ASICS Gel Venture 6 Review – Women’s & Men’s

Last Reviewed on 12 March 2019 - Minor Update - 13 December 2018 Main Content Update

by Curtis

Asics Venture 6

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ASICS Mens Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe, Aluminum
$54.95 (USD)
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Asics Shoes
91
Overall

Pros

  • A shoe that may help supinators
  • A good trail shoe - good grip
  • Good for Power Trail Walkers
  • Removable Insoles for orthotics
  • Wider Toe Box
  • Supportive heel area
  • Good Breathability

Cons

  • Casual trail walkers have better options
  • Narrow toe box for most
  • Not really waterproof

This is an out and out trail shoe best suited to dedicated trail power walkers and runners. 

It is a good option for supinators in that category and offers many benefits for that particular class of walker.

For those who are more moderate walkers or walking on regular surfaces the ASICS Gel Kayano would probably be a better shoe. The Gel Venture 6 is substantively less flexible than the Kayano (as it needs to be for trail walking).


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I love doing ASICS reviews because they never fail to impress and the Gel Venture 6 Shoe just seemed like the next best option to look into especially since I’ve started to walk on trails more.

My buddies and I always hit the mountains whenever we get the chance but doing so in regular walking shoes isn’t always the best idea.

You get tears in your expensive shoes and risk damaging your feet. Luckily, ASICS might just have the solution.

Women's Version of
ASICS Gel-Venture 6
Shoe for the Trail

General Overview

​The ASICS Gel Venture 6 is the latest of its kind and is one of the best and most affordable trail walking and running shoes on the market.

These shoes are extremely durable and provide the necessary traction, impact dispersion, and comfort to last you during long trail walks and adventures in forests and mountains.

The Venture 6 is a great all-terrain shoe that will keep your feet safe and comfortable as you go through your favorite activities.

Sizing

One of the main complaints about the Venture 6 shoe was that at times it ran narrow especially around the heel and toe area, which is a common issue most online reviewers have.

22% savings
ASICS Mens Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe, Aluminum
$54.95 (USD)
(As of: Nov 3, 6:23 pm UTC) - Details
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Men's Version of the ASICS
Gel-Venture 6 –
Rugged Yet Comfortable

This could be due to the fact that when ordering online people go with what they think their shoe size is whereas they should measure their feet every time they buy shoes, especially if they are ordering online.

Brands use different manufacturers and even different shoe models within the same brand can have sizing differences so always use the online measuring tools available on most eCommerce sites.

So head on over to our article on properly measuring your feet and then check out which size to buy for your specific foot shape.

Outsole

ASICS Gel-Venture 6 for
Women – Get on the Trail

This is, by all means, a trail shoe. So whether you are a seasoned trail walker or runner you are likely going to find that the Venture 6’s get the job done.

There is a single-piece ASICS High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) outsole that delivers durability and provides somewhat of a flexible experience.

Because trail walking requires enhanced grip, the outsoles use multi-directional lugs which are perfect for traction in rough and uneven terrain. The outsole is your first line of defense and ASICS has done a great job to make sure your foot is safe from dangerous elements, dirt, and debris.​

ASICS Gel Venture 6
Rugged Lust for Comfort

Features of the Midsole

If you’ve had an ASICS walking shoe before you probably know where I’m going with this. 

The Venture 6 shoe uses ASICS own proprietary GEL technology for its midsole construction.

The FEL acts as a cushion that absorbs shock from the ground and evenly distributes impact allowing for an easy transition from heel to ball and toe.

In past models, customers complained that the shoe was generally heavy and the midsole didn’t propel them up enough. ASICS has responded with a heightened midsole and cushioning to ensure proper kinetic buildup and release for optimal spring-off.

Yes, these are heavy shoes but it won’t give you too much trouble.

Features of the Insole

One thing I love about ASICS is that they always pay particular attention to the insoles unlike some brands that invest a lot in midsole technology and sort of leave the insole to fend for itself.

The fabric used on the inside of the shoe is hydrophobic which means you aren’t going to go home with drowned feet after walking in the rain.

An essential feature missing from cheaper shoes and even some more expensive ones, is a removable sock liner.

19% savings
ASICS Mens Gel-Venture 6 Shoe, Indigo Blue
$54.95 (USD)
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ASICS Gel Venture 6
Hard Yet Forgiving

This makes it extremely convenient for people who need custom or medical orthotics for their overpronation or flat feet.

There is necessary space so that even with custom insoles and added cushioning the shoe fits snug but not too tight.

