94 replies to this topic

[Oakley]

Ive been doing tri's since I was 14 and started off running in Lynx shoes before mum got me some Asics 190's (I think) from the Runners Shop.

I have noticed a lack in Asics lately from a personal view. They just dont seem to last in the forefoot, they medial posting is getting more and more harsh. Lets not even mention the colours!!! Kayano's have gone from being a class leading shoe, to being over priced junk (in my opinion)

Anyone else share this view, disagree with it? Ive defected and started to run in my arch enemy... Nike

[miners]

The neutral series (Nimbus, speedstar, Ohanas) are still pretty popular and keeping me smiling.

gotta love the colours on the Nimbus 9

[miners]

and by the way, while we're talking about asics love-ins, how could you not love a shoe manufacturer with inspired model names such as this ...

http://www.asics.com...sp?product=1563

[Colin]

Asics never had the ball. (neutrals excepted , Miners the Landreth was great, yet fragile).

While Nike played basketball, indulged in fashion etc - whilst still merrily making the Bowerman series in the background, Asics spent a lot on marketing to runners, capitalised on the fear of pronation and developed beasts that appear to do something, but actually does something you don't need- at a very high price. I'm talking here of the kayano's and variations that is seen on every second foot.

The tide seems to be turning as wisdom of experience pushes runners back to neutrals, or a combination of neutrals + orthotics where required.

The Nike Pegasus and Vomero fly high in this segment, the ones from asics that Miners mentioned are as good, but still way pricier than the Pegasus, which keeps on keeping on and voted best shoe by 7 of the RW 's 11 international editors.

I would even go as far as to say, when in doubt buy a Pegasus or Nimbus- the former just being a lot cheaper to justify when doubtful.

[miners]

good call Col - I have a pegasus in the rotation as well (as well as 1 pair of landreths still gamely holding together!)

Hey, I was wondering how you've gone with the vomero? I was warned off it by reports of achilles stress?

[Neavesy]

I agree with Colin, Nike seem to have produced some of the best running shoes around with the Bowerman series with out even trying, imagine what they would bring out if Running was on the same money/level as Basketball.

I run in Nike Air Structure Triax and Casual shoe Pegasus.

[Colin]

miners, on Aug 10 2007, 06:21 PM, said:

Hey, I was wondering how you've gone with the vomero? I was warned off it by reports of achilles stress?

Haven't tried it yet- in fact haven't done enough running anyway to try it. However, the missus runs it the ladies' version, with the bunion expansion cells -she swears its the best shoe she has had, but then she gets bad bunion blisters on any other shoe. The softness of the Vomero takes getting used to, but I've only seen one CR running in them and he claims that the soft ride looks pretty well after the legs.

[Oakley]

Couldnt have said it better myself Col. Everyone seems to have cottoned onto the pronation fear and are going 21XX Asics.

Nike are pumping alot of money into their running department these days. Havent seen any promo stuff as yet though.

Only prob ive heard about the Vromeros is that the sole wears fast. Im getting some Pegasus 2007's as the previous model is way to skinny
(no 4E's available) if they dont work ill be going the Vromeros.

Asics.... pull your finger out!

[yeti]

Colin, on Aug 9 2007, 05:16 PM, said:

I would even go as far as to say, when in doubt buy a Pegasus or Nimbus

I don't really agree with that - at least w.r.t. the Nimbus. I've tried a pair of Nimbus ('06 model) once in a shop and found it way too "spongy".
But I have to agree to an extent that the Asics shoe lineup isn't quite at its best at the moment. Rumours have it that the '07 Nimbus is a lot better than the '06, i.e. lower and lighter but otherwise the only shoe I would consider in the current lineup would be the DS Trainer (again) - and that's assuming that it is similar to the '06 model. I was never a fan of the Kayano - too stiff, too heavy, too expensive and don't get me started on the Kinsei. The 2xxx series lost their appeal for me very early on - the 2020 was a good shoe but it was downhill from there.

