ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 vs. New Balance WR850 review
ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 provides exceptional stability for the severe over pronator as well as a comfortable ride. New Balance WR850 running shoe is a high performance lightweight motion control running shoe from New Balance that is built for the moderate to severe overpronator. Learn how these two running shoes differ and in which areas they are similar.
In two previous articles I wrote about the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 (the latest version of which is the ASICS GEL-Evoltuion 6) and the New Balance WR850 motion control running shoes for women.
The ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 is the flagship motion control running shoe from ASICS and comparable to the New Balance WR1012, which is the main motion control running shoe model from New Balance, so one would expect the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 to be superior to the New Balance WR850. Let's compare these two motion control running shoes and take a look at where they are similar and how they are different.
Looking at the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and the New Balance WR850 side-by-side gives a good comparison of the two motion control running shoes.
Both running shoes have a medial support system in the midsole to control overpronation, which puts them in the motion control running shoes category.
While the medial support system in both running shoes are similarly placed, the one in the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 extends slightly more towards the heels, meaning that it will give you more support in that area if you tend to roll in more towards your heel than your forefoot.
While the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 has gel in its midsole to provide shock absorption, the New Balance WR850 has a board running along the full length of the shoe to maximize shock absorption. And both running shoes should provide an optimum level of cushioning in the heel and forefoot.
The uppers of the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and the New Balance WR850 both consist of breathable mesh with synthetic overlays, with the New Balance WR850 having slightly less mesh, so providing a more secure fit along with its N-Lock lacing system.
At first glance, the outsoles of the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and the New Balance WR850 look very similar, but still there are a few key differences to note. First off, the New Balance WR850 has more flex grooves in the forefoot than the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5, which means that it should provide you with more flexibility in this area.
The forefoot and heel on both the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and New Balance WR850 are separate, which means that both running shoes should absorb shock well in the heel area and not have it affect your ride.
Another key difference between the two running shoes is the crash pads in the heel area. The ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 has more segmentation in this area than the New Balance WR850.
The heel of the New Balance WR850 consists of two separate crash pads, and is mostly suitable if you land more on either the inside or outside of your heel. The crash pads on the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 consist of 3 parts and would suit you well if you land on the back or either side of your heel.
And finally, the location of the durable rubber differs between the two running shoes. With the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 the rubber is located almost over the entire outsole, meaning that it would give any type of runner more mileage than the New Balance WR850, where durable rubber is mostly located on the insides of the forefoot and outsides of the heel.
The New Balance WR850 weighs approximately 10.2 oz (289 grams), while the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 weighs approximately 11.0 oz (312 grams), so is 0.8 oz (23 grams) heavier than the New Balance WR850 when you compare motion control running shoes by weight.
If you're looking for a durable motion control running shoe that provides good shock absorption in the heel area with a moderate amount of flexibility in the forefoot area, then then ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 might be worth considering.
If you are looking for a relatively light motion control running shoe that provides a secure fit and good flexibility in the forefoot with shock absorption and cushioning from heel to toe then the New Balance WR850 might be the sneakers to go with.
The suggested retail motion control running shoe price of the New Balance WR850 is US $114.99, which is approximately US $15 cheaper than the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5, which costs around US $120.
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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.