ASICS Gel Excite 11 vs Gel Venture 10: Which Is Right for You?

Are you stuck between the ASICS Gel Excite 11 and the Gel Venture 10? You are not alone. These two shoes sit in the same budget price range, but they serve very different purposes. One is a road running shoe built for pavement and gym floors.

The other is a trail shoe made for dirt paths and light hiking. Picking the wrong one can leave your feet sore and your wallet lighter.

This guide breaks down every key difference between these popular ASICS shoes. We cover cushioning, weight, traction, fit, durability, and price so you can buy with full confidence. Read on to find out which shoe matches your running style and your favorite surfaces.

Key Takeaways

• The ASICS Gel Excite 11 is a road running shoe that works best on pavement, treadmills, and gym floors. It uses AMPLIFOAM PLUS midsole technology and offers a softer, more cushioned ride for daily training.
• The ASICS Gel Venture 10 is a trail running shoe built for dirt paths, gravel, and light hiking. It features AMPLIFOAM cushioning with rearfoot GEL technology and an outsole with lugged traction for off-road grip.
• The Gel Excite 11 weighs about 290g (10.2 oz) while the Gel Venture 10 comes in heavier at roughly 320g (11.3 oz). If lightweight feel matters to you, the Excite 11 is the better pick.
• Cushioning differs between the two shoes. The Excite 11 has a taller stack height (38.2 mm heel) and more shock absorption (123 SA). The Venture 10 has a lower stack (35.3 mm heel) and less shock absorption (105 SA).
• Price is close but not equal. The Gel Excite 11 retails at $90 and the Gel Venture 10 at $80. Both are among the most affordable shoes in the ASICS lineup.
• Your surface choice should drive your decision. Pick the Excite 11 for roads and fitness routines. Pick the Venture 10 for trails and outdoor adventures.

ASICS Gel Excite 11 Overview

Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The ASICS Gel Excite 11 is a budget road running shoe that punches above its weight class. It features AMPLIFOAM PLUS technology in the midsole. This foam delivers a soft and stable platform for daily runs and fitness workouts.

The upper uses a jacquard mesh material that feels comfortable against the skin. ASICS added a higher stack height to this version. The heel measures 38.2 mm and the forefoot sits at 27.4 mm. This gives runners more cushioning than the previous Gel Excite 10.

The shoe has an 8 mm heel drop (branded spec) and a neutral support type. It works well for heel strikers and beginners. The Ortholite insole is removable, so you can swap in custom orthotics if you need them.

ASICS priced this shoe at $90, making it one of the cheapest options in their road running catalog. It offers solid value for casual runners and gym goers who want a comfortable daily trainer.

Pros:

• Affordable price at $90
• Soft AMPLIFOAM PLUS cushioning
• Stable ride with wide heel base (100.2 mm)
• Good outsole traction and durability
• Removable Ortholite insole

Cons:

• Below average breathability (2/5 score)
• Heavier than version 10 at 286g
• Low energy return (49.2%)
• Weak toebox durability (1/5 score)
• No reflective elements for night runs

ASICS Gel Venture 10 Overview

Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The ASICS Gel Venture 10 is a budget trail running shoe that doubles as a light hiking shoe. It uses AMPLIFOAM cushioning in the midsole paired with rearfoot GEL technology. This combination provides decent comfort on uneven ground.

The outsole features arrow-shaped lugs at 3.7 mm depth. These lugs grip dirt, gravel, and moderate trail surfaces well. The two-piece segmented outsole design gives the shoe good flexibility for natural foot movement.

ASICS built this shoe with a 10 mm heel drop and a neutral support profile. The heel stack measures 35.3 mm and the forefoot stack sits at 23.3 mm. This setup suits beginners who tend to land on their heels during trail runs.

The shoe weighs 320g (11.3 oz) and costs $80 at retail. It remains one of the most affordable trail shoes on the market. The engineered mesh upper offers strong breathability with a 4/5 rating.

