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Asics Running Shoes Advice

Gang, I'm hoping for some advice here. Some of you know about my issues with my hip and after about 20 months I'm starting to run again. I'm actually feeling pretty good - not 100% since that can't happen until I fix the left side but pain free and able to enjoy the summer with my surgeons blessing.

My question: I was a huge fan of Asics. The fit, the weight, the cushion - I think we all know we marry ourselves to models once we find what works. I loved the Gel Excel 33 3's. I suppose I was the only one since they look to be discontinued. I'm told by my shoe guy - who doesn't have one of those, right? - that they dynaflytes are where I should go based on what I like. Anyone own these?

I'm turning 40 and to celebrate that milestone along with my return to the roads I want to get a new pair of sneakers - I seriously miss buying running shoes. The upshot to the Dynaflytes is that they come is super gaudy colors which is my other requirement - I want people to question my good taste when I run. All that said I don't see many reviews and figure I might as well ask this forum.

(I can also accept that Asics have become a shit brand or something - I was once a Mizuno fan and left. I also like Brooks, so I'm open but I know this is personal so feedback on my old favorites is what I really hope for)

Great Uncle, Average Father, Mediocre Triathlete

M_WareGasBombAaron Webstey
«1

Comments

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    EvanEvan Member
    well, if you love a shoe, i'd suggest just buying it up in bulk and it looks like your shoe, while discontinued, is still at Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D879LAC/ref=twister_B00D86ZGNY?th=1

    however, in your thirties/forties, i just moved to Hoka Bondis for my "training" runs and i use Kinvaras in races. The hokas are really comfortable. I have a 5mm drop on those, and it looks like your Asics are 10 mm?!!? is that right?
    GentlemanJerseyDave


    unofficial non-general counsel for TRS Racing and other TRS-related entities
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    Robert RankinRobert Rankin Member
    edited May 2017
    Yep you've hit Hoka age. I don't wear supportive shoes often anymore. My first real pair of running shoes were the Gel kayano. They're on model number 127 or something now, so they must still be good.

    I've only tried the Hoka Clayton and wasn't impressed with how long they lasted (or didn't last).

    So I don't really offer any good advice, but glad to hear you're feeling better
    GentlemanJerseyDaveAaron Webstey

    Fattest BQ on record--- *allegedly
    2016 (and last) Rev3 Cedar Point champ- don't google the time though
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    So, Excel 33 was a decent model in the Asics line-up, but considering that it isn't really radically different than something like the Cumulus...well, it was going to get streamlined out of existence.

    The Dynaflyte is substantially similar, IMO. But I also think you should probably be taking a look at:

    Saucony Ride
    Brooks Ghost
    Mizuno Wave Rider
    New Balance 880

    All are going to feature similar drops, but different fits and cushioning experiences. But all should have good platform stability and work for you.

    Glad to see you on the mend.
    MattGentlemanJerseyDaveAaron Webstey
    Resident Gear Guru
    Bike Crash Free Since August 4th, 2014
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    MattMatt Member, Administrator, Rooster Endurance Member
    The only Asics that worked for my feet were the Noosa Tri. And only at race speed, anything slower would hurt my feet.
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    KHilgendorfKHilgendorf Member, Rooster Endurance Member, POTM
    Evan said:



    however, in your thirties/forties, i just moved to Hoka Bondis. The hokas are really comfortable. I have a 5mm drop on those, and it looks like your Asics are 10 mm?!!? is that right?

    Yes, 10mm is pretty much he standard for high mileage trainers. It doesn't put undue stress on the calves/Achilles and offers a thick enough cushion for when your form breaks down at the end of long runs.

    Also, I'm nearing 35 and can't dream of a scenario where I'd want/need a pair of hokas. Decades of running = musculoskeletal strength. But for coming off injury and hip issues, they might be beneficial.
    GentlemanJerseyDave
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    KenElPescadoPeladoKenElPescadoPelado Member, Rooster Endurance Member
    I was all about the Asics Forte, probably went through four pairs of those and they were discontinued. Now I guess the closest I can get is the gt-2000. see if there's a store near you that has it generous return policy, like where you can wear them for 30 days and still bring them back.
    Tad_MGentlemanJerseyDave
    Sometimes I tweet... Follow PescadoPelado
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    Tad_MTad_M Member, Rooster Endurance Member, Level 2 Supporter, POTM
    Used to be a Kayano guy. Now I split between Nike Free Run +, Hoka Clifton on road and Hoka Challenger for the trails. I'm not embarrassed to wear Hokas, they feel awesome on this beat up old body, and I'm much bigger than any of the people who may tease me.
    GasBombEvanGentlemanJerseyDave
    visit Michigan July 19th to 24th 2023 - The Sworry Trials Impossibleman and Ode to Laz
    https://www.facebook.com/sworrytrials/
    https://www.facebook.com/OdetoLaz/
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    rigpigrigpig Member, Rooster Endurance Member
    Me too with the Hokas. I am 46 and just tried a pair out this year. Got the Vanquish to try out and they are great. I came from Newtons and if I find some lighter Hokas for racing, will probably stick with them.
    Tad_MGasBombGentlemanJerseyDave