Yeti

[scurry711]

Nike must be kidding with those shoes, they are so unbelievably narrow. I take a 9 normally but had to go up to a 10 to get a pair of Pegasus to take my wide foot but then the heal was too loose. Went out the door with good old Kayanos, cheers Asics.

[Whippet gal]

scurry711, on Aug 11 2007, 03:44 PM, said:

Went out the door with good old Kayanos, cheers Asics.

Ditto. I always end up with Kayanos, despite their ever-increasing price . The only model I wasn't totally impressed with was the XXII (arch was too high for me), but the XXIII's the best yet.

Having said that, I bought a pair of DS trainers the other day, just to see how the lighter weight would go. They're based on the Kayano (without the added support) - first 20 mins in them I thought I'd made a mistake because they felt too narrow around my toes, but that soon disappeared and they felt great.

[Colin]

yeti, on Aug 11 2007, 12:49 AM, said:

I don't really agree with that - at least w.r.t. the Nimbus. I've tried a pair of Nimbus ('06 model) once in a shop and found it way too "spongy".

Of course it will be in the shop- that is the point, people are used to the rigidity of 'stability' shoes that are unnecessary. It will take a bit of running to get used to a Nimbus and Pegasus, even more for a Vomero. They are way more 'spongy' than stability shoes- its the first thing you notice.

scurry711, on Aug 11 2007, 03:44 PM, said:

Nike must be kidding with those shoes, they are so unbelievably narrow. I take a 9 normally but had to go up to a 10 to get a pair of Pegasus to take my wide foot but then the heal was too loose. Went out the door with good old Kayanos, cheers Asics.

The new Pegasus has an even bigger toe box , its in fact a very wide shoe- something I initially complained about until I got used to it, and then didn't get any sore toenails or blisters in several 40km runs, plus a 56km Ultra. And I have a very wide foot- go figure. I do go up half a size in Pegasus, but not because of the width, sizes are just different brand to brand.

But the strange thing about your post is that you tried a Pegasus but ended up with a Kayano. they are two totally different shoes What type of shoe suits your foot and what type did you go into the shop looking for.

I am not talking brand specific shoes here, I am talking neutral vs anti pronation stability. It appears most people are still locked into the anti-pronation bandwagon as if pronation is an 'evil'- the correct amount of pronation is actually necessary.

It appears (from comments here at least) that there is still great uncertainty about type of shoes. I am at the very light end of body types- if cushioning and pronation is not a problem for me, it would be even less of a problem for most others.

Edited by Colin, 12 August 2007 - 01:05 AM.

[scurry711]

Based on your positive comments I thought I would give the Pegasus a go, but far too narrow for me. Its a shame because they are a good price. I run with orthotics so it doesn't really matter what type of shoe but the Kayanos are always super comfortable, nice and wide and have heaps of cushioning. They also last a long time.

[Oakley]

I too found the Pegasus wayy too narrow. But the new Pegasus is heaps better width wise as it doesnt have that sock liner. The old one is the blue one, newer one is the red one. Suggest trying it out!

Asics are WAYY over priced! Want to know how much 'gel' is in asics shoes? Half what you think and you're close.

[walshy2]

Nimbus 9's are fantastic...not too spongy like some earlier models and nicer colour Too!
DS trainers are great, but due to less support I only use them as a racing shoe which is great as they are lightweight but so much more supportive than racing flats

[Jason M]

A few years ago after I had been very, very happy with 14 pairs of Asics Kayanos my next pair collapsed in the forefoot after only a total of 60km. I took them back, the replacement pair did the same. Repeat again and the third set lasted about 80km before collapsing. I changed my brand as a result and discovered another shoe that fits me better and haven't gone back to Asics personally. But there must be a reason they are often the most worn shoe at races.

