ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT Fully Reviewed

7.7
7.7 score
Runnerclick score (7.7)/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: 7.0 / 10
User's rating: based on 2 user ratings
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ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT Fully Reviewed Review Facts

ASICS got its start in the living room of Mr. Kihachiro Onitsuka in 1949 as Onitsuka Co., Ltd. They manufactured basketball shoes in Kobe, Japan. Fast forward to 1977 and Mr. Onitsuka decided to rename his company ASICS, based on the Latin phrase “Anima Sana in Corpore Sano” which, very appropriately translates to “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body.” With that premise in mind, ASICS was designed around the belief that a happy and healthy lifestyle is created by promoting total health and fitness. They have followed this guide for the 40 plus years they have been on the market and will continue to do so going forward.  The ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT was created with both fitness and lifestyle in mind, with the ultimate goal of a happy and healthy lifestyle.

The ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT pulls key elements of 3 previous models to create an incredibly comfortable, warm shoe that can be worn as a boot in winter conditions or around town running errands. Borrowing the Sockliner from the Gel Lyte V, the padded split tongue from the Gel Lyte III, and the Heel Clip from the Gel Respector, this shoe has the best of each and combines them beautifully.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Sock-liner construction 
  • Padded split tongue 
  • Rubber sole with lugged design
  • Alpha Gel cushioning 
  • Ballistic mesh on upper
  • Lace up in addition to sock-like fit
Cons
  • Shoes may run a half size smile
  • Shoe is described as narrow
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 2 hours analyzing a total of 105 reviews.

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

Below you will read a summary of them:

Positive
  • The majority of buyers are pleased with the look and comfort of ASICS Tiger Gel-Lyte MTs.
  • The design of these shoes is stylish and modern.
  • Older buyers appreciate that these are fashionable without being too flashy.
  • For well-groomed trails and urban jungles, these shoes fit the bill.
  • The midsole takes the brunt of impact making these comfortable even for people with chronic knee pain.
  • The fit is described by buyers as comfortably snug.
  • Some versions have grey soles which don't show dirt as much as white soles.
  • The upper is easy to clean and scuff resistant.
  • These shoes have high-quality stitching and overall craftsmanship.
  • The reflective accents add style and a little be of extra safety.
  • Even buyers who are generally not fans of ASICS give these shoes positive reviews.
  • The materials and sockliner keep feet warm in cold weather.
  • The outsole has a decent amount of traction.
  • Reviewers who have suffered serious heel injuries claim these work for them.
  • The sockliner provides a secure yet comfortable fit.
Negative
  • The most common complaint is about sizing. These run small. It's recommended to buy a half to full size larger than normal.
  • The design is narrow. These are not recommended for people with wide feet.
  • Most reviews are based on the comfort and style. There are very few reviews about the performance as a running shoe.
  • There are a few reports of the heel loop breaking.
  • The toe box is narrow.
  • These may require some break-in time.
  • These are warm shoes. There are no buyer reviews on the breathability.
  • A few people have had issues with sizing inconsistencies between pairs in different colors.
  • The sockliner affects how easily you can put on these shoes. They are not as easy to slip on as some other running shoes.
  • There are a few complaints from buyers about the outsole being too rigid. If you are looking for a shoe with a lot of flexibility, this may not be the best choice for you.
  • There are no reviews on the long-term durability.
Reviewmeter
The Reviewmeter shows you an overall score that you can easily refer to. The highest rating is 10 (100% positive feedback)
Of the 105 reviews we found in total, 17% were negative, and 83% were positive.
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Outsole

Outsole

The rubber outsole of the ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT features a rugged traction pattern on the bottom of the shoe, making it an easy winter boot replacement. The extra cushion and warmth makes for a stylish, current alternative to the traditional winter options. The rubber of the sole grips hard surfaces and ice, providing for a sturdier traction. The design of the outsole is such that it flexes with the natural motion of the foot with little resistance.
Midsole

