18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great shoe for big over-pronators, August 6, 2009
This review is from: ASICS Men's GEL-Evolution 5 Running Shoe (Apparel)
I'm a "Clydesdale" (over 200 lb.) runner with chronic shin splint problems stemming from over-pronation (foot rolling inwards, or flat feet). I usually buy Asics 2130's and have gone through at least 10 pairs in the last few years. This is my first time trying this GEL-Evolution 5 shoe.
After two five-mile runs I can confirm that these GEL-Evolution 5's are great and will hold off the shin splints for many more miles than other shoes I've tried. These shoes feel very hard compared to other shoes and I worried this would be a problem but after two miles I noticed that the usual onset of lower leg pain was just not happening. The subsequent three miles of the run went great and I found I was able to increase my pace over the end of the run.
Padding under the front is firm. Padding under the heel is very solid. As you land the foot plants and there is no wiggle as your weight loads onto the planted foot. This is good for the knees and great for the lower shins.
If you are a light person you may find these shoes to be too hard.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Broke down too quickly., October 7, 2009
This review is from: ASICS Men's GEL-Evolution 5 Running Shoe (Apparel)
I purchased these shoes after putting about 350 miles on my Brooks Beasts. I wanted something lighter and more "contemporary" than the Beast. These shoes felt great when I tried them on the first time, and with the reputation of Asics, I was confident in my purchase.
For your reference, about me: I'm 6'3", 235 lbs, athletic build runner. Wide foot. Medium arch. I run four times a week with each run being at least 4 miles and never more than 8. I have averaged about 22-23 miles weekly for a while. I have been professionally fitted for running shoes and require a high-quality, motion control shoe.
The first several times that I ran in the shoes, I LOVED them. The lighter weight and flexibility cut 15-20 seconds off my splits instantly. They were VERY comfortable and a true joy to run in. But unfortunately, that was short lived. About 60-70 miles into their use, the arches started to break down. Soon after, I began to experience mild ankle discomfort and moderate knee pain just as I had when my Beasts hit about 300 miles. As I continued to run, the discomforts worsened. At 100 miles, I replaced the insoles with a Superfeet insoles. This improved the arch support, but mostly destroyed the comfort and flexibility characteristics of the shoe. It's like running in the Beasts, only without the cushion. I have about 140-150 miles on them now, and they are shot. The sole foam is significantly compressed. I have been running in them only twice a week and using my old Beasts for the two longer runs.
Overall, I am disappointed in these shoes and Asics in general. I have many friends (most seem to be smaller) who are serious runners and swear by the brand. I definitely would not consider buying another pair of these for my general running. I might buy another pair to keep exclusively for races, as I feel like I can fly in them. Maybe there is a happy medium out there in another shoe?
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
amazing, September 20, 2010
i have a really flat, wide foot with almost no arch and there aren't many running shoes on the market made for my feet, however these asics have been amazing. I wear a size 13 normally and these fit perfectly, I did order them in EE width because amazon provided the option. I've been using them for almost three months already and they're holding up perfectly. Simply said, these shoes are one of the best, and i will be continuing to use asics gel-evolution shoes to run (i've owned both the evo4 and evo5).
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