[Oakley]

Good marketing Jason
People just assume that if they wear asics they have a good shoe. which used to be the truth!
My asics collapsed in the forefoot twice as well... not good for a $200 shoe!!! I hear people say stuff like "oh nike dont make running shoes"... dont they?? I think they do! I reckon they have more of an idea about what runners REALLY need than Asics. Mizuno are also an awesome shoe, i just happen to get free Nikes

[Fiftyplus]

After being long time Brooks Adrenaline wearer, I have recently changed to ASICS 2120. So far been really happy with them as they offer a bit more cushioning, especially in the heel. Haven't done a heap of Kms on them yet, but so far so good.

[Colin]

Oakley, on Aug 13 2007, 08:51 AM, said:

Good marketing Jason
People just assume that if they wear asics they have a good shoe. which used to be the truth!
My asics collapsed in the forefoot twice as well... not good for a $200 shoe!!! I hear people say stuff like "oh nike dont make running shoes"... dont they?? I think they do! I reckon they have more of an idea about what runners REALLY need than Asics. Mizuno are also an awesome shoe, i just happen to get free Nikes

Actually I rang the 'Athletic Edge' shop in Bondi Junction to ask about Pegasus prices back in 2005. I couldn't believe what I heard from Damien Tancred, a fairly good runner himself.
"Nike don't make any good running shoes"

I could have excused the ignorance of the oft lambasted Rebel Sports assistant- but Damien Tancred?

They are well stocked with any and all sorts of ASICS though. Pehaps they don't make as much margin out of Nike.

Edited by Colin, 13 August 2007 - 11:05 AM.

[Oakley]

Ignorance to the highest degree

Brand should be 2nd to fit and function

[beatlloydy]

I think from the comments we have here is that it is a case of "horses for courses". I was a tried and tested Asics 20xx and 21xx runner from mid 90's until recently. I went away and tried some Nike Zoom Moire (just cos I wanted to see if the Nike+ system worked well in them). As a pronator they just didnt work for me. They gave me problems in the arches...I only use them for walking.

I trusted the guy at the local Paul's who said the Asics Nimbus were the same as the Kayano's. I subsequently found out they are totally different shoes. Also, the front foot basically collapsed after less than 150 k'm...ditched them.

Bought some Kayano 12's....just feel too heavy. Still have them but it feels like I am running in lead boots.

I am thinking of going back to 2120's as had no problems but have not tried the latest models. I actually love the Gel speedsters but they wear so quickly I only use them for tris.

It seems the Nike's we get in Aus are the rejects no one else wants or minus 2 generation shoes. (well this is the case for the large retailers...unless you go to a specialist running store but be prepared to pay big $$)....Nike dont seem to care about Australia as it is a small market. I actually rang them and they said this in very similar words.

The problem I have found with all the above is a big lesson learnt. If it aint broke dont try and fix it.
Don't listen to anyone else and just go with the shoes that suit you. As per the various comments from all experienced runners..everyone (including me) has a different opinion and we cant all be right..but perhaps we are (for ourselves).

[Colin]

You've gone from ASICS 20XX, 21XX to nike Zoon Moire, then believed the Pauls guy that Nimbus is like kayanos etc, which with all due respect indicates that you do not know yourself how to evaluate and compare shoes, or the difference between neutral and anti pronation, the reason for pronation and perhaps you should start off with a visit to a podiatrist to have an evaluation of gait and feet and get some recommendations.

Yes, Pauls do not stock Nike, but Pauls is a second hand discount warehouse and their assistants do not know a running shoe from a pair of dumb bells.

The Nike shoes in Australia are the current worldwide versions- the latest Pegasus is is Rebel at a very good price and the slower selling Vomeros are in shops like Athlete's Foot. Nike also have a factory shop where they sell discontinued ranges at very good prices and the Nike sales guys can be found on Sunday mornings at places like not only SMC but also Little A's events etc, with their range of shoes to try on -you can even run in them and return it.
Sure that's marketing, but hardly indicates that they are not interested in Australia.

