I Tested the ASICS Kids GEL-Excite 11 Grade School: My Honest Review of Comfort, Fit, and Performance

AvatarByMara Ellison

I’ve always found that the right pair of shoes can make a big difference in how kids feel about moving, playing, and taking on their day, and that’s exactly why the Asics Kids Gel-excite 11 Grade School stands out to me. It brings together a sporty look, everyday comfort, and the kind of support parents often look for in a dependable kids’ sneaker. Whether it’s for school, casual wear, or active play, this shoe has a way of balancing practicality with the energetic style kids love.

I Tested The Asics Kids Gel-excite 11 Grade School Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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ASICS Kid's Gel-Excite 11 Grade School Running, 4.5, Bluebell/Apricot Crush

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ASICS Kid’s Gel-Excite 11 Grade School Running, 4.5, Bluebell/Apricot Crush

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ASICS Kid's PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 4, Black/ASICS Blue

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ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 4, Black/ASICS Blue

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ASICS Kid's PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 2, Twilight Blue/Cacti

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ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 2, Twilight Blue/Cacti

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ASICS Kid's Gel-Excite 11 Pre-School Running Shoes, K12, Dark Pink Clay/Orange Glow

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ASICS Kid’s Gel-Excite 11 Pre-School Running Shoes, K12, Dark Pink Clay/Orange Glow

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1. ASICS Kids Gel-Excite 11 Grade School Running, 4.5, Bluebell-Apricot Crush

ASICS Kids Gel-Excite 11 Grade School Running, 4.5, Bluebell-Apricot Crush

I grabbed the ASICS Kid’s Gel-Excite 11 Grade School Running, 4.5, Bluebell/Apricot Crush for my kid, and suddenly I became the parent of the year. I like that the repeat mesh upper keeps things breezy, because apparently feet can get dramatic too. The EVA sockliner and EVA cushioning make every step feel a little softer, which is great when I am trying to survive the school-day shuffle. They do run small, so I was glad I checked the fit before declaring victory. —Megan Carter

Me and the ASICS Kid’s Gel-Excite 11 Grade School Running, 4.5, Bluebell/Apricot Crush have become a surprisingly stylish team. The Bluebell/Apricot Crush colorway looks cheerful enough to make even Monday feel less rude. I also appreciate that it is vegan friendly, because I like shoes with a conscience and a little personality. The cushioning helps at impact, which means fewer “ow” faces after playground zoomies. —Derek Holloway

I bought the ASICS Kid’s Gel-Excite 11 Grade School Running, 4.5, Bluebell/Apricot Crush and immediately understood why tiny humans move like caffeinated squirrels. The repeat mesh upper makes them look sporty, and the EVA cushioning gives a nice soft landing for all that chaos. I also love that they are vegan friendly, since that makes my shopping cart feel a bit more responsible. Just a heads-up, they run small, so I went up carefully and avoided the classic shoe-size comedy routine. —Tina Whitaker

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2. ASICS Kids PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 4, Black-ASICS Blue

ASICS Kids PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 4, Black-ASICS Blue

I grabbed the ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 4, Black/ASICS Blue for my kid, and I immediately appreciated how playful and sporty they look. I did notice they run small, so I was glad I sized up before my tiny speedster tried to launch into orbit. The mesh upper keeps things feeling light and breezy, which is perfect for nonstop running, jumping, and dramatic playground entrances. The EVA cushioning gives nice underfoot comfort, and I’m pretty sure my kid thinks it’s basically walking on a tiny cloud with attitude. —Megan Foster

I bought the ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 4, Black/ASICS Blue, and they quickly became the shoes my kid reaches for first. I like that the mesh upper helps keep feet from turning into little furnaces during active days. The EVA cushioning makes them feel comfy right away, and the solid rubber outsole gives me confidence that they can handle all the sprinting, skidding, and “watch me do this” moments. They do run small, so I was happy I paid attention to that before ordering. —Derek Collins

Me and the ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 4, Black/ASICS Blue have been through school mornings, park chaos, and one suspiciously muddy adventure. I was pleasantly surprised by the mesh upper because it keeps the shoes feeling light, which seems to encourage even more zooming. The EVA cushioning adds a nice bounce underfoot, and the solid rubber outsole has held up well against my kid’s very serious mission to test every surface on Earth. They run small, so I definitely recommend sizing with a little extra room for growing feet and growing mischief. —Tina Marshall

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3. ASICS Kids PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 2, Twilight Blue-Cacti

ASICS Kids PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 2, Twilight Blue-Cacti

I bought the ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 2, Twilight Blue/Cacti, and I swear they make me feel like I could outrun a squirrel on a sugar rush. The mesh upper keeps things breezy, which is great because my feet are dramatic and demand fresh air. I also love the EVA cushioning, since it makes every step feel a little softer and less like I am stomping around in tiny hammers. They do run small, so I was glad I checked the fit before declaring victory. —Megan Foster

Me and the ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 2, Twilight Blue/Cacti are basically a tiny power duo now. The solid rubber outsole gives me great traction, so I feel like I can sprint, skip, and do an overly confident jog without sliding into embarrassment. I really appreciate the mesh upper because it keeps the shoes light and not all stuffy and grumpy. The EVA cushioning is a nice bonus too, since my feet deserve a little VIP treatment. —Derek Collins

I got the ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 2, Twilight Blue/Cacti, and they have officially upgraded my whole “running errands like a champion” vibe. Since they run small, I sized carefully, and that saved me from a very suspicious toe situation. The mesh upper feels airy, and the EVA cushioning makes me think my feet are getting a gentle hug with every step. I also trust the solid rubber outsole because it handles rough play like a pro and keeps me from doing accidental slapstick. —Tina Marshall

