Asics Gel Pulse 12 Review Analysis (2022)
Last update: April 2024
The Asics Gel Pulse 12 is a good running shoe that’s affordable and reliable for daily workouts.
The Consensus
Its main asset is the ultra-resistant AHAR rubber outsole that easily lasts several hundred miles. The Gel Pulse is therefore ideal for daily runs and especially long ones. The grip is also excellent, including on wet pavement, as noted by several testers.
Cushioning is more basic with AmpliFoam, Asics’ mid-range foam (sorry, no Flytefoam here), and a Gel pad under the heel. The result, while not stunning, is more than decent for a comfortable ride. On the other hand, the shoe is stable, which will reassure runners (overpronators or not) who prefer a well-structured platform. However, this version 12 follows the new direction taken by the P11 with a thicker sole (31-mm stack height under the heel) at the expense of weight: 11 oz/312 g for men and 9 oz/255 g for women, which is rather heavy.
The fit of the shoe is the main negative point: several runners found the Gel Pulse 12 too narrow. The previous model suffered from the same problem, which obviously has not been corrected.
In summary, the Asics Gel Pulse 12 brings few modifications compared to the 11th model, which marked a major overhaul of the series. The result is a reliable and affordable shoe—a good choice for daily workouts.
- Good comfort
- Effective and stable cushioning
- A sturdy shoe built to last
- Budget option
- Narrow fit
- Heavyweight and bulky design
Technologies
Outsole
- The outsole of the Asics Gel Pulse 12 is equipped with AHAR Plus, a robust carbon rubber under the heel made to withstand wear on the roads to keep the shoe longer. It also promotes good grip for enhanced traction especially when it rains.
- AHAR has a sponge-like texture for a softer feel under the forefoot.
Midsole
- The midsole relies on Amplifoam, a soft yet dense foam to be more solid (it doesn’t collapse easily). It offers a plush and stable ride.
- Also, the Rearfoot Gel cushioning pad positioned under the heel enhances impact absorption.
- The Guidance Line is a unique flex groove that allows the shoe to bend and adapt to your movement for a comfortable and fast ride.
- Finally, the Ortholite sockliner improves step-in comfort.
Upper
- The Asics Gel Pulse 12’s upper is an engineered mesh that promotes a secure and comfortable foot lockdown while letting the foot breathe.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 12 mm |
| Heel stack height | 31 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 19 mm |
| Weight (men) | 312 g/11 oz |
| Weight (women) | 255 g/9 oz |
| Fit | Narrow feet |
| Release year | 2020 |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 3 – Moderate |
| Bounce (1-5) | 2 – Low |
Technologies
| Outsole | AHAR, AHAR Plus |
| Midsole | Amplifoam, Rearfoot Gel, Guidance Line, Ortholite |
| Upper | Engineered mesh |
Use
| Speed | Slow, moderate |
| Distance | Mid, long, half marathon, marathon |
| Workout | Daily runs |
Reference: ASICS’s website
Comparisons – Asics Gel Pulse 12 vs.:
Asics Gel Pulse 11
Asics has already thoroughly redesigned the Pulse series in 2019 with the 11th model, increasing the stack height for a more comfortable ride. The Pulse 12 builds on this new foundation with a similar configuration without much change. Let’s note that the drop is higher though with 12 mm compared to 8 mm before.
Asics Gel Nimbus 23
The Nimbus offers a similar configuration, but with a more premium build. For example, there is Flytefoam foam instead of Amplifoam and two Gel capsules instead of one. On the whole, runners find the Nimbus more comfortable with its wider fit suitable for more runners. However, there’s quite a difference price-wise, with the Nimbus costing about $80 more than the Pulse. Is it really worth the difference? We don’t think so. See the side-by-side comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, this model fits true to size. Indeed, we haven’t yet seen reviews from athletes indicating that it fits too big or too small. Therefore, you can order your normal size for running shoes. However, note that the Gel Pulse 12 is a bit narrow, so it may not be suitable for athletes with wider feet.
Yes, this shoe should be suitable for everyone. Indeed, it’s a neutral running shoe. As a result, its goal is to suit all athletes regardless of their pronation type. Although it’s naturally stable, it’s not equipped with support features to prevent overpronation. In any case, let’s note that there’s no scientific evidence that stability models are superior to neutral shoes to prevent injury.
Yes, this model is fine independently of your weight as it features a relatively high stack height.
This Asics road shoe is sturdy and comfortable with a rather thick sole, making it suitable for long distances. Therefore, it’s a good option for marathon running even if its heavy weight is not ideal for speedwork. If the goal is to break your PB, then a racing model would be more appropriate.
These shoes are available in two versions: regular and Gore-Tex (GTX). The regular version is designed to avoid small water infiltrations and dry quickly. The Gore-Tex version offers more advanced protection that keeps your feet dry even in heavy rain. However, the Gore-Tex version is more expensive, heavier, and less breathable.
