Asics Gel Pulse 16 review

Based on our lab tests and run sessions, the ASICS Gel Pulse 16 is a solid option for:

• Beginners who want a stable ride and an outsole that holds up well over time.
• Heel strikers looking for a dependable daily trainer for easy and steady mileage at a fair price.
• Budget-focused runners who want a lightweight feel underfoot.

We believe that runners chasing energy return should skip the Gel Pulse 16 and spend a bit more. In our experience, the midsole feels flat and lacks spark, which is reasonable at this price. Shoes like the ASICS Novablast 5 or the Adidas Adizero EVO SL deliver a more energetic, lively-feeling ride.

We also think the tapered toebox limits comfort for some foot shapes and may bother wider-footed runners. Instead, the ASICS Noosa Tri 16 or the Adidas Galaxy 6 offer a more accommodating, comfort-driven fit.

The midsole of the ASICS Gel Pulse 16 changes very little compared to its predecessor, so it was no surprise to see results close to what we found in the Gel Pulse 15.

After completing the test, we recorded 127 SA in the heel and 101 SA in the forefoot, which is enough to handle short and medium distance runs with ease.

The biggest drawback of the Gel Pulse 16 is its low energy return. We tested just 42.3% in the heel and 45.5% in the forefoot, which clearly limits the shoe to casual running and removes any sense of performance focus.

It's clear that if you want a more versatile trainer beyond weekend easy runs, the FlyteFoam midsole can quickly become limiting.

The midsole remains well proportioned in terms of stack height, staying consistent with its predecessor. We measured 36.5 mm in the heel, which provides solid support for heel strikers without making the shoe feel too tall or uncomfortable for daily use.

The forefoot reaches a height of 26.3 mm, which sits right around the average for running shoes and comes as no surprise. As in the heel, the Gel Pulse 16 aims to appeal to a wide range of runners by keeping a balanced design that avoids going to either extreme.

With a measured 10.2 mm drop, the ASICS Gel Pulse 16 stays positioned as a shoe that works very well for heel strikers or runners who simply prefer a higher offset.

Our durometer testing of the FlyteFoam midsole returned a reading of 23.1 HA, which lines up with the slightly firm sensation we noticed during our runs.

Compared to last year, the foam now measures a bit firmer, moving from 21.0 HA to 23.1 HA on our Shore A scale. The change is subtle, but it becomes more noticeable when picking up the pace.

This kind of moderate rocker in the heel and forefoot is becoming the new standard for any daily trainer, as higher stack heights in both the heel and forefoot push brands to add more curvature at the front and rear of the shoe. The goal is to keep the ride feeling more dynamic while offsetting the extra stiffness that comes with added foam.

In the Pulse 16, ASICS includes the same minimal green Gel insert. The unit is extremely thin and, as a result, it does little to influence the overall ride and does not meaningfully add to the shoe’s performance. It has nothing to do with the PureGEL insert found in the Nimbus 28.

Our first measurement is always taken at the widest point, and the Gel Pulse 16 came in at 95.5 mm, which should fit most runners without issues.

However, the in-shoe feel during runs suggested that toe splay was more limited than generous, so we moved on to a second measurement to take a closer look.

This second measurement confirms the fit matches recent ASICS models, with 70.4 mm of width that limits toe splay and delivers a more performance-oriented fit.

However, space for upward toe movement is quite generous, and we never noticed any pressure in that area.

Using our vernier calipers, we measured 30.8 mm, which sits clearly above the average running shoe.

Our traction chart shows many ASICS models sitting in the top third, and that is no accident. Their shoes perform very well in our grip test, whether on the road or on the trail.

The Gel Pulse 16 keeps this strong run going, as we tested a solid 0.66 score, which is especially impressive given the shoe’s reasonable price.

The heel uses AHARPLUS rubber in a horseshoe shape for coverage around the edges. Up front, a big piece of green rubber cover the forefoot, leaving exposed foam in between to save weight and add some torsional flexibility.

