Asics Gel Excite 11 Review 2026: Still Worth It?

Running shoes keep getting more expensive every year. Flagship trainers now cross the $180 mark without blinking. So a shoe that sits near $90 and still promises real cushioning grabs attention fast.

The Asics Gel Excite 11 is that shoe. It is the eleventh version of a long running budget line from Asics. This time the brand added more foam, raised the stack height, and kept the price the same.

I ran in this shoe for several weeks. I logged easy miles, treadmill sessions, gym days, and a lot of plain walking. Some things impressed me. Some things annoyed me.

In a Nutshell:

• The cushioning jumped up in a big way. Lab testing shows about 38.2 mm of heel stack and 27.4 mm in the forefoot. That forefoot number climbed roughly 4 mm over the Gel Excite 10. You feel the difference on longer easy runs.
• Stability is the quiet star here. The heel measures around 100.2 mm wide, which lands in stability shoe territory. The heel counter scored a perfect 5 out of 5 for stiffness in independent lab tests. Mild overpronators often feel steady in this shoe.
• Grip is excellent for the price. Traction testing returned a 0.71 score against a 0.52 average. Wet pavement did not scare me at all during testing.
• Energy return is low and the ride feels flat. Bounce measured near 49.2 percent versus a 58.7 percent average. This shoe does not spring back. It absorbs. Speed work feels like a chore.
• Breathability and toebox durability are weak. The mesh scored 2 out of 5 for airflow. The toebox scored a rough 1 out of 5 for abrasion resistance. Hot weather runners and toe draggers should think twice.
• Value stays the main reason to buy. At roughly $90 retail, and often less on sale, few shoes give you this much foam, grip, and stability for the money.

Asics Gel Excite 11 Overview

Last update on 2026-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!

The Gel Excite 11 is a neutral daily trainer built for beginners and budget shoppers. Asics markets it as an entry level road shoe. That label sells it a little short in 2026.

The midsole uses Amplifoam Plus, an EVA based compound. Asics also drops a thin Gel unit in the rearfoot. The Gel unit is mostly marketing at this point, since it sits too thin to change the ride.

Listed weight lands near 10.2 oz for a men’s size 9. Independent scale testing measured about 10.1 oz, so the spec sheet is honest. That is heavier than the Gel Excite 10 by roughly half an ounce.

Asics lists an 8 mm heel to toe drop. Lab measurement came closer to 10.8 mm once the insole was included. Heel strikers will love that number. Forefoot runners may not.

The upper uses an engineered jacquard mesh with an Ortholite sockliner. The sockliner comes out easily, which matters if you wear custom orthotics.

Sizing runs in standard, wide, and extra wide across most colorways. That range alone puts it ahead of many rivals near this price.

Think of the Gel Excite 11 as a workhorse, not a racehorse. It handles daily miles, walking, standing shifts, and light gym work without complaint. It just never feels fast.

Unboxing Experience and First Impressions

The box arrived in classic Asics blue with the tiger stripe logo. Nothing fancy. No extra laces, no shoe bag, no printed insert beyond the basic care card.

The shoes sat wrapped in thin tissue paper with cardboard toe stuffers. Cheap packaging, honestly. That is fine. I would rather Asics spend the money on foam than on cardboard.

First thing I noticed was the size. These shoes look chunky in hand. The midsole flares wide at the heel and the sidewalls sit tall. Photos online undersell how substantial they look on foot.

Weight surprised me in a mild way. Picking one up, it feels dense rather than light. If you came from the Gel Excite 10, you will notice the extra heft immediately.

The glue lines looked clean on my pair. The overlays sat straight. The tongue loop stayed centered and doubles as a pull tab, which is a nice touch on a budget shoe.

There is no heel pull tab anymore. Asics removed it from version 10. That one small change makes the shoes slightly harder to yank on when you are in a hurry.

Step in feel was firm and supportive rather than plush. The heel collar padding is generous. The tongue carries about 6.3 mm of foam, so lace pressure stays low.

No chemical smell. No creasing out of the box. A solid, unglamorous start.

Design and Build Quality

Asics kept the visual language simple. You get a smooth mesh upper, a stitched or welded logo stripe on the sidewall, and a large slab of white foam underfoot.

Colorways are conservative. Black, grey, blue, and a few brighter women’s options. Nothing here screams for attention, which suits people who wear these shoes to work or to the store.

