Our verdict

The ASICS Gel Venture 10 brings unbeatable bang for your buck with its durable build and go-anywhere feel. We found that the midsole feels noticeably softer than the previous version, keeping a steady ride even on rough terrain. However, ASICS failed to make it lighter (in fact, it’s heavier) and the fit only works for those with narrow feet.

Pros

  • Fantastic durability
  • Amazing value
  • Ideal for beginners
  • Softer Amplifoam midsole
  • Versatile for trail, travel, casual wear...
  • Improved upper
  • Plush tongue with pressure-free lacing
  • Trail-inspired details at budget price

Cons

  • Only for narrow feet
  • Heavy
  • Low shock absorption and energy return

Audience verdict

N/A
Not enough reviews yet
  • Top 23% most popular running shoes

Who should buy

The ASICS Gel Venture 10 is a solid pick for:

  • Beginners looking for a versatile and cheap option for all outdoor adventures.
  • Trail runners needing one do-it-all shoe that handles different surfaces and offers strong value.
  • Runners wanting a budget-friendly door-to-trail shoe that also works for casual use or travel.

ASICS Gel Venture 10

Who should NOT buy

We believe that the Gel Venture 10 falls short for runners who expect a comfort-focused, protective ride, as it features low shock absorption. From our point of view, if you're looking for a plush-and-protective trail experience, you'd be better off with something like the ASICS Trabuco Max 3.

We’re also convinced that the fit is a deal-breaker for many. The ultra-narrow toebox and tapered silhouette limit this shoe almost exclusively to narrow-footed runners. If you're worried about this, check the Nike Juniper Trail 3 or the ASICS Gel Excite Trail 2.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 parts

Cushioning

Shock absorption

New

Through our ASTM F1976 test, we found that the Gel Venture 10 goes against current industry trends. Instead of following the super-cushy, maximalist wave dominating the trail market, it sticks to a more classic build. That’s why shock absorption is quite limited at 105 SA in the heel, making it better suited for casual hikes, or relaxed weekend jogs.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Shock absorption heel
Heel
Forefoot
Test results
Gel Venture 10 105 SA
Average 120 SA
Compared to 49 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
62 SA
Shock absorption
158 SA

Energy return

New

The Gel Venture delivers a muted ride with just 52.8% energy return, but that’s exactly what we expect from a budget-friendly shoe built with cost-cutting in mind.

The real question is: does performance matter to you? If not, then don't worry that much about this.

Heel
Forefoot
Test results
Gel Venture 10 52.8%
Average 55.4%
Compared to 49 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
44.0%
Energy return
76.0%

Heel stack

The Gel Venture 10 aligns with market trends by increasing its stack height compared to its predecessor. In this 10th edition, we measured 35.3 mm in the heel, a 2 mm bump from version 9.

However, it still feels like a shoe designed with mass appeal in mind, aiming to suit as many runners and hikers as possible.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Heel stack
Test results
Gel Venture 10 35.3 mm
Average 32.0 mm
Compared to 139 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
19.6 mm
Heel stack
42.4 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot also sees a modest increase, now reaching 23.3 mm of stack height. Still, we believe that heavyweight forefoot strikers might not find it to be the most suitable option.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Forefoot stack
Test results
Gel Venture 10 23.3 mm
Average 24.5 mm
Compared to 139 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
13.4 mm
Forefoot stack
33.9 mm

Drop

The difference between these two measurements gives us a real 12.0 mm drop. Once again, that's not ideal for forefoot strikers.

On the other hand, this setup fits the shoe’s beginner-friendly purpose, as in our experience, most entry-level trail runners tend to land on their heels.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Drop
Test results
Gel Venture 10 12.0 mm
Average 7.5 mm
Compared to 138 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.1 mm
Drop
17.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The Amplifoam midsole has been reformulated and now registers just 16.5 HA, making it 32% softer than before. This drastic shift brings a more cushioned and comfort-first ride that feels noticeably plusher underfoot.

It’s a welcome change for most runners, as the previous version leaned too firm compared to what we’re now used to in both modern trail models and road running shoes.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Midsole softness
Test results
Gel Venture 10 16.5 HA
Average 22.5 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 115 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
9.1 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
39.0 HA

Rocker

The Gel Venture 10 lacks a pronounced rocker, which once again reinforces its beginner-friendly design. There’s only a subtle curve in both the forefoot and heel.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Rocker

Gel

The Gel tech in the midsole is reduced to a tiny, barely-there green piece hidden beneath the insole that got revealed when we sliced the shoe. It’s not very noticeable (unlike PureGEL in the Nimbus 27) and feels more like ASICS added it just to keep the “Gel” label alive rather than for real function.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Gel

Size and fit

Size

ASICS Gel Venture 10 fits true to size (38 votes).

