29 replies to this topic

[jacks]

I was wondering if anyone had noticed a change in the fit or feel when running in the Asics 2080's?  I have run in the GT 2000 series for years and have never experienced any problems with these shoes (apart from the poor wearing heel liner!!!), however, since purchasing my 2080's I have had my first major injury, which has prevented me from running these past 2 months.  Maybe it is just a coincidence but i would be interested to know if anyone else noticed a difference or started having any problems.  I feel they are heavier and fit more like the Kayano than the previous 2070.
I am thinking about trying another shoe and wondered if anyone had any suggestions???  I like Asics, so considered the lighter DS trainer but I don't know if this would be stable enough for everyday wear (I usually run on avg 80km per week).  Are there any brands 'equivalent' to the Asics 2000 series?  I read that the Brooks Adrenalin is very similar but I would like to hear some feedback before making any new purchases!

Look forward to hearing your replies!
Jacks   :)

[Grey beard]

I noticed a change from the 2060 to the 2070. The reinforced area that holds the laces moved forward and gave me blisters and then bleeding on the top of the foot just above the middle toe on my left foot until I ran them in (my feet that is!)
Interested to hear what people think of the 2080s before I update.
In some ways I preferred the 1060s (gel in the heel only gave a firmer 'push off' from the front of the foot), but I got talked into going up range when I bought the 2060s.

[tomjones]

Greybeard - interesting that you mention the blister problem on the middle toe with regard to the 2070's.  I had the exact same problem (on 1 foot only)except with the 2060's but since moving to the 2070 have not had any problems.

I have not yet purchased any 2080's but will be considering inthe near future so I am also keen to hear other runners experiences with the 2080.

[Thomas]

Jacks, I've never run in the Asics 2000 series, but did run in Kayanos for years, which I swore by. However I found the VIII way below normal standard for Kayano. Serious blisters plus they felt as though I was running bare foot on concrete. Just after Christmas I bought the Brooks Adrenalin
and have been very happy with them. They have been highly comfortable, given good cushioning, are probably a bit more stable than Kayanos and there's a bit more room in the toe box which suits me. They give a slightly higher ride in the heel which took a bit of getting used to, especially when trail running - I felt more prone to going over on an ankle, but got over this after a couple of weeks. The other thing worth mentioning is that their throat is a little more narrow than ASICS so it's harder to get them on and off and you need to jiggle the tongue around a bit to get in the right position.
I guess the proof in the pudding is whether I'd buy them again - and yes I will - next pair will be due end March.

[Winston]

The 2080s ok! Where do i begin.. i wish shoe brands didnt change their shoe so much from year to year but i guess there is nothing we can do about it. Ive had Kayanos, 1050s 2060s, 2070s and cant get the 2080s. They are wider than the previous model. Much wider. They are lighter though so i cant see how they felt heavier unless you are comparing them to your worn out pair of 2070s. They are more stable and rigid then the previous pair too with a wider forefoot strike area! Thats the basic low down. I wouldnt go for kayanos if you need the stability of the 2070 i would go across and try the Brooks Adrenaline. Narrower and very very similar stability if not a little more towards the rear of the foot. The cushioning is a little harder ive been told from brooks to asics however you should get greater wear out of the Brooks and better performance. If your not happy there try the New Balance 764. The Adrenaline due out in March supposedly will only be a colour change. The current Blue orange and white one is an awesome shoe so if it fits go with it!

[Eric]

I just had my first serious run in my GT2080s after buying them last month.

Bassically I have neutral pronation and the Kayanos just didn't feel right (far too much pressure on my arch) and the GT2080 was easily the best fitting pair of Asics.

On the run my left foot, on the very most outer part of my arch was getting sore and almost developed a blister. I've never had blisters from running before.

It's because with my very cheap pair of Adidas Ozweegos it is designed to only apply pressure to the parts of the foot that are meant to have pressure, namely it doesn't support the arch.

With these GT2080s the sole of the shoe comes up to meet the arch of the foot to provide some support I guess. And this part only connects with the side of my arch and just rubs. My right foot is slightly smaller so it was fine apart from a slight ache on my arch from the contact that was being made.