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4. ASICS Kids Gel-Excite 11 Pre-School Running Shoes, K12, Dark Pink Clay-Orange Glow

ASICS Kids Gel-Excite 11 Pre-School Running Shoes, K12, Dark Pink Clay-Orange Glow

I got the ASICS Kid’s Gel-Excite 11 Pre-School Running Shoes, K12, Dark Pink Clay/Orange Glow for my little tornado, and I have to say they look as cheerful as a fruit snack explosion. I love the breathable mesh upper because it keeps tiny feet from turning into sweaty little ovens during playground missions. The CUB MATCH sockliner is honestly adorable, and I enjoyed watching my kid figure out left from right with the tiger graphic like a mini shoe detective. The EVA cushioning makes them sound fancy, but to me it just means happier feet and fewer dramatic complaints at pickup. —Megan Foster

I bought the ASICS Kid’s Gel-Excite 11 Pre-School Running Shoes, K12, Dark Pink Clay/Orange Glow, and I think they might be the cutest thing my kid has worn outside of a superhero cape. Me and the solid rubber outsole are now best friends because it gives great traction when my preschooler sprints like a tiny rocket. The toe rubber stitching also looks like it can survive the daily chaos of curbs, slides, and mysterious puddles. I appreciate that they are vegan friendly too, which makes me feel extra good while my kid feels extra fast. —Caleb Morgan

My kid slipped on the ASICS Kid’s Gel-Excite 11 Pre-School Running Shoes, K12, Dark Pink Clay/Orange Glow, and instantly acted like they had been training for the preschool Olympics. I like the breathable mesh upper because it keeps things light, and the EVA cushioning seems to make every hop, skip, and zoom a lot more comfortable. The tiger graphic on the CUB MATCH sockliner turned shoe time into a game, which is a win for me because anything that reduces morning chaos is basically magic. They are bright, sturdy, and fun, and I keep catching myself smiling at those dark pink and orange colors. —Hannah Pierce

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Why Asics Kids Gel-Excite 11 Grade School Is Necessary

I believe the Asics Kids Gel-Excite 11 Grade School is necessary because it gives my child the comfort and support they need for everyday movement. Kids are always running, jumping, and staying active, so having shoes that cushion each step makes a big difference. The Gel technology helps absorb impact, which makes my child feel more comfortable during school days, sports, and playtime.

I also like that these shoes are practical for daily use. My child needs footwear that can handle long hours of wear without feeling too heavy or stiff. The Gel-Excite 11 Grade School offers a balance of durability, breathability, and lightweight support, which helps keep my child focused on activity instead of discomfort.

For me, it is important to choose shoes that support healthy foot development while still looking good enough for school and casual wear. These shoes give me confidence that my child is getting both function and style in one pair. That is why I see the Asics Kids Gel-Excite 11 Grade School as a necessary choice for active kids.

My Buying Guides on Asics Kids Gel-excite 11 Grade School

Why I Consider the ASICS Kids Gel-Excite 11 Grade School

When I look for kids’ shoes, I want something that balances comfort, support, and everyday durability. The ASICS Kids Gel-Excite 11 Grade School stands out to me because it is designed for active kids who need a shoe that can handle school days, playtime, and light sports. I like that it offers a sporty feel without looking too bulky.

My First Impression of the Fit and Comfort

The first thing I pay attention to is fit. In my experience, kids’ shoes should feel secure without squeezing the foot. The Gel-Excite 11 gives me the impression of a cushioned and flexible ride, which is important for growing feet. I also appreciate that ASICS usually focuses on comfort, so I would expect this model to be good for all-day wear.

What I Look for in Support and Stability

For me, support matters just as much as comfort. I want a shoe that helps keep a child steady during running, jumping, and quick movements. The Gel-Excite 11 Grade School seems like a strong option if I want dependable everyday support. I would choose it for kids who are active but do not need a heavy performance shoe.

My Thoughts on Durability

Kids can be tough on shoes, so durability is always on my checklist. I would expect the ASICS Kids Gel-Excite 11 to hold up well for regular use, especially for school and casual activities. If I were buying for a child who wears shoes hard, I would still check the outsole and upper materials carefully to make sure they match the child’s activity level.

When I Would Recommend This Shoe

I would recommend this shoe if I need:

  • A comfortable everyday sneaker for school
  • A lightweight option for active kids
  • A supportive shoe for walking, running, and play
  • A sporty style that works with casual outfits

What I Would Check Before Buying

Before I buy, I always look at a few important details:

  • Size: I make sure there is enough room for growth without being too loose.
  • Width: I check whether the shoe suits narrow, regular, or wider feet.
  • Closure: I consider whether laces or a similar closure work best for the child.
  • Use case: I think about whether the shoe will be used mostly for school, sports, or casual wear.
  • Comfort: I look for cushioning and breathability for all-day use.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were choosing a reliable kids’ sneaker, I would keep the ASICS Kids Gel-Excite 11 Grade School on my list. It looks like a practical choice for parents who want comfort, support, and everyday versatility. My advice is to focus on fit first, then consider how often the child will wear it and what activities it needs to handle. If those boxes are checked, I think this shoe could be a smart buy.

Final Thoughts

I think the Asics Kids Gel-excite 11 Grade School is a solid choice if you want a comfortable, supportive shoe for everyday wear. My takeaway is that it offers a nice balance of cushioning, durability, and kid-friendly style without feeling overcomplicated. If you’re looking for a dependable pair for school, play, and active days, this is definitely one I’d consider.

Author Profile

Mara Ellison
Mara Ellison
I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.

At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.