In 2020, Asics released the Gel Resolution 8 shoe with some new features. Many users loved the previous Gel Resolution iteration as it is an extremely durable tennis shoe and offers excellent levels of comfort which even the Nike Vapor and Adidas Barricade line couldn’t compete with. With other shoes being so uncomfortable, players couldn’t wait to take them off but Gel Resolutions 7 was different. In addition to seeing how they performed against their competitors let’s also see how Asics Gel Resolution 8 shoes perform against their own previous 7 line. 

Asics Gel Resolution 8 Line Tennis Shoe: A Performance Review!

Asics Gel Resolution 8 Line In Short:

Players who need tennis shoes look for both stability and comfort. You can note that the GEL-RESOLUTION 8 has been designed with the modern baseliner in mind, giving you the edge you need to gain time from the baseline. It was also created together with Gaël Monfils, an eight-time ATP tournament champion and one of the 10 best players in the world.

This shoe features advanced technology and the human-centric approach of the ASICS Sport Science Institute. 

Asics Gel Resolution 8 came out with something special called DYNAWALL ™ technology, which guarantees a superior balance between flexibility and stability. They also introduced something called the DYNAWRAP ™ technology which is a panel system that cradles the foot and utilizes the player’s own momentum.

Asics Gel Resolution 8 offers a much better fit than its previous 7 line with a unique outsole design feature that maximizes the contact area that is crucial for braking, thus reducing friction when sliding. 

Based on tests conducted at the Sports Science Institute, the GEL-RESOLUTION 8 offers 7.2% more dynamic braking force than its predecessor, the GEL-RESOLUTION 7; allowing faster recovery and safer returns from the bottom line.

Asics Gel Resolution 8 Features:

“Shoes are very important, I have to trust them and the first thing I look for in tennis shoes is stability, and comfort,” says Gaël Monfils. “It’s no secret that I’m an extreme player on the court, and in these shoes I feel confident and balanced to return any shot.” I have tested the GEL-RESOLUTION 8 and the stability and grip are amazing, ASICS has definitely exceeded my expectations again.”

What’s got the designer and tennis player Gaël Monfils raving?

DYNAWALL

Firstly, they brought DYNAWALL to the table. This feature sits below the midfoot and is designed to combine stability and flexibility.

DYNAWALL is created by the utilization of just ONE solid piece of TPU that acts like a brace, so when a player hits the brakes to change direction, the upper part of the shoe remains over the midsole, preventing the chance of slipping or rolling an ankle, ouch! 

DYNAWRAP

Next up is DYNAWRAP, which is another feature that cradles the foot when tightened using essentially some thicker textile pieces in the lacing system. 

PU star-shaped pattern

Compared to the previous Gel Resolution 7 version, they have gone through a redesign with a new PU star-shaped pattern. This new pattern was formulated to increase the flexibility of the shoe. 

Sole pattern

Last but not the least, Asics Gel Resolution 8 has surely been able to reflect their commitment to understanding the mechanics of tennis with their new sole pattern. 

The latest change in their sole, according to tests carried out at the Sports Science Institute, produces 7.2% more dynamic braking force than its predecessor, the Gel Resolution 7.

“With tennis shoes, the ultimate goal is to give the player more time,” says Isamu Ochi, General Manager Product Department at ASICS CPS Footwear Division. “That means the timing of the return is crucial, setting up for the next ball, getting ahead and putting your opponent through the ropes.” Being able to stop and change direction quickly is vital. For this, we have the new GEL-RESOLUTION ™ 8″ model.

So, how does Asics Gel Resolution 8 perform on the pitch?

The shoes were tested in an indoor hard court in several hitting sessions that began with a general warm-up and progressed to playing 10 competitive tie-break points.

First Impressions

While users are quick to point out that they look bulky, Asics Gel Resolution 8 feels light, has a nice color scheme with red and blue, well made, and the PU upper feels very soft and supple.  

Comfort

If you have previously worn the Gel Resolution 7 with no issues, then the 8 line will  fit true to size. However, for those concerned about width, Asics offer the Gel Resolution 8 in a wider width option, which is a great addition. 

After an initial 90-minute session indoors, a new lacing feature that Asics calls DYNAWRAP seems to work as they work against each other when you pull the laces to give a very snug feel.

There was also no pain, blisters, or that feeling of wanting to get them off ASAP.

Compared to the Gel Resolution 7 the comfort has increased a bit more with the Gel Resolution 8 as we find more cushioning and room in the forefoot area as the toe box is a bit more rounded. 

Along with GEL cushioning in the rear and forefoot areas, there is still FlyteFoam in the midsole that does an excellent job of cushioning. Tennis players get a springy feel as they split your step and push off on your return.

Stability

As it has been designed with the help of Gael Monfils, one of the most athletic players, we can expect to constantly slide, changing direction and moving explosively like the man himself. 

As opposed to the criticism of the Resolution 7 (players felt their foot bulging on the side of the outsole during quick changes of direction), the Asics Gel Resolution 8 seems to have that problem sorted thanks to the new DYNAWALL that solidifies the side of the shoe, that problem has been fixed.

Traction Indoors

The AHAR Plus outsole on the Gel Resolution 8 has redesigned grooves that their lab says are shaped and enhanced for better on-court grip, slide control, and stopping power. 

As mentioned in some of the marketing information, Asics lab tests show that it has 7.2% better braking than the previous model.

Many players rate that the traction on the Gel Resolution 8 is top notch. For example in this case it had plenty of control on indoor hard courts.

Indoor courts are dry and quite rough in texture which creates a lot of friction. But when comparing  the Asics Gel Resolution 8 against Nike Vapors, Asics Court FF 2, and the previous Gel Resolution 7, many feel like the 8 offers the most traction of those four.