Asics kept the design of the Gel Contend 4 pretty clean for the most part while still delivering outstanding quality and top-notch performance. The outsole is made of 2 types of rubber: the areas at high abrasion risk are made of AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber), while the forefoot region consists of soft blown rubber.

The AHAR rubber is a high-quality rubber patented by Asics that provides excellent grip and traction on dry and wet surfaces equally. In addition to this, it is extremely durable and offers a great deal of protection for the runner during use. The blown rubber used in the forefoot region of the outsole serves as additional cushioning while flex grooves have been included for flexibility and enhanced traction.

The outsole also features a Guidance Line, a vertical line stretching from the forefoot to the heel of the shoe. The purpose of this line is to allow for a smooth transition during the gait cycle.

The Gel Contend 4’s midsole is made of EVA foam, which is known for its cushioning qualities and is an excellent choice for a running shoe’s midsole. The midsole also features a removable Ortholite insole for enhanced cushioning. Aside from all the cushioning properties, the Gel Contend 4’s midsole is also highly durable and will keep you protected on longer runs.

Another great feature of this midsole is the Rearfoot Gel Cushioning, which, as the name suggests, is located in the heel of the shoe. The Rearfoot Gel Cushioning is made of silicone and serves the purpose of shock absorption. Not only does this offer the wearer protection against injuries but it transforms the absorbed shock into energy for a springy ride.

The major improvement Asics made on the Gel Contend 4 that sets it aside from its predecessor is in the upper. Namely, instead of the stiff, structured overlays that limited the flexibility of the upper, as well as free airflow, the Gel Contend 4 features a much softer, breathable mesh upper. This allows the air to circulate freely in the shoe, keeping the feet nice and dry throughout use.

The midfoot and toe box is quite roomy on the Gel Contend 4, while still providing stability, which made plenty of people happy, especially those who have wider feet and need the extra space.

Inside the upper, there is a removable Ortholite sockliner, which offers extra cushioning. It is also anti-microbial and anti-odor, which combined with the breathability of the upper make this running shoe an excellent choice for those long runs.

The tongue and collar of the Gel Contend 4 come with extra padding for a comfortable, snug fit around the ankles that doesn’t create blisters and the lacing system is quite simple yet highly effective for keeping the feet secure.

The Gel Contend 4 weighs in at 10.5 ounces, which is on the heavier side of the neutral running shoes. However, the updates such as the lightweight, breathable upper and the EVA foam midsole contributed to the shoe being lighter.

One of the major changes Asics introduced in the Gel Contend 4 is the construction of the upper. The Gel Contend 4 contains fewer overlays than its predecessor, which combined with the mesh material make this running shoe highly breathable. Many customers praised the Gel Contend 4 for keeping their feet dry and cool on long runs in warm weather.

When talking about comfortable shoes, Asics are among the top brands. The Gel Contend 4 is a prime example of this. Starting from the midsole, which is made of EVA foam, that provides a high level of cushioning and responsiveness, while being an excellent shock absorber at the same time. Combined with the removable Ortholite sockliner, the Gel Contend 4 offers great cushioning and support to the runner. To round it up, the upper is made of a soft mesh material with extra padding in the tongue and collar, which make this pair of running shoes extremely comfortable.

Asics is first and foremost an athletic shoe brand, however, that doesn’t take away from the aesthetically pleasing design the Gel Contend 4 sports. It comes in a wide assortment of color schemes and features the signature Asics branding on the side. The color combinations vary from simple black and silver to a vibrant teal and magenta. They look equally great on the track as they do just casually walking around in them since they are easy to incorporate into any wardrobe.

Thanks to AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber), which was specifically designed to last a long time, the Gel Contend 4 is highly durable and many runners swear by them. They are perfect for running longer distances since the cushioning makes the ride feel super comfortable while the durable rubber outsole ensures longevity. They also performed well on many different surfaces.

