14 replies to this topic

[Fiftyplus]

Hi all, I am thinking of changing shoe brands after many pairs of Brooks Adrenaline, and was looking at the new ASICS 2120, as they feel a bit softer in the heel. I also noticed that I am a half size smaller in the Asics. Has any one else done this and been happy with decision?

[azza]

I personally am not fond of Asics (never seem to fit me right), but I'm all for changing shoe brands and models. I reckon if you run in the same model of shoe day in and day out, the specific muscles they support will get weaker and weaker. Then, when the model changes, you're out of luck.
Of course, my feet seem pretty normal (neutral to moderate pronation), so I may just be lucky enough to have a lot of different shoes that suit me (inc. Adrenalines).

[yeti]

azza, on Jan 22 2007, 12:20 PM, said:

I personally am not fond of Asics (never seem to fit me right), but I'm all for changing shoe brands and models.

Agreed. I actually make a point of rotating between shoes of different brands, i.e. currently I'm running in a pair of Asics (DS Trainer) and a pair of Puma (Phasis) which have just replaced a pair of Adidas (Response Cushion).

Yeti

[womble]

I agree with Yeti. I currently have 3 pairs of runners 'in rotation', a Mizuno for faster/road runs, a New Balance for trails/hills and a Nike for easy runs (but this is only loosely based, I can also just go with the one that 'appeals' on the day).

I have a neutral foot type so I may be one of the lucky ones in this respect, but have always had at least two pairs of shoes 'on the go' at once.

I suggest you try some other brands.................you may be peasantly surprised!

[kazz]

I changed from asics' a few years back and now buy not according to the brand but the fit. I'm the same as womble as in neutral foot and I have 4prs for rotation. I have Mizuno's Nike's and Teva's for trails, my favourite being the Mizuno's and a pr of Nike's for roads. Obviously most of my runnings in trails but I'm looking at a pair of Mizuno Precision's for the road next up.

kazz.

[Stu Mac]

Yep I only ran in Asics too for many years, but last year I was given a pair of Nike Zoom Elites, I was nervous about introducing a different brand but it worked well and I definetely agree that the different brands help work differing parts of the foot.

My current shoes are Kayano for long runs, tempo & recovery Reebok Premier Road Lites or Zoom Elite and racing is all Asics (still).

[tank girl]

Like everyone else is saying, shoe rotation is good. I have four or so pairs going at any one time, with different main uses (often determined by how old they're getting).

With Asics - be aware that they initially feel lovely and bouncy and cushioning but as the cushioning dies out, the shoe feels very flat/heavy. Other shoes such as Mizuno and Brooks, I have continued to use on trails and grass well after they've outlived their cushioning, because they still felt supportive and springy. However, I threw out the Asics. I always recommend Asics to beginner runners... but if you're changing later on, also check out some Mizuno (you might not like the hard feel) and NB shoes.

[samplesize]

Hi all, especially Stephen,

It's your friendly neighbourhood sneaker freaker here with some advice.

First - BIG supporter of alternating shoes and choosing the shoe that fits best and works best for you - regardless of the brand

Second - one reason the 2120 feels softer in the heel (here comes the tech) is that the dual density (firmer grey midsole material on the medial side of the shoe) does not extend as far back into the heel as does the Adrenaline - thus, there's not as much 'hard stuff' under your heel in the 2120 and makes for a softer landing: see below

 2120_small.JPG   8.69K   10 downloads  Adrenaline_small.JPG   4.46K   10 downloads

Third - the 2120 are typically a slightly bigger fit and the Adrenalines are on the smaller size - no surprises about going half a size down.

Fourth - have you tried changing your innersoles in your Adrenalines for a softer feel?

