ASICS began as one man working out of his living room in 1949. His business grew and by 1977, the company was shipping worldwide. The name comes from the acronym of the Latin phrase, “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano” which translate “a sound mind in a sound body.” For women athletes, finding a balance of sound body and mind can be very different than male athletes. ASICS takes this into consideration when designing their line of trainers for women.
The ASICS website reports they “reinvented womens running shoes” by creating gender-specific designs of their shoes instead of simply making a smaller version of men’s line. First, women’s feet are a different shape with a smaller heel to forefoot ratio. This information allows ASICS to design cross trainers for women without the heel slippage or chafing a smaller men’s shoe may cause. Next, since women in general, are smaller than men, the cushioning was too dense for a female athlete’s needs. The less dense version of Solyte used in the ASICS cross trainer line for women provides better absorption at impact as well as improved bounce. Finally, a female’s gait is not only different than males, it changes as estrogen levels fluctuate in the body. This can impact a woman’s arch height so a gender-specific Space Trusstic was designed to give women the support and flexibility regardless of where she is in her gait cycle. Consider the following top eight ASICS cross trainers for your next WOD.
Cross trainers vary for person to person. In this list, we try our best to bring forward some of the best trainers created by ASICS while keeping in mind the usual needs of many people such as those who are into crossfit training, running, playing tennis and also those women whose feet problems give them a lot of trouble on a daily basis.
#1 ASICS Women’s GEL-Fit Sana Cross-Training Shoe
First on the list is the ASICS GEL-Fit Sana cross training shoe. This shoe comes in colors that match any outfit as well as feeling great. The shoe is lightweight with a soft stretch mesh upper and a Mono-Sock® fit system that allows the foot to move and breath without losing stability or a secure feel. The Flexible Fit system provides an overall sculpting to the footbed that builds on the Rearfoot GEL® Cushioning system that gives a barefoot-like experience. The GEL system provides shock absorption as the woven bands on the back allow the external heel cage a secure grip. Finally, the AHAR+ (High Abrasion Rubber) improves traction more than other outsoles as well as offering a high abrasion resistance.
Many women claim that doing any sort of cross training or strength training activity in running shoes can be a very unpleasant experience because most shoes in the market don’t provide enough support to the feet during lateral movements or cross training movements. Most people say that by the by time they were done running, their feet ached which is a real bummer considering the fact that shoes are meant to provide a comfortable running experience.
This is where the ASICS Gel-Sana steals the march ahead of its rivals because its make is such that feet enjoy constant support while flexibility is a guarantee for almost every strenuous workout. Although these are not running shoes and have a very barefoot feel about them, the way they fit your feet and give you a relaxed feeling during your workouts, will make you hang on to them for a very long time.
This shoe IS going to take your training performance to the next level and should not be missed out on!
#2 Women’s Gel-Craze TR 4 ASICS Cross Trainer
ASICS continues meeting the needs of athletes with the Gel-Craze TR 4 training shoe. The mesh upper has synthetic overlays that maintains the structure of the shoe while protecting the toe. The dual density SPEVA midsole provides the lateral support the foot needs while still giving comfort during every step. This lace-up shoe boasts an asymmetrical design for a great fit, especially during quick direction changes. The comfort is amplified by the Rearfoot GEL cushioning system and the FluidAxis platform that encourage natural movements. The rubber outsole and double-sided reflective strips provide safety with every step of this women’s ASICS cross trainer.
#3 ASICS Women’s GEL Fit Tempo 2 Fitness Shoe
The ASICS Gel Fit Tempo cross training shoe is full of support, stability and cushion. The foot is kept cool and dry with a breathable mesh upper. Synthetic overlays on the quarter panels with true laces keep the foot secure during any WOD. The cushioned tongue and collar add to the stability while keeping the foot comfortable. The Rearfoot GEL® cushioning system provides shock absorption and assists with the transition from heel to midstance. This ASICS cross trainer’s insole is removable for cleaning or replacement. Finally, traction is ensured through a rubber sole that grips on multiple terrains and allows normal movements through flex grooves.
No matter what happens, ASICS continue churning excellent quality training shoes and continue evolving and learning from past experiences. The gel fit tempo 2 is a testament to the brand’s willingness to go the distance for client satisfaction. For instance, the cushioning in the heel is simply fantastic. These trainers are purely low profile and prioritize lateral stability above anything else. Unlike standard ASICS shoe designs, there are a few subtleties which are different around the toebox. If you are looking for a well rounded athletic shoe option, the Gel fit tempo 2 is the thing for you.
#4 ASICS Women’s GEL-190 TR CrossTrainers
Women athletes will appreciate the all-around abilities of the ASICS GEL-190 TR cross trainer. The synthetic and mesh upper sports a stitch-reinforced toe bumper and vamp to ensure the trainer’s structure and secure the foot with a great feeling fit. The SPEVA foam cushioning affords fast bounce back from the midsole and decreases breakdown so this ASICS cross trainer lasts longer regardless of the workout. The midsole abilities are extended with the DuoMax dual-density foam that supports the foot while giving comfort as well. The Rearfoot GEL® Cushioning system grips the heel for security during movements while the non-marking AHAR+ outsole provides improved grip regardless of the surface.