The ride in them however compared to my cheapo Adidas feels more jarring but the actual running feels easy. The guidance system or whatever it is really works. From foot strike to toe off it all feels natural while with my Adidas I almost have to make a concious effort on how I want my foot to strike and push off. In the Asics it felt like I could do no wrong.

I'll have a few more runs and get back on this with a more final review and my conclusion to go back to Adidas or stick with expensive Asics.

PS. Picked up the Ozweego's for $85 over a year or so back and they've lasted me until a few months ago. Great buy and none of it looks worn out, just the shock absorbancy has gone and it's telling on my knees.

I picked up the GT2080s from Leo Russell's. I went Asics this time around because of runners advice and because none of the expensive Adidas fit me properly. And most p***ks are selling Adidas Response at over $140!!! And I can't find Ozweegos anywhere.

I also couldn't find Adidas Supernova Cushion. And the guy at Leo Russell's said I'd be wasting my time trying the Asics Gel Nimbus because I don't have high arches so I trusted him because he was one serious runner. The guy at ath.foot on the fitprint thing said I had neutral pronation and from what I can gather I'd agree (wet footprint thing, plus what I feel when I run/walk).

Also, I think I saw it but I'm not sure, are there shoes that are pretty much the equivelant of running barefoot? Just protection bassically?

Although I really should be training in shoes since I do want to do some road events. (I do all my training on an athletics track)

[squeak]

Ah, that explains why I managed to get a blister on my left arch and not my right... my right foot is my slightly smaller foot.

I've been a fan of Asics until now... mainly because they are one of the few shoe companies who make & import women's 10 1/2.

My last pair was a 2060 which was fine.  I missed the 2070s because of my low mileage I didn't need shoes when this was out.  I bought the 2080s and haven't really been happy since.  I've had rubbing on the inside/underside of my arch as soon as I hit 2kms.  Then on the weekend I went orienteering for 3 hours in the pouring rain and ended up with a really bad blister on my left foot which has stopped me from doing ANYTHING (even swimming) this week as it's been so sore.  I've still got my 2060s so I think I'll be going back to those while I find a new shoe... but that may be difficult since so few people make and even fewer stores stock a women's 10 1/2.  I've tried men's shoes before and they're just not an option as I have a narrow heel.  Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now!

[yesmor]

I also have 2 months ago purchased a pair from Leo Russell sports.
I have had nothing but trouble with them rubbing and blistering the arch of my feet however especially my right foot. Also happens more so when foot really sweats and after 40mins or so of running.
I am about to give up on them and I am now weary of purchasing ASICs again. My old pair of Asics were great not a problem.
Great to hear other people have had problems with these runners not just me, especially Eric with the same problem.
I wouldn't purchase them unless you have the foot that suits them. My foot is normal nudging towards flat.

[Dang]

maybe you should buy your shoes from specialty shops/staff who independantly evaluate shoes & are responsive to changes in shoe characteristics.there appears to be a trend in these forums ,which mention shoes that buyers are seeking low prices but forgetting to seek out good advice or just accepting the manufacturers product at face value.Descriptions in ads or magazines are confusing & most retailers just sell the shoes they get to anyone without question.The differences in the 2070 & 2080 are well known by now so how come you didnt notice when trying on ?Its wider & the toe box is different . Maybe you are just sliding around in a wider shoe . The sizes have changed as well.The dual density block is again modified. So its not as before ,in my evaluation.

[Eric]

I have not run in Asics before, but these are definetly not too wide. They are about as snug as my Adidas, and that's quite snug (I'm talking about the heel and mid foot areas).

The guy at Leo Russell who I took my advice from was one hell of a serious runner, so I trusted his advice, I don't know if he is wrong or not because the only other shoe I hadn't tried was the Gel Nimbus and I understood his point (designed closer for high arches).

I haven't gone for another run in them as yet since my ankle still isn't 100% and I've been studying hard for the new uni semester.

I'm not saying these shoes are bad. The only problem right now is a mild amount of rubbing that leads to blistering after about 30 min running. I'll try maybe some electrical tape and such and see if I can make best use out of these.

