Well, it’s finally happened. After 26 years I’ve succumbed to running. In my late teens and early twenties, I was adamant it wouldn’t ever happen.
Running? That’s just something people do if they’re chasing a ball or being chased themselves, isn’t it? In my defence, TikTok has been pushing the marathon content HARD.
Every time I load the app I’m met with clips of polished young professionals running around London in their vests and superhero-style sunglasses. A Saturday morning park run and coffee date never looked so cinematic.
Another mitigating factor is my age. The best way to describe being in your mid-twenties is ‘no man’s land’.
Everyone on my feed is either having babies or running marathons, and as someone who has worked incredibly hard for her figure in the past five years, I’m certainly not keen on the former.
With that in mind, I entered 2024 with one main resolution: drink less and move more. But if I was ever going to blend in with the experienced runners and gain acceptance to the inner circle, I knew I had to look the part.
Step one: find a decent pair of running shoes. A quick search led me to the Asics Gel 1130 trainers, and an initial scan of the review returned some positive feedback.
There were a lot of running girlies who loved them – one even described the fit as ‘walking on clouds’. Convinced by what I had seen I punched in my card details and kicked off 2024 with some new kicks.
Not one to gatekeep, I knew I had to drop a review. This one goes out to all my active ladies, both old and new.
The Perfect Fit
I usually start my reviews by sharing a bit about the brand, but Asics needs little introduction. You don’t have to be into running to know that Asics is known for its comfortable, supportive footwear.
The brand offers trainers with varying levels of support, cushioning, and motion control that can help alleviate issues such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and high arches.
The Gel 1130s get their name from the shock-absorbing cushioning built into the heel. Trust me, when you’re just getting into running, comfort is absolutely everything.
Blisters are real, and the aching sensation you’ll experience from wearing the wrong trainers may make you feel like self-amputating your legs from the knee down.
While I could drone on all day about the comfort, can we please take a moment for the design? I mean, Asics really nailed the aesthetic with these trainers; they are a work of art.
The 1130s are Asics’ way of paying homage to iterations of the GEL-1000™ series. The naughties classics have been reworked with leather panelling to give them a fresh yet retro look.
I’m absolutely in love with the retro vibe, as is almost everyone at the moment, so there’s no question these get a huge tick for their appearance.
The Review
Whoever said these shoes are like walking on clouds couldn’t have put it better. The gel heel provides perfect cushioning for your feet, and I now know the meaning of having a spring in my step.
They were a dream to run in, and shout out to Asics for making my first few park runs somewhat bearable. Oh, and for actually getting the sizing right for once.
My fit even attracted a few compliments from my fellow running huns (if only they knew). I’d love to give a more balanced review and chuck in a couple negatives, but there’s nothing to moan about.
I adore the white and green, but I might just have to cop a second pair to switch it up.
Money, Money, Money
I usually shop through schuh because the availability is solid, and there’s normally a cheeky discount you can apply. The Gel 1130s set me back £95, which is actually pretty reasonable for a durable pair of running shoes.
Plus, they can definitely double up as your everyday trainer. This year is for standing on business, ladies, and these shoes will help you do just that. Head to schuh’s website to grab yours today.
