Update: I just ran 6 miles in these as my first run. Kind of far for a first time but they needed zero breaking in period and performed great. No blisters or discomfort. Breathability good for an Atlanta summer day. My only criticism is that anyone using these for trail running (a good percentage I'd hope) would naturally want a longer toe box. I wish I didn't have to go up half a size to get this because then it throws off the general fit of the rest of the shoe. But that's just me. In general these have a more generous toe box than most. Not as rigid a performance as the 5s. I would probably purchase the 5s again if I could however I definitely can recommend these 6s and I'll adapt more fluently within a couple more runs.

Original review:
I trail run 8-12 miles per week. I loved my Gel Venture 5s because they felt like they were custom made for my foot. When I first got into running I couldn't believe how well they fit.

I need new shoes every 9 months or so and I always go back to the gel venture 5s so I was very sad when I found out they were discontinued. So cue the Gel Venture 6s!

I'm pleased to report the gel venture 6s fit just as well as the 5s. The arch support is not as high as the 5s though (I also got half a size larger this time to prevent runners toe so this could be influencing it a bit). They're also not quite as boxy/sturdy as the 5s.

One of the reasons I love Asics gel ventures is because they're a very strong shoe. A lot of the times with trail shoes they almost feel like slippers which some runners prefer but I don't. I like something with good feedback and bounce and protection. There have been times I've been seduced by the marketing of other brands, but I always end up returning them and going back to Asics.

I plan on running with these tomorrow and will update but I was so excited to write my review I couldn't wait.

The only difference I've noted is it had a different tread than the 5s. One huge plus of the gel ventures over other trail shoes is that you can use them as a road shoe, which is nice. You can also use them as a walking/every day shoe and walk on tile/hardwood. Most other trail shoes you might as well walk on wax paper if you're on tile.