Trail Shoe Review- ASICS edition

We recently received our tax return. Like all logical adults, we bought new trail shoes for the family. I know, I know, but sometimes you have to just treat yourself.

We bought ASICS GEL-EXCITE TRAIL 2 for the adults and Kyra. We purchased Manny the ASICS PRE VENTURE 9 GS. The babies received Athletic Works Toddler Girl Mesh Jogger Sneakers from Walmart in purple and gray. The price broken down was $69.95 (pre tax and shipping for all of these numbers) each for Loreé, Derek, and Kyra. Manny was $49.95. Runa and Thorrin were $12.95 a pair. Grand total put us roughly around $300.

These are the reviews after exactly one month of using these shoes and accruing roughly 50 miles during our free time on trail.

Loreé age 36, size 7
PRO- “Lightweight and a ton of vibrant color options for women. No blisters or hot spots to report and the size chart is on point.”
CON- “They really pack mud in the tread during certain conditions, making your shoes weigh more than a hiking boot. I still prefer my knock off hiking sandals, just for customization on size and breathability. This is a nice shoe though.”

Derek age 36, size 9.5
PRO- “They’re light, traction is amazing, very grippy good cushion, and they come in cool colors.”
CON- “They hold mud. Toe cramming is possible if you don’t lace correctly.”

Kyra age 14, size 8
PRO- “The colors.”
CON- “They aren’t waterproof.”

Manny age 11, size 2
PRO- “I like the bottom [tread] because it’s great for climbing everything.”
CON- “Mud gets easily sticking to the bottom and mostly the top too. It flings when you try to get the weight off.”

Runa age 4, size 9
PRO- “The hooks so I can hold it with my fingers like ‘doooop!’” [editor’s note: the shoes are easy to carry because of the loop tag at the heel]
CON- “The tags are stuck on the inside. They are supposeded to be out.” [editor’s note: the sizing tag is sewn to the inside, this is a new pet peeve]

Thorrin age 2, size 8
PRO- “We buy shoes!”
CON- “No shoes in house.”