ASICS Gel-Pulse 17 Gore-Tex Black Light Dust: reviews, sizing and why it's the shoe for running in the rain

How many times have you looked out the window, seen the asphalt glistening and decided you're not going for a run today? The ASICS Gel-Pulse 17 Gore-Tex Black Light Dust exists precisely to kill that excuse. It's the waterproof version of one of ASICS' most stable daily trainers, in an all-black look that handles mud and puddles without losing style.

The Gel-Pulse 17 GTX (style code 1011C154-001) is a daily running shoe with a GORE-TEX membrane that keeps your foot dry in the rain, an FF BLAST midsole with GEL in the heel for cushioning, and a very stable ride. Built for people who train all year and don't let the weather decide for them.

Side view of the ASICS Gel-Pulse 17 Gore-Tex Black Light Dust with a black upper and light grey Tiger Stripe — Side profile: black mesh with the Tiger Stripe in Light Dust grey.

ASICS Gel-Pulse 17 Gore-Tex reviews: what runners say

The consensus in specialist reviews is clear: the Gel-Pulse 17 is one of the daily trainers with the best balance between what it offers and what it asks of you. Testers especially highlight its stability, to the point that it works well even for runners with mild or moderate overpronation.

Compared with the previous generation, ASICS added 2 mm of foam to the midsole, improved the feel of the upper and kept the firm ride it's known for. Testers mention a wraparound fit, a padded collar that hugs the ankle without squeezing and a tongue that doesn't slide to the sides.

There are also some honest criticisms worth knowing:

Weight: it's not a light shoe; the standard model weighs around 270-275 g and the membrane adds a bit more.
Snug forefoot: several tests note pressure at the widest part of the foot for runners with wide feet.
Heel-striker profile: the official drop is 8 mm and it's designed mainly for heel strikers.

What tech does the Gel-Pulse 17 GTX have?

This is why this model has earned its reputation as a workhorse. Every part has a specific job and nothing is there just for decoration.

GORE-TEX membrane

The membrane is built into the upper without turning it into a boot. Its job is to keep rain and puddle water out of the shoe, so you come back from your run with dry socks. On fall and winter days, that's the difference between heading out and staying on the couch.

FF BLAST midsole with GEL

FF BLAST foam, part of the FlyteFoam family, delivers soft landings and a smooth heel-to-toe transition. The rear GEL unit absorbs impact right where you feel it most on long runs.

AHAR rubber outsole

High-abrasion AHAR rubber in the high-wear zones is the reason many runners say these shoes last longer than expected. Plus, the tread pattern is designed to grip on wet asphalt.

Medial view of the ASICS Gel-Pulse 17 Gore-Tex Black Light Dust showing the light grey midsole — Inner side with the midsole in a Light Dust tone.

Heel detail of the ASICS Gel-Pulse 17 Gore-Tex Black Light Dust with the padded collar — Heel and padded collar, where the rear GEL sits.

Gel-Pulse 17 Gore-Tex: which size should you pick?

User reviews and tests agree: the Gel-Pulse 17 fits true to size. We recommend ordering your usual running shoe size, with no need to go up half a size.

The exception is wide feet. Since the forefoot is a bit snug, if you usually feel pressure around your toes, consider going half a size up. Also keep in mind that with the membrane the upper gives less than an open mesh, so the fit feels a little firmer. You can check the available sizes at Next Step before deciding.

Who is the ASICS Gel-Pulse 17 Gore-Tex Black Light Dust for?

It fits very specific profiles, and that's a good thing: you know exactly whether it's for you.

Runners who train year-round in rainy cities or on dewy mornings.
Runners looking for stability without switching to a motion-control shoe.
Anyone who walks or bikes to work and wants a comfortable shoe that won't get soaked.
People looking for a durable shoe to rack up the miles.

If you're into fast intervals or want something really light, there are nimbler options in the ASICS lineup. But for easy runs in bad weather, the ASICS Gel-Pulse 17 Gore-Tex Black Light Dust delivers exactly what it promises.

Top view of the ASICS Gel-Pulse 17 Gore-Tex Black Light Dust with black laces and engineered mesh — Top-down view: black engineered mesh and padded tongue.

How to style the ASICS Gel-Pulse 17 Gore-Tex Black Light Dust

Black with light grey details is the easiest colorway to wear off the track. It goes with everything and hides dirt after a rainy day.

Winter running mode: black full-length tights, a grey windbreaker and a technical beanie.
Urban gorpcore: olive cargo pants, a fleece and a waterproof jacket.
Everyday casual: dark straight-leg jeans and a heather grey sweatshirt that echoes the Light Dust tone.

The trick is to let the grey Tiger Stripe be the only highlight in the look. If you're into technical aesthetics, check out our ASICS collection.

Outsole of the ASICS Gel-Pulse 17 Gore-Tex Black Light Dust with AHAR rubber for traction on wet asphalt — Outsole with AHAR rubber in the high-wear zones.

Where to buy the ASICS Gel-Pulse 17 Gore-Tex Black Light Dust

At Next Step they're 100% new and authentic, with 14 calendar days to return them from delivery and fast shipping to Spain and all of Europe. Don't let the next storm catch you without shoes: get the ASICS Gel-Pulse 17 Gore-Tex Black Light Dust and go running, rain or shine.

Frequently asked questions

Is the ASICS Gel-Pulse 17 Gore-Tex really waterproof?+

Yes, the Gel-Pulse 17 Gore-Tex features a GORE-TEX membrane built into the upper that keeps out rain and puddle water, so your foot stays dry on runs on wet days and on your daily trips around the city. That said, if the water rises above ankle height, it can get in through the collar.

Does the Gel-Pulse 17 run big or small?+

The Gel-Pulse 17 fits true to size according to most users and tests, so you'd normally go with your usual running shoe size. Only if you have wide feet should you consider going half a size up, because the forefoot is a bit snug at the widest part of the foot.

Is the Gel-Pulse 17 good for overpronators?+

The Gel-Pulse 17 is a neutral shoe, but tests highlight exceptional stability that makes it a solid option for runners with mild or moderate overpronation. If your overpronation is more pronounced, you should look at dedicated stability models like the ASICS GT range.

What's the difference between the Gel-Pulse 17 and the Gel-Pulse 16?+

The Gel-Pulse 17 adds 2 mm of foam to the midsole compared with the 16, pairs FF BLAST with GEL for softer cushioning and debuts an upper with a more premium feel, while keeping the stable ride that made this line popular. The trade-off is that it's a bit heavier.