If your podiatrist recommends you a good cross trainer to cure your ills, the Gel-190 TR is the solution! Many athletes which injury worries such as torn ligaments have found these shoes pretty useful since they provide great support, are comfortable and lightweight. With a roomy toebox and a moderate to high arch, support is a guaranteed experience every time you wear these shoes. Some people may find the default shoelaces unsuitable to their needs but you can always replace them with elasticized ones since it is much easier to slip them on and off.
#5 ASICS Women’s Gel Fortius TR Athletic Shoes
Sporting a style like no other with bright colors and resembling a 50’s dance shoe design, the ASICS GEL-Fortius TR cross training shoe offers a great look as a man-made low profile cross trainer. The upper consists of RhynoSkin® synthetic leather that heightens abrasion resistances during rough workouts. The EVA sockliner secures the foot with a glove-like fit as the double-stitched quarter panels strengthen the foot during lateral movements. Breathability is provided through an air mesh tongue while a foam padded collar ensures comfort. Rounding out the shoe is the non-marking, high tech AHAR+ rubber outsole technology that gives a secure step anywhere the WOD takes this ASICS cross trainer.
For high intensity and multi-direction exercises, these are the perfect shoes thanks to the perfect lateral support they offer. However, some people will experience their forefoot sliding a little too much during side to side lateral movements which is because there isn’t enough amount of fabric flex and expansion. But if the shoes fit is too big, your foot is likely to slide over the arch support which is great. While some brands create the heel cup which extends to high (that can create painful pressure on your Achilles tendon), the Gel Fortius TR has been mindful about it since the padding is minimal. Moreover, laces are almost of a perfect length for an average arch foot. The rubber smell might get annoying initially but it fades away after a week or so.
#6 ASICS Women’s Gel Acclaim Training Shoe
Next on the list of top ASICS cross trainers is the Gel Acclaim training shoe. The synthetic leather and mesh upper allow both stability and breathability while the Rearfoot GEL® Cushioning system absorbs shock from the heel impact and gives a secure grip on the heel. The AHAR rubber outsole gives stability during each step regardless of the terrain. This true to size ASICS cross trainer requires no breaking in and are good for working out or everyday wear, according to reviews on Amazon, although several did say the toe box is narrow.
We daresay that these shoes are very much well rounded and can be used for a range of activities. If your day job requires you to be on your feet for most part of the shift, these shoes are perfect for you since you would need to feel a little comfy. Moreover, if you go to the gym on a daily basis and spend 3 to 4 hours there every day, these shoes will make your workouts much more pleasant than they usually tend to be. However, these trainers do tend to slip around if the gym floor is hardwood.
#7 ASICS Women’s GEL-Resolution 5 Tennis Shoe
ASICS continues with great cross trainers with the GEL Resolution 5 that gives form-fitting comfort and support. The 100% polyester shoe gives a unique look regardless of the colors chosen. The mesh upper with overlays allows breathability for the foot, keeping it dry during workouts. The Flexion Fit forefoot supports lateral movements as the PHF system secures a tight fit with great control for on-court sports. Memory foam in the collar and heel provided a custom fit for every foot. Finishing off this ASICS cross trainer is the Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL cushioning systems for shock absorption and smooth transitions with each step.
The perfect shoes for tennis lovers, the GEL-Resolution 5 Tennis Shoes don’t have a break in time and are comfortable right from the word go. Stylish looking and giving the right feel once you wear them, your performance levels are definitely going to go upwards once you start using them. Moreover, these shoes offer great lateral movements. People suffering from plantar fasciitis will find these shoes really useful since these trainers have a higher arc than the regular ones. These shoes are equally great for people whose feet tend to pronate or suppinate.
#8 ASICS Women’s GEL-Scram 3 Trail Running Shoe
Any ASICS cross trainers list would not be complete without the GEL-SCRAM 3 The shoe is designed to standout with camo decorations and cheerful combination of highlight colors. Mesh and synthetic overlays cover the shoe without compromising ventilation to keep the foot dry. The removable insole allows for cleaning or replacement with orthopedic inserts. With an outsole specially designed for better grip on up and downhill treks along with deep flex grooves for natural movement flexibility, this ASICS cross trainer makes workouts fun. The Rearfoot GEL Cushioning system absorbs shock to protect the foot on impact and promotes smooth transitions throughout the foot’s movement. With security increased from the stitched overlays, taking a run over the river and through the woods could become your WOD with this cross trainer for women.
Those with large heel spurs will benefit a lot from using the GEL-Scram 3 running shoe on a regular basis. You may not find any relief up to this point but once you get a hold of these trainers, your feet are no longer going to hurt while you’re working. These trainers are lightweight and offer great amount of traction so running would quite an experience with these babies around your feet
If you enjoyed our Top 8 Asics Cross Trainers for women in 2018 list please check www.crosstrainingshoe.net for more athletic and cross-training shoe reviews.
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