Build quality feels solid where it counts. The stitching on my pair held up through weeks of use without fraying. The overlays never peeled.

The upper feels more comfortable than the previous version. Asics swapped in a softer jacquard mesh with a secondary inner layer. Your foot notices that softness within the first mile.

That inner layer creates a problem though. It blocks airflow. More on that shortly.

The tongue is not gusseted. It slides sideways a little on long runs. That is normal for a shoe under $100, but it still bothers some runners.

The lacing system uses simple punched eyelets and flat laces. The laces hold a knot fine. They are a bit short if you use a heel lock lacing pattern.

There are no reflective elements anywhere on the shoe. That is a real safety miss for anyone running before sunrise or after dark. Add a reflective band or a clip light if you train at night.

Overall the construction feels honest. Nothing premium, nothing flimsy.

Top 3 Alternative for Asics Gel Excite 11

Last update on 2026-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!

Asics Men’s Gel Contend 9 Running Shoes

Last update on 2026-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!

Brooks Men’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe

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Asics Men’s Gel Venture 9 Running Shoes

Cushioning and Midsole Feel

This is where the Gel Excite 11 earns its upgrade. Shock absorption climbed to roughly 123 in the heel and 104 in the forefoot. The Gel Excite 10 sat at 113 and 87.

Translation: your joints get more protection than before, especially under the ball of your foot. The old model felt thin up front. This one does not.

The foam durometer reading landed near 40.5 AC. That is firmer than average. It is not brick hard, but it is not soft either.

I would call the ride controlled and dependable. Each footstrike lands, compresses a little, and moves on. There is no sink, no wobble, no mush.

Long slow runs felt fine. I went out to ten miles and my legs held up better than I expected from a $90 shoe.

The problem is what happens next. Energy return measured about 49.2 percent, well under the 58.7 percent average. The foam takes impact but gives almost nothing back.

You feel that on tempo days. Push the pace and the shoe just sits there. There is no pop off the toe, no urge to run faster.

Asics added a raised toe spring to help roll you forward. It works a little. It does not fix the flat feel.

If you want bounce, look at the Novablast line instead. If you want cushion without drama, this delivers.

Fit and Sizing Guide

Most buyers report the Gel Excite 11 fits slightly small. Roughly seven in ten voters in one large sizing poll said so.

My advice is simple. Order your normal size if you like a snug fit. Go up half a size if you want toe room or if you run in thicker socks.

Internal length measured near 274.3 mm in a men’s size 9, which is longer than the 269.3 mm average. So length is not the issue. Shape is.

Midfoot width came in around 96.5 mm, slightly wider than average. The toebox measured about 71.2 mm, which is narrower than the 73.2 mm average.

That combination creates an hourglass feel. Roomy through the middle, tapered at the front. Classic Asics geometry.

Toebox height sat near 26.8 mm, close to average. I never felt pressure on the top of my toes.

Wide footed runners have a real advantage here. Asics offers this model in 2E wide and 4E extra wide in many colorways. Take that option if your regular shoes feel tight at the pinky toe.

The heel locks down well thanks to the stiff counter and thick collar padding. I had zero heel slip.

One caution. If you have bunions or a very square forefoot, the pointed toe shape may irritate you within a few miles. Try before you commit if you can.

Upper and Breathability

The new jacquard mesh feels genuinely nicer against the skin than the old material. Softer, smoother, less scratchy at the collar.

Then summer arrives and the good news ends.

Airflow testing gave the Gel Excite 11 a 2 out of 5 breathability score against a 3.6 average. That is a poor result for a road shoe.

Under magnification, the mesh gaps look narrow. A second inner layer sits behind the outer mesh and blocks most of the air that gets through. The toebox looks perforated but does not actually vent much.

In practice, my feet ran warm above roughly 75 degrees Fahrenheit. On humid days my socks came off damp after forty minutes.

Cold weather flips this into a benefit. Fall and winter runs felt cozy. Light wind barely cut through the upper.

So the upper is a seasonal compromise. Great from October to April in most climates. Sweaty from June to September.

Structural quality of the upper is fine. No hot spots, no rubbing, no seam pressure. The interior lining stayed smooth after weeks of use.

Lockdown is secure without cranking the laces. The padded collar cradles the ankle nicely.