Pros:

• Low price at $80
• Excellent breathability (4/5 score)
• Strong outsole durability (only 0.6 mm wear)
• Versatile traction for road and trail use
• Good toebox durability (4/5 score)

Cons:

• Heavy at 320g (11.3 oz)
• Low shock absorption (105 SA)
• Very narrow toebox (67.5 mm)
• Firms up significantly in cold weather (42% firmer)
• No reflective elements

Cushioning and Midsole Technology Compared

Both shoes use ASICS’ AMPLIFOAM midsole compound, but the versions differ. The Gel Excite 11 gets AMPLIFOAM PLUS, an upgraded formula that provides more cushioning. The Gel Venture 10 uses standard AMPLIFOAM with a reformulated, softer version.

The Excite 11 delivers 123 SA of shock absorption in the heel. The Venture 10 only reaches 105 SA. This means the Excite 11 absorbs impact better during long road runs. Your joints will feel less strain over time with the Excite 11.

Stack height also separates these shoes. The Excite 11 has a 38.2 mm heel stack and a 27.4 mm forefoot stack. The Venture 10 measures 35.3 mm in the heel and 23.3 mm in the forefoot. More foam under your feet means a more cushioned feel.

The midsole softness tells an interesting story. The Excite 11 measures 40.5 AC (firmer) while the Venture 10 registers 36.5 AC (softer). So the Venture 10 feels softer per step, even though the Excite 11 absorbs more shock overall.

Weight Comparison

Weight is an area where the Gel Excite 11 wins clearly. It tips the scale at about 290g (10.2 oz) in the men’s version. The Gel Venture 10 weighs around 320g (11.3 oz). That is a 30g difference you will notice during longer sessions.

The Venture 10’s extra weight comes from its thicker rubber outsole and trail-ready construction. Trail shoes need more material to protect your feet from rocks and roots. This added protection costs you in total weight.

The Excite 11 gained weight compared to its predecessor. It went from 268g to 286g because of the added foam. Still, it remains lighter than most trail shoes and sits close to the average for road running shoes (264g).

If you plan to run longer distances on roads, the Excite 11’s lighter build will reduce fatigue. If you run on trails, the Venture 10’s extra weight is a fair trade for better protection and traction.

Traction and Outsole Performance

Traction is where these shoes differ the most. The Gel Venture 10 is built for off-road surfaces. It has 3.7 mm lugs with arrow-shaped patterns. These lugs dig into dirt, mud, and loose gravel. The outsole uses thick rubber that measured only 0.6 mm of wear in durability testing.

The Gel Excite 11 has a road-focused outsole with flat rubber patches in the heel and forefoot. It scored an impressive 0.71 in traction testing on smooth surfaces. Exposed foam sections in the midfoot keep the shoe light but reduce grip on wet or loose terrain.

The Excite 11’s outsole lost only 0.9 mm of material in wear testing. This is solid for a road shoe and means it will last through hundreds of miles on pavement.

The Venture 10’s outsole is thicker at 2.4 mm compared to the Excite 11’s 2.8 mm. Both outsoles hold up well over time. Your choice depends on whether you need flat-surface grip or off-road bite.

Fit and Sizing Differences

Both shoes run slightly small based on user feedback. ASICS recommends going up a half size for a more comfortable fit. The Ortholite insoles in both shoes are removable, which helps if you use custom inserts.

The Gel Excite 11 measures 96.5 mm at its widest point. The toebox is 71.2 mm wide. This is slightly narrower than average but comfortable for most foot shapes. The forefoot midsole width reaches 117.5 mm, offering a stable platform.

The Gel Venture 10 fits noticeably narrower. Its widest point measures only 92.7 mm. The toebox is just 67.5 mm wide. This is one of the narrowest toeboxes in the trail shoe category. Runners with wide feet should avoid this shoe or look for the wide version.

The Venture 10 compensates with a taller toebox at 30.6 mm compared to the Excite 11’s 26.8 mm. So while it is narrow side to side, your toes have more room to move up and down.

