ASICS Gecko XT
Buy ASICS Gecko XT at today's best price (men's/women's)
6 minute read
Overview
The ASICS Gecko XT is a trail running shoe designed to provide a balance between a road and trail experience. This shoe is known for its innovative features that cater to runners seeking versatility on various terrains.
Key Features:
- FlyteFoam Midsole: A lightweight cushioning system that offers bounce back and responsiveness.
- GeckoTrac Outsole: A proprietary outsole designed for superior traction and grip on different surfaces.
- Anti-Gravel Tongue: Prevents debris from entering the shoe and includes a lace garage for lace storage.
The ASICS Gecko XT is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a shoe that can handle both road and moderate trail conditions. Its combination of a responsive midsole and a grippy outsole offers a smooth ride, making it suitable for those who enjoy mixed-terrain adventures.
With an average review score of 65%, it's in the lowest rated 10% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the cheapest 10% of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the ASICS Gecko XT
The ASICS Gecko XT is a commendable effort by ASICS to create a trail shoe that bridges the gap between road and trail running. The FlyteFoam midsole provides a responsive yet firm ride, which some runners may find appealing for longer distances. However, the shoe's grip, while adequate for smooth trails, may not meet the demands of more technical terrains. The GeckoTrac outsole and Asicgrip rubber are designed to offer high grip, but the small lugs limit its effectiveness on challenging surfaces. The upper is breathable and quick-drying, with a gusseted anti-gravel tongue that adds to the overall comfort. Despite these positives, the lack of upper protection and the firmness in the forefoot could be drawbacks for some. Overall, the ASICS Gecko XT is a solid choice for runners seeking a hybrid shoe for moderate trails, but it may not be the best option for those who require robust protection and superior grip on rugged trails. For its price range, the ASICS Gecko XT offers decent value but faces stiff competition from other trail shoes that may provide better performance in specific areas.
6 ASICS Gecko XT Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the ASICS Gecko XT is constructed with a seamless design, featuring a thin, resilient mesh that drains well when wet. The anti-gravel tongue is gusseted to ensure a snug fit and keep out debris, while the lace garage is a unique addition that secures laces away. Although the upper provides adequate room and breathability, it may lack the protection needed for more technical trail runs. The heel cup design has caused some runners to experience blisters, suggesting that the fit and materials in this area could be improved for better comfort.
Midsole
The midsole of the ASICS Gecko XT utilizes FlyteFoam technology, which is engineered for exceptional bounce back and responsiveness across various distances. The inclusion of a rock plate in the forefoot aims to protect against sharp objects on the trail. While the cushioning is generally good, some runners feel that additional cushioning could enhance comfort. The firmness imparted by the rock plate may appeal to those who prefer a more stable ride, but it may not be ideal for runners who favor a plush underfoot feel.
Outsole
The outsole is where the ASICS Gecko XT aims to shine with its GeckoTrac and Asicgrip technologies. These are intended to provide excellent grip on a variety of terrains, including wet surfaces. However, the small, flat-appearing lugs may not deliver the exceptional traction promised, particularly on technical trails with rocks, roots, and mud. While the grip is satisfactory for less demanding conditions, it does not significantly stand out from other trail shoes in the market.
Size/fit
The ASICS Gecko XT offers a fit that loosely hugs the midfoot while providing ample toe room, catering to runners who prefer a more relaxed fit. The shoe's sizing is generally true to size, but the heel area has been noted to cause discomfort for some, leading to blisters. Runners may need to pay close attention to the fit in the heel when selecting their size to ensure a blister-free experience.
Comfort
Comfort in the ASICS Gecko XT is achieved through a combination of the breathable upper and the responsive FlyteFoam midsole. The shoe's overall construction is designed to provide a comfortable ride on well-groomed trails. However, the firmness in the forefoot and the potential for heel blisters indicate that there may be room for improvement in the shoe's comfort features, especially for those tackling more rugged terrain.
