The Asics Gel Venture 5 is one of the best mens running shoes with arch support. It’s made of 100% synthetic material and offers a good amount of comfort and durability.It’s a fairly lightweight shoe that weighs only 303 grams.
This shoe has a midsole drop of 10mm, which is just above standard and may be beneficial for those looking to take a bit of pressure off their heels when running.
Compared to the previous model, the Gel Venture 5 is fitted with a new midsole and can provide excellent traction, especially when taking on rougher terrains.
Arch Support
The Gel Venture 5 offers neutral arch support which makes it a great running shoe for high arches, as well as pronators. The insole is removable, and you may want to consider replacing it. It’s not the most comfortable in comparison to other running shoes on the market, but it isn’t anything terrible either. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, you may want to look at something with a bit more support.
Meanwhile, its EVA foam midsole and GEL cushioning offer additional comfort as well as responsive support. The midsole is both lightweight and responsive. It can also offer decent comfort and good shock-absorption capability. As a neutral shoe, the Gel Venture 5 is primarily designed for people who don’t really need extra support, but several online reviews say otherwise.
The Gel Venture 5’s upper is made of breathable mesh material for that proper ventilation at all times. There are synthetic overlays that are stitched onto the shoe’s upper to offer structured support. There’s also a synthetic toe protection to provide protection for the front area of your feet at all times.
Heel and Ankle Support
What makes the Gel Venture 5 unique is its Rearfoot GEL cushioning system which is placed at the heel cup to absorb any shock brought on by impact during heel strikes. Apart from that, it can also offer extra cushioning, making it really ideal for heel strikers.
Since it’s not a stability shoe, its GEL cushioning system might make you feel a bit off-balanced. However, it has enough ankle support for most people that don’t require something more.
The outsole is specifically designed for trails. It has multi-directional lugs that can hold onto surfaces well, thereby providing you with excellent traction while on the trails. Just like the popular Asics Gel Contend 4, this shoe uses High Abrasion Resistant Rubber (AHAR) which can help resist wear and tear. What’s more, it protects the outsole as well as the wearer from debris and rough surfaces.
Aside from that, the vertical and horizontal flex grooves which cut into the outsole offer added flexibility and allow the wearer to move naturally even in rough terrains.
Overall Shoe Feel
Just like its latest version, the Gel Venture 6, this one comes in a standard length. It has a semi-curved shape which allows the foot’s natural profile to fit securely into it. Moreover, it comes in standard and wide width options.
The cushioning that’s been placed in the Gel Venture 5 offers a decent level of comfort while protecting you from any potential damage brought about by trail running or hiking. It’s also very lightweight which is pretty common among popular trail shoes on the market.
The Gel Venture 5’s breathability keeps your feet from producing foul odors, which can be quite common among trail running shoes. However, having breathability means that it’s not waterproof, which can be an issue depending on where you are running.
Many feel that the Gel Venture requires a bit of a break-in period, though that can be said about many other running shoes. In any case, it’s usually fine after that.
. Also, the toe box is roomy enough to provide your toes with enough wiggle room. It even has a Wide option as well for those with wide feet.
Use
The Gel Venture 5 is more intended for trail running and rougher terrains like hiking and outdoor areas. With it’s multi-directional lugs, it can take on a variety of challenging surfaces such as dirt, mud and sand.
However, many people feel it’s fine for street running, walking and other activities. And with it’s great arch support, many people find it to be a good trail running shoe for plantar fasciitis. If you require a dedicated street running shoe, the Asics Gel Nimbus 20 would also be a good option.
Updated List – Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis 
Online User Reviews Overall Experience
- Great for Those with Wide Feet
One of the most common feedback from the Gel Venture 5 is that it’s perfect for those who have wide feet. This allowed them to engage in trail running and light hiking without having to experience any discomfort due to an ill-fitting pair.
- Great running shoe for plantar fasciitis
Having such great arch support means that a lot of customers like this shoe for helping relieve plantar fasciitis. And the reviews are very positive for that group. Being a neutral shoe, it provides good support for normal and high arches.
- Good Product, Good Value
Another thing that customers like about the Gel Venture 5 is that it offers good value for their money. Stylish, excellent comfort, good arch support, superior durability – a combination of all these aspects into one product makes the Gel Venture 5 a worthwhile investment.
- Very Comfortable Performance
A lot of customers lauded the Gel Venture 5’s comfortable performance. They mentioned that the pair fits perfectly, is very comfortable, and allows their feet to feel great right after a short run or a light hike.
- A Worthy Trail Running Shoe
Gel Venture 5 performed as it should as a trail running shoe. Most customers appreciated its durable yet lightweight design. It also offered them good off-road traction which is just what it’s made for.
Pros:
- Good trail running shoe, plenty of traction for most terrain
- Arch support is better than most brands of running shoes
- Toe box is spacious enough for most people
- Comfortable rearfoot cushioning, absorbs shock well
- Works well on multiple surfaces
Cons:
- Not waterproof and may cause odors
- Some runners find it to be a bit too narrow
- May not be the best on wet surfaces
- A bit pricey compared to other models
- Decent stability but not too much flexibility