviews we found in total, 16% were negative, and 84% were positive.
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Outsole

Outsole

Whether you’re running on asphalt roads, concrete sidewalks, or gravel trails, the outsoles of your running shoes are going to take a beating, that’s truly where the rubber hits the road. Asics has considered all of this with its AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) Technology, which will ward off premature wearing and sole breakdowns. The Gel Exalt benefits from this quality addition and you’ll enjoy the confidence produced by the excellent traction. The measurements are in standard sizes and the width is considered to be average, not excessively tight and binding nor overly loose. The shoe’s curvature should be a comfortable match as well for your foot’s natural shape.
Midsole

Midsole

The star of the midsole is Asics’ SpEVA material, which combines the best features of sponge/foam and rubber ball material. The SPEVA blend will literally put more spring in your step, with a 20 percent improvement in rebound according to Asics’ testing results. The easier it is to break free of gravity and launch into your next stride, the less effort you will need to expand; it is as simple as that. That big boost of extra oomph will get your feet off the ground and into your next stride with less work and more energy.
Upper

Upper

We’ve all experienced running shoes that rub us the wrong way, and a poorly-fitting upper can often be the culprit. No two pairs of feet are exactly the same, so it’s imperative to find running shoes that can take your special specs into account. The Asics Gel-Exalt 3 uppers’ flexibility ensures that they will conform nicely to your foot shape as you lace them up, and night runners will appreciate the reflective elements. Breathable mesh is abundant, with overlays stitched on. The padded tongue and generous toe box adds to your comfort and will reduce the risk of chafing.
Weight

Weight

The Asics Gel Exalt weighs in at 10.7 oz. for the men’s model and 8.9 oz. for women’s. Asics accomplishes significant weight reduction by means of its Trusstic System Technology, which maintains the shoes’ structural integrity while simultaneously reducing overall weight. The Exalts certainly won’t be mistaken for ultralight running shoes, which can tip the scales at less than 7 oz. for men’s models, but they should be fine for runners not looking to PR on their next marathon.
Breathability

Breathability

Running in chilly temps can be cool but becoming excessively hot is definitely not, especially where your feet are concerned. It’s hard to cool off a hotfoot when you’re running on blistering blacktop or pumping out the internal warmth while in the heat of a race, especially if poor shoe design is conspiring against you. You will appreciate the Exalt’s uppers, which feature breathable mesh that allow for necessary air flow. This will facilitate the desired two-way transmission of warmer air heading out and fresh air taking its place. Not only that, but the Asics Gel Exalts’ relatively broad toe box also contributes by providing more room for transfer of air in and out.
Style

Style

The Asics Gel-Exalt women’s models are available in Blue/Mint/Flash Yellow and Silver/Pink Glow/Flash Coral, and the men’s versions come in Black/Silver/Racing Red and Silver/Black/Storm. Each model features the stripe design that is found on the sides of all Asics shoes. Asics is a well-respected, quality brand that you can wear with pride, whether they are gracing your feet while you run your daily errands or posing for pictures with your latest race finisher’s medal. In terms of the style, Asics really gives you the best of both worlds: a classic look and design and innovative technologies.
Durability

Durability

The Gel Exalts are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, which means that you can rest assured that these shoes won’t fall apart after a few trips around the track. A key contributor to the Exalts’ long-lasting quality is the AHAR technology that makes the outsoles durable and long-lasting. The Asics company traces its roots back to the 1940s and to the famous Onitsuka Tiger shoes. Forty years ago that pioneering running shoe company merged with two others to form the present firm, whose name is an acronym of the Latin phrase, "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body.” Like the firm itself, these shoes are built to last.
Protection

Protection

Running surfaces run the gamut, with cracked roads, chipped sidewalks, and rocks and pebbles all out there posing potential hazards to your feet. Because of these and other dangers it is good to know that the Asics Gel Exalts have outsoles that are composed of a thick but flexible rubber that helps protect you from injury. Other factors to consider are the motor vehicles, bicycles, and even skateboarders who can compete with runners for the room on the road, which is why the Exalts have included reflective components in their uppers. These light-catchers will make you more visible for those low-light and nighttime runs. The Exalts boast solid construction that provides stability, which will protect your feet from hazards.
Responsiveness