Small
True to size
Large

Owners of this shoe, how does it fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large

Width / Fit

The Gel Venture 10 leans toward a narrow fit overall—something we noticed right after putting it on, even before running our custom gel method to measure the actual dimensions. Once we completed the test, we confirmed it: 92.7 mm in the widest part, which is well below the average.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Width / Fit
Test results
Gel Venture 10 92.7 mm
Average 95.7 mm
Compared to 60 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
89.8 mm
Width / Fit
99.9 mm

Toebox width

This shoe won’t fit most feet, as the toebox is extremely tapered. We carefully measured it at just 67.5 mm—one of the narrowest we've ever recorded. And even though wide sizes are available in some markets like USA, we believe it mainly suits runners with narrow feet.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Toebox width
Test results
Gel Venture 10 67.5 mm
Average 74.7 mm
Compared to 60 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
67.5 mm
Toebox width
85.3 mm

Toebox height

The unusual fit extends to the toebox height, which measures a generous 30.6 mm. This provides ample space for vertical toe movement.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Toebox height
Test results
Gel Venture 10 30.6 mm
Average 27.3 mm
Compared to 60 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
22.0 mm
Toebox height
31.8 mm

Traction / Grip

Lug depth

If there’s one word that defines the lugs on the Gel Venture 10, it’s versatility.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 lugs

ASICS skipped aggressive, deep lugs for muddy trails, and that feels like a smart move. We found 3.7 mm lugs that work great on moderate terrain while still offering enough bite for the occasional technical section you’ll likely encounter.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Lug depth
Test results
Gel Venture 10 3.7 mm
Average 3.5 mm
Compared to 138 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Lug depth
5.8 mm

Outsole design

New

The ASICS Gel Venture 10 sports a two-piece segmented outsole with a rugged layout. Its arrow-shaped lugs are strategically positioned with larger and rear-facing in the heel for braking, and smaller in the forefoot to support climbing and push-off movements.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Outsole design

Flexibility / Stiffness

New

The Gel Venture 10 benefits from its lower stack height to offer decent flexibility, scoring just 12.6N in our 30-degree bend test. That makes it a solid choice for hiking and easy trails.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Flexibility / Stiffness
Test results
Gel Venture 10 12.6N
Average 14.2N
Compared to 49 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
3.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
23.6N

Weight

In our Gel Venture 9 review, we hoped ASICS would trim some weight, as its 11.1 oz (314g) felt a bit too much. Unfortunately, it went the opposite direction: this new version climbs to 11.4 oz or 322g.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Weight
Test results
Gel Venture 10 11.4 oz (322g)
Average 10.2 oz (290g)
Compared to 139 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
7.5 oz (213g)
Weight
12.7 oz (359g)

Breathability

The previous Gel Venture 9 already performed well in warm weather, and ASICS stuck with a similar approach in the Venture 10. The updated engineered mesh upper scores the smae 4/5 in breathability.

Not much light passes through, which shows ASICS isn't relying on ventilation holes for airflow. That said, it’s a common trait among trail shoes.

We discovered with our digital microscope that ASICS upgraded the upper using a thinner mesh and a tougher, cross-woven pattern.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 microscope

This multi-directional design allows same air to pass through while improving durability compared to the previous single-yarn setup.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 microscope close up

Overall, it's a clear step forward—especially impressive at this budget-friendly price point.

Test results
Gel Venture 10 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 115 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Stability

Lateral stability test

The Gel Venture 10 feels slightly less stable than its predecessor due to the softer Amplifoam midsole update. However, the change isn’t drastic, and the added comfort will likely be a fair trade-off for most runners, especially since the moderately-thick stack height contributes to a confidence-boosting ride.

Torsional rigidity

Because of the thick rubber layer protecting both the foam and your feet—especially important given the lack of a rock plate—torsional rigidity reached a solid 4/5 on our scale.

Test results
Gel Venture 10 4
Average 3.6
Compared to 133 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

We tested the heel counter and found it hits a moderate 3/5 on our stiffness scale. This semi-rigid setup offers a thoughtful mix of support and flexibility—ideal for most runners seeking a balanced rearfoot feel.

