The Asics Gel Blade 8 is landing! Thanks to John for the tip.
The Asics Gel Blade 8 appears to have have undergone a significant redesign from the Asics Gel Blade 7. Here’s a side-by-side image comparison:
The Blade 8 is in black on the right. You can see they have simplified the design — there are now two “teeth” on the outsole instead of three, and where the outsole connects to the upper there’s now a single tooth instead of three. I think that’s important because one of the complaints I’ve heard about this shoe (from squash players) is they tend to fall apart around the teeth over time. Hopefully this updated design will prove more durable.
More from the Asics product description:
The upper has been reconstructed to promote a more supportive foothold. It keeps your foot locked-in when making quick transitions.
By raising the heel collar height, this shoe offers more stability while allowing your foot to move more freely.
It’s difficult to tell those differences just by looking at the photos. I will have to buy a pair to make a proper comparison ?
Men
Black
Deep Sea Teal / Glow Yellow
Glacier Grey Sunrise Red
Women
White / Sunrise Red
White / Pure Silver
Lapis Lazuli Blue / Blazing Coral
John says
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Hi all!
Thought I’d leave my comments and opinions about these shoes – This is John, I was the one who gave Pierre the tips and photos of the new Gel Tactic 2021’s in comparison to the older 2019 ‘Gel Tactic 2’ models.
Because the Tactic 2021 models got beefed up a little bit for more cushion and support, I did not like them as much as the older Gel Tactic 2 model, which were supportive and comfortable enough, but still light and very agile.
I got a pair of the Blade 8’s instead in the Black colourway with the gum sole, and I think they are fantastic for Squash. I’ve never tried any previous Blade versions in the past.
To me, Blade 8 has lots of similarities to the older Gel Tactic 2 – they are comfy and supportive, but with a lower profile to stay light and agile and quick on court.
Unlike the Tactic 2, on the medial side of both feet there is that strong rubber ‘PG Guard’ piece that sticks out, and will greatly help with durability as that is a very common area for me to drag my right foot.
Plus adding to the comfort and support category and unlike the older Tactic models, the midsole on Blade 8 is Asics’ FlyteFoam, which are awesome in my book!
All in all, I give the Blade 8, a 5/5.
Love ’em!
Tim Liu says
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7 was more of a squash shoe as there were some protection around big toe for “dragging” and also the back heel seems to be lower which both were more designed for squash. This new 8 looks more like for badminton.
Tor says
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My God. Drastic change indeed. Hope they feel the same on and during play, if not i have to buy a batch of the 7s. Best squash shoe ever made