Name: Asics Gel Sonoma 6 GTX
Brand: Asics
Price: 90 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 79 (295 reviews)

Verdict from 100+ user reviews

6 reasons to buy

Impermeability: Thanks to the Sonoma's Gore-Tex upper, runners find it "perfect" for wet conditions. According to them, no water penetrated their shoe, and their feet remained "wonderfully dry."
Grip: On stones, mud, wet grass, and loose gravel, many find the trail shoe confidence-inspiring. The outsole bites so well, there are zero reports of slipping.
Comfort: "Like walking on clouds," this is how reviewers describe the shoe's cushion. It has very soft padding inside and doesn't need any break-in. Even after 35 km, they had no blisters.
Breathable: Although it has a waterproof upper, which is often warm, multiple testers commend its ventilation.
Light: It's not clunky like other trail shoes. It doesn't drag the feet down. There are even those who state that it's "lighter" than walking shoes.
Wide toe box: Narrow-footed runners claim that it's "very roomy" in the front. There's ample volume and width in the forefoot for a comfortable wiggle space.

3 reasons not to buy

Narrow: Contrary to Asics' promise — a wider toe box — those with wide feet still find it restricting. The Sonoma GTX 6's rounded design hurts the big toes.
Lack of support: The heel cup is "too soft," said some critics. It sacrifices lateral support. Others suggest tightening the laces to prevent ankle rollover.
Poor durability: After a couple of weeks, the outsole has already separated from the rest of the shoe.

Bottom line

The Gel Sonoma 6 GTX from Asics is a great option for trail runners who want a versatile shoe on a budget. It's a light and waterproof option for both trail running and light hiking. And if you want to hit the streets, it's comfortable enough to transition as your walking shoe. A word of caution: Its price also reflects on its strength. If you want a sturdy shoe, you might want to consider other trail running shoes.

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Table of contents CoreScore Verdict Comparison Asics Gel Sonoma 6 GTX: Trail-ready on a budget Who should buy the Sonoma 6 GTX Asics Gel Sonoma 6 GTX vs. 5 GTX Facts / Specs Popularity

Overview

Asics Gel Sonoma 6 GTX: Trail-ready on a budget

Waterproof shoes, in general, are typically more expensive than regular running shoes. That said, the Asics Gel Sonoma 6 GTX makes a turn by being a sub $100 waterproof trail runner.

Don't fret, it doesn't cut corners on trail-specific features. It has a solid rubber outsole that digs into various surfaces to keep surefootedness at peak.

Working together, the Amplifoam cushioning supplies comfort while the Gel tech absorbs impact. And to further the shoe's cushiness, an Ortholite sockliner is embedded to provide a soft feel underfoot.

Who should buy the Sonoma 6 GTX

Definitely get the Sonoma 6 GTX if you want:

an affordable waterproof trail shoe
a trail runner for short to mid-distance runs
a shoe that can double as your hiking and walking shoe

Asics Gel Sonoma 6 GTX vs. 5 GTX

For the sixth version of the Sonoma GTX, the main focus has become the fit. This time around, it's snugger in the heel and midfoot while roomier in the forefoot for a comfortable wrap. Overlays are also added to keep the foot locked in place while upping sturdiness.

Facts / Specs

Terrain:	Trail
Weight:	Men 11.1oz / Women 9oz
Drop:	8mm
Arch support:	Neutral
Base model:	Asics Gel Sonoma 6
Collection:	Asics Gel
Pronation:	Neutral Pronation / Supination / Underpronation

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Author

Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.