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{{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 3and it's rated as "Not recommended. " {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
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=Characteristics=
[[File:Lyte33 Forefoot Smaller.jpg|right|thumb|300px|A slice through the Lyte 33 showing the problem in the forefoot.]]
* {{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: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:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{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.