The Asics High Abrasion Rubber outsole is greatly responsible for the protection this shoe provides because of its durability that both protects the feet from the impact with the ground and the rest of the shoe from tearing. In addition, the Rearfoot Gel Cushioning helps absorb the shock from the impact and this way protects the runner from injuries.

While the EVA foam midsole provides excellent cushioning, runners haven’t said much about the responsiveness of the Gel Contend 4.

The support of the Gel Contend 4 comes from such simple features, that it is genius. Namely, the Rearfoot Gel Cushioning provides excellent support by keeping the feet secure during use while absorbing shock at the same time, preventing injuries. Another key support features are the padded collar and tongue, which when the laces are tightened, wrap around the ankles, keeping them in place without causing blisters or irritation.

Being a neutral running shoe, the Gel Contend 4 is meant to be used on roads, pavements, tracks or in the gym, on treadmills. The added flex grooves on the outsole make this shoe quite flexible for working out and the traction it provides is excellent for running on all these surfaces.

The price tag is one of the most appealing traits of this shoe to many customers. Not only does it deliver when quality and performance are concerned but it comes at an affordable price as well. The fact that the Gel Contend 4 is a highly durable running shoe means that you won’t have to replace them as often as some other brands, which means you can save a lot of money and still get a high-quality pair of running shoes.

The Asics High Abrasion Rubber in the outsole has a dual function: it enhances durability and provides superb traction. Because of these features, the Asics Gel Contend 4 is an excellent choice for running on many different surfaces as well as working out in the gym. The Asics High Abrasion Rubber ensures excellent traction for the user while also guarantees longevity and minimum wear and tear.

The Asics Gel Contend 4 is quite flexible, considering the amount of cushioning it provides. Elements contributing to its flexibility can be found incorporated in the entirety of the shoe, from the upper to the outsole. The soft, mesh material of the upper is not only super breathable but it is very flexible as well. Coupled with the standard lacing system, it conforms to the shape of the feet and allows for a natural movement. The outsole features a Guidance Line that stretches from the heel to the forefoot of the shoe, providing a smooth transition throughout the gait cycle. Flex grooves have also been added to the outsole for enhanced flexibility, as well as additional traction.

Even though the Gel Contend 4 falls into the neutral running shoe category, it is nonetheless quite stable. Starting from the Rearfoot Gel Cushioning, this element of the shoe is located in the heel and is responsible for shock absorption, minimizing the risk of injuries that can befall the runner. Another feature Asics incorporated into the Gel Contend 4 are the padded collar and tongue, which in addition to being very comfortable, also help keep the ankles stable throughout use. This shoe is also suitable for people with mild overpronation problems since it gives support to the arch.

The Asics Gel Contend 4 has a 10 mm drop, which is a tad higher than some other running shoes, so if you prefer the minimalist running shoe experience, you might not like these. However, most customers were very pleased with the cushioning and protection this shoe provided them with on the road.

The new Gel Contend 4 is a very high quality, durable running shoe that costs just a fraction of the price of some other running shoes on the market. Featuring a standard EVA foam midsole, this running shoe provides enough cushioning for longer runs or even just casual wear. The outsole is made of the very durable Asics High Abrasion Rubber, featuring a Guidance Line and flex grooves for enhanced flexibility and traction and a smooth transition throughout the gait cycle. There is a Rearfoot Gel Cushioning in the heel of the shoe, which is an excellent shock absorber and a removable Ortholite sockliner for added cushioning.

The Gel Contend 4 is suitable for those with mild overpronation issues since it provides sufficient stability. The upper is now made of a soft mesh material that allows the air to circulate freely throughout the shoe, helping with keeping the feet dry and cool. The extra padding in the collar and tongue coupled with the standard lacing system provide stability for the ankles, while the wider midfoot and toe box is excellent for people with various foot shapes. The Gel Contend 4 comes in a variety of color schemes, making this shoe a great choice for working out or even just casual wear. All in all, the Gel Contend 4 is an excellent, high quality running shoe that will last you a long time and won’t exhaust your wallet.