The Gel Pulse 16 is slightly stiffer than the average shoe, recording 17.6N in our 30-degree bend test. A bit more flex could help with everyday wear, but it also reflects the current trend toward thicker and stiffer running shoes.

One of the main appeals of the Gel Pulse line has always been its light feel compared to other budget daily trainers, and that remains true in version 16. We measured 8.5 oz (241g) on our scale, which is very impressive for this category.

One positive aspect of the Gel Pulse 16 upper is the use of more than 20% recycled content, which is always good to see. However, ventilation did not stand out during our checks.

The shoe struggled to clear smoke as quickly as expected, which suggests airflow may be limited in very hot conditions. This dark blue colorway is also likely to attract more heat, although the shoe should feel fine in mild or cool weather. We gave it a 2/5.

By shining a light through the cut-in-half upper, we could better judge the structure of the engineered mesh. Airflow is present but limited, with most of the focus placed around the toebox area.

A closer look under the microscope shows an engineered mesh that is common in budget-friendly trainers.

There are visible holes, but the sandwich-style construction uses several layers, and the darker inner layer restricts airflow.

If breathability is not a top concern, the upper feels solid for the price. However, runners who often train in hot summer conditions may find this setup less ideal.

The Gel Pulse 15 delivers a noticeably stable ride thanks to its broad midsole. This makes it a strong option for runners who want a bit of extra support in a budget-friendly daily shoe without paying the higher price of a dedicated stability shoe.

The Gel Pulse 16 shows high torsional rigidity with a 4/5 score, which helps explain its stable behavior on the run. However, this is only one part of the overall setup that contributes to its steady feel.

The heel counter also plays a major role, scoring 4/5 for stiffness, which is slightly higher than the average shoe and above most daily trainers. However, this is not a real drawback, as ASICS added generous padding in this area, preventing any uncomfortable feel.

The main stability factor in this shoe is the wide midsole shape in both the forefoot and heel. Focusing on the front, we measured a width of 119.3 mm, which clearly reinforces the updated design approach ASICS is using across its daily trainer lineup.

The heel is also notably wide at 97.8 mm. This provides very stable landings for heel strikers, but it may feel somewhat bulky for runners who prefer a more agile ride or want a shoe that does not feel oversized during activities beyond running.

The upper is clearly not the highlight of the shoe. Ventilation falls short of ideal levels, and durability is also limited, earning a 2 out of 5 score in our first Dremel test.

The heel padding earned a 3/5 score, marking a slight improvement, though it still sits below the average and would benefit from better resilience in version 17.

For the final durability check, we focused on the outsole and applied the Dremel at 10K RPM. The test resulted in just 0.8 mm of wear, showing strong resistance.

It’s impressive that ASICS managed to keep the shoe so light while using 3.8 mm of rubber. In fact, we think trimming it down to 3 mm in the next update could be an easy improvement, as the rubber’s solid durability would likely allow it.

The Ortholite insole is made from EVA foam and measures 5.0 mm in thickness.

If you prefer a different insole, this shoe makes it easy to swap. The stock insole can be removed, and most third-party options fit without issues.

The FlyteFoam midsole became 15% firmer after 20 minutes in the freezer, which is a solid result for an EVA-based foam.

We didn’t find any reflective elements on the Gel Pulse 16, which is not surprising since its predecessor also lacked them.

The eyelet chain follows a simple layout with basic holes, but they are reinforced to reduce the risk of tearing. We also liked the integrated tongue loop, which doubles as a convenient finger pull tab.

The tongue itself is generously padded at 7.9 mm, providing a comfortable and supportive feel.

A gusseted tongue is not part of the design here, which was expected anyway.

The ASICS Gel Pulse 16 keeps the same price positioning as its predecessor and stands out as one of the best value options from ASICS, especially for runners who prioritize low weight and a stable ride. It is not flawless, but at this price point, there are very few alternatives that offer a similar overall package.

The heel design includes a finger-loop tab and feels worthy of a more expensive shoe, showing solid quality and good attention to detail.