ASICS Excite 11 vs ASICS Gel Pulse 16
On paper, compared with the ASICS Excite 11, the ASICS Gel Pulse 16 is 50 g lighter, ₹4,600 cheaper, Ride +1.5.
 ASICSExcite 11 |  ASICSGel Pulse 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 7.50 | 9.00 |
| Ride | 7.0 | 8.5 |
| Design & Comfort | 8.0 | 9.0 |
| Value | 7.5 | 9.5 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹8,000 | ₹3,401 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Budget | Budget |
| Weight | 290 g | 240 g |
| Heel stack | 38.2 mm | 36.5 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 27.4 mm | 26.3 mm |
| Drop | 10.8 mm | 10.2 mm |
| Foam | AmpliFoam Plus | – |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | – | mild support |
| Fit | standard | narrow |
| Sizing | go up half | true to size |
| Recommended runner weight | Men 70 to 85 kg; women about 20 to 25 kg less. I weigh 72 kg. | 60–90 kg |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsLong runsBeginnersWalking | Easy runsBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ |
| Pros | Plush, soft AmpliFoam Plus with more stack · Excellent shock absorption · Snug, comfortable upper with a higher toe box · Superb heel counter and collar · Grippier outsole than the Excite 10 · Suits walking, standing and running up to a half marathon | Soft, max-cushion midsole · Very comfortable |
| Cons | Runs small, go half a size up · Heavier, about 290 g in UK 8 · No energy return · Softer upper may tear if toes rub · Poor value at ₹5,000 next to the Nimbus 27 | Narrow forefoot · Little energy return |
| Avoid if | Avoid it at ₹5,000 or more, when the Nimbus 27 and other shoes give much better value. | You have a wide forefoot or want a bouncy, energetic ride. |
My verdicts
ASICS
Excite 11
The Excite 11 is a plusher, more protective beginner shoe than the Excite 10, and worth it at around ₹3,000 to ₹3,500. At ₹5,000, spend a little more on a Nimbus 27 or another shoe that gives far better value.
Avoid if: Avoid it at ₹5,000 or more, when the Nimbus 27 and other shoes give much better value.
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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