I have also gotten shoes as an incentive for an informal 5k/10k series I put on with absolutely no request to say I got it from them for nothing , and I quote Chris Chapman on my request for two pairs : "Done. As long as you putting something into running and generating interest we are willing to chip in support, just send me the names of the winners"

Perhaps Chris (CR Chicken) can comment here himself

[yeti]

Colin, on Aug 11 2007, 12:03 AM, said:

Of course it will be in the shop- that is the point, people are used to the rigidity of 'stability' shoes that are unnecessary. It will take a bit of running to get used to a Nimbus and Pegasus, even more for a Vomero. They are way more 'spongy' than stability shoes- its the first thing you notice.

Looks I should have better explained what I meant by "spongy" I didn't mean "spongy" as opposed to "rigid" - I was more thinking of "overcushioned/overpadded" , i.e. for me "spongyness" and flexibility are separate concepts. An '06 Nimbus is certainly not more flexible (or less rigid) than an '06 DS Trainer, but it is much more "spongy". Or, to put it the other way round, the DS Trainer gives the feeling of a much more "direct" contact with the gound.

Oakley, on Aug 12 2007, 12:23 PM, said:

Brand should be 2nd to fit and function

Agreed.

Yeti

[Whippet gal]

Colin, on Aug 13 2007, 02:44 PM, said:

Yes, Pauls do not stock Nike, but Pauls is a second hand discount warehouse and their assistants do not know a running shoe from a pair of dumb bells.

They're not all bad - I recently spoke at length to a really knowledgeable guy in the Penrith Paul's store. He was actually more help than the supposed 'specialist' in Rebel who sent me out the door with a totally unsuitable pair of shoes (which I subsequently returned and got a full refund).

[beatlloydy]

Hi Colin,

I have been to a podiatrist recently. We are still trying a few things out before I make the decision whether or not long term use of orthotics is the right approach.

I admit I dont know the difference between shoes well enough (but as Captain Goodvibes once said "I may not know art but I know what I like") and I expect salespeople wherever they work to have a knowledge of the product they are using (whether they work at Pauls or Timbuktoo). The problem with the Paul's guy was that we had a big rave about running (as it was during the day and not busy) and he "sounded very knowledgeable". Mia Culpa.

I only bought the Zoom Moires to try the IPOD sensor gimmick. I wasnt intending to log big miles in them as I know they are not suitable for my style long term...I intended to use them as a form of the Frees for grass running. However, they dont seem to support me in the arches. They are now a reasobably comfortable walking shoe.

You can plug Nike all you want. It's great to see them giving you support. Just dont expect me to believe their shoes are great cos I have tried them a number of times in the past and each time I have had problems. Others can disagree but we are all individuals with different gaits and styles. I dont think they are that suitable for people who are not 100% biomechanically efficient but that is just my opinion. Perhaps with orthotics I could be convinced to change my mind.

The guy at the Nike 1800 number I rang from their website did tell me they dont really care about Australia (hence not getting the latest product...I can see them on the web in America). I am glad you got someone from Nike who is interested in running. I expect the guy on the 1800 line went to the same customer service school as the guy from Paul's (Which means there are wankers everywhere).

However, I dont think I would choose Nike personally due to bad customer experience...you know the old adage...if you have a good experience you may tell 1 person...but a bad experience you will tell 10 people. When are companies going to realise this? Bad service is not good for PR (unless it is the latest must have product which I don't think Nike has a monopoly on in Oz).

With due respect the 21xx series and the kayanos are in the same market...I only mistakenly bought the nimbus as I was (mis)informed that they were the same as Kayanos (hey we all make mistakes). What makes shoe selection difficult for the amateur is that even an upgrade of a model can have an entirely different shaped last (narrower or wider) and it is difficult to tell without logging a few km in them.

