Asics Gel Contend 7 Intro

The Gel-Contend 7 provides a great choice for runners who are looking for cushioning and support. It’s a budget-friendly shoe that does a lot for its price. The shoe is designed for neutral runners and those who supinate.

The average price will cost you around $65.00 but trust me you are getting your money’s worth.

The technology this shoe has to offer is its rearfoot GEL technology, a durable AMPLIFOAM midsole, and an OrthoLite sock liner. Each of these is used in creating comfort and shock absorption for the runner.

In addition to this, Asics also has put GUIDANCE LINE technology in the Gel-Contend 7. This helps the runner to develop a more natural and consistent stride.

Asics is becoming more mindful in the shoe manufacturing process to be more eco-friendly. The Gel-Contend is made with fewer resources to color the shoe’s sock liner.

I have tried various Asics shoes and the one that comes to mind is the Gel-Excite 8. The fit is almost exact but there are no-sew overlays on this shoe that make it very comfortable and another decently priced shoe.

Asics Gel Contend 7 First Impressions

Asics Gel Contend 7 – Pair

When I opened the box my first thought was for a budget-friendly shoe they look more like a higher-end shoe. After trying the shoes on I was nicely surprised by how comfortable they felt right away.

I did over 50 miles in these total with 3 runs over 10 miles. I had a few minor issues such as the sewn overlay at the toe box rubbed a little during the longer runs and when I picked up my pace the rubber sole was noisy when striking the ground.

Asics Gel Contend 7 Sole Unit

Asics Gel Contend 7 – Sole

The outsole of the Gel-Contend 7 is made of textured rubber. It’s not very fancy but was very efficient in all types of weather on track or gravel.

The sole has flex grooves that improve the flexibility of the sole and makes for an even ride. The midsole is made from the Rearfoot Gel cushioning unit called AmpliFoam.

The Amplifoam Midsole is engineered to maintain durability at softer densities which will provide you with better flexibility, comfort, and platform adaptability ideal for natural running.

There is an Ortholite sock liner that is used for moisture management.

I have run in the Hoka One One Elevon’s for a while and they have some similarities to the Gel-Contend 7’s. Both have the all-over mesh on the upper and a very cushiony midsole.

I paid $129.00 for the Hoka One One Elevons and $65.00 for the Asics Gel-Contend 7.

Asics Gel Contend 7 Upper Unit

Asics Gel Contend 7 – Toe

The upper is an engineered mesh. It is a multi-directional mesh material that improves ventilation and stability. There are 3 overlays on the shoe that has synthetic stitching.

One over the heel, one on either side of the middle of the shoe, and one up at the toe box. The overlay in the middle of the shoe holds the shoelaces in place and helps to offer more support when tying the shoes.

The laces are round and when double knotted stayed in pace for all my runs. The tongue and heel are covered in thicker padding that helps to reduce irritation.

I took these shoes out in the rain a few times and did end up getting wet. They didn’t seem to hold on to water and dried out almost completely by the next day.

I ordered a size 8 and they fit well with a lighter sock on. With that being said, I do like to run in a thicker sock and would order a half size bigger next time.

Asics Gel Contend 7 Conclusion

Asics Gel Contend 7 – Lace

This shoe offers a lot of great features for a steal. I would recommend this shoe for any introductory runner who doesn’t want to get near the triple digits at price. The Gel-Contend 7 is a solid choice that won’t let you down.

I have been a runner for the past 15 years and this lower-end shoe has opened my eyes to adding the not so “fancy” running shoes into my weekly mileage.

We purchased a pair of Asics Gel Contend 7 from runningwarehouse using our own money. This did not influence the outcome of this review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.