Last point - both shoes are great, but will have a mechanical difference - which one is better for you?

samplesize

[comadi]

Hi Stephen,
Interesting you should ask this question.
I have been running in Brooks Adrenaline for a while after making the change from Nike structure.
The Nikes did me ok for several years, but I tried the Brooks and they felt lighter and a better fit.
Nike also changed the carbon heel durability a few years back, and I ended up only getting two thirds the mileage before I was cutting in to the EVA heel.
Well, whether or not the Brooks have played a part in the continual niggly injuries I have had ever since I changed I don’t know, but I just bought a pair of Asics 2120’s ( Rebel sale = $69 discount

I am an over pronator, so I don’t know if it will work out or not, but I did an easy / steady 45 minutes in them last night and they felt good.
I am gravitating towards Asics as time goes by, as I have a pair of Asics Evolution that I use for long trail runs only, and find them good for that.

I’ll let you know how they go in the longer term.

Cheers

[yeti]

tank girl, on Jan 23 2007, 11:21 AM, said:

With Asics - be aware that they initially feel lovely and bouncy and cushioning but as the cushioning dies out, the shoe feels very flat/heavy.

AFAIK this mainly applies to the 2xxx series - definitely not to the DS Trainer and similar shoes, i.e the DS Trainers don't feel as spongy in the beginning but don't fade as badly/quickly as the 2xxx.

tank girl, on Jan 23 2007, 11:21 AM, said:

Other shoes such as Mizuno and Brooks, I have continued to use on trails and grass well after they've outlived their cushioning, because they still felt supportive and springy. However, I threw out the Asics. I always recommend Asics to beginner runners... but if you're changing later on, also check out some Mizuno (you might not like the hard feel) and NB shoes.

Funnily enough, Mizuno and NB are exactly the brands I got the least mileage (<600km) from.
With the Mizunos I had the problem that the "wave" element in the heel got softer over time and the was leading to tendon problems. With the NB (1050) I had the problem that the cushoning failed after ~500km and the shoe, being not particularly lightweight, turned into an absolute brick.

I used to run Adidas a lot (Shimano, Taper, Response....) but they recently changed the shape of their shoes towards a bigger width and now they don't fit me any more.

Yeti

[funky1]

And here I was thinking that I'm the only person who uses several different shoes from several different brands on a rotation during my training. (Asics, Nike & Mizuno).
My girlfriend is constantly nagging me to throw some out.

For the record, I still have my favourite though - Asics.....

[clanrunner]

I used to run in Brooks Adrenalines and loved them. Until I got a bad injury (which could never be diagnosed but resembled plantar fasciaitis) and changed. I've been running in Brooks Beasts for slow runs and Asics 2110s for faster stuff and races. I'm definitely a fan of alternating shoes.

I found the 2110s reminiscent of the Adrenalines, but not quite the same. What I found strange was how both Asics and Brooks had changed over a period of a few years. My feet used to be suited to Brooks shoes, as they had side support that Asics lacked. But when I tried on the 2110s I noticed the side support was now there too. Meanwhile the Brooks Vapour (which I also used to wear) no longer has it. This was over a year ago though, so it's probably changed again since.

[gotimmy]

Yes I think rotating is good for you feet as well as allowing basic things like letting the shoes dry out. Have been in Kayanos and Glycerins and can’t tell difference in size or feel.

[Fiftyplus]

Thanks a lot for all the replies,
I must admit I was locked in to the idea that once you find a brand/type of shoe that works, then why change and I don't run every day and am just coming back from knee surgery.

Samplesize
Thanks and I have been told about the different positioning of the grey midsole which is why I am looking at the ASICS.

I tried an innersole (Soft Sole???) in my Brooks before my knee problems and I am not sure they were the cause of the problem or not, so I am reluctant to fiddle with the designed mechanics of the shoes.

I will get some ASICS 2120 and see how they go.

Thanks for the help

[comadi]

clanrunner, on Jan 25 2007, 01:39 AM, said:

I used to run in Brooks Adrenalines and loved them. Until I got a bad injury (which could never be diagnosed but resembled plantar fasciaitis) and changed.

It could just be coincidence, but that is 'EXACTLY' what I have been going through.
I have been back running for a while now, but my foot is still not right.

I am now virtually convinced it is the Adrenaline's, and the only reason I have managed to keep doing a bit is because I have mixed things up with the Asics.

Good bye Brooks Adrenaline !