[Colin]

beatlloydy, on Aug 14 2007, 09:09 AM, said:

You can plug Nike all you want. It's great to see them giving you support. Just dont expect me to believe their shoes are great cos I have tried them a number of times in the past and each time I have had problems. Others can disagree but we are all individuals with different gaits and styles. I dont think they are that suitable for people who are not 100% biomechanically efficient but that is just my opinion. Perhaps with orthotics I could be convinced to change my mind.

No I don't plug Nike alone. If you read all my posts, you will note that I plug NEUTRALS because the anti-pronation shoes are unnecessary for most. Some of the best neutral shoes on the market are the Nimbus (ASICS), Landreth (ASICS), Pegasus (Nike) and Vomero (Nike).

The reason for me settling on Pegasus is following.

Nimbus is $70-$80 more expensive.
The Landreth was the best of this bunch in terms of running, but as Miners will attest, they fray early on the uppers. For some reason ASICs brought this out early 2005, did not promote it anywhere and seem to have discontinued it- unless they are not interested in Aus. If you can lay your hands on a pair, go for it.

Which leaves me with the Pegasus suits my feet, gait etc
The Pegasus has also been voted best shoe by international editors of RW- thats not a reason for me, but an affirmation.
I haven't tried the Vomero yet (same reason as Nimbus-$$), but its the best shoe my wife has ever run in, becasue mainly the bunion cells- every other shoe gives her extremely bad blisters, and we are willing to fork out $220 on this.

There is no Nike plugging. If the Landreth was still around I'd buy it despite the bad stitching on uppers and if the Nimbus was cheaper I'd rotate it with Pegasus.
If ASICS stop pushing those stability tanks (Kayanos etc) that not everyone needs at prices up to $240 then I'd support them more.
And if I hear people like Damien Tancred saying "Nike don't make running shoes- buy an ASICS" then why do ASICS need even more support?

My comments on Nike support was in response to your exp with the Nike customer service-- but I have seen the whole Nike running range out here.


cheers

Edited by Colin, 14 August 2007 - 10:16 AM.

[Oakley]

they 1800 nike guy wouldnt have a clue, they just answer phones. Nike are putting a lot of effort into retailers who carry nike shoes. Sorry, but you are wrong.

It isnt the same Nike as it was 10 years ago. Something Nike is struggling to over come, and they know it!

I always find it amusing when people blame sales people for their own mistakes. Dont know about the rest of you, but if I buy a new car I do my own research, go to more than one outlet. Granted shoes arent cars, but for crying out loud dont go into buying something blindly then whinge coz you didnt get the right advice from a sales person.

The 2120's I had went flat in the forefoot area after about 100km. I think that Asics are getting a bit too used to being at the top now and uneducated people just assume that by getting asics, they are getting a good shoe.

[moby]

Colin, on Aug 14 2007, 10:01 AM, said:

The Landreth was the best of this bunch in terms of running, but as Miners will attest, they fray early on the uppers. For some reason ASICs brought this out early 2005, did not promote it anywhere and seem to have discontinued it- unless they are not interested in Aus. If you can lay your hands on a pair, go for it.

If the Landreth was still around I'd buy it despite the bad stitching on uppers and if the Nimbus was cheaper I'd rotate it with Pegasus.

Hi Colin

I loved the Landreth so much I have kept buying them from overseas when Asics Australia decided not to include the 2nd or 3rd version in their Australian line-up. Have been lucky to have a couple of people travel to the US and post them back to me which has ended up costing about $110 a pair.

The Landreth 2’s were a big improvement over the first version and the best shoe I’ve ever come across. Thankfully I still have two brand new pairs hidden under my bed. I got over 900km from several different pairs of these. The Landreth 3 is a bit of a disappointment as the fit is somewhat sloppier through the entire length of the shoe than the 2 which fitted my foot perfectly. Whilst it is a neutral shoe with a lower heel profile than a regular trainer it does have a little bit of support, however the 3 seems to be less supportive than the 2 which hasn’t been ideal for me. I’m not convinced about the new Asics midsole material either, but have heard they will be changing this for the next release of shoes as feedback has not been overly positive.