Cushioning
The cushioning of the ASICS Gecko XT is centered around the FlyteFoam midsole, which offers a balance between softness and responsiveness. While the cushioning is adequate for many runners, those accustomed to highly cushioned shoes might find it lacking. The presence of a rock plate adds a degree of firmness, which could be a pro or con depending on individual preference for underfoot feel.
Breathability
The ASICS Gecko XT's upper is made of a thin mesh material that excels in breathability, allowing for good air circulation and quick drying after exposure to water. This feature is particularly beneficial for runners who encounter wet conditions on the trails and require a shoe that can manage moisture effectively.
Stability
Stability in the ASICS Gecko XT is provided by the firm midsole and rock plate, which together create a stable platform for runners. This stability is suitable for those who encounter varied terrain and need a reliable shoe that can handle transitions between road and trail surfaces.
Durability
Durability concerns for the ASICS Gecko XT are minimal, with the shoe's construction and materials holding up well against regular use on trails. The Asicgrip rubber compound contributes to the shoe's longevity, ensuring that it can withstand the wear and tear of mixed-terrain running.
Grip
The grip of the ASICS Gecko XT is designed to be a standout feature, with the GeckoTrac outsole aiming to provide traction on diverse surfaces. While the grip performs well on smoother trails, it may not offer the level of confidence needed on more technical or slippery terrain due to the smaller lug size.
Who should buy the ASICS Gecko XT?
The ASICS Gecko XT is well-suited for runners who frequently transition between road and trail environments and require a shoe that can handle both with ease. It's particularly beneficial for those who run on moderate trails and appreciate a shoe with a responsive midsole and a grippy outsole. Runners who value a breathable upper and a unique lace storage feature will also find this shoe appealing.
Who should not buy the ASICS Gecko XT?
Runners seeking a shoe specifically for technical, rugged trails may want to look elsewhere, as the ASICS Gecko XT's grip and protection may fall short in such conditions. Those who prefer a highly cushioned ride or have had issues with heel blisters in the past might consider other options with more plush cushioning and a more secure heel fit.
ASICS Gecko XT: What's it good for?
The ASICS Gecko XT is good for runners who enjoy a mix of road and trail running, offering a versatile solution for those who don't want to switch shoes between different terrains. Its trail-ready features make it suitable for well-groomed paths, while the responsive cushioning allows for comfortable road running.
4 ASICS Gecko XT FAQs
What makes the ASICS Gecko XT suitable for both road and trail running?
The ASICS Gecko XT is designed with a FlyteFoam midsole for responsive cushioning and a GeckoTrac outsole for versatile grip, making it suitable for both road and trail running.
Is the ASICS Gecko XT good for technical trails?
While the ASICS Gecko XT offers some trail-specific features, its grip and protection may not be sufficient for highly technical trails.
How does the ASICS Gecko XT handle wet conditions?
The ASICS Gecko XT's upper is made of breathable mesh that dries quickly, and the GeckoTrac outsole is designed to provide grip on wet surfaces.
What type of cushioning does the ASICS Gecko XT have?
The ASICS Gecko XT features a FlyteFoam midsole, which offers a balance of softness and responsiveness.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar |
| released | ReleasedFeb 2018 | Jul 2019 | Nov 2015 | Mar 2018 | May 2019 | |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users |   | ||||
| Weight | WeightM: 289 g W: 238 g | M: 241 g W: 190 g | M: 221 g W: 176 g | 235 g | M: 181 g W: 142 g | 215 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot12 mm | 17 mm | 8 mm | 7 mm | 5 mm | 16 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop6 mm | 4 mm | 4 mm | |||
| Heel | Heel18 mm | 17 mm | 8 mm | 11 mm | 5 mm | 20 mm |
| Brand | BrandASICS | Merrell | Vibram | Inov-8 | Vibram | Salomon |
| Shoe Type | Shoe Type | LightweightLow dropZero drop | LightweightLow dropZero drop | LightweightLow drop | BarefootLightweightLow dropMinimalistZero drop | LightweightLow drop |
| Techs | Techs | Vibram | Vibram | |||
| Waterproofings | Waterproofings | Water repellent | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Vegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | |||
Common characteristicsTrailNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh arch |
