NewASICS2025 Review
Asics Gel-Tactic 13
These are affiliate links; if you buy through them, Liftados may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Buy at WePlay Handball · €77.00 (opens in a new tab)We only have it in stock at WePlay Handball · Prices updated on 7 November
More support and structure than the Rocket, for players who need it.
Fit
Who is it for?
- Position
- Centre backBackWing
- Player weight
- 75 – 90 kg
- Level
- Beginner, Intermediate
We recommend it if…
- Beginner-to-intermediate centre backs and backs who need support
- Heavier players or those with a strong footstrike
- Those with a history of sprains or who overpronate
- Youth teams where joint safety is a priority
Pick another if…
- Wings who prioritise lightness and agility (the Gel-Rocket 12 is better)
- Advanced-to-professional level with intensive training
- Players who already have a Gel-Rocket 12 in good condition
- Those looking for maximum responsiveness on the first step
Our test
The good and the bad
Pros
- Good support for a mid-range price
- Versatile for several indoor sports
- Comfortable and hard-wearing
Cons
- Less light than the Rocket
- Unremarkable design
- Cushioning could be better
Before you order
Sizes and fit
- Fit
- Regular
- Sizes
- EU 36–47 (unisex)
- Weight
- 305 g
- Drop
- 10 mm
Where to buy
Price at each shop
These are affiliate links; if you buy through them, Liftados may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
WePlay Handball
Lowest price
Basket-Center
Out of stock
€66.99Atmosfera Sport
Out of stock
€150.00
How we score it
Score by category
- Grip
- 8.2
- Cushioning
- 7.9
- Stability
- 8.4
- Durability
- 8.3
- Value for money
- 9.0
Gorka Cabañas' opinion
Journalist. Former handball player and coach. Co-founder of Liftados
The Gel-Tactic 13 is the Rocket's first cousin with more structure and less speed, and that makes it more useful for a specific profile: the bigger player who needs more support without moving up to the Netburner range.
They weigh 305 grams and the upper has more reinforcement in the medial and lateral areas than the Rocket. On court I was always a wing, and I admit that if I'd been a heavy defensive centre back I'd have rated this shoe differently. The support in rotations and in the pushing of zone defence feels different compared with a Rocket.
The Tactic's problem is one of positioning: it's priced almost identically to the Rocket but doesn't reach the Beyond FF either, and of the three, the Beyond FF wins on value for money. I'd recommend it specifically for beginner-to-intermediate goalkeepers and pivots who need structure, or for players who've had sprains and want more all-round support.
Published on 8 October 2025 · Liftados.com
On-court review
Full review
Grip and traction
The non-marking rubber outsole of the Asics Gel-Tactic 13 scores 8.2 for grip, slightly higher than the Gel-Rocket 12 (8.3 — a marginal difference) but within the same performance range. Asics' standard non-marking compound for indoor sports offers competent grip on parquet and vinyl. The main difference between the Gel-Tactic 13 and the Gel-Rocket 12 isn't the grip but the shoe's profile: the Tactic 13 has a more structured upper and a higher cut, making it a more suitable option for positions that need more lateral support. For centre backs and backs with support needs, this extra support matters even though the grip is similar.
Cushioning and energy return
The GEL Technology of the Asics Gel-Tactic 13 scores 7.9 for cushioning, a decent result for a model at its price. The GEL configuration is similar to the Gel-Rocket but with a slightly firmer midsole that offers more structural support in exchange for some comfort. For heavier players or those with a stronger footstrike, this firmer midsole may be more suitable than the Rocket. The 10 mm drop is standard. The weight of 305 grams, higher than the Gel-Rocket 12 (295 g), reflects the model's more structured construction. For players who spend a lot of time on their feet or have more demanding feet, the Gel-Tactic may prove more comfortable in long matches.
Stability and support
With 8.4 for stability, the Asics Gel-Tactic 13 clearly outperforms the Gel-Rocket 12 (8.0) thanks to its rigid internal plate and higher upper cut. This extra structure makes it especially suitable for players who overpronate, have a history of sprains or need medial support. For contact positions such as pivot or a centre back playing man-to-man defence, the Gel-Tactic's additional stability provides a greater safety margin. It's heavier and less agile than the Rocket, but for the player who needs that support, the weight difference is a reasonable trade-off.
Who this shoe is for
The Asics Gel-Tactic 13 is the Gel-Rocket alternative for beginner-to-intermediate players who need more support. If the Gel-Rocket is for the light, agile player looking for basic comfort with GEL, the Gel-Tactic is for the player who needs that same comfort with extra lateral lockdown. With both in the entry-level range, choosing between Rocket and Tactic depends on the player's profile: light and dynamic → Rocket; heavier or with support needs → Tactic. For grassroots contact positions, the Gel-Tactic is the most responsible choice.
Liftados verdict · 8.0/10
The Asics Gel-Tactic 13 is the Gel-Rocket's more supportive big sister: same GEL technology, same price bracket, but with greater lateral stability and a more structured upper. For beginner-to-intermediate centre backs and backs who need that extra support, it's the smartest choice in the Asics catalogue at this price.
Unsure about your size or position?
Tell us your position, weight and budget and we'll tell you if it suits you.
Comparisons
Which one suits you best?
What you ask us about the Asics Gel-Tactic 13
What position is the Asics Gel-Tactic 13 for?
How much does the Asics Gel-Tactic 13 weigh and how does it differ from the Gel-Rocket?
Is the Asics Gel-Tactic 13 worth it for a junior centre back who overpronates?
Weekly reviews
Deals, gear reviews and handball tactics. No spam.