ASICS Women’s Gel-Excite 9 Review – Comfortable Cushioning Meets Durability Concerns

After my trusty workout shoes finally gave up on me during a particularly intense HIIT class, I found myself frantically researching replacement options online. Sarah here, and between managing work deadlines, school pickups, and trying to maintain some semblance of a fitness routine, I needed shoes that could handle my busy lifestyle without breaking the bank. That’s when the ASICS Women’s Gel-Excite 9 in Barely Rose caught my eye – promising comfort, support, and that signature ASICS quality I’d heard so much about. 8 weeks of real-world testing later, here’s the complete truth about these popular running shoes.

Technical Specifications

• 💰 Price: $50-70 ()
• ⚖️ Weight: 8.7 oz (women’s size 8)
• 📏 Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm
• 📐 Stack height: 22mm heel / 12mm forefoot
• 🧪 Midsole material: AMPLIFOAM cushioning with rearfoot GEL technology
• 👟 Upper material: Engineered jacquard mesh
• 🏃‍♀️ Category: Neutral running shoes for casual fitness
• 🎯 Best for: Daily training, gym workouts, casual running
• ⏱️ Testing period: 8 weeks, 45+ workout sessions, 120+ miles

Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance

The first thing that struck me about the Gel-Excite 9 was how lightweight they felt straight out of the box. At 8.7 ounces, these shoes practically float on your feet compared to some of the bulkier trainers I’ve tried. The Barely Rose colorway is absolutely gorgeous – a soft, sophisticated pink that pairs beautifully with the white accents. It’s feminine without being overly flashy, perfect for everything from gym sessions to running errands around town.

The engineered jacquard mesh upper immediately caught my attention. Unlike the simple mesh you’ll find on budget shoes, this has a more structured, almost fabric-like feel that suggests better durability. The material is noticeably soft against the foot, and ASICS claims it improves breathability – something I was eager to test during my typically sweaty workout sessions.

Upper Construction & First Impressions

Slipping these on for the first time, I was immediately impressed by the comfortable fit. The toe box provides generous room without feeling sloppy, and the midfoot area hugs securely without pinching. The lacing system works well, though I did notice – like several other users mentioned – that the laces are a bit on the short side. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you prefer to tie your shoes with larger loops.

The padded tongue and collar area felt plush and comfortable, with no immediate pressure points. However, I did experience some initial stiffness around the heel area that required about a week of regular wear to fully break in. This seems to be a common experience based on other reviews I read.

Cushioning Experience & Support

This is where the Gel-Excite 9 really shines. The combination of AMPLIFOAM midsole cushioning and rearfoot GEL technology creates what I can only describe as a pillowy landing with each step. During my first treadmill session, I immediately noticed how much softer the impact felt compared to my old worn-out trainers.

At my 155-pound frame, the cushioning struck a perfect balance – responsive enough for HIIT workouts and strength training, yet plush enough for longer walks and moderate runs. The Guidance Line technology (that vertical groove you can see in the midsole) does seem to help with natural foot movement, creating a smooth heel-to-toe transition.

Real-World Performance Testing

Over 8 weeks, I put these shoes through every scenario I could think of: 30-minute treadmill runs, high-intensity interval training, weight lifting sessions, long walks through the neighborhood, and even a few outdoor runs on various surfaces. Here’s what I discovered:

Comfort: These shoes truly do feel like walking on clouds. Even during 12-hour days on my feet (thanks to work meetings followed by kids’ activities), my feet never felt fatigued or achy. The Ortholite sockliner does an excellent job with moisture management – my feet stayed relatively dry even during intense workouts.

Performance: For gym workouts and moderate running, these shoes perform admirably. The cushioning handles impact well, and the lightweight design doesn’t weigh you down during lateral movements or jumping exercises. The mesh upper provides excellent airflow, keeping feet cool during sweaty sessions.

Versatility: I found myself reaching for these shoes constantly – they work equally well for morning jogs, afternoon gym sessions, and evening walks with the family. The subtle colorway goes with most workout clothes, and they’re cute enough to wear for casual errands.

Performance in Various Training Conditions

Indoor Training & Gym Performance

The Gel-Excite 9 excels in gym environments. During circuit training, the shoes provided stable footing for lateral movements, and the cushioning absorbed impact well during box jumps and burpees. The rubber outsole grips gym floors effectively, and I never experienced any slipping during quick direction changes.

For weight lifting, the shoes offer enough stability for basic exercises, though they’re definitely more suited to dynamic movements than heavy lifting. The 10mm heel-to-toe drop works well for most activities, providing a slight forward lean that feels natural during running motions.

Outdoor Running & Walking

On outdoor surfaces, these shoes handle pavement and light trail conditions well. The tread pattern provides adequate traction on dry surfaces, though I noticed some slipperiness on wet pavement – not uncommon for road-focused running shoes. The mesh upper, while excellent for breathability, does allow water penetration during rainy conditions, so keep that in mind for weather planning.

Extended Wear Comfort

This is where the Gel-Excite 9 truly shines. During busy days that involved everything from morning workouts to afternoon meetings to evening family activities, these shoes never left me with sore feet. The arch support, while not custom-orthotic level, provides adequate support for most foot types. Several users in reviews mentioned these working well for plantar fasciitis, and I can see why – the heel cushioning and arch design offer gentle support without being overly rigid.