If you live somewhere hot and humid, wear thin moisture wicking socks and accept the tradeoff. Or pick a mesh heavy alternative instead.

Traction and Outsole Durability

Grip is the biggest surprise of this shoe. Asics has quietly become very good at outsoles across every price tier.

Traction testing returned a 0.71 score. The average across hundreds of road shoes sits at 0.52. That is a large gap in your favor.

I ran on wet asphalt, painted crosswalks, damp concrete, and light gravel. The shoe never slipped once. That confidence matters more than most spec sheet numbers.

The outsole layout uses black rubber pads at the heel and forefoot with exposed white foam through the midfoot. A deep flex groove runs the length of the sole.

Exposed foam usually worries me. Here it held up better than expected because the rubber sits exactly where most people land.

Abrasion testing measured about 0.9 mm of wear against a 1.1 mm average. That is a good result. The outsole should outlast the upper on most feet.

Outsole thickness measured near 2.8 mm, right in the normal band.

Expect somewhere between 300 and 450 miles of useful life depending on your weight and stride. Heavier runners will hit the lower end.

The white foam sections do pick up dirt and turn grey quickly. Cosmetic only. It does not affect grip.

For gym floors and treadmills, grip is equally strong. No sliding during lateral moves.

Stability and Support

Asics did not label the Gel Excite 11 a stability shoe. It behaves like one anyway.

The heel platform measures around 100.2 mm wide. That is closer to dedicated stability trainers than to typical neutral shoes.

Torsional rigidity tested at 17.0 Nm against a 14.5 Nm average. The shoe resists twisting well. Your foot stays on a predictable path.

The heel counter earned a full 5 out of 5 stiffness rating. Most daily trainers land around 3. This one is genuinely locked down.

For runners with mild to moderate pronation, that combination works beautifully. My ankles felt centered even at the end of long runs when form gets sloppy.

The forefoot platform measures about 117.5 mm, slightly wider than average. Toe off feels planted rather than tippy.

There is a downside. All that structure makes the shoe feel rigid and a bit clunky. Flexibility testing showed 17.3N in a 30 degree bend test, up sharply from 10.2N in the Gel Excite 10.

Runners who like a natural, flexible, foot shaped feel will find this shoe stiff and controlling. It tells your foot what to do rather than following along.

If you have a strong neutral gait and quick feet, that guidance may feel restrictive. If you are new to running or slightly wobbly, it feels like a safety net.

Running Performance on the Road and Treadmill

Easy pace is where this shoe lives. Anything between roughly 9:00 and 12:00 per mile felt natural and comfortable.

The high drop plus the wide heel makes heel striking effortless. Land, roll, move on. Beginners will find the transition very forgiving.

Recovery runs the day after hard efforts felt great. The extra foam soaks up pounding without demanding anything from your legs.

Long runs held up too. I never felt the foam bottom out or go dead within a single session.

Then I tried strides and intervals. Different story entirely.

The weight becomes obvious the moment you accelerate. At roughly 10.1 oz, the shoe swings slowly through your stride cycle.

The stiff midsole does not compress and rebound quickly enough for fast turnover. You end up muscling the shoe rather than riding it.

Treadmill running suits it better than the road for tempo work, since the belt does some of the work for you. Grip on the belt was flawless.

Downhill running felt secure thanks to the heel counter and wide base. Uphill felt sluggish.

Cornering is stable but not agile. The wide platform resists quick direction changes.

Bottom line: use this as your easy day shoe. Buy something lighter for speed sessions.

Walking, Gym, and Everyday Wear

Plenty of people buy the Gel Excite 11 and never run a step in it. That is a smart use of the shoe.

For walking, it is genuinely excellent. The firm cushioning, high drop, and wide heel make each step stable and easy on the knees.

I wore it for a full day of errands and standing. My feet felt fine at hour eight. Nurses, teachers, retail workers, and warehouse staff often love this model for exactly that reason.

The stiff sole reduces foot fatigue during long standing shifts. Softer shoes flex more and tire your arches faster.

For gym work, it handles treadmill, elliptical, and machine circuits well. Grip on rubber flooring is strong.

Heavy lifting is a different matter. The tall, soft heel makes squats and deadlifts feel unstable. Use flat soled shoes for those lifts.

Basketball, tennis, and other lateral sports are a hard no. The stack height is too tall and the platform is not designed for cutting.