Breathability Showdown

Breathability is a clear win for the Gel Venture 10. It scored 4 out of 5 in airflow testing. The engineered mesh upper allows good air circulation. This keeps your feet cool on warm trail runs and summer hikes.

The Gel Excite 11 scored just 2 out of 5 in breathability. The jacquard mesh looks like it should breathe well, but a secondary inner layer blocks much of the airflow. Runners in hot climates may find their feet getting warm quickly in this shoe.

Under a microscope, the Excite 11’s mesh has narrow gaps that restrict air movement. The Venture 10 uses a thinner mesh with a cross-woven pattern. This design lets air pass through without sacrificing durability.

If you run in warm weather often, the Venture 10 offers a much cooler experience. The Excite 11 works better for cooler weather running, where its low breathability actually helps keep your feet warm.

Stability Features Compared

The Gel Excite 11 offers stronger stability than the Venture 10. Its heel midsole width measures a wide 100.2 mm. This is closer to what ASICS puts in their stability shoes. The heel counter earned a 5 out of 5 stiffness rating, giving excellent rearfoot lockdown.

The Venture 10 has a narrower heel base at 88.8 mm. Its heel counter scored 3 out of 5. This provides moderate support but less structure than the Excite 11. The softer midsole in the Venture 10 also reduces overall stability slightly.

Torsional rigidity differs between the shoes. The Excite 11 scored 17.0 Nm, making it harder to twist and bend. The Venture 10 scored 4 out of 5 on the torsional rigidity scale, helped by its thick rubber outsole layer.

If you have mild pronation issues or want a firm, secure heel, the Excite 11 is the better option. The Venture 10 suits runners who prefer a more flexible, natural feel on the trail.

Durability: Which Shoe Lasts Longer?

Both shoes offer good durability for their price. The Gel Excite 11 typically lasts 300 to 400 miles. The Gel Venture 10 holds up similarly, thanks to its thick rubber outsole and updated mesh upper.

The Venture 10 outperforms in toebox durability with a 4/5 score versus the Excite 11’s disappointing 1/5. If you drag your toes or run on rough surfaces, the Venture 10 will resist wear much better in the front.

Both shoes earned a perfect 5 out of 5 for heel padding durability. The padding around the ankle collar holds up extremely well in both models. You will not see premature wear in this area.

Outsole wear slightly favors the Venture 10 at 0.6 mm lost versus 0.9 mm for the Excite 11. Both numbers are good, but the Venture 10’s trail-grade rubber holds an edge. For runners who want maximum shoe life on a budget, both options deliver solid value.

Heel Drop and Running Style

The heel drop determines how your foot strikes the ground. The Gel Excite 11 has a branded 8 mm drop. Lab testing measured it closer to 10.8 mm. The Gel Venture 10 has a branded 10 mm drop. Lab testing found it at 12.0 mm.

Both shoes suit heel strikers and beginners. The higher drops encourage a heel-first landing pattern. Midfoot and forefoot strikers may find both shoes less ideal because of the elevated heels.

The Excite 11’s slightly lower drop creates a smoother transition from heel to toe. The Venture 10’s higher drop provides more heel protection on uneven trail surfaces. This extra drop helps absorb impact from rocks and roots underfoot.

If you are a natural heel striker, both shoes will feel comfortable. If you prefer a lower drop shoe for a more natural running gait, neither of these is the best match. Consider other models with drops under 6 mm instead.

Price and Value Analysis

The ASICS Gel Venture 10 retails at $80. The Gel Excite 11 costs $90. Both shoes sit well below the average running shoe price of $150 or more. This makes them excellent entry points for new runners or budget shoppers.

The Excite 11 gives you more cushioning technology for $10 extra. You get AMPLIFOAM PLUS foam, a higher stack height, and a wider stability platform. This is strong value for road runners who want comfort and support.

The Venture 10 offers trail-ready features at an even lower price. You get lugged traction, a breathable upper, and strong durability. Very few trail shoes under $100 offer this combination of features.

