We designed the ASICS GEL PULSE™ to be a lightweight, comfortable running shoe. That provides unbeatable comfort with every stride you take, without you having to worry about runner’s fatigue and unwanted weight.

As a larger guy I always prefer a shoe with plenty cushioning in the heel and support around the the ankle cuff and the Gel-pulse 12 has both making them very stable The GEL-PULSE™ is one of our most popular neutral running shoes. The responsive range is designed for medium-mileage running and is perfectly suited for road running and working out on the treadmill. This range of neutral running shoes offers a soft and responsive ride, and vibrant and attractive stylings, making them an eye-catching addition to your running wardrobe. I'm a neutral runner myself and these shoes are perfect for neutral runners. The shoe feels pretty firm when I wear it; it is not particularly wide or small and you can feel that the material fits firmly around your feet. I have a normal arch and that fits well although the firmness might hinder if you have a high arch so I would recommend to test the shoe first if you have a high arch.Fresh out of the box I was pleasantly surprised by the weight of these shoes, they were much lighter than I expected. This doesn't mean the shoes are very flexible, they actually feel pretty firm. The shoes look well streamlined and I love the colourways available, both neutral colours that you can match easily with your kit and flashy colours to make your shoes stand out. The sole of the shoes and the gel in the heel are coloured as well what I think is a nice detail. For me a trainer not only has to stand out aesthetically it has to stand out in its performance, and although I’m a relatively novice runner in terms of racing experience I know what I expect from a shoe. Firstly I have to say I can’t compare these to any of the previous Gel-Pulse models as these are the first pair I’ve owned If you're looking for an allround shoe or your first running shoe, the ASICS GEL-PULSE 12 is definitely a good option. Lightweight, supportive and cushioned, the shoe has it all for a decent price. Its main asset is the ultra-resistant AHAR rubber outsole that easily lasts several hundred miles. The Gel Pulse is therefore ideal for daily runs and especially long ones. The grip is also excellent, including on wet pavement, as noted by several testers.

Along with that the Combination of the Amplifoam midsole and the rearfoot Gel technology cushioning means this shoe gives you a very comfortable and smooth ride I would recommend these shoes for neutral beginning runners and runners who are looking for an allround shoe to hit the tarmac. If you have a high arch I would recommend to test the shoe first as it might be a bit too firm.

If you like this shoe and want to have a bit more cushioning (or high arch) I recommend to look into the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS series as well; these are similar to the GEL-PULSE 12 good neutral allround shoes. The latest range of GEL-PULSE™ trainers feature an updated jacquard mesh upper, with overlay reinforcement on the forefoot and a double-mesh heel to secure the rearfoot, all to deliver unbeatable comfort and support that lasts. The material is also more breathable than ever before, which guarantees greater comfort.

The fit of the shoe is the main negative point: several runners found the Gel Pulse 12 too narrow. The previous model suffered from the same problem, which obviously has not been corrected.