Style wise, the shoe reads as an athletic sneaker rather than a fashion piece. The neutral colorways pair fine with jeans or joggers.

Travel days work well too. Airport walking, long layovers, and sightseeing all felt comfortable.

The removable Ortholite insole means orthotic users can swap in their own support without buying a wider shoe.

What the Gel Excite 11 Does Not Do Well

Honest reviews name the weak points. Here are mine after weeks of testing.

Toebox durability is bad. Abrasion testing scored it 1 out of 5, among the weakest results recorded for a daily trainer. If your big toe pushes against the front, expect a hole sooner than you would like.

Breathability is poor. A 2 out of 5 score means hot weather runs will leave your feet damp. This is not a summer shoe in humid climates.

There is no bounce. Energy return sits near 49 percent. The shoe absorbs impact and returns almost nothing. Fast running feels like work.

It gained weight. Going from 9.45 oz to 10.1 oz is noticeable the second you pick it up. Runners who liked the lighter Gel Excite 10 will feel cheated.

No reflective details at all. Zero. For a shoe aimed at beginners who often run early or late, that is a genuine oversight.

The heel pull tab is gone. A tiny thing, but it made getting in and out easier.

The Gel unit is basically decorative. It sits too thin to affect the ride. Do not buy this shoe expecting the Gel technology to do anything for you.

The tongue is not gusseted and drifts sideways over long runs.

None of these kill the shoe at $90. They would be dealbreakers at $140.

Pros and Cons

Here is the fast scorecard.

Pros

• Excellent value at roughly $90, often cheaper during sales.
• Big cushioning upgrade over the Gel Excite 10, especially in the forefoot.
• Outstanding traction with a 0.71 grip score against a 0.52 average.
• Very stable ride thanks to a 100.2 mm heel width and a 5 out of 5 heel counter.
• Strong outsole durability with only 0.9 mm of measured wear.
• Comfortable upper with generous collar and tongue padding.
• Available in wide and extra wide sizing across many colorways.
• Removable Ortholite insole works with custom orthotics.
• Great for walking, standing shifts, and everyday wear.

Cons

• Weak breathability rated 2 out of 5, so feet get hot in summer.
• Very poor toebox abrasion durability rated 1 out of 5.
• Low energy return near 49.2 percent, so the ride feels flat.
• Heavier than the previous version at about 10.1 oz.
• Stiffer than average with 17.3N in bend testing, so it lacks a natural feel.
• No reflective elements anywhere on the shoe.
• No gusseted tongue and no heel pull tab.
• The Gel unit adds no real performance benefit.
• Not suitable for tempo runs, races, or lateral sports.

Gel Excite 11 vs Gel Contend 9 vs Gel Cumulus 27

These three Asics models confuse a lot of shoppers. Here is how they differ.

The Gel Contend 9 sits below the Excite line in price and cushioning. It uses less foam, weighs less, and feels snappier underfoot.

Contend works for shorter runs, walking, and casual wear. Anything past five miles and you will wish you had more foam. Choose it if budget is the deciding factor.

The Gel Excite 11 sits in the middle. More stack, more cushion, more stability, more weight. It handles longer distances that Contend cannot.

The Excite also offers a wider heel and a stiffer heel counter, which makes it the better pick for anyone who needs mild support.

The Gel Cumulus 27 costs roughly $50 more and shows it. Better foam, better upper, lighter weight, and a smoother transition.

Cumulus feels softer and more refined. It also breathes better. If you run more than 20 miles a week, the upgrade is worth the money.

Here is my simple rule. Under 10 miles per week and tight on cash, take the Contend 9. Between 10 and 25 miles per week on a budget, take the Excite 11. Above that, save for the Cumulus 27.

If you want real bounce at any mileage, skip all three and look at the Novablast line instead.

Price and Value for Money

The Gel Excite 11 lists at roughly $90. The average running shoe in serious lab testing sits near $157.

That gap tells the whole story. You get a shoe with near 40 mm of heel stack for a price that used to buy you 28 mm of thin foam.

Asics kept the price flat while adding material. That is rare in 2026 when almost every brand raised prices.

Sales are frequent. I have seen the shoe drop to the $60 to $70 range during major sale events. At that price it becomes an obvious buy.

Value depends on how you use it. As a dedicated easy day trainer, the value is very strong.

