Shoe Review: Asics Gel Resolution X

Asics Gel Resolution X

• Price: $150
• Size Run: 6-13, 14, 15 (men); 5-12 (women)
• Weight: 15 oz. (men’s 9); 13.6 oz. (women’s 7)
• Outsole warranty: Six months

What’s New

The Gel Resolution X has three key updates. The midsole cushioning is now a two-piece design with Flytefoam in the forefoot and FlyteFoam Blast Plus Eco—taken from the brand’s running category—in the rearfoot. The Dynawall support technology now extends from the lateral side of the shoe all the way around the heel. And Dynalacing is introduced into the upper to create a more customized fit, replacing the outgoing Dynawrap. Additionally, there’s a higher medial ankle cut to provide added support and protection during intense movement.

Read more: Asics launches the Gel-Resolution X shoe with help from Djokovic, Mouratoglou, Musetti and Paolini

What Works

Can a worthy stability shoe also be truly comfortable? That was the question Asics wanted to answer when making the Gel Resolution X, the 10th installment of the franchise. Typically, because high-performance stability shoes require a certain level of rigidness and support features, they can be hard-wearing. Even a few earlier Gel Res models held true to this fate. However, 'X' marks the spot when it comes to providing a plusher and more forgiving ride.

The greater comfort is bolstered by the new two-piece midsole. The forefoot maintains the combination of Gel and Flytefoam, but the heel area now sits on top of FlyteFoam Blast Plus Eco. The dual sectioning is also designed to make the shoe even more stable when hitting the court, but the thing you notice most is its yeoman’s work of soaking up shock.

It’s still a sturdy shoe that requires a break-in period, but the additional softness has shortened the time. The cut of the shoe is also a little different than the previous model, seemingly a bit longer. It could be that the removal of the Dynawrap in upper has created more volume in the forefoot. This will be welcomed by players with wider feet, or those who like to really spread their toes on contact. Others who prefer a tighter profile may want to think about filling the space with another pair of socks or dropping down a half-size.

The fit of the shoe can be tailored by the new Dynalacing system. The lateral side of the shoe has four additional optional eyelets that allows the laces to get a better pull on more of the upper. It’s one those smart and simple ideas that makes you wonder why it hasn’t been implemented before. Also, the medial eyelets are now all internal outrigger loops which protects the laces from breakage, as well as slide more easily to cinch up the shoe.

If you’ve got narrower feet, the Dynalacing is arguably the highlight of the shoe. It not only helps get a more locked-in feel, but helps compensate for the more roomy forefoot.

Another new wrinkle is the raised medial collar. It gives the shoe a quasi-mid-cut and offers added support to the inner ankle when making sudden changes of direction. Sliders will also appreciate having the added layer of protection against scraping their ankles on the court. Rising right at the ankle could cause friction and irritation, but the collar is plush and well-cushioned so it sits comfortable against the joint.

But making a shoe more comfortable won’t matter if it buckles under the gun. The Gel Res franchise has been a staple for baseliners who depend on the secure plant, steady gather and quick recovery needed for assured side-to-side movement.

Thankfully, the Dynawall lives up to its name. Updated to extend around the heel, it’s a rock when slamming the brakes on an aggressive lateral stop. There also seems to be a more pronounced lateral flange that adds to the security. The overall stability gives you confidence that you take off into corners and make a smooth transition into the next stride.

The AHAR Plus outsole has a full-length design for total court contact. The tread pattern has been modified, with a wave channel moving up more towards the toes and the amount of pivot points under the forefoot dropping from three to two. Otherwise it maintains a good level of grip and give and excellent durability backed by a six-month warranty.

What Needs Work

Much of the shoe’s trademark stability is dependent upon getting a lockdown fit. Depending on the shape of your foot, the spaciousness of the forefoot could prove to be too much of a good thing. There’s definitely more room to account for than the outgoing model, and it can be more of a challenge to create the type of security needed for maximum responsiveness.

Even if you use the wider eyelets afforded by the Dynalacing, there’s no guarantee of a completely locked-in feel. And cinching it up super tight can result in the upper bubbling around the forefoot. As mentioned earlier, experimenting with extra socks or a smaller size could be needed.

The generous fit extends to the raised medial ankle collar. It does protect the ankle from the court during slides, but it’s also pretty soft. Ankle rolling has not been an issue, but there are times when it just doesn’t feel as supportive as it could be. The higher profile also compels the wearer to use at least a quarter or crew cut sock.

All this engineering also comes at a price of weight. The X is listed as 25g heavier than its predecessor. However, my size 12 is about 40g more than my old Gel Res 9. If you struggle to get a snug, secure fit, the extra bulk is even more noticeable.

Finally, the shoe can run a little hot. Granted, I first tested it Down Under at the Asics Tennis Summit just prior to the Australian Open. Summer in Melbourne is toasty, especially on a hard court. Still, the breathability in the upper is so-so and there’s no cutout in the outsole, trapping the heat. Several of the other media members at the event had a similar experience. That said, since being back stateside and playing indoors, overheating has not been a problem.

Bottom Line

The Gel Resolution X hits it mark with improved comfort. If you like to grind along the baseline, few shoes are better-suited to the task.