Adidas Questar 3 vs ASICS Gel Pulse 16
On paper, compared with the Adidas Questar 3, the ASICS Gel Pulse 16 is 66 g lighter, 1.7 mm more drop, 3 mm more heel stack, Ride +1.5.
 AdidasQuestar 3 |  ASICSGel Pulse 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 7.17 | 9.00 |
| Ride | 7.0 | 8.5 |
| Design & Comfort | 7.5 | 9.0 |
| Value | 7.0 | 9.5 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹3,000 | ₹3,401 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Budget | Budget |
| Weight | 306 g | 240 g |
| Heel stack | 33.5 mm | 36.5 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 25 mm | 26.3 mm |
| Drop | 8.5 mm | 10.2 mm |
| Foam | Cloudfoam Plus | – |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | neutral | mild support |
| Fit | – | narrow |
| Sizing | – | true to size |
| Recommended runner weight | All runners, including heavy (90 kg+) | 60–90 kg |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ | Easy runsBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ |
| Pros | Soft Cloudfoam Plus, softer than Galaxy 7, Ultrarun 5 and Runfalcon · Good impact protection, no harshness when running faster · Thin, breathable, premium-feeling upper · Plush tongue and soft heel padding · Laces he really likes · Slightly better wet traction than the Galaxy 7 · Works for casual and office wear | Soft, max-cushion midsole · Very comfortable |
| Cons | No energy return · No heel counter or stability features · Still nervous on wet surfaces · Not for high mileage or fast running · Durability not suited to heavy use · Retail price too high | Narrow forefoot · Little energy return |
| Avoid if | Avoid it if you have ankle stability problems, run over 30 to 40 km a week, run faster than 5 min/km, or need a very durable shoe. | You have a wide forefoot or want a bouncy, energetic ride. |
My verdicts
Adidas
Questar 3
The Questar 3 surprised me with its soft, protective ride and premium-feeling upper, a step up from the Galaxy 7. It suits beginners and heavier beginners running slowly up to 10 km, but only at ₹3,000 to ₹3,500, not at retail.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you have ankle stability problems, run over 30 to 40 km a week, run faster than 5 min/km, or need a very durable shoe.
Read reviewASICS
Gel Pulse 16
The best budget max-cushion shoe for beginners: soft and very comfortable.
Avoid if: You have a wide forefoot or want a bouncy, energetic ride.
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