Asics Gel Resolution 8
- Thread starter Adrià Cot
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spoonfed
Rookie
I am trying to decide between this shoe and the FF2:s. Is there somebody with experience of both shoes that can make a comparison?
Currently I am using the Vapor X. I really, really like them but a pair only lasts me about 2-3 months, so I want to switch to something more durable and still relatively fast. I used the Gel Res 7 for about 5 sessions, until they completely wrecked my arches. They didn't flex well with my foot. Chris mentioned better flex in the 8s in his preview and elaborated on this in the comment section when I asked him about it. Otherwise I'd simply try the FF2s, since they check so many boxes.
For reference I've also used the Barricade boost 2015 and 2017, for a long time, but the Vapors have made me really dislike heavy shoes, so I can't go to far on the heavy side.
Thankful for any help!
Currently I am using the Vapor X. I really, really like them but a pair only lasts me about 2-3 months, so I want to switch to something more durable and still relatively fast. I used the Gel Res 7 for about 5 sessions, until they completely wrecked my arches. They didn't flex well with my foot. Chris mentioned better flex in the 8s in his preview and elaborated on this in the comment section when I asked him about it. Otherwise I'd simply try the FF2s, since they check so many boxes.
For reference I've also used the Barricade boost 2015 and 2017, for a long time, but the Vapors have made me really dislike heavy shoes, so I can't go to far on the heavy side.
Thankful for any help!
spoonfed
Rookie
Thanks a lot for your reply, Chris! It helps. I'll give the FF2s a go. Seems like an awesome shoe in many aspects.
I have played about 7-8 times in my new GR8’s. I’ve been using them for platform tennis. Was in the 7’s before this. I loved the 7 and was initially put into those because they were a bit wider than most standard-size tennis shoes. I’m not wide enough for a wide shoe really but the GR7 was the best shoe I’ve ever used. Only complaint was some slight heel slippage at times. I am a size 13. The 8’s definitely feel a lot lighter and I love the design. They feel quicker but there are some noticeable differences vs the 7 in terms of how they fit me. Toe box seems wider but midfoot seems narrower. Sides of my feet hurt a bit after playing, also get some discomfort on top of foot. Need to try out some different lacing patterns. Ankles have also been sore after playing in these, something that never happened with the 7s (or any other shoe for that matter). So definitely something different that I cannot pinpoint. But no heel slippage at all. Two minor design complaints: one, shoe laces are super thin and not sure how durable they will be; two, the ASICS logo on the inside of each shoe is already peeling away in a few spots. Very initial reaction is that the outsole seems to be wearing surprisingly fast. Granted, platform tennis is much harder on a shoe than hard tennis courts, but I do not think that my 7’s wore as quickly. I think I really like the shoe and could grow to really love it, just need to figure out what it is that is causing some of the discomfort mentioned above.
zinzan8
Rookie
Yep, lacing techniques can make a big difference. I use straight bar lacing to relieve pressure on the top of my foot, and runner's loop to lock in the heels. I use both on my Gel Res 7's, though the straight bar lacing was more out of habit from my previous New Balance tennis shoes--not really necessary on my 7's. But the runner's loop was necessary, else I did get the heel slippage.
jeep2008
Rookie
Do you know which of these 2 types of shoes is better for someone with plantar fasciitis?
taydbear7
Professional
Oh man those are sweet looking.
The Big Kahuna
Hall of Fame
The Big Kahuna
Hall of Fame
The Big Kahuna
Hall of Fame
The Big Kahuna
Hall of Fame
The Big Kahuna
Hall of Fame
I have worn both shoes now for some time and if it was up to me I would choose the GR8. The FF2 has a bit more cushion but also feels just a tad higher off the court as a result. The GR8 has a bit more “court fee” but I think it’s more stable, supportive, and more breathable than the FF2 and also comes with the six month wear guarantee.
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spoonfed
Rookie
Thanks for your advice, Kahuna! I've always wanted to use the Gel Res, but as I wrote the 7s wrecked my arches. Something about the flex. When my feet had healed and gotten stronger, I tried them again but got pain just from walking ans starting and stopping in them at home. How would you compare the two in arch support - and speed? (Since you wrote the FF2s are higher of the ground.)
AtTheNet
New User
Tried a pair yesterday, and IMO they run quite narrow in the toe box. I have played in the Gel Res 6 (standard width) for several years, bypassed the Gel Res 7 entirely, and my look at the 8's was disappointing. It looks like they will produce them in Wide sizes as well, will take a look at them when they become available locally.