Midsole

The midsole of the ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT is a combination of EVA foam and Alpha Gel technology developed in Japan. This gel provides shock absorption and heat dissipation. The silicone gel material is extremely soft and allows the foot to sit securely into the base without movement and unnecessary friction.
Upper

Upper

ASICS has created a coated leather upper in the Tiger Gel Lyte MT that borrows key elements from three of the earlier models. The Gel-Lyte V sockliner contributes a snug, warm fit that is still breathable with a ballistic mesh design around the collar. The addition from the Gel Lyte III is the padded split tongue that gives additional cushioning and warmth to the top of the foot. And the Gel Respector contributes the heel clip to give additional stability and heel comfort by holding it steadily in place, reducing friction and potential for blisters.
Weight

Weight

The ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT is a sports lifestyle shoe. It draws on all of the elements of a great running shoe and makes them incredibly comfortable. Even considered a mid high boot, this shoe has all of the technology to keep it lightweight. Mesh construction, foam and gel midsole and a lightweight rubber keep it fairly light as compared to other heavy duty winter boots. We were unable to find an actual weight but considering the materials, we would agree with the lightweight designation.
Breathability

Breathability

The ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT is a fairly breathable mid high shoe. With the ballistic mesh coated leather upper, the mesh is interwoven with the ASICS symbol over the outsides of the shoe along with the coated leather supports wrapping around the toe box and lace construction. The Alpha Gel midsole also provides heat dissipation, keeping the foot dry and allowing excess moisture to evaporate as it is created.
Comfort

Comfort

ASICS has become a popular name in the lifestyle footwear industry, despite also producing amazing performance-based designs. Their focus is entirely on performance, ensuring a great fit, a durable product, and a comfortable experience. They have done that and more with the ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT. With a near 1-piece upper, additional cushioning on the tongue, a soft midsole, and great traction on the outsole, this shoe is ready for anything.

The lightweight, snug, mesh upper keeps feet cool but adds support at the same time with the coated leather materials. Additional stitching around the foot, all-around cushioning and a padded, split tongue create a soft feel all around the foot. The breathable mesh upper allows air into the shoe while creating an even more comfortable fit.

Style

Style

The ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT is all about style. It is considered a lifestyle shoe and is ready to be shown off at parties, clubs, family gatherings or around town handling business. With many colors to choose from, everyone’s taste is represented. From a solid gray to black and white with specks on the outsole, or even a camouflage look, these shoes will complement your daily activities well. They are also warm enough, comfortable enough, and have sufficient traction to replace your traditional winter boots with a stylish flair.

The entire upper is connected in a sock-like feel. Slightly higher in the heel, the Tiger Gel Lyte MT protects the Achilles heel on any excursion. The ballistic mesh on the upper provides breathability and keeps the foot cool but it also adds contrast to the coated leather supports and ASICS symbol on the outside of the shoe. The split tongue shows the ASICS brand at the top in and adds depth to the appearance.
Durability

Durability

The ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT is a comfortable, durable shoe. With almost 70 years in business, this company has perfected the double stitch, reducing fraying at connections and protecting material. The extended rubber on the toe, as well as the toe cap, add additional layers to the front of the shoe, reducing potential tears and holes. The sturdy rubber construct on the outsole with the rugged traction pattern is built for added traction and long-term durability.
Protection

Protection

ASICS has created a protective lifestyle shoe that will meet all your needs. The sockliner has a breathable mesh that keeps airflow moving around your foot, reducing sweat and potential friction. The silicon AlphaGel in the midsole provides shock absorption, reducing the impact of each step and protecting knees and joints from additional stress. The rugged outsole has an extra traction that will keep you moving and gripping the ground safely, reducing the potential for slips and falls.
Responsiveness

Responsiveness

The AlphaGel silicon material is extremely soft and absorbs shock while dissipating heat. It is not considered a responsive material through the EVA foam is a more durable, cushioning material. As a lifestyle shoe, responsiveness is not a great need for the ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT.
Support

