Our verdict
When the day ahead is long, and your feet demand more from you, the Gel 1130 from ASICS has the power to make you go above and beyond. Seen to be a love letter to the fans of the GEL-1000 series, this running-inspired sneaker translates to airy rides and surefootedness. There's no denying its affordability either, so getting one is not a very hard decision to make.
Pros
- Super-comfy like the Gel 1090
- Supportive underfoot
- Fantastic finish
- Roomy toe box
- Budget-friendly
- Immensely breathable
- Stable
Cons
- Too much dad vibes
- Not very debris-preventive
Who should buy the ASICS Gel 1130
Blessed with a no-frills design and early-2000s aesthetics, the ASICS Gel 1130 channels the Kayano 14 through its sporty-yet-straightforward performance. This kick and you are a perfect match if:
- Your regular outdoorsy attire consists of a pair of joggers or semi-loose chinos.
- Cloud-like comfort that persists for hours is high on your sneakers must-have list.
- Inexpensive shoes that give enough room for your tootsies excite you.
Who should not buy it
The Gel 1130 is unapologetically a dad shoe. If you want to wear something equally sporty minus the blatant father-centric aesthetics, check out the sleeker ASICS Tiger Runner. And, if you want your socks clean at all times, look at this leather ASICS Japan S sneaker.
The Gel 1130's familiar level of comfort
Reviewers in droves find the confines of the ASICS Gel 1130 mighty pampering. A vlogger among them even calls it "really, really comfortable" and "on par with the ASICS Gel 1090" in the comfort department.
A doozy support system
Sneakerheads are convinced that this running-inspired ASICS kick is mighty supportive. They are particularly impressed with its arch zone, whose TRUSSTIC technology delivers enhanced security during twisting maneuvers.
Not-for-everyone daddy aesthetics
A vlogger-slash-influencer is not quite sold on the Gel 1130's '90s dad shoe looks.
ASICS Gel 1130 equals craftsmanship perfection
No excess glue, no unfinished stitching—this describes the featured sneaker quite accurately.
A place of rest for your toes
The ASICS Gel 1130 is satisfyingly spacious around the forefoot, compelling a professional blogger to give the shoe in question a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
Fresh tootsies in warm conditions
Testers find this ASICS kick exemplary in the breathability department. The professional among them pumped smoke into its mesh confines and came away undeniably impressed.
Your wallet vs. ASICS Gel 1130
If you set aside about $100 for new kicks on a regular basis, you won't be disappointed with this ASICS gem. Case in point: its initial-release price sits at a comfortable 85-dollar per pair. For more affordable sneakers, click here.
Avoid the dusty road
Its mesh construction, while it supplies the foot with extraordinary ventilation, may invite more debris than you can imagine.