PS. These don't have wear problems do they that I can start preventing now somehow?

[Evil Guru]

Interesting reading. I'm just about to start running in my 2080s so I'll let you know how they go.

I found that for runs longer than about 12kms I would start to get a blister on the very end of my middle toe with the 2070s something I've never found before. Solved the problem by taping the toe. Apart from that the only other problem I've had with Asics was some arch rubbing with the 2050s.

[flash]

Have just changed over from Brooks to Asics. Has anyone had problems with the 1080 for women? Would be interested to know...

[malhop]

I am training a female 5000/10000m runner who has used ASICS 2070 for the last eighteen months with no problems. Her weekly mileage is such that she needs new shoes every two months. She recently changed to 2080 and soon after began complaining about them rubbing. After a month of problems, we arranged a trip to a podiatrist who examined the 2070 and 2080s and suggested that ASICS have made the shoes deeper. The temporary solution has been to put into each shoe a small foam heel insert made by the podiatrist, which has rectified the problem. However this is obviously only a stop gap sitaution and we are now looking at other models and makes. It is a shame when manufacturers change what appears to be a perfectly good shoe, but one assumes they have their reasons.

[Eric]

Good to hear that the problem is scientifically reproducable across many subjects  :)

Now to live with blisters for the next year since I'm a student who can't afford shoes more than once a year. Heck, I can't even afford books right now. I've only got half of what I need.

[Evil Guru]

Ok, I promised my review of the 2080s. I ran in them for the first time last night, admittedly only a short run around 8km.

No problem with blisters or any discomfort whatsoever, they actually feel a bit lighter than the 2070s and so far I can't fault them.

I'll do a long run in them in the next week or so and I'll be interested how they feel after 20kms. However so far so good, at least for me.

Naturally everyone is different, but in my case things are looking good.

[Eric]

What is your foot type Evil?

I had another run in them the other day with the arches of my feet taped up with duct tape. The shoes are fine.

Now, they aren't comfortable, but adequate. Given the choice I'd swap it over for a cheap pair of Adidas.

[Evil Guru]

Hi Eric,

I guess I'd say that I'm a neutral pronator with nothing special about the arch in my foot, certainly not flatfoot or with high arches.

The only time I've ever had blisters on my arches was when I first started wearing the 2060s a couple of years ago. This was fixed by the 2070s.

I don't think it hurts too much to get the odd blister every now and again, so long as it doesn't occur every time you run. I figure whenever I blister, my feet harden up and I'm less likely to get blisters in the future, which is pretty useful as I typically race short course triathlon without socks.

[Yellow Rose]

SQUEAK actully found womens size 11Asics at Pauls Warehouse Homebush.

[Yellow Rose]

FLASH. Recently bought Asics 1080 & have done approx.80ks in them no probs.Actually the gel throughout the sole& heel I think, has assisted in easing my knee pain.

[shark]

To Eric & Evilguru

I have a new pair of 2080's and am getting left foot arch blistering - ring a bell?

What is the long term situation with you on your 2080's - did the feet toughen up, do you still tape them?  Did you change the inner?

I agree that they feel great but the rubbing can be felt after 20+ minutes.  I've only done a couple of runs in them so far.

S

[SMC]

Hi all,

Having run in Asics’s GT series since the 2040's, the only problems I encountered were the 2050's (Major blistering in left arch) until the 2080's came along - same blistering problem and they also aggravated my mild shin splints, after less than 100k I sent them flying toward the nearest rubbish bin. Subsequently I went to a specialist running shop that analysed my running style etc and I had no preconceptions about brand/price or look and ended up walking away with a pair of Saucony grids that are more of a neutral shoe and a much better fit. Next time I need shoes I'll do the same thing instead of trying to buy the "New and Improved" model.

[happyasgilmour]

have used both asics 2000 series, various models and kayanos.... would recommend New Balance 764s over any shoe ive ever run in before, for comfort and fit. They are nicely braoder than the asics. I have liners that havent worn even after the soles have worn out and never a blister even at over 90km a day. give them a try

[Evil Guru]

An update on the 2080s from me. I've now done around 350kms in them, mostly long runs 20-28kms and I'm alternating between these and my 2070s.

