ASICS Gel-Tactic 2 Review

Grip: 8

Responsiveness: 8

Cushion: 8

Comfort: 8

Durability: 9

Review:

The ASICS Gel-Tactic 2 are a great value volleyball shoe that performs very well in all metrics making it a great option for athletes.

The outer sole has an aggressive pattern that provides plenty of traction with no sliding, which is perfect for lateral movements. I found this grip was great on both taraflex and wooden flooring. The outer sole is very hard for the first couple of sessions but once it has been worn in the grip becomes very good. The gel rear foot cushioning makes for a comfortable base for the heel, while the mid/forefoot has the EVA spongelike cushioning providing plenty of support to the forefoot, which is key for jumping and fast driving movement as most of the force goes through the forefoot. This forefoot technology is a big step up from the ASICS Gel-Rocket 10, making a responsive midsole which suits the dynamic nature of volleyball. This high performance innersole cushioning also provides great comfort to the whole foot which was noticed especially towards the end of sessions.

The synthetic leather and mesh combination makes for a breathable yet wear resistant material to encase the foot. The mesh toe box is firm enough to prevent slide within the shoe leading to a very responsive feel. The thicker heel cushioning locks your heel in place providing good stability to the foot and ankle. The mix of mobile and firmer materials in specific places provide a great balance between protection, comfort and performance. Unlike the Nike React Hyperset, this shoe has a traditional tongue that sits lower on the front of the ankle which I found extremely comfortable.

The fit of the Gel-Tactic 2 is true to size and is shaped to accommodate all foot shapes. The ASICS running shoe feel is continued in their court shoe by following their trademark shape and providing good arch support. I found that the stable heel section combined with the perfectly shaped toe box allowed enough room for my foot to breathe & avoid high pressure areas while still being tight enough for optimum performance.

Because of the aggressive grip pattern and firm outer sole material, the shoe's traction remained outstanding throughout the season. The combination of mesh and synthetic leather offered the right balance between mobility for performance and protection against wear. The upgraded cushioning remained comfortable and effective throughout the season. The shoe showed no signs of detaching in any placed and is an extremely durable and well made product.

With the aggressive outer sole grip, upgraded forefoot cushioning and wear resistant material, the ASICS Gel-Tactic 2 is a well rounded volleyball specific shoe and in my opinion is better value than the ASICS Gel-Rocket 10. I was extremely impressed with the balance found between offering good stability and protection to the foot while maintaining mobility and dynamic responsiveness for high performance. This is a great volleyball shoe for a very reasonable price.

Rating: 8.2/10

Pros

• Very good grip and responsiveness

• Improved cushioning and comfort than previous ASICS

• Quality build providing a long lasting shoe

• Extremely cheap for a shoe this good

• Perfect fit & shoe shape

• Complete shoe that isn't lacking in any particular metric

Cons

• Takes some time to wear in the cushioning and grip

My verdict: I've found that this is one of the best value volleyball specific shoes on the market. The grip and responsiveness made for great performance. The quality design ensures this volleyball shoe lasts a long time.

Value: $160 AUD - Great value for a very good all-round shoe!

Questions?