Gel-Contend 9

The Contend 9 sits above the Contend 4B+ and below the Gel-Excite and Gel-Pulse in ASICS' range. It uses AmpliFoam Plus, ASICS' entry-level running foam, which is a little less soft and less responsive than the Excite 10's. I ran an 8 km run plus two or three shorter runs. The ride is moderate and steady: not plush, not bouncy, but not dead like many cheap Indian-brand foams. The heel is softer than the forefoot, so heel strikers will feel more cushion. The upper is the standout for the price: soft, breathable and thin, with a raised toe box, a plush tongue, thick heel padding, a stiff heel counter and overlays that stop the foot sliding. It's a neutral shoe for normal and high arches, not for flat feet or overpronation. The outsole rubber is thick and durable but slipped in the wet. I sized up 1 cm (to 28 cm) for more forefoot room, as the shoe isn't very broad. Expect around 800 km if you only run in it and leave a thumb-width of toe room. Buy it under ₹2,500. It suits beginners under about 75–80 kg, running slower than 6:00–7:00/km, about 30 km a week, with long runs of 8–10 km.