ASICS Gel Pulse 16 vs US Polo Assn Sport RunPro
On paper, compared with the ASICS Gel Pulse 16, the US Polo Assn Sport RunPro is 10 g heavier, 5.2 mm less drop, ₹3,100 pricier, Ride −3.5.
 ASICSGel Pulse 16 |  US Polo AssnSport RunPro | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 9.00 | 5.33 |
| Ride | 8.5 | 5.0 |
| Design & Comfort | 9.0 | 6.0 |
| Value | 9.5 | 5.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹3,401 | ₹6,500 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Budget | Budget |
| Weight | 240 g | 250 g |
| Heel stack | 36.5 mm | 35 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 26.3 mm | 30 mm |
| Drop | 10.2 mm | 5 mm |
| Foam | – | – |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | mild support | neutral |
| Fit | narrow | wide |
| Sizing | true to size | go down half |
| Recommended runner weight | 60–90 kg | Under 80 kg |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ | Easy runsWalking |
| Pros | Soft, max-cushion midsole · Very comfortable | Light, about 250 g in UK8 · Very breathable paper-thin jacquard mesh · Good heel lockdown from the lacing · Grippy on dry tarmac · Fashionable colourways |
| Cons | Narrow forefoot · Little energy return | Dead foam with no energy return · Brand's TPU claim is not true · Plastic 'plate' does nothing · Runs very large · No heel counter, ankle collapses inwards · No grip in wet conditions · Not worth ₹6,500 retail |
| Avoid if | You have a wide forefoot or want a bouncy, energetic ride. | Avoid it if you are a serious runner, run fast, weigh over 80 kg, or have flat feet, overpronation, Achilles pain or plantar fasciitis. |
My verdicts
ASICS
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.
Read reviewUS Polo Assn
Sport RunPro
The foam is dead and the plate is cheap plastic, so I would not recommend it to serious runners even at ₹3,000 to ₹4,500. It only suits light, slow, occasional runners who want a fashionable shoe.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you are a serious runner, run fast, weigh over 80 kg, or have flat feet, overpronation, Achilles pain or plantar fasciitis.
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