Support

The coated leather on the upper of the ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT provides support over the mono sock liner that holds the foot on its own. The additional support around the toe box and along the midsole holds the foot in place, resting securely in the AlphaGel midsole.
Terrain

Terrain

The ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT is a lifestyle shoe but can also be considered for a solid replacement for your traditional winter boot or for the additional versatile terrain. The shoe will be most effective on roads, clear pathways, compact tracks, and treadmills but should easily handle light to medium trails and gravel roads, ice and snow. The rugged traction pattern on the bottom of the shoe supports flexibility and movement over any terrain.
Price

Price

As a lifestyle shoe, you’d expect the ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT to be near the higher end, especially given that it has comfortable, throwback-reminiscent look, an extremely comfortable fit and an outsole that accommodates almost any type of use you’d put to it. But the nice thing is that it isn’t. This shoe has a middle-of-the-road price that is comparable to other lifestyle shoes of its caliber. The quality is more than worth the number you’ll find.
Traction

Traction

The outsole of the ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT is made of a standard rubber but the traction pattern is a rugged design along the full base of the shoe. The spacing of the individual lugs is both individual and connected, providing additional traction over diverse terrain and climates. With open spaces, the foot can flex naturally along normal flex lines and not where forced to do so. The midsole, with the combination of EVA foam and AlphaGel provides support but also sinks the foot lower into the base, securing the foot and providing additional traction to the full foot.
Flexibility

Flexibility

The coated leather upper with sock liner, split tongue and heel clip fits closely to the foot similar to a sock. With only leather supports, the shoe flexes with the foot, along with natural flex lines. The soft AlphaGel midsole is extremely flexible and cushioned while the outsole is a traditional rubber with a rugged traction pattern that allows flexibility in all directions and allowing a natural flex movement with each step.
Stability

Stability

For a lifestyle shoe, the ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT is stable and comfortable. The structure of the AlphaGel silicone gel material and the EVA midsole sinks the foot into the base of the shoe, making it feel more secure with little to no movement inside the shoe. Added traction on the outsole with the rugged pattern and diverse design gives a better grip on the terrain keeping the foot stable and secure while allowing a variety of terrains and weather conditions. Cushion around the tongue and upper with a standard socklike design with exterior lacing construction helps to secure the foot firmly into the base of the shoe for a more stable experience overall.
Drop

Drop

As a lifestyle shoe, it is difficult to find a measured on the drop of the ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT. There does appear to be a decent drop between heel and toe based on pictures but the shoe appears to have a natural drop with an emphasis on comfort for a fairly natural, cushioned experience.
Key Features

Key Features

• AlphaGel silicon gel material in midsole for added shock absorption and heat dissipation
• Highly flexible, lightweight rubber outsole
• Sock liner surrounds the entire foot in one piece, for a snug, comfortable fit
• Heel clip holds the foot securely in place, reducing friction and rubbing
• Coated leather mesh upper allows for additional breathability and cooling
Bottom Line

Bottom Line

The ASICS Tiger Gel Lyte MT is an incredibly comfortable, versatile shoe. It can be worn as a lifestyle shoe or used to replace your traditional winter boots. The extensive traction and incredibly breathable upper make this shoe great for just about any workout or event you have planned. You’ll stay comfortable. Your feet will stay dry. And you have many styles and colors to choose from so you can wear them to any event or function you have planned. The AlphaGel silicon midsole creates a soft base for the foot to sink down into and the coated leather upper keeps the foot secure with a snug sock-like feel. Breathable mesh along the upper also adds airflow, keeping the foot cool and dry and comfortable.

ASICS offers many different products, from performance-driven shoes to technical active sports apparel to accessories, all dedicated to bringing harmony to the body and soul. The Tiger Gel Lyte MT has such a versatile base that it brings harmony to the sheer flexibility of uses. Reasonably priced based on current market and other models available in this genre, ASICS keeps this shoe at the forefront, challenging competitors to raise the bar and increase their technology and design budgets to keep with their ongoing production of new models.