Does ASICS Deliver on Their Promises?

Let’s examine ASICS’ key marketing claims against real-world experience:

“Engineered jacquard mesh upper creates a softer feel against the foot while improving breathability” – VERIFIED: The mesh upper is indeed softer than standard mesh materials, and breathability is excellent. However, this comes with durability trade-offs that we’ll discuss.

“AMPLIFOAM cushioning improves durability and creates a more flexible feel at footstrike” – MOSTLY VERIFIED: The cushioning feels great and maintains its responsiveness well. The midsole shows minimal compression even after extensive use.

“Rearfoot GEL technology improves impact absorption” – VERIFIED: The heel cushioning is noticeably effective at absorbing impact, especially beneficial during running and jumping activities.

“Comfortable trainer for the casual fitness runner” – VERIFIED: This accurately describes the target user. These shoes excel for recreational athletes and casual fitness enthusiasts.

My Overall Assessment

Detailed Performance Scoring

What Other Women Are Saying

The customer feedback reveals a clear pattern: women absolutely love the comfort and lightweight feel of these shoes, but there’s widespread concern about durability. Common positive themes include:

• Exceptional comfort for long days on feet
• Great for healthcare workers and teachers
• True to size for most users
• Excellent for people with plantar fasciitis
• Beautiful colorway options
• Easy to clean and maintain

However, the negative feedback consistently centers on one major issue: holes developing in the mesh upper within 1-3 months. This isn’t an isolated incident – it’s a pattern affecting a significant number of users, regardless of activity level or foot shape.

Value Assessment

At $50-70, the Gel-Excite 9 offers excellent comfort and performance for its price point. If durability weren’t an issue, these would be an outstanding value. The comfort level rivals shoes costing significantly more, and the ASICS reputation for quality is generally well-deserved.

However, the durability concerns significantly impact the value proposition. If you’re looking at cost-per-wear over time, shoes that develop holes within a few months aren’t providing the long-term value you’d expect from a reputable brand.

Final Verdict

The Good and The Bad

Who Should Buy the ASICS Gel-Excite 9?

PERFECT FOR:

• Casual fitness enthusiasts seeking maximum comfort
• Healthcare workers, teachers, retail workers on their feet all day
• People with plantar fasciitis or foot pain issues
• Gym-goers doing varied workouts (cardio, weights, classes)
• Those who prioritize immediate comfort over long-term durability
• Budget-conscious buyers willing to replace shoes more frequently

NOT IDEAL FOR:

• Serious runners logging high weekly mileage
• Anyone prioritizing durability over comfort
• Outdoor runners in wet conditions
• Heavy weightlifters needing maximum stability
• Those expecting 1-2 years of regular use

Better Options for Specific Needs

If durability is your top priority, consider the ASICS Gel-Cumulus series or Brooks Ghost line – both offer similar comfort with more robust construction. For budget-conscious buyers who don’t mind replacing shoes more frequently, the Gel-Excite 9 offers unbeatable comfort for the price.

Final Recommendation

The ASICS Women’s Gel-Excite 9 presents a frustrating paradox: exceptional comfort hindered by significant durability concerns. If you’re willing to accept that these shoes might need replacement every 6-12 months rather than the typical 1-2 years, they offer outstanding comfort and performance for their price point.

My recommendation is cautiously positive with clear expectations: buy these if immediate comfort is your top priority and you’re prepared for potential early replacement. The comfort level truly is exceptional, and for many activities, they perform beautifully. Just be aware of the durability trade-off going in.

Overall Rating: 7.2/10 – Great comfort and performance marred by durability concerns

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do the ASICS Gel-Excite 9 run true to size?

Yes, most users report these shoes run true to size. However, if you have wide feet or prefer extra room, consider sizing up 0.5. The toe box is generally roomy, but the midfoot can feel snug for wider feet.

How long do these shoes typically last?

This is the major concern with this model. Based on customer feedback, many users experience holes in the mesh upper within 1-3 months of regular use. The midsole and outsole hold up well, but the upper material appears to be the weak point.

Are they good for plantar fasciitis?

Many users with plantar fasciitis report positive experiences with these shoes. The heel cushioning and arch support provide good comfort for this condition, though you may want to add custom orthotics for additional support.

Can I use these for serious running?

The Gel-Excite 9 is designed for casual fitness running rather than high-mileage training. They’re perfect for 2-4 mile runs and gym workouts, but serious runners should consider the Gel-Cumulus or Gel-Nimbus lines for more durability and support.

Are they machine washable?

While some users report success with machine washing, ASICS officially recommends hand cleaning only. The mesh upper can be fragile, so gentle cleaning is advisable to avoid accelerating wear.

Do they provide enough support for flat feet?

The shoes offer moderate arch support suitable for neutral runners. Those with severe flat feet or overpronation should consider stability models or add custom orthotics for additional support.

How’s the breathability compared to other running shoes?

Excellent. The engineered mesh upper provides superior airflow compared to most shoes in this price range. Your feet will stay noticeably cooler during workouts, though this comes at the cost of weather protection.

What’s ASICS customer service like for durability issues?

Experiences vary. Some users report excellent customer service with replacements or credits for premature failures, while others have had difficulty getting resolution. It’s worth contacting them directly if you experience early durability issues.

Review Scoring Summary