ASICS Men's Gel-Pulse 16 Running Shoes - Comfortable Cushioning

Our review of the ASICS Men's Gel-Pulse 16 finds a dependable daily trainer that prioritizes comfort and sustainability. Built with an engineered mesh upper and paired FLYTEFOAM and GEL cushioning, these shoes suit runners and gym users who want a soft, protective ride without heavy weight or flashy overstated features. The single biggest reason to buy is the balanced underfoot feel: responsive yet plush, making longer runs and repeated gym sessions easier on the legs while keeping the fit breathable and secure.

Key Features

• Engineered mesh upper: boosts airflow to keep feet cool and reduces hotspots during longer sessions.
• Recycled upper content: at least 75% of the main upper material is recycled, lowering waste and the shoe's carbon footprint.
• Solution-dyed sockliner: cuts water use by roughly 33% and carbon emissions by about 45% compared with conventional dyeing methods.
• FLYTEFOAM cushioning: creates a light, comfortable underfoot feel that helps reduce fatigue over miles or repeated gym sets.
• Rearfoot GEL technology: improves impact absorption for a softer feeling at footstrike, which helps protect knees and joints on the road.

Who It's For

These shoes are best for recreational road runners, gym-goers, and anyone seeking a comfortable daily trainer with a softer ride. The combination of breathable engineered mesh and cushioning makes them especially suited to runners who favor comfort over maximal responsiveness.

Runners seeking a race-day flat, aggressive stability features, or maximal motion control should look elsewhere. The Gel-Pulse 16 is not a lightweight racing shoe nor a specialized orthotic platform; it is aimed at everyday comfort and support.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable, soft underfoot feel from the FLYTEFOAM and rearfoot GEL cushioning.
• Breathable engineered mesh upper that wraps the foot for a secure fit.
• Environmentally conscious materials, including high recycled content and a solution-dyed sockliner.

Cons

• Not designed as a high-performance racing shoe; those seeking maximum responsiveness may prefer a firmer, lighter model.

Specifications

Model	GEL-PULSE 16
Upper material	Engineered mesh (>=75% recycled main upper material)
Cushioning	FLYTEFOAM midsole with rearfoot GEL technology
Sockliner	Solution-dyed sockliner (reduced water use and emissions)
Primary use	Road running and gym training

Our Verdict

The ASICS Gel-Pulse 16 is a solid choice for runners and gym users who want comfortable, well-cushioned shoes with sustainable touches. It delivers dependable cushioning and breathability at a reasonable value, making it a smart pick for daily training and anyone prioritizing comfort over race-day speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these good for everyday running?
Yes, they are designed for road running and daily training with cushioning that supports regular mileage.

Do they run true to size?
Customers report a consistent, comfortable fit; choose your normal running shoe size for the best result.

What sustainability features do they have?
The main upper uses at least 75% recycled material and the sockliner is solution-dyed to reduce water use and emissions.