ASICS Gel Evolution 5 vs. Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS review
The ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 provides exceptional stability to the severe overpronator as well as a comfortable ride. The Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS offers superior motion control, a smooth, cushioned ride, and a supportive, comfortable upper that locks the foot down and keeps it in place. Learn what the differences and similarities are between these two Saucony and ASICS motion control running shoes.
In two previous articles I wrote about the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 and the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS motion control running shoes for women.
Theoretically speaking the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 (the latest version of which is the ASICS Gel Evolution 6) and the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS (the newest model of which is the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS 2) should give a fair comparison, because the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS is the counterpart of the ASICS Gel Evolution 5.
The ASICS Gel Evolution 5 and the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS 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 Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS side-by-side gives a good comparison of the two types of motion control running shoes.
Looking at the outsoles of the running shoes, it is clearly visible that both the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS and the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 follow the natural curve of a foot, but that the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 has a broader heel.
Except for a broader heel on the ASICS Gel Evolution 5, both outsoles are pretty similar down to the flex grooves. The difference is that the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS has more flex grooves than the ASICS Gel Evolution 5, so should provide a superior flexibility from heel-strike to toe-off.
However, the rubber lugs on the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS are a bit on the thick side. This could have either a positive or negative effect. Positive in that the running shoe could last longer; negative in that those lugs could provide more friction during running.
Durable rubber is located on all of the suitable places on both the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS and the ASICS Gel Evolution 5, so there are no big differences there.
Both running shoes have a plate in the midsole that is designed to keep the foot in a neutral plane during the gait cycle, but that plate is extended in the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS from heel to forefoot, which gives you a more evenly distribution of pronation control.
The difference in the midsoles of the two running shoes will most likely be in the amount of cushioning provided and the way they feel on your feet when you run.
The difference in the uppers of the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS and the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 lies in the strapping down of your feet. The Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS provides a better wrapping of the foot in the midfoot area than the ASICS Gel Evolution 5, so will give you a tighter and more secure fit.
The toe boxes of both the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS and the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 are pretty similar, although the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS might provide a bit more room in the top line area of your foot.
The Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS and ASICS Gel Evolution 5 differ by 20 grams (0.7 oz) in weight with the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 being the lightest of the two motion control running shoes.
If you're a heel-striker and are looking for a lightweight motion control running shoe, the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 might be better suited for you.
If you're looking for flexibility from heel-strike to toe-off thereby getting an extremely smooth ride and having your feet locked down and secure, you could go with the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS.
The ASICS Gel Evolution 5 is a lighter motion control running shoe than the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS, but in price it is approximately $5 more expensive with the suggested retail price for the ASICS Gel Evolution 5 being $120 and that of the Saucony ProGrid Stabil CS $115 when you compare motion control running shoes by price.
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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.