Sorry guys/girls, I'm not experiencing any of the problems you've mentioned with the 2080s. I do still get a blister on my middle toe with the 2070s if I run too far (ie over 10kms) with them, but the 2080s fit me well and I've got no complaints. They do seem a little lighter than the 2070s, but also a little more responsive (possibly due to their younger age). I do use good socks (Thorlos) with them.

So at the end of the day it really comes down to a personal fit. Obviously for me they fit just fine and work well.

[roadrunner]

Hi Jacks,

We are also an Asics family, well until recently. My Husband (Coach and high ranking runner - NSW Marathon Chamipion x3)was having cronic knee problems that just wouldn't go away.  One of his athletes late started having cronic knee problems.  He went to a podiatrist who advise that the 2070/80s seemed to have changed and could one of the problems (if not the problem). He suggested a couple of Brooks shoes.  My Husband also took the advise and changed to Brooks Adrenelin and has not had a problem since!

Hope this helps  :)

[Nightboy]

I previously ran in Saucony grid but found them too hard. It was like running with blocks of concrete strapped to the bottom of my feet. Bought my Asics from a specialist. He let me try on various brands & run around in them. Came down to the Kayano & the 2080. Bought the 2080s cos they felt better. A bit more cushioning & snugger I recall. Obviously you can't tell much from a brief jog outside a shop. The big problem I have had is the stitching on the inside of the shoe cutting into my skin. This is the soft skin on the arch of my foot. Started when I was running in bare feet in a swim/run race, but I can still feel it through my socks. I will be trying some Thorlos, but I will be looking for a more suitable shoe before the triathlon season starts.

[Don Juan]

I'm with Evil Guru.
I've got asic 2080s in a 4E for wide feet, they fit well, and they run like a dream.

These are the best runners I've worn since my adidas rome's and blue & yellow nike waffles.

[Helen]

Thought I'd add my bit to this thread having just spent over a week trying to find a shoe that fits well (and 4 pairs later)
I have run in Asics since the GT2000's years ago. Great shoe back then but now (or since the GT2070) they have made maybe subtle changes but enough for my feet to hate them. I am a size (7 1/2-8) with mid to high arches. Avg width forefoot with narrow heel / mid foot. Infact just last week I purchased a pair of the GT2080 (I always give them a go because of how good they used to be) took them back next day. Too much foot movement, too heavy etc, then tried a pair of Brroks Adrenaline's.... very similar to GT2080's I thought... no good!!
Tried Ryka KM5's (great fitting shoe for us women)but overstitching digging in on sides.... took those back. This was all through the Athletes Foot (never again!!!!!).
Went to a specialist running store (Joggers World in Adelaide) great advice. Did give me a Brooks shoe initially because I was wearing Kayano's and they had been ok. Brooks no good but swapped them for a Mizuno Wave Creation (size 8) So far so good.
Good smug fitting shoe, lightweight, very supportive for high arches and heaps of cushioning. It took me over a week and 4 pairs of shoes but finally got there however now have a minor foot problem probably due to all the running in incorrectly fitting shoes!!!  The price we pay hey ??

Helen

[Northman]

Helen, have you had a problem with the cusioning system in the 'wave creation' becoming flat and non-productive?  I've seen this happen first hand a couple of times with this particular style of shoe!  Just wondering, keep an eye out if they do and tak'em back if so, Mizuno will credit them!
Nthman

[Helen]

Hi Northman, I've only had my Wave's now for under a week but will definately keep an eye on the cushioning. The only problem I'm having with these shoes to date (something I've never experienced even with new shoes) is my feet are extremely sore after my run.
How will I know if the cushioning flattens..? May seem like a silly question but not being an experienced runner... would it be obvious or is it something you really need to be in tune with.
Helen

[40-20]

I swear by Asics but have always had blister problems with them - especially on my instep. I recently bought a pair of 2080s and the old blister problems were back.  

However, I tried a pair of Thorlo socks - and what do you know - no blisters - even after a run of over 2 hours.