Customer Reviews ASICS GEL-Venture 8

I do not like leaving these reviews so you know if I do it, then something either really upset me or really impressed me. Unfortunately, this review is the former. I really do not understand why manufacturers [of anything] feel the need or desire to change something that works perfectly. In this case, whoever designed the v8 version of this shoe decided to remove the set of lace holes closest to where most people tie their laces (i.e. not the very last "heel lock" hole but the one before that). On v7 there were 7 sets of holes ... now on v8 this has been reduced to 6. A shoe that used to fit perfectly no longer does even though the dimensions of the actual shoe seem the same. The shoe constantly rubs on my heel because the shoe can not be tightened as it used to. Oh, but Asics still provides the "heel lock" hole that I previously mentioned? Yes, they do ... but they don't provide laces that are long enough to actually use it! Look, these shoes are basically disposable. A $60 pair of shoes in year 2021 is not going to last very long (and I don't expect them to). Noone should be surprised by the lower quality ... but is consistency really too much to ask for? I probably should not care about this issue as much as I do but I've been wearing these shoes for a few years now. I became accustomed to how they fit (or how they use to fit) and now that has changed. It just seems like such a waste. Did Asics really save money by punching one less set of lace holes per shoe? I won't be buying another pair so I guess I hope it was worth it to them to save that money yet lose a customer.

Finding wide enough shoes is a never-ending and seemingly ill-fated exercise. Lo and behold, the Asics GEL-Venture 8 in size 10 4E (extra wide) is the widest toe box that I've found in a trail running shoe and the only one that fit reasonably well after trying over a dozen options from Asics, Brooks, New Balance and others (spring 2021). Initial quality seems great. After 2 runs the gel cushioning feels nice underfoot and with the midsole provides good support (love the neutral pronation). I try to run with a midfoot strike and the 10mm drop (less than most other shoes) is appreciated. Didn't have issues with rocks or roots poking up into my foot and the sole provides good traction through muddy uneven terrain (hard-packed dirt, loose/wet rocks, leaves, hills, etc.). Fit is secure, although the laces seem to dig into my foot a bit so I might change them out. Weight is reasonable given they are trail shoes (i.e. built to be tougher). Style is nothing special. Overall I'm just glad something is wide enough to fit that meets my needs for a solid trail running shoe!

My feet are difficult to buy shoes for. Wide & High instep. I was very leary about changing brands. Very few shoes fit. ASICS VENTURE 8 came through. They fit comfortably. Wore them around the house for a day and they are comfortable. I will buy other styles in this brand in the future. These reviews help and especially help finding shoes that fit.

I've only worn New Balance for the last ten years or so, because they have been the only ones that fit my wide feet well. However, their wider selections are getting more and more scarce. Decided to try these Asics and couldn't be more pleased. Fit as well as the New Balance, and better looking than most of the NB offerings in 4E. This model is a cross trainer and yet feels as light as or lighter than most of the NB running shoes I have bought.

they were great.. fit and style were really great, but ended up returning as did not like the gel "feeling"... I tried walking and running on the treadmill and just did not like the "cushiony" feeling..did not feel that sure footed if that make any sense.... going to stick to the original ASICS that I buy.. So far ASICS seem to be the best

Overall I like the fit and comfort of these shoes. My main gripe is that because of the venting that is low on the sides of the shoe, anytime I walk on wet grass or get caught in any bit of rain, my feet and socks get soaking wet. If I never had to walk in wet grass again these would be great. But for this reason alone I probably will only keep these as spares…

Size 14 fit well for my size 14 narrow foot, with room in the toe box, and the heel cup fits snugly so my foot doesn't slip out when I'm walking or hiking. Lightweight with decent lugs for surface gripping on and off trail. I've only worn them a few days at this point, but previous Asics I've worn have held up fairly well.

Not my first pair of these shoes. They are very comfortable and my feet are happy wearing them.

I've been wearing these since they were 5 series. Before, I'd returned many shoes because they hurt. I had Plantar Fasciitis in both feet, followed by severe arthritis of the metatarsals causing my feet to widen. I got size 4E for extra foot room. I'd wear the arch supports out of the 5's in 6 months. I kept buying them because they worked for me. Series 6 supported me a little longer. Series 7 even more when they added memory foam. This was my first pair of series 8. I bought these specifically for the gym use only. They contoured with my foot well, there was no break in period. I was able to train legs and back with no discomfort whatsoever. Since I just got these, I can't brag too much. If something changes, I'll update. If your feet hurt from most shoes, give these a try. Oh, and I do like the style, design, and colors better. If I could change something, I'd make these in solid colors like black and green.

Good fit for my 12 yr old son. He needs a 4E sneaker, so we're very happy that he's finally into men's sizes. As a kid, there were like 3 choices of sneakers in a wide fit. I've always preferred Asics over NB as my favorite wide sneaker style. He likes the look and feel as he's all set for school now!

I wear a size 10 street shoe but needed a size 11 in this shoe

I have a pair of the Gel - 7s and they are wider up front. The Gel -8s pushed the wider part of the top box back which made it narrower up front and pushed my toes together (see attached widths). Had to return. Maybe it was just this shoe? Other shoe felt fine. Would like to try another pair of same but will do some research on other shoes

These fit well and are true to width. They feel very light on the foot. In fact they have brought back my ability to dance, not really but they are quite comfortable and light.

these are terrific shoes they fit just like my gel excite sevens except the soul is maybe a little stiffer which is what I wanted because I want to use for walking on the road and on trails so this is perfect!!

Really nice shoes. We ordered extra wide 4EE and they actually fit. They are well made and comfortable shoes.

Very comfortable for my wide feet. Bought these for my 'outside' shoes to work in. Electric blue was less expensive than other colors but cheaper was better given the usage. Very happy with purchase. ASICS usually fit me best.

Shoes fit perfectly and are exactly what I wanted! Thanks

Good shoe. The only issue I can see is the shoe lace is super flimsy. I just got the shoes a couple days ago but will be buy a spare set of laces right away.

great shoe (Im a 14 double wide and have a hard time finding shoes that fit, felt lucky to find these)

These shoes are very comfortable to walk in.

Third pair of ASICS Gel Venture’s. Great everyday and lightweight trail shoe.

Great fit, just as described, and really fast shipping.