Responsiveness

This shoe includes Asics Rearfoot Gel Cushioning System. This shock-absorbing system soaks up the impact that accompanies your foot’s forceful contact with running surfaces. The Exalt 3 should not be confused with minimalistic shoes that can give you the impression of running barefoot, but they do have the 10-millimeter drop associated with other Asics models, so your range of motion won’t be limited. Their more-or-less standard weight should result in a typical level of responsiveness for most runners.
Support

Support

Asics developed its DuoMax Support system, composed of high-density EVA material, to help overpronators. Placed in the midsole area, DuoMax increases the Exalts’ support, and the GEL cushioning produces a similar result through its effect on the rear area of the shoe. These advanced technologies will provide support for your everyday runs. If you need to wear orthotic devices due to flat feet or other structural issues, you’ll be glad to know that the Gel Exalt 3 has a sock liner that can be taken out. This will allow you to insert your devices and still have plenty of room for your feet to be comfortably positioned.
Terrain

Terrain

The Asics Gel Exalt running shoes are developed for road use. They don’t have the heavy-duty grooves that you would want for more challenging terrain, and their sole material has been developed for the surfaces and temperature conditions that will be expected on asphalt, pavement, and concrete. Because of their durable construction and cushiony quality, they could be used for some limited, light off-road running surfaces or the well-graded dirt roads that you might find in the country. The Gel Exalts can be expected to perform more effectively in these conditions in comparison to flyweight, extreme racing shoes, but their relatively shallow and flatter lugs won’t be up to the task of serious trail, ice, or snow running.
Price

Price

The saying goes that “you get what you pay for,” but sometimes what you’re “getting” has more to do with the running shoes’ fancy design, VIP endorsements, and over-the-top ad campaigns instead of what value the shoes themselves actually have to offer. The Asics Gel Exalt offers plenty of impressive and advanced features for the asking price. Rearfoot GEL Cushioning, DuoMax Support, SpEVA midsole material, Trusstic System Technology, and AHAR Outsole are all the result of years of research, innovation, and lab testing, and these technologies and the well-regarded Asics reputation form the foundation of the Exalt package. My search of online retail prices for this particular running shoe revealed costs ranging from $40 to $120, with the Gel Exalts is billed as a “low priced Asics” on at least one site.
Traction

Traction

The Exalts’ sole is divided into nine sections; three in the heel area and six in the mid and front parts of the shoe. A central groove starts out wide in the back and then gradually tapers down as it approaches the front, before banging a hard turn toward the outer edge of the shoe. This design, combined with the Exalt’s moderate lugs, will provide sufficient traction for road use.
Flexibility

Flexibility

The Exalt 3 has two horizontal flex grooves in the front part of the shoe, allowing it to flex in response to the changes in road and terrain beneath and, more importantly, in the flexing of your foot’s joints. If your foot joints can move more freely there is a greater likelihood of comfort and efficiency. However, this limited number of horizontal flex grooves paired with only a single vertical groove means that the Exalt 3’s flexibility is not in the same league as much “groovier” shoes such as the Nike Free Run.
Stability

Stability

The Gel Exalt 3 is a neutral shoe, but the Asics DuoMax Support System endows them with significant stability. Another contributor to the shoe’s stability is the Trusstic System, which adds firmness to the outsole. This midfoot innovation links the front and back parts of the foot into a unit that is aligned with forwarding propulsion in mind.
Drop

Drop

The Gel Exalt 3 has a drop of 10 mm which is an average drop and comfortable for most runners. Minimalist shoes might appeal to those intrigued by the purported benefits of barefoot running, while fans of the highly-cushioned Hoka One Ones and similar styles would fall into the maximalist camp. The Exalt 3, however, is aimed at a more traditional running experience.
Key Features

Key Features

• AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber) Technology precludes premature wearing
• Endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association
• Rearfoot Gel Cushioning System soaks up the impact
• DuoMax Support System provides support and stability
• Trusstic System Technology maintains structural integrity
Bottom Line

Bottom Line

Asics is one of the few brands that are recommended by podiatrists, and this is due to their high-quality construction that should ultimately help reduce injuries. The Gel Exalt 3 is endowed with many cutting-edge technologies that have been researched and created to render a comfortable running experience. Those looking for a pioneering shoe that claims to reach a previously-unattainable running plateau will probably want to continue their quest elsewhere. The GEL Exalt isn’t the lightest in weight or flashiest in design, but then again it’s also far from being the most expensive. It is a durable and stable option that will be a good and wise choice for a wide variety of runners.