Oddly enough, the Men’s Gel Venture 6 insole has relatively high arch support for people with over pronounced arches or those who suffer from supination.

One reviewer said he didn’t feel the need for custom orthotics the first month he used the shoe but after it started to deteriorate he felt the need to pop in his own but still praised the comfort and accommodation of the shoe.

Obviously your own mileage may differ depending upon your foot type.

So if you suffer from supination, where you put the majority of your weight on the outside portions of your feet, you may find these shoes very beneficial.

​Heel Area & Achilles Support

ASICS Gel Venture 6
On the Road to Success

​This is one aspect of the Venture 6 you just can’t go wrong with.

Just to be clear this is a rough and tough shoe that still maintains some extent of flexibility but in terms of durability and trail suitability, no need to look any further.

The support is especially noticeable in the heel area where the strapped fabric extends well beyond the back sides of the shoe to keep the foot snug and in place.

There are also to collars that pop out of the back and slightly curve forming a “W”, this is likely done to prevent chafing on the Achilles.

A few reviewers liked the little strap on the back that you could slip your finger into to help squeeze your foot into the shoe for quick access.

Lacing

​There’s not much to be said about lacing apart from the fact that one reviewer was very disappointed. So much so it caused them to give the shoe a single star out of five!

In their words, the shoe was completely unsuitable for running as the heel-lock lacing was missing the supportive eyelets found in past models.

This was surprising, to say the least because most reviewers praised it as an ideal trail and mountain ring shoe. In any case, as it relates to trail and mountain walking, you won’t find any problems in the lacing department.

22% savings
ASICS Mens Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe, Aluminum
$54.95 (USD)
(As of: Nov 3, 6:23 pm UTC) - Details
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You may be outside your comfort
zone – you're feet won't be

The Upper

This is one of the most impressive aspects of the shoe.

Not only is this an extremely durable shoe, capable of handling difficult, wet and rocky terrain but it is also well ventilated and keeps moisture out!

The ASICS Men’s Gel Venture 6 Shoe has a synthetic mesh upper that provides necessary breathability and keeps your feet cool while keeping the inside moisture-free.

As if that weren’t enough, the fabric is sewn in such a way so as to keep debris and dirt out, making this an easy to clean but also a protective shoe.

According to one source, the inside cushioning has antibacterial properties but don’t quote me on that. In any case these treatments do not last for the life of the shoe, Nevertheless a nice addition. 

The shoe is very comfortable and fits snug around the foot. The upper is also one of the most flexible parts of the shoe which is good because for the most part, this is a rigid and tough shoe with lax responsiveness.


Comfort is a Luxury
Great Shoes a Necessity

Foot or Toe Box

Don’t worry your toes are safe, you know, unless you decide to kick a rock or something.

The AHAR outsole breaches up the toe area for enhanced protection and water resistance. There are also straps that run along the entire upper which act as design elements but also add support and stability.

A few reviewers complained that the toe area was where the felt the shoe was most narrow which is a problem for people like myself who ahve slightly wider than average feet.

Breathability

7% savings
ASICS Mens Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe, Phantom
$59.95 (USD)
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Your Feet Take a Pounding
They Deserve a Little Comfort

​For what it’s worth this is a very breathable and well-ventilated shoe with proper air circulation and moisture regulation.

This is really something worth giving praise to because more often than not shoe manufacturers chose between protection and water resistance or ventilation and flexibility.

Kudos to ASICS for getting the best of both worlds!

The Venture 6 shoe is not only adequately water resistant but it does a great job of keeping your feet cool and circulating air throughout to make sure your feet don’t over sweat and cause painful blistering.

This is one aspect a few hardcore mountain walking and trail walking reviewers mentioned as their routine sports require long-term exposure to the outdoors, so ventilation is critical.

It is also a good feature for people using the shoe for less strenuous forms of exercise, ensuring the foot stays drier as your feet tend to sweat when walking at any speed faster than a stroll.

Comfort, Stability & Support

Apart from the weight being on the heavier side, the Kayano 25 shoes are very comfortable specifically on long walks or runs. Of course, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend having them all the time.

Dare to challenge yourself
Discover all you can be

​Generally speaking the Venture 6 shoe by ASICS is fairly comfortable. The unique GEL impact tech helps minimize strain placed on the heels and the upper keeps the feet cool and snug.

There is specially added reinforcement to the inner and outer sides of the shoe that not only act as design components but also help keep the foot in place and stable as do the effective heel support elements.

