Verdict from 100+ user reviews
8 reasons to buy
- Majority of reviewers say that the shoe offers excellent lateral support.
- Durability is one of the reasons why many take pleasure in buying this version.
- Quite a lot who appreciate the soft foam around the heel collar say that it’s adequately padded.
- Underfoot response from the Gel feature is remarkable, according to plenty of pleased buyers.
- Its rubber outsole offers good grip on different court surfaces.
- Some mention that the mesh lining provides breathability.
- A substantial sum say they like its lightweight composition.
- Like most Gel Challenger shoes, this version comes in a buyer-friendly price package.
2 reasons not to buy
- Quite a lot of complaints are about the plastic overlay that pinches the toes.
- Some mention that this tennis trainer requires an ample break-in period.
Bottom line
Asics Gel Challenger variations have found a following among users looking for a light yet durable pair of court trainers. One of the updated iterations is the Gel Challenger 11 that’s lauded for its strings of technologies. It may not be the best in line, but it’s gaining traction among recreational players. Primarily, it is liked due to its lightweight and hard-wearing build, exceptional lateral support, plus the soft and comfy heel collar.
Tip: see the best tennis shoes.
Good to know
Asics introduced another multi-surface tennis shoe fitted for the aggressive recreational players in need of a lightweight yet supportive and durable court footgear — the Gel Challenger 11. It takes on the salient features of the earlier Gel Challengers with a slight tweak on the forefoot makeup and more variations in the color schemes.
Comfort is one of the notable elements injected into this modified profile, which can be attributed to the rearfoot and forefoot Gel cushioning technology. Such a hallmark padding system grants protection at every footstrike.
Belonging under Asics lightweight tennis shoe registry, this 11th generation Gel Challenger is designed with a seamless and lightweight upper. Accurately formed using the Flexion Fit technology, such upper construction is meant to give players the confidence to sprint across the court with ease.
This version dynamically molds to the shape of the foot with a memory foam PHF (Personalized Heel Fit), which also works to support the back of the foot.
In terms of support and stability, this Gel Challenger edition took cues from the Gel Resolutions. Implanted in the midfoot is the Trusstic shank that inhibits unnecessary foot rotations. The toes are wrapped with the PGuard protector which lengthens the life of the shoe.
On the flip side, the outsole is made with a wear-resistant rubber compound for enhanced traction regardless of the court surface.
Rubber strength. Asics uses the AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber), a heavy-duty outsole made of a combination of carbon and soft rubber compounds. The strength of this rubber is twice stronger than the standard abrasion-resistant rubber.
Structure. This material that’s positioned in high-wear areas for exceptional durability is intended to provide superb traction both on hard and clay courts.
Support. Sudden directional movements on the court can lead to foot tension and injuries. To prevent these occurrences, the Asics Gel Challenger 11, just like its predecessors, banks on the effectiveness of the Trusstic System in delivering stability without the added weight.
Serving as the focal tech point of the shoe, this system is placed in the midfoot section of the sole, which averts wrong turning and twisting of the foot. It mainly keeps the heel in place during side-to-side action for improved stability on hard and soft courts.
This tennis trainer is structured with a low arch coupled with lateral support and the right amount of cushioning. Given such arch height, flat-footed users and those who struggle with overpronation (a foot that rolls inward) may benefit from this shoe.
Cushioning. The middle segment of the shoe features the Gel technology, embedded explicitly in the rearfoot and forefoot. The Gel pad in the heel is intended to reduce impact during heel strikes while the soft, silicone-based gel under the ball of the foot is meant to decrease shock during movement.
Like other lightweight Asics tennis shoes, the Gel Challenger 11 comes with a Solyte midsole that weighs less than the standard EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and SpEVA. This section intends to improve cushioning and hinder the chances of foot discomforts.
Supportive Fit. The outer shell is made of a seamless construction using synthetic materials and more mesh than the previous generation. It employs the Flexion Fit technology, which is designed to grant form-fitting comfort without sacrificing support.
Heel Comfort. Gel Challenger 12 by Asics is also fabricated with a PHF collar lining. Two layers of memory foam line along the heel collar that molds to the contour of the rearfoot, thereby producing a personalized fit.
- Variations of the Gel Challenger have been around for nearly a decade providing recreational and avid club players reliable court footgear with the right blend of support and comfort.
- The earlier versions the Gel Challenger featured synthetic leather and mesh with a quite chunkier-looking sole. The more recent designs are sleeker using the Flexion Fit tech that promotes breathability.