Test results
Gel Venture 10 3
Average 3.1
Compared to 131 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

We measured the forefoot area of the midsole at 114.1 mm in its widest part. This design works well because it feels stable but not bulky, making it a good option for both running and hiking.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Midsole width - forefoot
Test results
Gel Venture 10 114.1 mm
Average 112.3 mm
Compared to 139 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
102.1 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
124.3 mm

Midsole width - heel

ASICS followed the same design idea for the heel. At 88.8 mm, it’s wide enough to offer decent stability but skips the trend of going extra-wide like many recent models.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Midsole width - heel
Test results
Gel Venture 10 88.8 mm
Average 89.4 mm
Compared to 139 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
72.0 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.0 mm

Durability

Toebox durability

This was one of the most crucial issues for ASICS to address in the Gel Venture series, as the previous model scored a dismal 1/5—shockingly poor for a trail shoe. Thankfully, ASICS resolved it with the new mesh, now scoring a solid 4/5 in our Dremel test.

Test results
Gel Venture 10 4
Average 3.1
Compared to 96 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel padding also delivers outstanding durability, earning a flawless 5/5 in our test. This makes the Gel Venture 10 an exceptional value in terms of toughness!

Test results
Gel Venture 10 5
Average 2.9
Compared to 95 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole durability

Outsole durability is equally impressive. After revving our Dremel to 10K RPM, we measured just 0.6 mm of wear—a standout result for any shoe, and even more so for one under 100 dollars. The durability trifecta is complete!

Test results
Gel Venture 10 0.6 mm
Average 0.9 mm
Compared to 89 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

With 2.4 mm of thickness, there’s ample protection against trail hazards while also adding an extra layer of durability to the outsole.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Outsole thickness
Test results
Gel Venture 10 2.4 mm
Average 2.3 mm
Compared to 139 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
0.9 mm
Outsole thickness
5.5 mm

Misc

Insole thickness

The insole adds a generous layer of cushioning with 5.2 mm of thickness, well above the average.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Insole thickness
Test results
Gel Venture 10 5.2 mm
Average 4.7 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
2.1 mm
Insole thickness
7.9 mm

Midsole softness in cold (%)

The midsole uses an EVA-based compound, which typically firms up in cold conditions. In our lab test, the Gel Venture 10 became 42% firmer after just 20 minutes in the freezer.

Test results
Gel Venture 10 42%
Average 26%
Compared to 115 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
5%
Midsole softness in cold
68%

Removable insole

The Ortholite insole is fully removable, making it easy to swap in your favorite insert or custom orthotic for a more personalized fit.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Removable insole
Test results
Gel Venture 10 Yes

Reflective elements

We’re not thrilled that the Gel Venture 10 skips reflective elements. Even at this budget-friendly price, adding a few TPU reflective pieces would’ve been a smart and inexpensive touch.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Reflective elements
Test results
Gel Venture 10 No

Tongue padding

One of the reasons for the weight increase on this shoe is that ASICS seeked to add a bit of comfort by adding more thickness to the tongue. Now it's at 8.5 mm, and we're not sure if this was strictly needed to be honest.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 lacing

The lacing system on this shoe combines classic punched eyelets at the top with a pair of bright orange textile loops below, stitched directly onto the upper. These loops reduce pressure points across the instep and enhance midfoot lockdown.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Tongue padding
Test results
Gel Venture 10 8.5 mm
Average 6.4 mm
Compared to 139 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
12.3 mm

Tongue: gusset type

As with most shoes under 100 bucks, the tongue isn’t attached to the sides. That’s a downside for trail use, as it makes it easier for small debris or sand to sneak inside.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Gel Venture 10 None

Price

Without a doubt, the Gel Venture 10’s biggest strength is its accessible price. For the MSRP of this shoe, you can practically buy two pairs compared to most other trail models on the market.

Test results
Gel Venture 10 $70
Average $148
Compared to 139 trail running shoes
Number of shoes
$60
Price
$260

Heel tab

Despite its low price, ASICS included a trail-ready finger-loop heel tab that adds both function and a touch of style.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Heel tab
Test results
Gel Venture 10 Finger loop

Tongue tab

ASICS also included a tongue tab that reinforces the trail-inspired design, and it's a surprising and thoughtful touch for such a budget-friendly shoe.

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Tongue tab