The Landreth 4 will be available in the US from 1 January 2008. My podiatrist told me that she recently had a meeting with an Asics rep who suggested the Landreth 4 is likely to return to the Asics line-up here.

[Spud]

I tried the Pegasus a couple of years ago and quite liked them, only problem was I only got 600kms out of them. They were beat up after running trails and certainly not as durable as other shoes.
I tried Mizunos, Brooks, New Balance, Adidas but I always come back to ye old faithful Asics.
Say what you want but I slip a pair of any of the 20 series on and they fit like a glove and I typically get 1000kms out of them.
True they are way over priced, but I haven't spent more than $100 a pair in the last few years.
How does it go "Paul's has it all..."

[Oakley]

Why are ru running in a 21 series running shoe and a pegasus?
One is neutral, one is for over pronation.

[Colin]

Oakley, on Aug 14 2007, 02:07 PM, said:

Why are ru running in a 21 series running shoe and a pegasus?
One is neutral, one is for over pronation.

Good question. Even among the very experienced, there is confusion over type of shoe-- what hope for the rest?

There is also a huge difference in the durability when running just on road and on trails, because its a 'cushion' shoe without the stabiliser wedges etc which are stiffer material.

moby, on Aug 14 2007, 11:44 AM, said:

I loved the Landreth so much I have kept buying them from overseas when Asics Australia decided not to include the 2nd or 3rd version in their Australian line-up. Have been lucky to have a couple of people travel to the US and post them back to me which has ended up costing about $110 a pair.

......
The Landreth 4 will be available in the US from 1 January 2008. My podiatrist told me that she recently had a meeting with an Asics rep who suggested the Landreth 4 is likely to return to the Asics line-up here.

Good.. I'll try it again.
I can guess why they discontinued it here $$$- they didn't sell enough. having convinced everyone of the need to use anti pronators like kayano, it was difficult for them to 'sell' this.

This also knocks the statement that they are more interested in Australia- interested in AUD yes.

[miners]

I'm naturally glad to hear there's a 4th generation of the Landreth coming out. I still have one in rotation (and it appeared at C2S on the weekend).

I guess whether they come out here or not is neither here or there to me. I've bought pairs from both the UK and US in the past - however it is nice to try a pair when each generation comes out.

[Spud]

Oakley, on Aug 14 2007, 02:07 PM, said:

Why are ru running in a 21 series running shoe and a pegasus?
One is neutral, one is for over pronation.

If you are referring to me Oakley, good question. I tried the Pegasus aware it was a neutral shoe. I'm a mild overpronator and had no problems jumping from one to the other.
Colin, Asics 20 and 21 series shoes are not trail specific but are definitely more durable over that terrain than the Pegasus.

[beatlloydy]

Oakley,

I was just stating a fact and I agree I was misinformed (I said Mia culpa). Dont get personal on this. I admitted my mistake. I think you are Asics bashing for the sake of it. Come on, disclose something. You are probably sponsored by Nike.

I have had 2120's which lasted for 400+ km, yet my Nimbus collapsed after less than 200. But I'm not bashing Nike's or Nimbus, just relating bad sales experiences which lead me to vote with my wallet which is my democratic right, just as it is to complain in this forum. I am not happy with the way Nike's marketing is geared to America and we are a dumping ground here in Australia (except for 1 or 2 elite shops which have some exclusive deal with them). Asics is not pro American so we get the latest products. I am happy to stick with them. I kow I can get them at any reputable runners shop and I can also get the -1 gen cheaper at a discount store.

In Australia we are gouged on many products including shoes. Well we shouldnt have to take it. This is a free market economy and the beauty of the www is we can see we are being ripped off so we can import shoes ourselves at much cheaper prices as is our democratic right.

[Oakley]

me... sponsored.. hahaha! um no. But geez I wish I was good enough.
MY reason for starting this thread was to see if anyone else shared my view.

