Our verdict

89
Great!

A livelier, much more creative take on the dad shoe hype—this description fits the grippy Gel-Preleus like a glove. Past its break-in period, this running-inspired piece from ASICS overflows with plushness, making your daily commute extra memorable. And if its mid-2000 charm isn't enough to win you over, the shoe's low asking price on top of its sporty features just might.

Pros

  • Walk-on-clouds comfiness
  • Not just for dads style-wise
  • Runs true to size
  • Light
  • Budget-friendly
  • Shock-absorbent
  • Sticky outsole

Cons

  • Stiff at first
  • Unruly tongue

Who should buy the ASICS Gel-Preleus

More of a spunky athletic sneaker than a proper running shoe, the Gel-Preleus is ready to take you places with a combination of zest and flair. It might be the shoe for you if you are:

  • A huge fan of the early-2000 original.
  • Someone looking for a super-comfy sneaker that sells for no more than 100 dollars.
  • A collector of dad kicks, especially those that don't weigh a ton.
  • Desperate for an ASICS pair that projects more flamboyance and less tradition.

ASICS Gel-Preleus buy

Who should not buy it

If you prefer something that provides a worn-in feel right from the start, trade the Gel-Preleus for the ASICS Gel Lyte III. You might also be better off sporting sock-like sneakers if you've had enough of tongues that just won't stay put.

The ASICS Gel-Preleus' new identity

Back in the early 2000s, the original Gel-Preleus was seen as a kick built primarily for running. Now, it wears a different silhouette, and along with it, has been embraced for a different purpose—making its wearers look and feel good as they crank up their pace outside. This renewed perception arrives with a few changes to the sneaker, the most notable of which are the following:

  • The Gel-Preleus comes with more overlays which increase its fighting chance against abrasive hazards and provide more protection on the shoe's upper.
  • The Gel-Preleus has a less-pronounced A-like detailing with wavy accents that make the shoe look more organic. In other words, the design of this sneaker is among the very few that don't scream ASICS.
  • The shoe's outsole has been updated and it has been perceived to have a more aggressive treading pattern.

ASICS Gel-Preleus ident

Extreme comfort in the Gel-Preleus

Nearly everyone who purchased this ASICS sneaker says that the shoe is extremely comfortable.

ASICS Gel-Preleus comfy 

Requires break-in to be flexible

Verified buyers say that the Gel-Preleus is stiff from the box. Luckily, the shoe doesn't take too much time to loosen up completely.

 ASICS Gel-Preleus stiff

Accurate size-wise

"True to size" is how many buyers describe this sporty sneaker from ASICS.

ASICS Gel-Preleus tts

ASICS Gel-Preleus: A zestier dad shoe

The stylishness it displays makes the shoe in question quite appealing to not just athletic dads but also to the younger generation.

ASICS Gel-Preleus style

Claw-like on most surfaces

Its revamped outsole features a more intricate tread pattern, which delivers extra latching power on a variety of indoor surfaces.

ASICS Gel-Preleus sticky

Agile and bouncy

Its combination of lightness and high shock absorption translates to less tired feet.

ASICS Gel-Preleus agb

The Gel-Preleus' mobile tongue

There are those who take issue with the kick's tongue in that it has a habit of sliding out of place.

ASICS Gel-Preleus unruly

Makes wallets sing

With its initial asking price not exceeding $100 a pop, the ASICS Gel-Preleus is definitely a steal.

ASICS Gel-Preleus afford