ASICS
Contend 4B+
A rugged, firm, India-only ASICS built to last 1,000 km for under ₹2,000
Reviewed 10 Jan 2026, Balaji Manoharan
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- Bought with my own money
My verdict
If you want a very durable shoe under ₹2,000 and can adjust to its firmness for the first month, try the Contend 4B+. If you have past injuries and want soft foam, I am not sure it will suit you.
Pros
- Extremely durable foam, outsole and upper
- Very thick, grippy outsole rubber
- Strong upper with overlays and leather panels
- Built for rough terrain, rain or sun
- Under ₹2,000
Cons
- Firm foam with little softness
- Legs may hurt for the first month on roads
- Overlays add weight
- May not suit runners with past injuries
Avoid if
Avoid it if you have past injuries and want soft, protective foam for road running.
Scores
Ride
6.0/10
The foam is firm with little softness, and beginners on roads will feel leg pain for about a month, though it felt forgiving on a slow 10 km.
Design & Comfort
7.0/10
The upper is heavily reinforced with overlays and leather so it will not tear, at the cost of some weight.
Value
7.5/10
For under ₹2,000 I expect over 1,000 km from the foam and rubber, which is excellent.
Watch the review
Specs
- Category
- Budget
- Outsole
- Thick rubber (not ASICS High Abrasion Rubber)
- Recommended runner weight
- Up to about 90 kg
Full review
The ASICS Contend 4B+ is an India-only model that has sold for five or six years. Many police and army trainees use it. ASICS told me people asked for a shoe under ₹2,000 that would not tear or wear down quickly and would grip on hills and hard terrain. That is what this shoe is. I ran 10 km in it and another 6 to 7 km on a separate run. The foam is thick and firm, with little softness. It is built to last, not to cushion. If you are a beginner running on tar roads, expect your legs to hurt for about a month while your muscles adapt. My first run felt odd. On my second, a slow 10 km, the foam felt forgiving. It is much better than the Abros Scorch I ran the day before. The outsole rubber is very thick, roughly double the normal thickness. It is not ASICS High Abrasion Rubber, but a rubber made for this shoe. The upper has many overlays and even leather panels so it does not tear. That adds some weight, but it makes the upper very strong. I expect the foam and rubber to last over 1,000 km. For under ₹2,000, I am really happy ASICS put this much effort into a shoe made for Indian needs. If you get the Contend 4B+ or 5B under ₹2,000, you can try it.
Alternatives
Other shoes worth considering. For a personal pick, try the shoe matcher.
BudgetRed Tape
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Half-marathon racing at this price: a durable, responsive TPU midsole with a wider forefoot.
BudgetRed Tape
Pegasus / Flow+ 3
The perfect half-marathon shoe: an improved Flow+ with a normal upper, better lockdown and a runner's-knot eyelet.
BudgetASICS
Excite 10
The best beginner shoe at this price: a firm heel counter, plush heel padding, a comfy upper and decent arch support.
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