Mate, i dont speak Latin, as it isnt a main language here... in NSW... Australia. My comments were not directed at you. It was a general comment as it seems this is the way the world is going. Get burnt by too hot coffee in Maccas, its their fault. Break into someone else house and trip over, sue the home owner. Buy something blindly, get pissed coz one didnt know better.

I think Asics are doing stuff to the EVA mid sole of their 21XX series shoes that are making them collapse.

I totally agree that we are bent over when it comes to sporting goods. For example, a pair of Asics 21XX cost about $110inc gst. This doesnt include freight, shop fittings etc etc etc. You can get them landed at your door from the states in 4 days for a fraction more than cost... it is a joke!

Not sure what you mean about Oz being a dumping ground for Nike. We can get whatever America gets. It isnt Nike's choice what stores have, its the store. Asics ran out of stock of the Kayano 12 so they had to import the shithouse red ones from the states. If you get a chance, check them out. They look cheap ans nasty like Lynx shoes.

[seris]

Oakley, on Aug 14 2007, 05:13 AM, said:

Not sure what you mean about Oz being a dumping ground for Nike. We can get whatever America gets. It isnt Nike's choice what stores have, its the store.

Don't think I can agree with that...... I always ran in Asics until I ran the Nike Women's marathon in San Francisco in October. I was given a new pair of Nike Plus Max Moto shoes at Mile 23 (which I finished the marathon in) after handing over my old Asics. Great! Bought the Ipod and the Nike Plus sensor and am very happy..... except I can't get more Max Motos (female) in Sydney. If anyone has any say in what Nike styles come into the stores, I can assure you they haven't listened to me!
I must admit, I think my last few pairs of Asics were not lasting as long as they used to....

[Oakley]

Ok, ill explain how shops work.

For major retailers such as Rebel etc they store manager or the specific footwear manager says what the store carries and what it doesnt.

I mean this as no offence to you, but one person wanting one pair of shoes doesnt warrant the store getting in a size range of shoes. A one of order, sure, but the $50-$70 they make from the sale of your pair wouldnt even cover the cost of another pair in a different size. Did you ask the shop to get you a pair?

I can tell you that stores in Australia with a Nike account have access to pretty much all Nike shoes in the Bowerman range. Golf shoes and spikes are a different story.

Asics are the same, you can get any shoe you want from a store that have an Asics account, NB are the same although they play favourites and will pre release shoes to TAF and Insport before other stores. If you are being told by a sales person that Nike hold shoes back from the Oz market they are wrong and too lazy to order you in a pair. Im pretty sure I held the yet unreleased Max Moto's the other week. They were girls shoes so I didnt take much notice lol

If you have no luck at the store, please contact me and ill see what I can do.

[seris]

Thanks Oakley, I'll go back to the shops I tried and see what they say. Will let you know what happens. Must admit, I'd probably order a few pairs if they would order them or I'll wait till I'm in the States (Boston in April looks like a go!)

[Roz]

Ok, I was previously spono'd by adidas for 5 years and Saucony for 3 years (getting that out of the way).

Now that I buy running shoes it is quite fun choosing from every brand.....

Used to sell shoes while at Uni and hated Asics because they were hard compared to my adidas at the time.

Just grabbed some Asics Ohana racers for upcoming marathon and they are sick. Thought would try some Nimbus, really not impressed, feel hard as, for the cost just not worth it. Just grabbed a pair of Pegasus, cheap as and brilliant.

All in all as long as you choose the correct fit you can pretty closely get apples for apples in every major brand. Unless one brand is paying you why fire up when others like diff models/brands?

[Tilly]

Hmmmmm personally I've always said that I wouldn't touch Nike running shoes with a 10 foot barge pole! I do own a pair of Nike Free 5.0s that were half price at Rebel...I use these as walking shoes. Ignorance? Perhaps.

