ASICS Men's Gel-Contend 5 Running Shoes

I've had a couple periods of my life, each lasting a few months, where I ran pretty consistently--but I never kept it up. I decided to take up again almost five years ago in my mid-30s, and I haven't stopped since (only for water breaks)! This was the first time I realized I needed an actual running shoe, and somehow I stumbled upon the Asics Gel-Contend series (I think the 3rd generation). For the last several years, this is my sole running shoe--pun intended, because if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I know my size, they are comfortable and supportive without feeling overly-cushioned, and they've kept me mostly injury-free through a marathon, a half-marathon, several 10Ks, countless 5Ks, and thousands of miles of training. Best of all, they're CHEAP! My running buddies often spend north of $100 on shoes and have different pairs for races, etc. But I never use anything but these and have never paid more than $50. As a result, it doesn't pinch my wallet to replace them every 400 miles (about every 3 months). In my return to running, I've discovered that cheap new shoes are better than expensive old ones, so I will just continue to buy these as long in whatever generation is on sale at the end of my 3 months. Or, better yet, just check periodically and buy them when they're on sale and have a pair in reserve. My only gripe is that I always get a blister on my right second toe with these shoes. But since it's been so long since I've worn any others, it might not be the shoe. Not enough to take off a star.PRO TIP: Keep these things from stinking (especially after running in the rain) with something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Sof-Sole-Sneaker-Locker-Deodorizer/dp/B003IJ6HFM/ref=sr_1_3?crid=194MBZ176NAEZ&keywords=sneaker+balls+shoe+deodorizers&qid=1563493495&s=gateway&sprefix=sneaker+balls%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-3

I pretty much always buy ASICS shoes for running, which I do 3-4 times per week. The size has always been very consistent, which is often a risk when you order online.These shoes have plenty of cushion and fit very well. The only odd thing, which might be unique for me, is that the tops seem to be just slightly higher than normal and tend to rub my lower ankles. I cannot wear no-show socks with them, I have to wear quarter socks for protection. As long as I have those on, no problem. Without them, and I risk having a blister when I'm done.Actual rating is more around 4.5 for that one minor annoyance, but overall no regrets about buying them.

These shoes have very nice/comfortable insoles, great for long walks like my old Nimbus 16's, however, they are so narrow and tight in the middle, that they feel like a noose around your foot. The toebox too, it's very tight. My normal size is 10.5, but had to try 10.5 4EE and 11 4EE and they both are too tight. Also tried the Kayano 25, which had a tight toebox, but ok midsection, but had the heel rub into my ankles and the worst part, the supposed FlyteFoam feels like walking on concrete.Anyways, this years Asics releases have been horrible. Check out this video on youtube -- can't give the directly link, but search for this: 'ASICS GEL NIMBUS 21 : WTF HAPPENED? REVIEW / RANT' --by Jamison Michael (he talks about the Nimbus 21, but it's a pattern with Asics I've seen with the models I've tried this year.)

NOT WIDEPut the insole of the shoe on a clean hard floor (not carpet) and stand on it with your heel slightly forward from the end. (Center your foot to simulate standing in the shoe.)NO PART OF YOUR FOOT SHOULD OVERHANG THE INSOLE.There's a trend in shoes lately, where the manufacturers all make one width shoe (medium width) and then mark them wide, extra wide, and extra extra wide.They are not!I keep trying shoe after shoe listed as 4E or 6E, and to date; not one pair has actually been even close to 2E.The manufacturer told me they need to break in.Whaaaa?They're mesh and not leather! They're sneakers should be comfortable out of the box!We're being lied to! How many people are suffering with the wrong size shoes?

Like the shorts I bought the week before a half marathon, these actually came the afternoon before a marathon. My wife and I went out to dinner the night before, and I wore these to see if I should risk running in them for the half marathon. They felt great that night, and I really needed new running shoes. So I ran the half marathon in them. Absolutely fine! No issues whatsoever. So yes, I had never run in them previously, walked perhaps 100 yards in them before putting them on for a half marathon, and ran the entire 13.1 miles without any issue. I'm a 54 year old man and my time was an ok 2:04 which was (regrettably) slower than my 25 years old daughter but that's not the shoes fault! Definitely happy with these shoes.

I've had dozens of pairs of Contend 3s and Contend 4s that I've used for running/jogging/walking and I've absolutely loved them for years! They were super comfortable and provided great support at a reasonable price. This makes it all the more disheartening that the latest iteration, the Contend 5, has so drastically changed the heel area.The Contend 5s have torn the back of both of my heels to shreds! This never happened with either of its predecessors. I can't put my finger on exactly whats been changed but they felt off from the first moment I put them on. I was hoping that they just needed some breaking in so I applied a bunch of Bandaids under my socks to mitigate the damage and took some long walks (40+ miles over about 2 weeks) but there has been no breaking in. They are still impossible to wear without inflicting damage to the back of my heels. I haven't been able to do any jogging due to the damage to my heels and its completely disrupted my routine.I could not be more disappointed with these sneakers. I used to be able to just buy new sneakers every 3 months or so without having to go try on a bunch of stuff. It was automatic, if my sneakers were worn out, just go re-order the last set I got, easy peasy! Now I have to either go find someone that has old stock of 4s or abandon Asics all together and find a new standard sneaker.

Significantly cheaper than from ASICS site.Supplier based in Germany but still arrived within a week.Shoes have good grip and are great for muddy / slippy surfaces / uphill / downhill but a little hard on concrete / roadsLove the fact there's no laces on these - there's a drawstring thing that works really well.General tip for ASCIS - go 1/2 size higher (UK)

I hesitated to place the order when I saw that they were being shipped from the US, but glad I did. True, you may have to wait a bit longer, but the savings alone are worth it.I ordered the wider size, not that I have especially big feet, but the sides of my feet tend to hurt a bit after running and walking for some time, so I thought I would give the extra-wide fit a try. Have just worn them for long walks and short runs and so far they are as comfortable and good quality as any Asics I have bought before.

Only brand I buy as I have wide feet and these fit perfectly. Half the price I’ve seen elsewhere, really happy!

Lightweight, comfortable & perfect for running

love these shoes very comfortable