ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 vs. ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 review
Learn what the difference is between ASICS GEL Evolution 5 and ASICS GEL Foundation 9 through this review, and compare prices to find the cheapest motion control running shoe out of the two.
In two previous articles I wrote about the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 motion control running shoes.
The ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 (the latest model of which is the ASICS GEL-Evolution 6) is a running shoe that is comparable to the Brooks Ariel while the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 (the latest model of which is the ASICS GEL-Foundation 10) is similar to the Brooks Addiction, so theoretically speaking the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 should differ.
But since they are made by the same running shoe manufacturer, ASICS, they are expected to be similar where the running shoe technologies used are concerned. Let's compare them and take a look at where these two ASICS motion control running shoes are similar and how they differ.
Looking at the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 side-by-side gives a good comparison of the two types of motion control running shoes.
What is immediately visible from looking at the medial view of the two ASICS running shoes is that the midsole consists of the same material used to control pronation. Both the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 consist of DuoMax in the midsole. DuoMax is a dual density midsole system positioned to enhance support and stability.
Another thing that is similar in both running shoes is the cushioning system. The ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 has GEL cushioning in both the forefoot and the rearfoot. GEL cushioning helps absorb shock during the heel strike and toe-off phases, and allows movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle. The ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 has the GEL placed on strategic locations throughout the midsole to help reduce impact.
The big difference between the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and the ASICS Foundation 9 is when we look at the outsoles. What is immediately visible is that the outsole of the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 is more segmented than that of the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9.
The heel and forefoot areas of the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 are joined by a wedge. This wedge will help reduce the shock from transferring from the heel to the forefoot, thereby giving you a smoother transition from heel strike to toe-off and not interfere with your gait. However, the heel and forefoot area on the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 are joined, so will not provide the same smooth ride as the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5.
The crash pads on both the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 are segmented, but again, those on the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 are slightly more segmented, so will absorb shock better.
The last difference between the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 when looking at the outsoles is that the outsole of the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 consists of slightly more durable rubber than that of the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9, so the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 might give you more miles. Flexibility in the forefoot area on both running shoes is expected to be similar.
The uppers of the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 consist of breathable mesh and synthetic overlays. There is a slight difference between the placing of the synthetic overlays on these two ASICS motion control running shoes.
While both the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 provide a secure fit around the midfoot, the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 is expected to provide a slightly more snug fit around the heel and forefoot area due to the placing of its synthetic overlays.
Where the women's running shoes are concerned, the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 weighs approximately 312 grams (11.0 oz), while the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 weighs 303 grams (10.7 oz), which makes it a 9 grams (0.3 oz) lighter motion control running shoe than the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5.
If you're looking for a flexible motion control running shoe that provides a smooth ride as well as maximum support to over-pronators, the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 might be the running shoe to go with.
If you're looking for a slightly lighter motion control running shoe from ASICS that provides good stability and a secure fit all around, the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 might be the better option.
The ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 comes at a suggested motion control running shoe price tag of US $120, while the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 is $20 cheaper at US $100.
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Disclaimer: This running shoe review on www.motioncontrolrunningshoe.org is based on personal research and analysis, and is not claimed to be accurate and/or complete. While the information presented in this review is intended to help you better understand the differences between running shoes, we shall not be held liable for any purchasing decisions you make based on this information. Please use your own good judgment before making a purchase. The owner of this website receives a small compensation whenever you buy a product after clicking a product link on this website; that's how we keep this site online. Read our full disclaimer.