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Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Asics Gel Lyte 33 3 Review}} My initial happiness with the Lyte 33 turned to disappointment as its flawed forefoot started to cause problems. As noted under 'st..."
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Asics Gel Lyte 33 3 Review}}
My initial happiness with the Lyte 33 turned to disappointment as its flawed forefoot started to cause problems. As noted under 'structure' below, the Lyte 33 is likely to cause blisters or undue stress under the forefoot, which is a real shame. Other than this problem, the Lyte 33 is a really likeable shoe. Its shape is closer to fitting the human foot than many shoes, it's flexible, has a nice upper and the cushioning is soft (where it's not digging in). If Asics could address this problem without creating new issues, the next version could be a great shoe. For now, I'd suggest avoiding version 3. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-top.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-inside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-outside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. The forefoot problems of the Lyte 33 limit how far you're likely to be able to run in them without issues, so it's hard to recommend them.
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Lyte 33 good, soft cushioning for its weight, and while it's not as well cushioned or as light as the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]], it's initially quite comfortable. However, as noted below under 'structure', the cushioning is also this shoe's weak point.
* {{H:drop}}. The 7mm of drop I measured unloaded was only 4mm when worn, and I found the Lyte 33 worked well in practice.
* {{H:structure}}. It's common for (bad) running shoes to use multiple densities of foam to attempt to limit rear foot movement ([[Pronation]]). While the Lyte 33 doesn't do that in any meaningful way in the heel, it does have two densities of foam under the forefoot. You can see the two colors of foam in the pictures, with the blue foam being stiffer than the white foam. I could not feel any difference in the way my foot moved, but the junction between the two types of foam created a line of pressure down the forefoot. I found I could not run far in the Lyte 33 without this pressure line threatening to cause a blister, and I've heard other reports of runners having forefoot discomfort with this shoe.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Lyte 33 is agreeably flexible, with flex groves that Asics think will allow the shoe to bend more naturally. I don't think the angle of the flex groves worked any better than any other shoe, but they didn't cause any problems wither. .
* {{H:outsole}}. The Gel Lyte 33 has firmer outsole over most contact patches, though there is a strangely placed gap under the small toes. This is another situation where a shoe designer did something for appearance rather than function. There is a small risk of the shoe picking up stones, but I didn't have an issue.
* {{H:shape}}. The Lyte 33 has a far better shape than most shoes, and while it's not as good as the Altra range, it is a step in the right direction. I still had to [[Shoe Modifications| cut open the toe box]], but it wouldn't take the designers to change the shoe much for that to be unnecessary.
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is a little thicker than many lightweight shoes, but it's mostly seamless. There is a small amount of padding around the rear of the foot, plus good padding around the ankle opening. Given the better shape than most shoes, the upper is nice and comfortable.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Lyte 33 has a traditional tongue that is has a tab to attach it to the laces. The tongue is much better padded for a lightweight shoe than I expected.
* {{H:lacing}}. The Lyte 33 has round laces, but I didn't find they came lose as easily as similar round laces. They're not ideal, but not awful either.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The Lyte 33 has no real heal counter, which is great!
{{BuyShoes|RRS=T|AZ=T|ZP=T}}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Asics Gel Lyte 33 and Asics Gel Hyper Speed==
The Lyte 33 is a nice shoe, and if it weren't for the flawed forefoot cushioning, it would be worth considering instead of the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]]. The Lyte 33 is nearly 25% heavier, but not quite as well cushioned as the Hyper Speed. However, its better shape and nice upper could have redeemed it. You can only really consider the Lyte 33 if you're not running far enough for the forefoot problems to annoy you.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|}
==Asics Gel Lyte 33 and New Balance RC5000==
Compared with many shoes, the Lyte 33 is lightweight, but it's more than twice as heavy as the [[New Balance RC5000]]. The Lyte 33 has more cushioning, but given the forefoot problems, I'd rather do a marathon in the RC5000 than the Lyte 33.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 top]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 bottom]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 inside]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 outside]]
|}
==Asics Gel Lyte 33 and Asics GT 2000==
I tend to compare shoes against my benchmark "normal running shoe", the [[Asics GT 2000]]. Even in this comparison, the Lyte 33 is still let down by its forefoot hotspot. I'd have a hard time choosing between the two shoes; the GT 2000 feels like a clog compared with the Lyte 33, but the Lyte 33 would give me forefoot problems over any distance.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 top]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 outside]]
|}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
My initial happiness with the Lyte 33 turned to disappointment as its flawed forefoot started to cause problems. As noted under 'structure' below, the Lyte 33 is likely to cause blisters or undue stress under the forefoot, which is a real shame. Other than this problem, the Lyte 33 is a really likeable shoe. Its shape is closer to fitting the human foot than many shoes, it's flexible, has a nice upper and the cushioning is soft (where it's not digging in). If Asics could address this problem without creating new issues, the next version could be a great shoe. For now, I'd suggest avoiding version 3. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-top.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-inside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-outside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. The forefoot problems of the Lyte 33 limit how far you're likely to be able to run in them without issues, so it's hard to recommend them.
