Cut in half: ASICS Gel Venture 8 Review (2023) (2024)

In our opinion, this ASICS trail shoe is just the ticket for runners looking for:

• A versatile shoe that's great for trail runs, hiking, and even short road runs.
• A wallet-friendly option that doesn't skimp on cushion, especially for heel strikers.
• A breathable choice for summer mountain adventures.

The ASICS Gel Venture 8 is a solid trail shoe, though we think it could use more cushioning in the forefoot and a springier foam. If you're hunting for a shoe with a better midsole and less heel-to-toe drop, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 is our choice.

Also, if you've got wide feet, this might not be your best pick. In that case, check the Nike Wildhorse 8.

If you're searching for a breathable trail running shoe for summer mountain runs, you're in the right place.

In our lab, when we tested the ASICS Gel Venture 8 with our smoke-pumping machine in the lab, we couldn't believe our eyes. Most affordable trail shoes typically score average on this test. However, the Gel Venture 8 earned a flawless 5/5!

What's even more impressive is that in this test, the shoe doesn't let light pass through. This trait is uncommon, though it does occasionally appear in trail shoes due to the internal protective layers of the upper.

Under the microscope, we discovered that ASICS employs an engineered mesh. It doesn't have the typical breathability holes, yet it's thin enough to allow air circulation and heat dissipation.

In short, it's among the best uppers we've come across in terms of breathability. All this is available at a MSRP of $70, which is incredible.

Moreover, it ranks as one of the most cushioned uppers we've ever analyzed, ensuring comfort on long runs.

After seeing its outstanding performance in the breathability test, we expected the Gel Venture 8 might not fare as well in the durability department. It's uncommon for shoes to excel in both areas.

The Gel Venture 8 managed a score of 2/5 in the durability test—not the best, but certainly not the worst. Its engineered mesh doesn't hold up as well against abrasion. However, on a brighter note, the shoe boasts a substantial protective layer around the toe box.

When we tested the heel with the Dremel, we noted the same 2-out-of-5 score. This makes it a well-suited shoe for the vast majority of runners.

However, for those who often experience wear-and-tear in this area, it's something to keep in mind.

ASICS took a conservative approach with the outsole.

We found that they used an average rubber compound, measuring at 84.6 HC, which aligns closely with the trail industry standards.

For the durability test, we used the Dremel one final time in our lab.

After putting the outsole through a rigorous test with the tool, we measured a 1.0 mm dent. Not bad!

This gives us a 13.2-mm heel-to-toe drop, making the shoe perfect for heel and midfoot strikers. However, it's less ideal for forefoot strikers.

So, your foot strike really matters here.

Switching our attention to the midsole, ASICS opted for EVA foam that feels comfortable. We measured its softness to be 23.1 HA.

Don't look for a lot of bounce or springiness here, this is a $70 shoe. If you need that, check the PEBAX-based Endorphin Edge instead.

After a 20-minute chill session in our freezer, we took another look at the softness to see how cold temps shake things up. Turns out, it does get a bit firmer—landing at 30.0 HA.

Surprisingly, there's only a modest 29.8% increase, a performance you'd typically see in pricier trail shoes. For a budget-friendly shoe like this, that's a great result.

The 3/5 rating also goes for the heel counter's stiffness. ASICS really aimed for that sweet spot between stability and comfort.

Since this shoe is designed for heel strikers, it's obvious that a super-flexible heel counter just wouldn't cut it.

After giving the shoe a 20-minute stint in the freezer, we tested it again. Impressively, it remains quite flexible, clocking in at 20.5N.

With only a 37.2% increase in stiffness, we find this shoe's performance really interesting. This is especially true considering it's made from EVA foam—a material known to become considerably stiffer in cold temperatures.

ASICS chose 3.1-mm lugs, landing on the shorter-end side.

Given this shoe is tailored mainly for trail running newbies, we believe it's a spot-on choice, offering smooth rides and trail-ready agility.

We've mentioned the exceptional comfort of the Gel Venture 8, and here's another reason why.

With a tongue measuring 8.8 mm thick, there's no chance of lace bite or discomfort on the instep.