Shaolin
G.O.A.T.
Please Asics, you should produce the Resolution 8 in Illusion blue, same as my actual and beloved R7!!!! One of the most beautiful color scheme ever!!!
PLEASE JUST DO IT!!!!!!!!
That is the best color way they put out. Asics should take your advice.
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Yeah and at the moment, the two available color way for the Resolution 8 are just HORRIBLE.
I want the R8 for spring season BUT will never buy it with such UGLY color.
Three, there is a white one now too.
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Three UGLY.
D
Deleted member 768841
Guest
Gel resolution 8. Outsole warranty, amazing durability, also I had an issue with the solecourt where there’s a seam at the mid foot, and if I don’t double sock or wear thorlos I get a blister. IMO, Get the resolution.
StefanosWillSaveTheWorld
Rookie
Paranoid former herniated disc-er here. I like these but I like the Gel resolution 7 more. Sole feels a little more substantial on the 7's. The 8's feel too soft... It sounds crazy i know. I'll stick with the 7's until i can no longer find them,
The Big Kahuna
Hall of Fame
I get compliments on all three colors of them that I own. Every time I wear them someone says that’s a nice looking shoe.
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The Big Kahuna
Hall of Fame
This may sound weird but I think the cushioning is as good or better than the FF2 in the mobility is as good or better than the SPEED.
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spdskr
Rookie
I agree. Just purchased the GR8 and it feels more cushioned than the FF2 it is replacing. I was not impressed with the FF2, especially when compared to the original Court FF, and counted down the days until the soles slicked. Initially, the GR8 feels superior to the GR7, which was my least favorite iteration of the GR series (and the reason I moved to the Court FF.) Looking forward to a better relationship with this shoe.
spdskr
Rookie
Yes, slides right out.
Dansan
Semi-Pro
Got the GR 8 for christmas and have played probably about 10-15 sessions with them. Previously wore the GR7 for an entire year.
It seems that they have addressed the issues I had with the 7. Toe box flex broke in nicely on the 8 whereas on the 7 it always had a weird flex like a sheet of plastic trying to bend. The heel slippage is no longer there with the 8, although I did size down from 10.5 to 10. The 8s broke in faster than the 7s for me. The 8 is "faster" on the court ESPECIALLY from side to side lateral quick transitions. The 7 was awful and slow, almost mushy.
Both the 7 and 8 provided me with superior foot protection and cushion vs barricades I had previously. I never deal with foot pain now after a session, whereas I was always in pain before these shoes.
Bottom line - the 8 is a big improvement for me over the 7 !
It seems that they have addressed the issues I had with the 7. Toe box flex broke in nicely on the 8 whereas on the 7 it always had a weird flex like a sheet of plastic trying to bend. The heel slippage is no longer there with the 8, although I did size down from 10.5 to 10. The 8s broke in faster than the 7s for me. The 8 is "faster" on the court ESPECIALLY from side to side lateral quick transitions. The 7 was awful and slow, almost mushy.
Both the 7 and 8 provided me with superior foot protection and cushion vs barricades I had previously. I never deal with foot pain now after a session, whereas I was always in pain before these shoes.
Bottom line - the 8 is a big improvement for me over the 7 !
liftordie
Hall of Fame
You have three R8 in all different color available?
longtimelurker
Professional
Nice review
spoonfed
Rookie
Nice review. Yeah, they run a little bit longer than the 7s. I'm OK with size 9, but should maybe have gone for a half size down like the playtesters.
I have played with my pair for three sessions and can only agree with the video review. Wonderful shoe.
I got plantar fasciitas while using the 7s and gave them up for Barricade boost 2017 and then the Vapor X. With the 8s my plantar fasciitas has acted up again, sadly, but it is not as bad as with the 7s. The arch suppport is simply not firm enough, I think, and the fit around the arch not snug enough. But this is a more individual issue, and perhaps due to size. During play I have no issues. The problems come afterwards. I'm going to keep using them and see if my feet settle in. Otherwise, I'll just use my custom insoles, although it is not necessary in my other tennis shoes. The insoles fit nicely in this update and does not give that severely elevated feel I hate when using the insoles otherwise.
I have played with my pair for three sessions and can only agree with the video review. Wonderful shoe.