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Lyte 33 good, soft cushioning for its weight, and while it's not as well cushioned or as light as the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]], it's initially quite comfortable. However, as noted below under 'structure', the cushioning is also this shoe's weak point.
* {{H:drop}}. The 7mm of drop I measured unloaded was only 4mm when worn, and I found the Lyte 33 worked well in practice.
* {{H:structure}}. It's common for (bad) running shoes to use multiple densities of foam to attempt to limit rear foot movement ([[Pronation]]). While the Lyte 33 doesn't do that in any meaningful way in the heel, it does have two densities of foam under the forefoot. You can see the two colors of foam in the pictures, with the blue foam being stiffer than the white foam. I could not feel any difference in the way my foot moved, but the junction between the two types of foam created a line of pressure down the forefoot. I found I could not run far in the Lyte 33 without this pressure line threatening to cause a blister, and I've heard other reports of runners having forefoot discomfort with this shoe.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Lyte 33 is agreeably flexible, with flex groves that Asics think will allow the shoe to bend more naturally. I don't think the angle of the flex groves worked any better than any other shoe, but they didn't cause any problems wither. .
* {{H:outsole}}. The Gel Lyte 33 has firmer outsole over most contact patches, though there is a strangely placed gap under the small toes. This is another situation where a shoe designer did something for appearance rather than function. There is a small risk of the shoe picking up stones, but I didn't have an issue.
* {{H:shape}}. The Lyte 33 has a far better shape than most shoes, and while it's not as good as the Altra range, it is a step in the right direction. I still had to [[Shoe Modifications| cut open the toe box]], but it wouldn't take the designers to change the shoe much for that to be unnecessary.
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is a little thicker than many lightweight shoes, but it's mostly seamless. There is a small amount of padding around the rear of the foot, plus good padding around the ankle opening. Given the better shape than most shoes, the upper is nice and comfortable.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Lyte 33 has a traditional tongue that is has a tab to attach it to the laces. The tongue is much better padded for a lightweight shoe than I expected.
* {{H:lacing}}. The Lyte 33 has round laces, but I didn't find they came lose as easily as similar round laces. They're not ideal, but not awful either.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The Lyte 33 has no real heal counter, which is great!
{{BuyShoes|RRS=T|AZ=T|ZP=T}}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Asics Gel Lyte 33 and Asics Gel Hyper Speed==
The Lyte 33 is a nice shoe, and if it weren't for the flawed forefoot cushioning, it would be worth considering instead of the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]]. The Lyte 33 is nearly 25% heavier, but not quite as well cushioned as the Hyper Speed. However, its better shape and nice upper could have redeemed it. You can only really consider the Lyte 33 if you're not running far enough for the forefoot problems to annoy you.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|}
==Asics Gel Lyte 33 and New Balance RC5000==
Compared with many shoes, the Lyte 33 is lightweight, but it's more than twice as heavy as the [[New Balance RC5000]]. The Lyte 33 has more cushioning, but given the forefoot problems, I'd rather do a marathon in the RC5000 than the Lyte 33.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 top]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 bottom]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 inside]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 outside]]
|}
==Asics Gel Lyte 33 and Asics GT 2000==
I tend to compare shoes against my benchmark "normal running shoe", the [[Asics GT 2000]]. Even in this comparison, the Lyte 33 is still let down by its forefoot hotspot. I'd have a hard time choosing between the two shoes; the GT 2000 feels like a clog compared with the Lyte 33, but the Lyte 33 would give me forefoot problems over any distance.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Lyte33-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel-Lyte33 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 top]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 outside]]
|}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}