ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 vs. Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 review

ASICS Gel Foundation 9 is a maximum support running shoe for overpronators who not only require a secure fit, but also enough cushioning and support during those long runs. Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 offers a soft, flexible, and smooth ride to the bigger runner who is a moderate to severe overpronator. Learn about the differences and similarities between these two running shoes.

In two previous articles I reviewed the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 and the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 motion control running shoes for women.

The ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 is the second most popular ASICS motion control running shoe, but the ASICS GEL-Evolution 5 is a running shoe that is comparable to the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4. 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-Foundation 9 and the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 side-by-side gives a good comparison of the two motion control running shoes.

Both running shoes have reinforced EVA in their midsole to control pronation. The degree of pronation control will differ and depends mostly on the brand you choose. In the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9, the pronation control seems to extend all the way to the heel, while this is not the case in the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4, which is known to be a "genle" motion control running shoe by Nike.

The uppers of the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 and the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 both consist of breathable mesh with synthetic overlays, but the wrapping of the overlays around the midfoot seem to be more pronounced on the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 than on the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9.

What this means is that the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 is expected to give you a more secure fit around your midfoot and better keep your foot on the platform than the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9.

From looking at the outsoles, we can see that both running shoes are very suitable to run in; both follow the natural shape of a normal foot. The big difference in the outsoles lies in the flexibility provided.

The outsole of the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 is very segmented overall with many crash pads, flex grooves, and a waffle like structure in its lugs. As mentioned earlier, the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 is known as a gentle motion control running shoe that provides a tremendous amount of flexibility, which runs from heel to toe. These running shoes will definitely feel soft on your feet.

The heel and forefoot area on the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 are separate, while those on the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 are partly joined. If you tend to land anywhere on your heels, the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 is expected to give you a smoother ride than the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9.

The ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 has one large crash pad at the back of the heel, so if you tend to land in that area on your heels, the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 will absorb the shock and keep it there, so that your ride is not affected as much.

While both running shoes have a certain amount of durable rubber on the outsole, the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 has slightly more of it in all of the right places, so might give you more mileage than the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4.

The Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 weighs approximately 10.0 oz (283 grams), while the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 weighs approximately 10.7 oz (303 grams), so is 0.7 oz (20 grams) heavier than the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 when you compare motion control running shoes by weight.

If you're looking for a durable signature ASICS motion control running shoe that absorbs shock well in the heel area and provides pronation control, then the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 might be the running shoe to consider.

If you are looking for a soft, gentle, and lightweight motion control running shoe that not only provides pronation control, but is also extremely flexible and securely keeps your foot on the platform, then the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4 might be worth looking into.

The suggested retail motion control running shoe price of the ASICS GEL-Foundation 9 is US $100, which is approximately US $35 cheaper than the Nike Zoom Equalon+ 4, which costs around 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.