ASICS
Gel Excite 11
Product Judgment
Solid
7.3
Category: Daily Trainer
Release year: 2025
Price Judgment
Reasonable
Common retail price: ~$90
Availability: Widely Available
Description
Affordable daily trainer focused on comfort and stability. Higher stack and firm heel counter target beginners and heel strikers. Widely recognized for strong value and support.
Ride feels steady and protective, emphasizing support over responsiveness. Cushioning is soft but midsole remains flat and stiff, limiting flexibility. Upper is comfortable but less breathable, with secure fit and wide platform enhancing stability.
Best for new runners, heel strikers, and those seeking a budget-friendly, stable daily trainer. Excels at easy miles and longer runs where comfort and support are priorities. Less suited for speedwork or hot climates due to weight and breathability limits. Remains a practical choice for value-focused runners needing moderate stability.
Performance Scores
Comfort
7Higher stack and soft upper provide good comfort for daily runs.
Energy Return
4EVA-based midsole feels flat and lacks bounce.
Stability
8Wide heel, firm counter, and stable geometry offer strong support.
Durability
6Heel and outsole are durable, but toebox durability is poor.
Fun to Ride
5Ride is steady but lacks flexibility and excitement.
Run Fitness
Daily
8Stable cushioning and secure fit suit daily mileage.
Long
7Extra stack height supports longer runs, but added weight is noticeable.
Tempo
4Stiff, flat midsole and weight limit tempo performance.
Race
3Heavy, low energy return construction is not race-oriented.
Recovery
7Soft cushioning and support help with easy, slow recovery runs.
Pros & Cons
- Stable geometry
- Comfortable upper
- Good heel durability
- Strong outsole grip
- Low energy return
- Poor toebox durability
- Limited breathability
Stable geometry and firm heel counter provide reliable support for heel strikers.
Comfortable jacquard mesh upper offers a secure fit for daily use.
Heel padding and outsole show strong durability for high-mileage runners.
Outsole delivers solid grip on road surfaces, even in wet conditions.
EVA-based midsole feels flat and lacks responsiveness, reducing ride excitement.
Toebox material wears quickly, limiting long-term durability in the forefoot.
Upper ventilation is poor, making the shoe less suitable for hot weather.
Specifications
Best for paces
5:30-7:00 min/km
Drop
10.8 mm
Stack height
38.2 mm heel / 27.4 mm forefoot
Weight
286 g
Drop
10.8 mm
Stack height
38.2 mm heel / 27.4 mm forefoot
Weight
286 g
Pronation
N/A
Width
medium
Terrain
Road
Technologies
Amplifoam+ midsole, Ortholite insole
Plate
no
Best for paces
5:30-7:00 min/km
Comparable Models
ASICS Gel Pulse 16 provides a softer, more premium ride with improved breathability.
View details
Nike Revolution 8 is lighter and more flexible but lacks the Excite 11's stability.
View details