ASICS Women's Gel-Excite 11 Running Shoes, 8, Dark vs New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running

Price Comparison

The ASICS Women's Gel-Excite 11 Running Shoes are priced at $74.95, making them about 37% cheaper than the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 860 V14 Running Shoe, which retails for $119.88. This significant price difference may influence your decision if you are budget-conscious, as the ASICS model provides a solid performance at a lower cost. While the New Balance shoe is priced higher, it is essential to consider whether the additional features justify the expense for your running needs.

Comfort and Cushioning

In terms of comfort, both shoes offer advanced cushioning technologies designed to enhance the running experience. The ASICS Women's Gel-Excite 11 features FF BLAST PLUS cushioning and AMPLIFOAM PLUS cushioning, providing a soft and comfortable ride. In contrast, the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 860 V14 boasts a Fresh Foam X midsole, which is designed to deliver an incredibly cushioned experience. Both shoes focus on underfoot comfort, but the ASICS model emphasizes a blend of cushioning and responsiveness, while the New Balance prioritizes maximum comfort.

Design and Aesthetics

When it comes to design, the ASICS Women's Gel-Excite 11 presents a vibrant color scheme of Dark Pink Clay and Orange Glow, appealing to those who appreciate a lively appearance. On the other hand, the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 860 V14 has a more subdued look with its Black, Phantom, and Angora color combination. The choice between these two designs will largely depend on personal preference, whether you prefer the boldness of the ASICS or the classic tone of the New Balance.

Fit and Sizing

The ASICS Women's Gel-Excite 11 is available in a specific size of 8, while the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 860 V14 offers a size of 9.5. This difference may affect your decision based on your foot size and fit preferences. The ASICS model is designed to provide a comfortable and versatile fit, while the New Balance shoe features an adjustable lace closure for a secure fit. If you prioritize a tailored fit, the New Balance may be more appealing due to its adjustable feature.

Performance and Stability

In terms of performance, the ASICS Women's Gel-Excite 11 is designed for versatility in running and fitness routines, emphasizing comfort during various activities. The New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 860 V14, however, incorporates Stability Plane technology, making it suitable for longer distances and providing reliable support. If you are an avid runner looking for stability over distance, the New Balance may offer superior performance, while the ASICS could be more suited for varied workouts.

Durability

Both shoes are constructed with durability in mind, but they utilize different technologies to achieve this. The ASICS Women's Gel-Excite 11 features a FLUIDRIDE outsole, which aids in creating smoother strides, while the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 860 V14 is built with a durable rubber outsole. The ASICS model is noted for its lightweight and breathable mesh upper, which helps reduce the need for additional overlays, potentially enhancing durability. The New Balance shoe, with its synthetic materials, also promises longevity. Your choice may depend on whether you value a lightweight feel or robust synthetic construction.

Brand Reputation

ASICS and New Balance are both reputable brands within the running shoe market, each with their loyal followings. The ASICS Women's Gel-Excite 11 holds a bestseller rank of 2352, indicating a solid sales performance, while the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 860 V14 has a higher rank of 13111. This may suggest that the ASICS model is more popular among buyers, possibly due to its affordability combined with performance features. Brand loyalty and past experiences with either company may also influence your decision.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the ASICS Women's Gel-Excite 11 and the New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X 860 V14 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a more affordable option with a vibrant design and versatile performance, the ASICS model stands out at $74.95. Conversely, if you prioritize maximum comfort and stability for long-distance runs, the New Balance shoe, despite its higher price of $119.88, may be worth the investment. Both shoes offer unique benefits, so consider your running habits and style preferences when making your decision.