I got plantar fasciitas while using the 7s and gave them up for Barricade boost 2017 and then the Vapor X. With the 8s my plantar fasciitas has acted up again, sadly, but it is not as bad as with the 7s. The arch suppport is simply not firm enough, I think, and the fit around the arch not snug enough. But this is a more individual issue, and perhaps due to size. During play I have no issues. The problems come afterwards. I'm going to keep using them and see if my feet settle in. Otherwise, I'll just use my custom insoles, although it is not necessary in my other tennis shoes. The insoles fit nicely in this update and does not give that severely elevated feel I hate when using the insoles otherwise.
PierreMBK
Rookie
Gel Res 8 are wider in the midfoot area, that's why it's not as snug in the arch area an maybe don't provide enough arch support. I use my custom insoles for arch support also which are quite thick and even like that the shoe is still too wide in the midfoot area. Looks like Gaël has strong foot [emoji38].
As comparison the last Asics Challenger fit my foot better (but they are less cushioned).
The Big Kahuna
Hall of Fame
You have three R8 in all different color available?
Yep. Four colors out now including the special Tokyo Edition.
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The Big Kahuna
Hall of Fame
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Subway Tennis
Legend
They look a lot higher off the ground than the previous GRs, but that may just be the curvature of the outsole overlay.
Do they feel low to the ground and responsive?
How is the cushioning. How soft is the material caging the outsole?
What is the traction like?
Is breathability compromised by the extra TPU material in the upper of the shoe?
Hopefully the fit remains as it has been for previous GRs.
Do they feel low to the ground and responsive?
How is the cushioning. How soft is the material caging the outsole?
What is the traction like?
Is breathability compromised by the extra TPU material in the upper of the shoe?
Hopefully the fit remains as it has been for previous GRs.
PierreMBK
Rookie
In my opinion, they don't feel low to the ground. There are so much cushioning that you don't feel [low to] the ground, specially in the forefoot compared to other shoes. But the outsole is more soft/flexible and the shoe looks more responsive, better than the previous one.
I went to the same size. Length is good but they are wider specially in the midfoot area. Very wide in the midfoot but forefoot is normal (medium width) wider than the previous one, a bit more roomy in the toe box.
Mine are around 440 grams (around 15.5 ounces) in size 11, which is huge and more than the previous one. I think is due to the amount of cushioning and all this plastic/TPU around the shoe.
I'm not as tall and as weighted as Gaël Monfils and not so hard with my material sliding all the time on hard court so I would have preferred a more lightweight shoe. I bought the Gel Challenger 12 which are very light and comfortable but there is not enough cushioning. I'd like a mix between Gel Res and Gel Challenger [emoji14]
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spoonfed
Rookie
Interesting how subjective these things are. I feel like altho they are not low to the ground like vapors, the court feel is very good. This might be due to the soft upper, kinda sticky sole and responsive midsole. Coming from Vapors, I was very surprised I feel so fast in them. Also maybe a result from the really nice traction - and well balanced weight overallt. I used to wear Barricades. The 2017s. They felt heavy.
Also, since they are so stable and soft I move with greater confidence than with the Vapors (which I always liked, tho). I just feel faster - and willing to trust my movements more. Maybe its all a honey moon thing, but i am really pleased this far. Just hoping to fix my plantar fasciita (in the right foot only, which has been a bit sore during the whole winter).
mscream
Professional
I tried them (GR8) on today. Fit was ok generally, not too high off the ground. True to size IMO but I have a slightly wider foot. However, the upper material (on top of the forefoot) is quite stiff and pushed into my feet every time I would push off the ground, which felt quite uncomfortable. It also make a squeaky noise. Not sure why you would need extra material that stiff there. For me personally, inferior to the older court FF in terms of fit and comfort.
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Solution Speed FF...
Subway Tennis
Legend
Thanks very much for this. Exactly the info I was after.
PierreMBK
Rookie
Are the Solution Speed FF durable?
I went to Gel Res and Challenger especially for the durability (as I ruined my Rush Pro 3.0 in 3 months), stability, support and comfort. The weight is also important for me that's why I was a bit disappointed by the increasing weight of this new Gel Res 8 even if it's very well cushioned, more flexible and feel faster than the previous one.
liftordie
Hall of Fame
Extremely durable and the fastest shoe on the market. But little less stable than Resolution.
I think the Solution Speed FF is the best shoe for you.
