Do you need an Asics Gel Tactic when playing handball? On paper, it's one of the most logical choices from the brand: Asics presents it as an advanced stability shoe, designed for an offensive and controlled game.
The Gel-Tactic 13 kicks things off, available in men's and women's versions, along with some Gel-Tactic 12 models as a complement.
Asics presents the Gel-Tactic 13 as a stability shoe, designed to keep the foot above the sole during a feint or a side start. This is what sets it apart from Asics models aimed at jumping.
The sole is in full contact with the ground and features two pivot points, allowing for turns on the forefoot without snagging. Its construction rises up the sides of the shoe, and a circular pattern with horizontal grooves enhances grip during lateral moves. Perfect for making the quick direction changes associated with handball.
In the midsole, Gel cushioning absorbs the impact from landings. It is aimed at players who stay close to the ground and need extra stability to turn confidently.
Specialist retailers recommend the Gel-Tactic for handball, a sport involving quick pivots and lateral support. Backs, centres, and defenders are the first to benefit from its support.
The previous generation, the Gel-Tactic 12, is still available in a few colours, particularly for women. The women's versions of the 13 come in shades like murasaki and dahlia or bright white and coral.
The Powerbreak shares the same stability philosophy, featuring lighter FlyteFoam cushioning. The Gel Rocket is softer and more versatile. For players who jump a lot, the Sky Elite focuses on rebound. Everything can be found on the shoes Asics page.
At the end of autumn, the page Black Friday shoes gathers up the deals. For the rest of the year, clearance items can be found in the clearance shoes section.
Both focus on stability. The Gel-Tactic relies on Gel cushioning, while the Powerbreak FF uses a lighter FlyteFoam and a very wide sole. Try both if you can, as the feel on foot often varies.
It is primarily designed for stability: a lightweight winger who relies on jumps at the corner would prefer a model with more cushioning at the front like the Sky Elite, while a winger who also takes contact would find it suitable.
Reviews vary from buyer to buyer: check the length of your foot in centimeters on the size guide.
Yes, its lateral support and dual pivot sole aid in movement along the line. On paper, it's one of the Asics best suited for this position.
The lateral support may feel firm at first. Usually, two or three training sessions are enough before using it in a match.