ASICS Gel-Slowcush Overview, Comparisons, & First Run Review
Here we are delving into the specs of the all new ASICS Gel-Slowcush, comparing it to the Superblast 3, and giving our thoughts after the first run.
The ASICS Gel-Slowcush has floated into the Supwell HQ. With 48mm of FF Luxe+ foam and a heel GEL unit, the Gel Slowcush is all about that soft, pillowy, classic max cushion feel. Trading some bounce and pop for impact protection and relaxed vibes.
Specs of the ASICS Gel-Slowcush
Midsole Construction: non-plated midsole with new FF Luxe+ Foam that is a non-EVA compound and a Gel unit in the heel
Stack Height and Drop: 48mm of foam in the heel with an 8mm drop
Weight: 10.5 ounces or 298 grams in a Men's US sample size 9
Price: $200
ASICS Gel-SlowCush
Comparing the ASICS Gel-Slowcush to the Superblast 3
Marketing Brief
The Superblast 3 is a modern max cushion shoe with a top layer of race foam and an EVA carrier for stability. It is much more energetic and versatile, with a ride that can either cruise or pick up the pace. On the other hand, the new Gel-Slowcush is a true classic max cushion recovery option that harkens back to iconic shoes like the OG Brooks Glycerin Max and New Balance 1080v13. It delivers a smooth, soft, pillowy ride that shines when landing on the heel at slower paces.
Midsole Composition and Weight
The Superblast 3 uses ASICS' FF Leap, an ATPU foam from the Metaspeed Ray as the top layer and a firmer, EVA-based foam called FF Blast+ on the bottom to provide stability. The Gel-Slowcush midsole is comprised of ASICS' new FF Luxe+ foam. The chemical make-up of this new foam hasn't been disclosed. They both feature an 8mm drop with the Gel-Slowcush having slightly more foam in the heel at 48mm, while the Superblast 3 has 46.5mm. The Superblast 3 is very light, especially for the large stack of foam, coming in at 239 grams in a Men's US size 9. Weight wasn't as much of a consideration in the Gel-Slowcush, as it weighs 298 grams in the same size.
Price
The Gel-Slowcush will retail at $200, while the Superblast is $210.
Summary and Review of the ASICS Gel-Slowcush
Instead of trying to turn every run into a fast, bouncy experience, ASICS designed the Gel-SlowCush to make slower miles as comfortable as possible. The big story here is the introduction of ASICS’ new FF Luxe+ foam. It’s a supercritical foam made from a non-EVA compound that ASICS isn’t disclosing, and it gives the shoe a soft, cushioned feel without being overly mushy. There’s also a Gel unit in the heel, giving the shoe a familiar feel that reminded us a lot of the Gel-Nimbus family.
The upper is plush and comfortable, and the step-in feel is immediately inviting without feeling excessively soft. There’s also a fairly rigid heel counter, which seems intentional to provide some structure and stability around the softer midsole. Despite the amount of cushioning underfoot, the Gel-SlowCush doesn’t have that huge, wide, or boat-like feeling that some max cushion shoes can have.
Once you get moving, the ride is smooth, well cushioned, and very protective. There’s a little bit of bounce from the new foam, and heel strikers get a nice, subtle roll through the transition. It isn’t a shoe that makes you want to pick up the pace, but that really isn’t the point.
The Gel-SlowCush is designed for slower running, and that’s exactly where it works best. Recovery miles feel easy and comfortable, and the cushioning continues to feel good as the miles add up. It’s not particularly versatile, but if you already like having different shoes for different types of runs, this is a really good option for those days when the goal is simply to get the miles in comfortably.
For Yowana's full first run review video, check out the Supwell YouTube channel:
Supwell App
For great deals on gently used or brand new running shoes, sign up for the Supwell app. You can also download it directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You'll get DAILY motivation, the most supportive hobby jogger community, best buy, sell and trade shoe marketplace and exclusive Hobby Jogger gear discounts, including access to the Running Warehouse code that will get you 20% off of clearance shoes.
Join the buy, sell, trade marketplace.
Find your next running shoe
Answer a few questions to find the best shoe based on your preferences and goals
