Ranu's Reviews

Back in the day, Mars Blackmon (aka Spike Lee) couldn’t have said it better when he uttered the catch-phrase of the late 80s, “It’s gotta be the shoes.” I really didn’t think that a pair of sneakers would make any difference when running until I received a pair of Gel-Evolution 5 (GE5) running shoes from Asics to test out.

Run Fatboy, Run

I think the only running that I have done in the past 15 years, besides attempting not to get thrown out at first in slow-pitch softball, was at the buffet line at Sizzler. So when my trainers suggested that I try running I instantly jacked up the life insurance policy on myself.

Now please don’t confuse my feeble attempt at running with actual running. My pace was somewhere between a crawl and a moderate walk, and I couldn’t run more than a tenth of a mile without having to walk. However, practice does make perfect and I was up to a mile (and more) in a relatively short amount of time. After that, running became easier for me, but not so much for my feet.

My trainer was constantly trying to convince me about the importance of sneakers designed for running which went in one ear and out the other. I can’t tell you how much time she spent explaining to me all the different types of running styles and sneakers while I was thinking about how much longer until lunch.

It didn’t hit home to me until the representative from Asics asked me what type of runner I was and which type of running shoe should she send. Huh? I went to Asics’ web site and found a lot of good info on what type of shoe would be best for me. Turns out that I have flat feet and require a lot of support when I run. Probably could use some support somewhere else too, but I didn’t see any sports bras for men on the Asics’ web site. After submitting my criteria, the site suggested that I use the GE5s.

Check Out My Package

I was so looking forward to my first real pair of running shoes. Opening that box of Asics was like opening the Ark of the Covenant in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” except the contents inside were going to help me melt pounds, not faces.

These sneakers are probably the coolest looking sneakers I ever owned with the exception of my 1985 red, white and black Air Jordans. The shoes I received were silver, black and blue. I have to commend Asics on the choice of color combination because when I’m not running, I can wear these sneakers with just about any of the clothes that I own. You gotta coordinate.

Lotta Cushion for Pushin’

The first thing I noticed when I went running with these sneakers for the first time is that they are frigging light! They weigh a measly 13.1 ounces and made me feel like I was running on air. I never had my running evaluated professionally, but I can tell you that my feet come down hard when I run. Now I don’t know where the hell they are hiding it, but these sneakers have a lot cushion between my feet and the pavement. Seriously, I barely feel the ground when running with my GE5s.

I also want to point out that these sneakers are like the Fort Knox of foot support. My heels never felt so protected inside a pair of sneakers. At first, the sneakers will feel a little stiff in the heel area, but it definitely gets softer as your feet warm up.

I Love Technology

There are some serious technological advances packed inside this pair of Asics. The DuoMax Support System is for the severe over-pronator and it helps ensure that the shoe maintains proper support for the foot during the critical transition from heel strike to toe-off. Then there is the Impact Guidance System that contains linked componentry that actually enhances the foot’s natural gait from heel strike to toe-off. Bottom line—these shoes are comfortable, provide excellent support and look great!

If you are interested in learning more about pronation, check out this great article at Runner’s World: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-319-327-7727-0,00.html.

The End Result

Running can be very intimidating at first and might not appeal to everyone, especially if you are overweight and lack confidence like I used to. I stuck with running (mostly because my trainer wouldn’t let me quit) and wasn’t really that crazy about it until I found the right shoe for me. I’m not saying that the GE5s are the perfect shoe for everyone, but if you have flat feet and crave that extra support when running—just try the Asics GE5s before you give up on running.

I’ve had these shoes for over six months now and tested them thoroughly. I ran inside, outside, in hot, cool and even inclement weather—I also logged over 100 miles and participated in two 5Ks. All the extra support was very reassuring to a novice runner like myself and it did an excellent job of boosting my confidence. These sneakers still look like brand new after all this time, except for a few patches of dirt.

The Asics GE5s cost about $120, which isn’t that bad a price for a high-quality running shoe. These sneakers are the second pair of Asics that I own (I bought the first pair on my own) and I can’t say anything bad about the sneakers that Asics produces. They are durable, comfortable and provide excellent support.

If you are just starting out with running, make sure you go to a store that specializes in running shoes. Some places will evaluate your running style and be able to suggest the type of sneaker that is best suited for you.

For more information on Asics, visit their website at: http://www.asicsamerica.com/