The only problem is longevity. If used extensively the shoe has been known to deteriorate quickly especially on the heel portion, something past models did not suffer from. So initially this is a very comfortable shoe but may lose its cushion-like feel after some time.

Durability

​I hope you have been paying attention, In which case you will know this is one rough, tough, and durable shoe!

Most shoes won’t last three months when used on roads and pavements but you could easily have the Venture 6 around for four to five even if you use them on trails and rough terrain.

19% savings
ASICS Mens Gel-Venture 6 Shoe, Indigo Blue
$54.95 (USD)
(As of: Nov 3, 6:23 pm UTC) - Details
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Life is a Journey
Fitness a Fluid Destination

The one-piece AHAR outsole is well designed and made for treading as is the synthetic mesh which keeps dirt and debris from seeping through and causing damage.

These are perfect long distance trail walking and hiking shoes that are going to last you a long time.

Keep in mind no shoe is indestructible and the Venture 6’s are likely going to lose their initial strength overtime.  

But they are still a durable shoe when considered in the context of terrain and use.

Weight

​Apart from sizing people complained most about how heavy the ASICS Gel Venture 6 Shoes are. The average men’s shoe comes in at around 11.2 ounces which is heavy, to say the least.

This is common amongst some long distance and trail ASICS shoes but for first-time trail walkers, the shoes may seem like Thor’s hammer…

Despite the relatively bulky build and heavy shoe, there is still a good amount of comfort and cushioning as well as some flexibility both in the midsole and upper.

Design

​For what it’s worth, this is probably one of the best looking trail walking and running shoes I have seen.

​This might not rank up there with the best cool sneaker or fashion shoe and you probably aren’t going to go to work in these… unless you’re a wildlife ranger or something.

For their intended use, which is as a trail shoe, honestly, they as look great as you'd expect them to!

There is a wide selection of colors like orange, green, and blue that mostly interchange with a preset design structure highlighting black, grey, and white with the ASICS signature lines running across the sides of the shoe.

One reviewer mentioned how much he loved the little “a” at the back of the shoe and the word “GEL” etched into the midsole.

Little things are sometimes more important than they seem.

​Responsiveness, Feel, and Flexibility

​The real test for the Venture 6 is how it ranks on the responsiveness and flexibility scale.

In terms of feel, you are getting your money’s worth. This is a comfortable shoe with enhanced arch support and a cushiony insole.

Unfortunately, since this is a heavy duty shoe the responsiveness and flexibility are somewhat lacking. This is though to be expected with a shoe meant to handle rugged surfaces and provide some protection to the foot sole via the shoe sole.

The outsole and midsole materials are generally flexible as is the synthetic mesh upper but the designers had to go with a shoe that was more terrain suited than flexible.

In any case, you aren’t going to be sprinting in these so whatever flexibility there is should be enough.

A few reviews said the shoe felt tight, unresponsive, and rigid but slightly more improved from past models.

Terrain Suitability

​All-terrain means all-terrain.

The ASICS Men’s Gel Venture 6 Shoes have incredible outsoles and traction making them suitable for almost any terrain you can think of.

Apart from the single-piece AHAR outsole, it's the multi-directional lugs that run along the bottom of the shoe, almost mimicking the natural structure of the foot, that really give this shoe optimal traction and the ability to perform well in uneven terrain and rough trails.

Then again there is always that one guy who likes to refute everything but I wouldn’t be objective if I didn’t include the review. One gentleman mentioned that on rare occasions his shoes would skid on smooth surfaces - I'd be skating on thin ice not to mention it!

For the most part, however, people love how suitable these shoes are for a wide range of terrains.

In fact, one online commenter said that he would always sleep on wet leaves in the fall while hiking but felt confident and stable with the Venture 6 Shoes by ASICS.

Key Features

  • ​Durable and tough
  • ​Great for trail walking and rough terrain
  • ​Unique GEL midsole technology
  • ​Protective outsole and semi-flexible upper
  • ​Debris resistant

​​

​The bottom Line

​If you are looking to get into trail walking, running, or hiking, then the ASICS Men’s Gel Venture 6 Shoes may just be what you are looking for.

These are extremely durable shoes with GEL tech midsoles and single piece AHAR outsoles for impact absorption and effective traction.

The Venture 6 is an affordable trail shoe with enhanced protection against natural elements as well as a highly breathable upper that is fairly flexible and responsive. There is immense heel and Achilles support for injury prevention.

Pay attention to sizing difference and get used to the weight because this is a shoe you don’t want to miss out on.

Asics Venture 6
5/5 (1 Review)