When I started running seriously in 1998 I started with the Asics Gel Kayano. This shoe provided a lot of support in the early years. I then realised that I had a pretty efficient running style and didn't require as much support, so I started using the Asics 2020 series (can't recall the model I started on). I then found these shoes became a bit to bulky and heavy, so I went across to the DS Trainer. I love the DS Trainer! It is light and feels great to run in. I also use Asics DS Racers in short races sometimes.

But, at the end of last year I went to a podiatrist after experiencing some knee pain. She told me I had a high-arched rigid foot (ie. don't pronate enough) and would be better suited to Mizuno Wave Precision shoes.

I tried these shoes...and didn't love them (because they felt heavier than the DS Trainers...but I feel like they helped my knee pain.

I think shoe purchase is such an individual thing. I would highly recommend professional advice when selecting shoes, especially if you are doing high mileage. Perhaps Nike will suit some runners.

Tilly

Edited by Tilly, 16 August 2007 - 12:27 PM.

[Cowboy]

I had always been an Asics man, I swapped to Brooks Trance 6 as recommended, but apparently (through learning the hard way) these shoes were made too hard, (to hard for me at least) the orange bit at the heal. It took 3 weeks for my shins to take the brunt of this and became sore and also the front of my legs would turn hard...I went straight back to Asics and presto, all gone.

[Cowboy]

I found they slipped as well, but was told how to tie them differently which fixed it

Edited by Cowboy, 16 August 2007 - 02:48 PM.

[melmel1976]

funny about the asics being loose. I just bought Brooks Trance 7 after being an Asics girl and am quite surprised how much better I'm running now because of the support!

Granted, I'm not an athlete or a great runner, but the difference is unbelievable!

[Cowboy]

Just goes to show you, everyone's feet, biomechanics, weight, running style is different, there is a shoe out there for everyone

[r m]

I used to use Asics DS Trainers and they WERE superb. Felt comfortable from the first run and lasted a decent length of time They were great.

In England I was able to get the previous seasons shoes at good prices when compared to the price of the latest version.

I moved to Australia a couple of years ago and found it impossible to get hold of cheap previous season shoes and the price of the latest version is too expensive for my pocket. Are runners being gouged by the prices charged for Asics shoes? Yes. Also, the last few pairs of DS trainers didn't feel as if the cushioning at the ball of the foot lasted as long as they used to do.

I run every day, and have done for the last 9.5 years, so I take my choice of shoe very seriously. Having used the DS Trainers for more than 6 years I didn't think I would ever change.

Due to difficulties with getting hold of the DS Trainers I tried a few alternatives and I am now using the New Balance 1060's. These are good shoes but it is essential to lace them up carefully for them to feel 'right'. Lacing them up sloppily results in a completely different feel to the shoe.

I live near the New Balance seconds store in Melbourne so my shoes are costing me about $100 a pair.

Edited by r m, 17 August 2007 - 08:07 PM.

[miners]

r m, on Aug 17 2007, 08:06 PM, said:

I moved to Australia a couple of years ago and found it impossible to get hold of cheap previous season shoes

www.runningwarehouse.com

www.eastbay.com

www.rei.com

[r m]

miners, on Aug 17 2007, 05:04 AM, said:

www.runningwarehouse.com

www.eastbay.com

www.rei.com

Looking at those sites they appear to be American. Thanks for the links but I am not really interested in the hassle involved in international transactions.

The runningwarehouse.com site is good as it gives information on the properties of the shoes.

[Emrun]

Give it a go r m

I have been using Eastbay for a while now, I have had no hassles with their service at all. Last purchase was a pair of Brooks Trance and Adidas XC spikes, all up, including delivery cost the same as buying the Brooks alone off the shelf here in Oz.

You get even better bargains if you are happy with a previous model.

[scurry711]

www.sierratradingpost.com

Have many discounted shoes, many new but also older models heavily discounted, bit like Pauls Warehouse. Postage for 2 pair shoes to Aus is $35US.

Edited by scurry711, 18 August 2007 - 02:23 PM.