ASICS Women's Gel-Excite 9 Running Shoes - Breathable Trainer

Our review of the ASICS Women's Gel-Excite 9 finds this shoe best suited for casual fitness runners who want a comfortable, everyday trainer with reliable cushioning. The single biggest reason to consider it is the combination of engineered jacquard mesh and dual midsole technologies that deliver improved airflow and a forgiving landing at footstrike. For someone logging short to moderate road runs or using a trainer for gym sessions, it balances comfort and impact absorption without feeling bulky.

Key Features

• Engineered jacquard mesh upper: provides increased airflow and a softer, less abrasive fit against the foot for cooler, more comfortable runs.
• AMPLIFOAM cushioning: offers a responsive, lightweight midsole feel that helps smooth transitions during easy to moderate-paced runs.
• GEL technology in the midsole: improves impact absorption at footstrike to reduce the sharpness of landings on road surfaces.
• Balanced trainer construction: combines cushioning and support in a package suited to casual runners and daily wear.
• Road running orientation: designed for pavement and treadmill use where softer landings and breathability are priorities.

Who It's For

The Gel-Excite 9 is aimed at women who run for fitness rather than competition: casual road runners, gym-goers who add short runs to workouts, and walkers seeking a breathable, cushioned shoe. Its forgiving midsole and mesh upper make it comfortable for repeated short-distance sessions and all-day wear.

Runners who want maximum stability for heavy mileage, race-day performance, or technical trail features should look elsewhere; this shoe is not presented as a high-mileage trainer or trail-specific model and is best used for easy to moderate road runs and everyday training.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very breathable upper that reduces heat buildup during runs.
• Combined AMPLIFOAM and GEL midsole offers noticeably softer landings than basic foam alone.
• Comfortable, trainer-style fit that works well for gym sessions and short runs.

Cons

• Not specialized for long-distance training or technical trail terrain.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The ASICS Women's Gel-Excite 9 is a good-value daily trainer for casual runners who prioritize comfort and breathability over race-level performance. Its engineered mesh and dual midsole setup deliver a softer stride and reliable impact protection, making it a sensible pick for short to moderate road runs and everyday training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for treadmill running?
Yes. The cushioning and breathable upper make them well suited to treadmill and road running sessions.

Do they provide a lot of stability for overpronation?
No. They are designed as a neutral, forgiving trainer rather than a stability shoe for significant overpronation.

Is the upper noticeable softer than previous models?
Yes. The engineered jacquard mesh is described as softer against the foot while increasing airflow.