As a do everything shoe, value is decent but limited by the flat ride and warm upper.

As a walking or work shoe, value is excellent. The stability and outsole durability matter more than energy return in those settings.

Cost per mile is where it really wins. If you get 400 miles from a $90 shoe, that is about 23 cents per mile. Premium trainers rarely beat that.

Just factor in the toebox weakness. If you are a known toe dragger, your effective lifespan drops and so does the value.

Buy two pairs on sale and rotate them. Rotation extends foam life on both.

Who Should Buy and Who Should Skip

Buy the Gel Excite 11 if you are:

A new runner who wants a forgiving, stable first shoe without spending $150. The wide base and high drop make early miles feel easy.

A heel striker who likes structure underfoot. The 10.8 mm measured drop suits your landing pattern.

A mild overpronator who does not want a full stability shoe. The heel geometry does quiet corrective work.

A walker, nurse, teacher, or anyone on their feet all day. Comfort and support hold up over long hours.

A budget shopper who needs one shoe for running, gym, and errands.

Someone with wide feet, since the 2E and 4E options are easy to find.

Skip it if you are:

A runner chasing bounce or speed. The 49.2 percent energy return will disappoint you.

Someone who runs in hot, humid weather most of the year. The 2 out of 5 breathability score is a real problem.

A runner who prefers light, flexible, natural feeling shoes. This one is stiff and heavy.

A toe dragger. The 1 out of 5 toebox durability will cost you.

A night runner who needs built in reflectivity.

Match the shoe to your actual use and you will be happy.

Final Verdict

Last update on 2026-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!

The Asics Gel Excite 11 is a genuinely good budget trainer with clear limits. It does the basics extremely well and never pretends to be exciting.

You get real cushioning, excellent grip, strong stability, and a durable outsole for roughly $90. That combination is hard to find anywhere else at this price in 2026.

You also get a warm upper, a fragile toebox, a flat ride, and extra weight. Those are the compromises Asics made to keep the price down.

My honest take is that this shoe deserves a place in most beginner closets and most walking rotations. It does not deserve a place in a fast runner’s lineup.

If you run easy miles, walk a lot, or stand all day, buy it with confidence. Size up half a size if you like toe room, and grab the wide version if your feet need it.

If you want a shoe that makes running feel fun and springy, spend more. The Novablast or Cumulus will serve you better.

Rating: 4 out of 5 for value. 3 out of 5 for performance.

Solid, sensible, and priced fairly. Sometimes that is exactly what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Asics Gel Excite 11 good for beginners?

Yes. It is one of the better beginner options available. The wide heel, stiff heel counter, and high drop create a stable and forgiving ride. New runners often struggle with form and fatigue, and this shoe compensates for both.

Does the Gel Excite 11 run true to size?

It runs slightly small for most people. Roughly seven in ten buyers report needing extra room. Order half a size up if you prefer toe space or wear thicker socks. Wide and extra wide versions exist if your forefoot feels squeezed.

How many miles will the Gel Excite 11 last?

Expect 300 to 450 miles depending on your weight and stride. The outsole tested very well with only 0.9 mm of wear. The upper toebox is the weak link, so runners who drag their toes may see holes earlier.

Is the Gel Excite 11 good for walking and standing all day?

Yes, and this may be its best use. The firm cushioning and stable platform reduce foot fatigue during long shifts. Many nurses, teachers, and retail workers choose this model for that exact reason.

Can I use the Gel Excite 11 for the gym?

It works well for treadmill running, elliptical work, and general machine circuits. Avoid it for heavy squats and deadlifts because the tall heel feels unstable. Also avoid lateral sports like basketball and tennis.

What is the difference between the Gel Excite 10 and 11?

Version 11 adds significant cushioning, especially in the forefoot which grew about 4 mm. It is also stiffer, more stable, and heavier by roughly half an ounce. Version 10 feels lighter and more flexible but less protective.

Is the Gel Excite 11 waterproof?

No. The standard model uses breathable mesh and absorbs water quickly. Asics does not offer a waterproof version of this specific model, though the mesh does dry at a reasonable rate.

Does the Gel Excite 11 work with orthotics?

Yes. The Ortholite insole removes easily, leaving room for custom orthotics or aftermarket insoles. Consider the wide version if your orthotic adds bulk.