ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 vs. Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 review

ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 provides exceptional stability to the severe over-pronator as well as a comfortable ride. Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 offers a soft, flexible, and smooth ride to the bigger runner who is a moderate to severe over-pronator. Learn what the differences and similarities are between these two motion control running shoes.

In two previous articles I reviewed the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 (the latest model of which is the ASICS GEL-Evolution 6) and the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 motion control running shoes for women.

The ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 is the flagship motion control running shoe from ASICS, while the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 is not the same for Nike. So theoretically speaking the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 should be superior than the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4.

The ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 are made by two different running shoe manufacturers, so they will naturally be different. Let's compare them and take a look at where these running shoes are similar and how they differ.

Looking at the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 side-by-side gives a good comparison of the two types of motion control running shoes.

Looking at the uppers, we can see that both the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 consist of breathable mesh with synthetic overlays.

Both uppers have synthetic overlays that wrap around the midfoot to provide a secure fit, but the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 also has a strap that runs from the heel to the top of the lacing system. So the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 should provide you with a more secure fit than the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5.

Turning our attention now to the midsoles, we can see that both the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 have an enforcement system in place that is typical of motion control running shoes and which provides stability and pronation control, so there aren't many differences in this area other than the technology used to control pronation.

The outsoles of the two running shoes differ quite a bit, so let's go through those differences one by one. What is immediately visible is that the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 has many waffle-like lugs in the forefoot. These go up to the toes. And because of this, the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 is expected to give you more flexibility in the forefoot area and during toe-off. While the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 does have a few flex grooves in the forefoot, if you want forefoot flexibility and softness, go with the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4.

If we now move to the center of the outsole, we can see that the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 consists of a wedge, while the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 somewhat joins the forefoot and heel. This means that the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 should provide you with a more flexible transition from heel strike to toe-off. In addition, your ride should be less affected by the impact at heel strike and as you transition to toe-off.

Both the heels on the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 are segmented, meaning that both should provide you with optimum shock absorption at heel strike and prevent much of the shock to transfer to the forefoot.

One last difference between the outsoles of the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 and the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 is the location of the durable rubber. This rubber tends to be located almost over the entire outsole of the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5, while it is located on the heels and at the tip of the toes on the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4. This means that the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 might give you more mileage.

The ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 weighs approximately 312 grams (11.0 oz), which is 29 grams (1 oz) heavier than the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4, which weighs 283 grams (10.0 oz) 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 and a flexible transition from heel strike to toe-off, you may want to consider the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5.

If you're looking for a soft and extremely flexible motion control running shoe that not only provides a secure fit but which also feels a bit lighter on your feet, then you may want to look into the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4.

The suggested motion control running shoe price of the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 is US $120, which is $15 cheaper than the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4, which has a price tag of US $135.

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.