Table of contents Best PricesCoreScoreVerdictProsConsComparisonWho should buy the ASICS Gel Excite 9Who should NOT buy itASICS Gel Excite 9 vs. 8Wear it all day every dayKeeps weight at an absolute minimumThe ASICS Excite 9 hugs the footA pass for wide feetCAN'T take a beatingHey there, good lookin'Facts / SpecsPopularity
Overview

Who should buy the ASICS Gel Excite 9 

Buy the ninth version of the ASICS Gel Excite if you want a:

  • cheap running shoe for daily runs
  • comfy choice for all-day wear, walks, and gym training

ASICS Gel Excite 9 ASICS running shoes

Who should NOT buy it

If you have wide feet and want more room, go for the ASICS Gel Contend 7 instead. And if you want a sturdier option that can last a long time, the ASICS GT 1000 10 can play the part. 

ASICS Gel Excite 9 green upper

Even better, all these alternatives are just as pocket-friendly as the ASICS Gel Excite 9. 

ASICS Gel Excite 9 vs. 8

  • The new jacquard mesh upper offers a softer, more dialed-in wrap.
  • The ankle collar has more padding that improves lockdown. 

ASICS Gel Excite 9 lockdown

Wear it all day every day 

The ASICS Gel Excite 9 receives high marks from multiple runners in the comfort department. The foam is so cushy; some of the reviews that are spot-on in describing it are:

  • "comfy for gym and walking" 
  • "perfect daily use tennis shoe"
  • "can walk all day with them!" 

ASICS Gel Excite 9 cushion

A runner who owns several pairs of ASICS says this is the "best ASICS I have bought," thanks to the bang-for-the-buck comfort this shoe offers. 

Keeps weight at an absolute minimum

All the reviewers who have commented on the shoe's weight agree that it's "very very light." And its listed weight explains why. In men's US 9, the Gel Excite 9 weighs in at 255 grams/9 ounces, which is lighter than the average daily trainer (282 grams/9.9 ounces).

ASICS Gel Excite 9 padded collar

The ASICS Excite 9 hugs the foot 

"Ahhhh! Fit is great" is a standout comment that perfectly summarizes how the majority feels about the shoe's upper fit. The shoe molds to the feet, especially for narrow to medium-width feet. But what's great about it is it doesn't pinch or rub the foot. Plus, the updated ankle collar feels very supportive; there are NO mentions of heel slips.

ASICS Gel Excite 9 ankle collar

On top of this, the shoe is pretty easy to put on. 

A pass for wide feet

It's secure for narrow and medium-footed runners, but it's a little too much for wide feet. It feels narrow from the heel to the toe box.

ASICS Gel Excite 9 mesh upper

CAN'T take a beating

After only two months of regular use, the shoe already "has holes in the toe" area. 

Hey there, good lookin'

The blue/green colorway looks "very smart," and sleek; reviewers can't help but gush about the shoe's style and color combos. 

ASICS Gel Excite 9 design

Facts / Specs

Terrain: Road
Weight: Men 9oz /
Drop: Men 10mm /
Arch support: Neutral
Forefoot height: Men 12mm /
Heel height: Men 22mm /
Collection: ASICS Gel, ASICS Gel Excite

Compare popularity Interactive

Compare the popularity of another shoe to ASICS Gel Excite 9:
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
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.

Email Email All articles and reviews