ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 Review: Specs and Upcourt 6 Comparison
Last updated November 3, 2026 · We may earn a commission on qualifying Amazon purchases. Disclosure
Quick verdict
- Verdict: A budget volleyball shoe that names more stability and cushioning technology than the cheaper Upcourt 6, for $15 more at list price.
- Best for: Newer and regular players who want GEL cushioning without paying for a premium model
- Watch out for: ASICS’s US page lists no weight, and buyer comments on the cushioning are mixed
- Key details: Breathable mesh upper, GEL in the midsole, TRUSSTIC stability piece, flex grooves in the outsole; $90 list price, $79.95 on sale
Research-based review, not a hands-on test. Specs and prices from ASICS US, read on October 31, 2026.
Gel-Rocket 12 vs Upcourt 6 vs Gel-Tactic 13
“Not listed” means the ASICS US page we read doesn’t name that feature. It doesn’t prove the shoe lacks it.
| Feature | Gel-Rocket 12 | Upcourt 6 | Gel-Tactic 13 |
|---|---|---|---|
| US list price | $90 ($79.95 sale) | $75 ($59.95 sale) | $115 to $120 by color |
| ASICS’s focus | Balance of stability and flexibility | Lightweight, flexible, comfortable fit | Advanced stability and grip |
| Upper | Breathable mesh | Broad mesh paneling, mesh underlays | No-sew film-covered mesh |
| Cushioning | GEL | Not listed | GEL |
| Stability feature | TRUSSTIC | Not listed | STABLETRUSS, wrapped-up outsole |
| Outsole note | Flex grooves | Not listed | Circular traction patterns |
| Weight on ASICS page | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
Upcourt 6 vs Gel-Rocket 12: Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Gel-Rocket 12 if you play regularly and want named cushioning and stability features. ASICS places GEL in the midsole for shock absorption and uses TRUSSTIC to help with quick transitions.
Choose the Upcourt 6 if price matters most, or if you aren’t yet sure how often you will play. ASICS describes it more simply, as a light and flexible shoe with mesh paneling for an adaptable fit. See our Upcourt 6 review for more.
What ASICS Says About the Gel-Rocket 12
ASICS’s stated aim is a balance of stability and flexibility so you can move confidently on court. The upper is designed to support you during lateral movement, while the midsole’s TRUSSTIC piece helps stability in quick transitions. ASICS sells it under men’s volleyball shoes in standard width.
What Buyers Say
Amazon’s AI-generated summary of customer reviews, read on October 31, 2026, reports comfort out of the box and positive comments on fit, including from buyers with wide feet. It also shows mixed opinions on cushioning. This is a summary of other people’s comments, so treat it as a prompt to check fit yourself and not as a measured result.
What We Could Not Confirm
- Weight: ASICS’s US page doesn’t list one, and the retailer listings we saw disagree, so we don’t quote a figure.
- Changes from the Gel-Rocket 11: We found no ASICS comparison of the two generations. Our Gel-Rocket 11 review covers the older shoe.
- Durability: We found no independent wear data.
Who Should Buy It
It suits a player who has outgrown an entry-level shoe, or a parent or newer player buying a first proper pair who wants more than the basics. Players who want a stability-first shoe should compare the Gel-Tactic 13. For other affordable options, see our guide to shoes under $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ASICS Gel-Rocket 12 good for volleyball?
ASICS sells it as a men’s volleyball shoe and designs it for stable, flexible movement on court. It is a budget model, so serious players may want a more specialized shoe. This assessment comes from specs, not on-court testing.
What is the difference between the Upcourt 6 and the Gel-Rocket 12?
The Gel-Rocket 12 costs $90 at list price against $75 for the Upcourt 6. ASICS’s US page for the Gel-Rocket 12 names GEL cushioning and TRUSSTIC stability, while its Upcourt 6 page names neither and focuses on light weight, flexibility and fit.
How much does the Gel-Rocket 12 weigh?
We could not confirm a weight. ASICS’s US page doesn’t publish one, and retailer listings vary, so check the listing for your size if weight matters to you.
Is the Gel-Rocket 12 good for wide feet?
ASICS lists the men’s version in standard width. Amazon’s review summary mentions positive comments from wide-footed buyers, but that isn’t a measurement. Our wide-feet guide has more options.
How much does the Gel-Rocket 12 cost?
ASICS’s US site listed it at $90, with a $79.95 sale price on the White/Black color, on October 31, 2026. Prices vary by color and retailer.
As a US hitter with a passion for volleyball, I bring firsthand experience and insight into what makes the best volleyball shoes stand out. From powerful spikes to swift court movements, I know how crucial the right footwear is for peak performance.
