Asics GEL-RESOLUTION 9 CLAY: Solid for performance, but is It the right shoe for you?

My thoughts about one of the premium tennis shoes offered by Asics - the GEL-RESOLUTION 9 CLAY

After having tested the Asics Jolt 4 and Patriot 13 running shoes, which were impressive in their own categories, I decided to switch gears and try something more specialized: the Asics GEL-RESOLUTION 9 CLAY. Built for clay court tennis, it promises advanced stability, comfort, and durability. While the shoe delivers in many aspects, there are a few areas worth considering before you make a decision, especially compared to Asics' more budget-friendly running options.

First Impressions

The GEL-RESOLUTION 9 CLAY makes an immediate impression with its robust, performance-focused design. It’s definitely not as light or streamlined as the Asics Jolt 4, but that’s to be expected from a tennis shoe made to withstand intense court play. While it looks sturdy, the build also means it's on the heavier side, which could be a downside for players who prefer a lighter, more agile feel during quick matches. If you’re used to running shoes like the Patriot 13, this shoe might take some getting used to in terms of weight and bulk.

Key Features and Tech

This shoe is packed with technology, but how useful are these features in real-world play?

DYNAWALL™ and DYNAWRAP™ Technology: These features offer noticeable stability, which is great for lateral movements, but it also adds to the shoe's rigidity. If you prefer a more flexible shoe or something with more of a "natural" feel like the Patriot 13, this might feel a bit stiff, especially during the break-in period. In the first few sessions, I found myself wishing for more give in the shoe to accommodate sudden movements more fluidly.
GEL™ Cushioning: While the GEL cushioning does its job to reduce impact, especially on clay where you're often sliding or landing from jumps, it doesn't feel as plush as it does in the Jolt 4 or Patriot 13. The focus here is clearly on court performance, which might come at the cost of some comfort. If you're someone who spends long hours on the court, the cushioning is adequate but doesn’t quite have that soft, cushioned ride you’d expect from a running shoe.
PGUARD™ Toe Protector: Durability is a huge plus with the GEL-RESOLUTION 9 CLAY. That said, it might be overkill for casual players. If you're not playing on clay multiple times a week, you might find yourself paying for features you won’t fully benefit from. The PGUARD™ is great for preventing wear in high-impact areas, but for someone who’s just an occasional player, it might feel like an unnecessary addition that adds to the overall cost.

Performance on Clay Courts

Here’s where the GEL-RESOLUTION 9 CLAY shows its true colors. The shoe is clearly built for clay, with a clay-specific outsole pattern that grips the surface well while allowing for controlled sliding. That said, the same outsole that provides traction on clay might feel a little "grippy" or less versatile on other surfaces. So, if you're someone who plays on different court types, this shoe may not offer the same level of performance or adaptability as you’d hope.

On the clay court, though, it performs as advertised. The traction is excellent, and it helps with those quick stops and starts that are so crucial in tennis. But again, the heavier feel of the shoe might slow down players who rely on speed and nimble footwork. Compared to the lighter Jolt 4 or Patriot 13, this shoe can feel a bit cumbersome when you’re hustling for every ball.

Comfort and Fit

As with most Asics shoes, comfort is decent, but I wouldn’t say it’s the standout feature of the GEL-RESOLUTION 9 CLAY. The personalized heel fit does add some comfort, molding to your foot after a few wears, but the overall fit feels a bit snug, especially around the midfoot. For players with wider feet, this shoe might feel restrictive, and the break-in period can be a bit longer than expected. If you’re used to the instant comfort of the Jolt 4 or Patriot 13, be prepared for a more structured and snug fit here.

The Flexion Fit™ upper does offer some flexibility, but as mentioned, the shoe leans toward the rigid side. For those used to more flexible running shoes, it might feel stiff and less forgiving, especially in the first few matches.

Durability

One of the strongest points of the GEL-RESOLUTION 9 CLAY is its durability. Thanks to the AHARPLUS™ outsole, it’s built to withstand the rough wear and tear of clay courts. However, this comes at a cost. The extra durability and support also make the shoe feel heavier and bulkier than what you might be used to, especially if you've been wearing lighter running models like the Patriot 13.

That said, if you play on clay regularly, the long-lasting outsole is a real benefit. But if your play is more occasional or you alternate between surfaces, this might feel like more shoe than you need.

Price

Globally, the Asics GEL-RESOLUTION 9 CLAY is priced at around £150 ($170 USD / €170 EUR). While this places it on the higher end of tennis shoes, you're paying for a specialized product with features designed specifically for clay court tennis. However, if you're not a regular clay court player, the price may feel steep, especially when compared to more versatile, multi-surface tennis shoes or even Asics' running models like the Patriot 13, which offer comfort at a fraction of the price.

Alternatives to Consider

If the GEL-RESOLUTION 9 CLAY seems a bit overbuilt or pricey for your needs, here are a few alternatives worth exploring:

Asics Gel-Dedicate 7: This is a more budget-friendly option from Asics, priced around £70 ($80 / €80). It provides decent stability and comfort, but with fewer premium features. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something more affordable that can handle a mix of court surfaces.
Nike Court Air Zoom Vapor Pro: Priced around £120 ($135 / €135), this shoe offers a lighter, more flexible alternative that still provides solid performance on clay. It's a bit more adaptable to different surfaces and offers a more agile feel than the heavier GEL-RESOLUTION 9 CLAY.
Adidas Barricade: Another popular clay court shoe, the Adidas Barricade is known for its durability and stability, priced around £130 ($150 / €150). It’s comparable in features to the GEL-RESOLUTION 9 but might offer a slightly lighter and more flexible feel.
Asics Court FF 3: If you're looking for something more premium but with a bit more flexibility than the GEL-RESOLUTION 9, the Court FF 3 is another high-performance Asics tennis shoe, priced around £160 ($180 / €180). It offers great all-court versatility with a lighter and more responsive design.

Final Thoughts

The Asics GEL-RESOLUTION 9 CLAY is a solid choice for serious tennis players who need performance and durability on clay courts. It offers excellent stability, traction, and durability, making it ideal for frequent players. However, compared to Asics' running models like the Jolt 4 or Patriot 13, this shoe is heavier, stiffer, and more specialized. If you’re looking for a shoe that can handle a mix of surfaces or offer more comfort for long hours of play, you might want to explore other options—or at least try them on before making a final decision.

For those who are serious about their clay game and don’t mind the price, this shoe will undoubtedly give you the stability and durability you need. But if you're more of an occasional player or just starting out, there are plenty of alternatives that offer solid performance without such a hefty price tag.