Both shoes frequently go on sale through major retailers. You can often find them at 20% to 30% off retail. At discounted prices, either shoe becomes one of the best running shoe deals available in 2026.

Who Should Buy the Gel Excite 11?

The Gel Excite 11 is the right choice if you run on roads and sidewalks. It works well for treadmill sessions and gym workouts too. The soft AMPLIFOAM PLUS midsole makes it comfortable for daily training runs up to moderate distances.

Beginner runners will benefit from the stable heel platform and firm heel counter. The wide midsole base reduces wobble and helps keep your stride centered. This shoe also suits walkers who want cushioned comfort for long walks.

The Excite 11 fits runners who want a versatile daily trainer at a low price. It handles everything from easy jogs to fitness classes. Just avoid taking it on dirt trails or wet grass, where the road-focused outsole will struggle.

Who Should Buy the Gel Venture 10?

The Gel Venture 10 suits runners who spend time on trails and mixed terrain. It handles dirt paths, gravel roads, and light hiking trails with ease. The lugged outsole provides the grip you need on loose and uneven surfaces.

Budget trail runners will appreciate the low $80 price tag. The shoe offers impressive durability and breathability for the cost. It also works for casual outdoor adventures like park walks and nature hikes.

The Venture 10 is a smart pick if you switch between road and trail often. Its versatile outsole pattern grips both pavement and packed dirt. Just know that it will feel heavier and less cushioned than the Excite 11 on long road runs.

ASICS Gel Excite 11 vs Gel Venture 10: Quick Specs Table

Here is a side-by-side look at the key specs for both shoes. The Gel Excite 11 focuses on road comfort. The Gel Venture 10 prioritizes trail performance. Both deliver strong value for their price points.

The Excite 11 weighs 290g with an 8 mm drop, $90 price, road surface type, AMPLIFOAM PLUS midsole, 38.2 mm heel stack, 2/5 breathability, and 5/5 heel counter stiffness. The Venture 10 weighs 320g with a 10 mm drop, $80 price, trail surface type, AMPLIFOAM midsole, 35.3 mm heel stack, 4/5 breathability, and 3/5 heel counter stiffness.

The numbers show that each shoe excels in different areas. No single shoe wins every category. Your personal needs and preferred running surface should guide your final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ASICS Gel Excite 11 good for walking?

Yes, the Gel Excite 11 is a solid walking shoe. Its AMPLIFOAM PLUS cushioning and wide heel base provide comfort and stability for long walks on pavement. Many users report excellent comfort for all-day wear. The removable Ortholite insole also lets you add custom orthotics if needed.

Can the Gel Venture 10 handle road running?

The Gel Venture 10 works on roads, but it is not ideal for regular road running. Its lugged outsole adds weight and can feel less smooth on pavement. If you split time between trail and road equally, it is a decent compromise. For road-only running, the Gel Excite 11 performs better.

Do these shoes come in wide sizes?

Both the Gel Excite 11 and Gel Venture 10 are available in wide (2E) and extra wide (4E) sizes in some markets. The Venture 10 has a very narrow standard fit, so wide-footed runners should definitely consider the wide version. Check the ASICS website or Amazon for wide size availability.

How long do the ASICS Gel Excite 11 and Gel Venture 10 last?

Both shoes typically last 300 to 400 miles with regular use. The Gel Venture 10 has slightly better outsole durability. Your mileage will vary based on running style, body weight, and surface conditions. Replace either shoe once the midsole feels flat or the outsole shows heavy wear.

Are these shoes good for beginners?

Both shoes are excellent for beginners. They offer a neutral support type and higher heel drops that suit heel strikers. The Gel Excite 11 is great for new road runners. The Gel Venture 10 works well for first-time trail runners. Both shoes are priced low enough to make them ideal starter running shoes.

Can I use custom orthotics with these shoes?

Yes, both shoes have removable Ortholite insoles. You can take them out and replace them with your own custom orthotics or preferred inserts. This makes both shoes a good option for runners who need extra arch support or specialized foot correction.