ASICS Gel-Contend 10 vs Gel-Excite 11
Gel-Contend 10 or Gel-Excite 11? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want a simple, affordable shoe for walking and easy runs? Get the Gel-Contend 10.
Want a stable, affordable shoe for easy runs and walking? Get the Gel-Excite 11.
Get the Gel-Contend 10 if
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You need a roomier fit
- You like a flexible, natural-feeling forefoot
Get the Gel-Excite 11 if
- You want a little more give underfoot
- You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
- You want the lighter shoe, by about 1 oz
On the run
Gel-Contend 10: The no-frills starter shoe. Firm and simple, with modest cushioning and very little bounce. A sensible starter shoe for walking and easy runs.
Gel-Excite 11: Stable, affordable everyday shoe. Very stable and well cushioned for the price, with a firm ride and almost no bounce. Best for beginners, walking and easy runs, especially for heel strikers.
The Gel-Contend 10 hasn’t been lab tested by RunRepeat yet, so its feel ratings carry over from the Gel-Contend 9 lab test (RunRepeat); no lab test of the 10 yet.
Specs side by side
| Gel-Contend 10 | Gel-Excite 11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $80 | $90 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | Not listed by ASICS | Not listed by ASICS |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Weight, men’s | 11.2 oz | 10.2 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 10 oz | Not listed by ASICS |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard | Standard |
| Built for | Easy days, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 300–400 miles | 350–450 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Gel-Contend 10. True to size with plenty of room in the toebox. Wide and extra-wide available.
Gel-Excite 11. Runs slightly short, so consider a half size up. Wide and extra-wide available. Not very breathable.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Gel-Contend 10 · Shop the Gel-Excite 11 · Compare other running shoes