Today I want to break down a shoe that completely surprised me: the ASICS Gel Citrek. I originally picked these up for $29.99 at my local DTLR outlet as a cheap backup to my trusted New Balance 574, which has been my daily teaching shoe for years. But after wearing the Gel Citrek for close 6 months (both in the classroom and even while playing pickleball), I’ve realized this pair deserves a full review.
Here’s everything you need to know before grabbing a pair.
Initial Observations
The first thing that caught my attention was the aesthetic. For a budget shoe, the ASICS Gel Citrek looks surprisingly aerodynamic and modern. It’s lightweight, has a sleek silhouette, and uses a smart mix of materials:
Nubuck leather around the forefoot
Anti-tear mesh across the toe box and tongue
Synthetic woven overlays throughout the midfoot
Double-layer foam padding around the ankle collar
Mesh + rugged nubuck-like paneling around the heel
One confusing detail is ASICS’ decision to add a metal eyelet at the top. Does it add much? Not really — but it’s there.
Before diving into the performance, let me say this:
Despite its price tag, the Gel Citrek does not feel cheap.
Comfort – 9.5/10
Comfort is where the ASICS Gel Citrek really stands out.
I’ve worn this shoe for 4–6 months, often for 8 straight hours while teaching. When I walk out of work, my feet don’t feel fatigued, sore, or strained. The shoe almost feels like an extension of my foot — exactly what you want in a daily trainer.
The interior padding is soft but supportive, and there are no pressure points or hot spots. For under $30, the comfort is absurdly good.
Cushioning – 9.9/10
ASICS loaded the Citrek with a combination of:
Rearfoot GEL cushioning
EVA inserts
Full EVA foam midsole
Additional EVA cushioning integrated into the sockliner
All of this works together to create a ride that’s plush, balanced, and responsive.
It’s not quite “walking on clouds,” but it’s very close.
If you’re on your feet all day — whether you’re a teacher, nurse, warehouse worker, or just active — this shoe will absolutely deliver in the cushioning department.
Ventilation – 9/10
One of the best things about the Gel Citrek is its adaptability across seasons.
In summer, the breathable mesh keeps your feet from overheating.
In winter, your feet don’t freeze thanks to the layered interior foam.
Even during hot months, I didn’t experience any sweat buildup or odor — something that often happens with winterized or heavy synthetic uppers. The ventilation system strikes a great balance.
Stability – 9/10
This is where I was really impressed.
I’ve played pickleball in these — a sport that requires sprinting, stopping, lateral cuts, and quick directional changes. Despite that, I never rolled my ankle, and the shoe kept my foot locked in place just enough without feeling restrictive.
The EVA midsole, sturdy heel structure, and layered mesh/nubuck combo give the Citrek surprising stability for a “budget” shoe.
Traction & Durability
Considering I’ve used the Gel Citrek heavily outdoors, the traction has held up extremely well. The outsole grips consistently on outdoor courts, pavement, and indoor floors.
My basketball shoes wore out faster than these — and that says a lot.
There is slight wear near the toe area from constant pickleball movement, but that’s expected since the shoe isn’t designed for court sports. For running or daily wear, durability is more than solid.
Sizing – IMPORTANT
This is the one major drawback of the ASICS Gel Citrek.
The shoe runs very small.
I am normally a 12 or 13
I had to buy a size 14
And it fits perfectly
If you have wide feet, you must size up at least one full size, or you’ll be suffering.
If you like a little wiggle room as I do, going up is even more important.
This is the one area where ASICS dropped the ball.
Final Thoughts
For under $30, the ASICS Gel Citrek is one of the best budget-friendly shoes you can buy today. It performs like a shoe at twice the price, offering incredible comfort, solid cushioning, reliable traction, and excellent ventilation — with only sizing being the main issue.
My Ratings:
Cushioning: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (9.9/10)
Comfort: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (9.5/10)
Ventilation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (9/10)
Stability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (9/10)
Traction: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Value: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
If you’re on the fence about picking these up — don’t be. Pull the trigger.
You won’t regret it, especially at this price point.
👉 Check for deals on the ASICS Gel Citrek here: on eBay for $69.99 and under
