Asics Gel-Quantum 360 CM Review

Performance Comparison

Responsiveness

The Quantum Gel spans 360 degrees around the solyte midsole (hence the 360 in the name). The expansive gel, which is placed around the shoe, allowed for increased movement and absorption of shock when the sole hit the ground (through a gait cycle). The heel to toe transition was not incredibly smooth, earning this contender a 3 out of 10 in this metric, similar to the Saucony Guide 10 and Hoka Bondi 5 - which earned a 7 and 5, respectively. With the foam and gel pillars as the main structure of the midsole, we felt that the bottom of the shoe provided bounciness, though not as much absorption as we found in other competitors, such as the Salming Race 3 and Brooks Ghost 10 - Women's. The gel pads and the TPU (Propulsion Trusstic System) plate adds firmness on the sides and bottom, which made for a less responsive and stiff ride.

Landing Comfort

Asics Propulsion Trusstic System (TCU) that is found in the Quantum Gel-360 CM was designed to channel energy and help runners propel forward. While this was potentially a selling feature for Asics, it seemed to cause a drag in the shoe's response to impact. The impactful transition in the Quantum made for a clunky ride. We can't suggest running over a few miles at once in the Quantum since our feet regularly began to feel tired after a couple of miles. A good alternative in the comfort category is the Brooks Glycerin 14 - Women's, which had a top score in this metric, along with the Asics Gel-Cumulus 18.

Upper Comfort

The seamless design of the upper was a pro for this shoe, with the Asics stretch mesh and sock-liner support that locked down the foot. The glove-like fit of the sock-liner, combined with the Fluidfit, is made of dense material that feels a little rough against the foot. When breaking this shoe in, you should allow more time to do so. A cool feature of the CM model (tested here) is the color shifting mesh in the upper, which gives the illusion of one color in the front that changes when seen from the back. This model is available without the CM (aka chameleon) design feature. As for the fit, the shoe felt true to size; however, anyone with a wider foot might find that the upper can feel restrictive and narrow around the midfoot and toe box. A better option for upper comfort is the New Balance 860 V7 or the Brooks Ghost 10 - Women's.

Stability

The Quantum 360 CM earns a moderate stability rating of 6, as compared to the rest of the contenders that we tested. While the performance is not on the same level as the Asics Gel-Cumulus 18 or the Nike Air Zoom Structure 20, they didn't totally disappoint in this metric. We felt that these shoes are best designed for a neutral or under-pronating runner that is looking for a stable fit - and needs a narrower shoe. The heel clutch found in the Quantum provided plenty of stability and security, but was really tight, which may cause rubbing and some getting used to. The firmness and support of these shoes makes it an excellent choice for wearing after a big race or for shorter workouts on the treadmill.

Durability

So much about the make of the Quantum 360 CM screams durability; from the seamless mesh upper to the strong outsole, we could tell that these shoes were made to last. The color shift synthetic mesh material of the upper and sole never showed a significant amount of wear, even after we piled on the miles. While the durability of the upper did not perform as well as that of the Bondi 5 or the Brooks Glycerin 14 - Women's, the Quantum still came out on top, earning a 7 out of 10.

Breathability

The upper is made of a thick material which doesn't breathe well in hot temperatures. We'd recommend this as a colder weather shoe. Shoe options that will offer increased breathability are the Brooks Ghost 10 - Women's and Salomon S Lab Sonic.

Weight

The Quantum 360 CM was on the heavier side of shoes that we tested. Being that this is one of Asics more cushioned shoe, extra cushioning generally means extra weight. Since they are on the heavier side, they may not be the best go-to everyday trainer but are a good contender to add to the mix. If you're looking for a cushioned everyday trainer, the Asics Gel-Cumulus 18 or Brooks Ghost 10 will weigh less, while still offering a well-cushioned option.

Best Application

This shoe best serves over-pronating road runners and walkers who want an extremely supportive shoe. It's best for runners with narrow feet and is a good choice for heavier runners or walkers.

Value

Coming in as one of our more expensive pair of kicks at $170, the Quantum 360 CM's price tag seemed steep. We can't say that it's a bargain but is a supportive cushioned option that can be interchanged with other shoes.

Conclusion