The Asics Gel Tactic has been around for years and is a personal favorite of mine. Asics updated the design in 2022. Big thanks to John for sending me some photos of the 2022 model, including some side-by-side comparisons with the 2019 model.
Here’s the back view of the 2022 models:
Here they are on the boxes:
A closeup of the soles on the 2022 model:
Here’s a side view of the 2019 model (left) versus the 2022 model. The red arrow is pointing to a newly added plastic piece that seems to have been added for stability.
And lastly here’s a back view. The 2019 model is on the left. You can see the 2022 version comes up slightly higher at the last lace loop.
Arvind says
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Sir can you review or comment on Asics Gel Blade 8 for squash.
Or the out of the blue Asics Gel Court Hunter 2.
I’ll be delighted. Thanks.
I’m Arvind from India.
Matthew says
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I’ve been using the gel blade 8 for a few weeks and I really like them. My previous shoes have been the Blade 7s and the Blade 6s before them. The 8s are more comfortable and feel like they have a little more padding. I still think they feel quite light and agile just not as barefoot as the 6s/7s sometimes felt.
John says
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That’s good to hear! I’ve never had the Blade 6’s or 7’s… but I have a pair of the 8’s coming in the mail, if they’re anything similar to the older Tactic 2’s… I’ll be happy.
I still have the white pair of 2021 tactics above for sale on eBay, if anyone is interested! These shoes are dying for some action 😛
https://www.ebay.com/itm/294356883917
K Arvind says
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Hey there. Have you got your Gel Blade 8 as yet sir.
Any reviews.
John says
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Greetings! So my Blade 8’s came in the mail one week ago today, I have only had two squash sessions with them so far ( I play 1-2x a week), and my feedback is… they are awesome!
I normally wear US size 10.5, but they were sold out of that size for the black pair with gum sole, so I got US size 11, and the first time I wore them I tried them straight out of the box just as they are, and while they played well, the little bit of extra space due to the bigger size had my foot moving around a little bit, so I put in a thicker after market orthotic insole and then used it again for the 2nd time (just a few days ago) and they performed AMAZING. I was quick, but stable, and lite on my feet.
If you get the size you normally wear in Asics shoe’s, they will fit you great and snug but not too tight.
To me they are very similar to the older Gel Tactic 2 model, but just a little bit lighter, but still very supportive because Unlike the Tactic model… the Blade 8 has Asics’ FlyteFoam Technology in the midsole.
Durability so far on them, they have had about 3hrs of court time, and in trouble spots where I always drag my right foot, there is a PGuard rough rubber material and also around the toes the material is like this softened elastic/rubber, reminds me similar to the Gel Fastball 3 upper, but it’s only around the toes and the front bottom of the shoes. With all of these items in place, durability seems like it will last a long time.
5 Stars from me for the Blade 8! 😀
K Arvind says
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Hey there.
Great to hear.
I was sceptical as some said it’s primarily a badminton shoe.
So how’s your experience on court.
Is the front too narrow for comfort or just right.
Thanks again.
In fact if can share some pics on my email it’d be great sir.
arv.classico@gmail.com
Regards.
John says
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Howdy everyone!
John here, these are my shoes above. I have listed the white pair above for sale on eBay.
Sad to admit, but the Tactic models aren’t going to work out for me this 2021 generation. They are more supportive and padded for comfort (I mean, that’s a good thing right?!), But because of this they are just a tad heavier than the 2019 models I have, and a little bit more bulkier. Like I said these are good things, but for me personally, I’m a pretty aggressive mover, pretty quick and like to stay light and agile, and these shoes just kind of seem to inhibit me from doing that and I found myself not moving as well as I usually do.
I’ve worn them for 3 squash sessions, each lasting approximately 80 minutes each, so total these shoes have just about or just under 4hrs of court time, with some very little scuffs.
I got them for $84.95, I am asking $60 OBO which I think is a pretty fair ask for the condition they are in.
Thanks!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/294356883917