    Kevin Brydges
    You're the rig guy? You don't look like you worked on rigs....
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    kjrunninkjrunnin Member, Rooster Endurance Member, Level 2 Supporter
    So many geriatrics in clown shoes, all here in one thread.
    M_Wareneil5youngMattbalsdorfKenElPescadoPeladoCraig_DMartinsimonsen77wchevronRyan HeislerGasBombEvanGentlemanJerseyDaveBrent_RMamaCheetahAaron Webstey

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    simonsen77simonsen77 Member, Rooster Endurance Member
    +1. Vanquish 2 for me.
    Tad_MGentlemanJerseyDave
    First #BAAW Badge Recipient
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    edited May 2017
    I have the GT-2000 (3) and the Nimbus 18's at the moment. I've previously had the Cumulus as well and have tried various other shoes (including hokas, brooks, newton, new balance). I had hip repair surgery in September and started running again at the end of March.

    I find the GT-2000's the most comfortable and I wouldn't hesitate recommending them highly. As a shoe with a bit of age in them (400+ km) and considering my awkward gait at the moment, they are simply the most comfortable out of all my shoes.

    It should be noted also that I have wide feet, I'm not tall, and I'm not heavy. I don't pronate in any particular direction. But I do run with my toes slightly pointing out. I'm 47.
    GasBombGentlemanJerseyDave
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    SeanHSeanH Member
    Hokas are awesome. I made the switch from asics last year. This is now my lineup:

    Bondi 5: easy/recovery runs when my legs feel good. These are more robust and will last longer so I put the miles on them when I can.

    Clifton 3: tempo runs & runs when my legs are beat up. Unbelievable cushion.

    Clayton: racing & speed work. Somehow over and ounce lighter than the Clifton and those are pretty damn light!
    Tad_MGasBombGentlemanJerseyDave
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    kjrunnin said:

    So many geriatrics in clown shoes, all here in one thread.

    Pffffft. Hoka has a really strong line-up.

    I would bet money that you would like the Clayton.

    Also...offset is typically more of an output thing predicated off of personal preference and/or what you tend to wear on a daily basis for footwear. I do tend to like racing off the bike with a 10 mm offset (in part, I think, due to the degree of toe-point I utilize on the bike), but road racing go lower.

    Anyways...
    GentlemanJerseyDave
    Resident Gear Guru
    Bike Crash Free Since August 4th, 2014
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    rigpigrigpig Member, Rooster Endurance Member
    kjrunnin said:

    So many geriatrics in clown shoes, all here in one thread.

    So how often are you injured and can't run???
    GasBombsimonsen77GentlemanJerseyDave

    Kevin Brydges
    You're the rig guy? You don't look like you worked on rigs....
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    rigpigrigpig Member, Rooster Endurance Member
    @Ryan Heisler I am looking at expanding my Hoka line up for a racing shoe. Clayton the ones to go with for 13.1 and 26.2 parts of the race? Currently I only have Vanquish 2 for training, and not trusting going back to the Newtons for racing.

    Kevin Brydges
    You're the rig guy? You don't look like you worked on rigs....
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    kjrunninkjrunnin Member, Rooster Endurance Member, Level 2 Supporter
    rigpig said:

    kjrunnin said:

    So many geriatrics in clown shoes, all here in one thread.

    So how often are you injured and can't run???
    More often than the sun has shone in Vancouver this year.
    MattGentlemanJerseyDaverigpigCraig_DAaron Webstey

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    kjrunninkjrunnin Member, Rooster Endurance Member, Level 2 Supporter

    kjrunnin said:

    So many geriatrics in clown shoes, all here in one thread.

    Pffffft. Hoka has a really strong line-up.

    I would bet money that you would like the Clayton.

    Also...offset is typically more of an output thing predicated off of personal preference and/or what you tend to wear on a daily basis for footwear. I do tend to like racing off the bike with a 10 mm offset (in part, I think, due to the degree of toe-point I utilize on the bike), but road racing go lower.

    Anyways...
    On a daily basis, I am usually in 3-4" stilettos (higher in my current profile pic).
    Shoes for comfort & function? I'm not about that.

    I'd make an exception for a running shoe that guaranteed I'd never strain or tear a calf - even if they looked silly - but if such a magical shoe existed, I'd hope my physio would have told me about it already.
    M_Ware

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    @rigpig I think wearing the Clayton is probably the way to go. I like the Tracer a lot for open road racing and HIMs, and I might wear it for Placid, but I think it might lack cushioning for that application.

    What Newtons are you in? That would probably guide your best options.
    simonsen77
    Resident Gear Guru
    Bike Crash Free Since August 4th, 2014
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    wchevronwchevron Member, POTM
    Anyone wearing their Hoka's sockless? Tried it a couple of times with my Clifton 2 on shorter runs with so-so results then winter hit and been wearing socks with them on the longer rusn.
    Was looking at the Clayton's also for 1/2 & full.

    Just bought a pair of ON Cloudflow. Have only run on the treadmill a couple of times but so far they are pretty comfortable.
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    KHilgendorfKHilgendorf Member, Rooster Endurance Member, POTM
    edited May 2017
    @kjrunnin zero drop shoes are your enemy. They put added strain on the calf/achilles as they force the system to stretch more than higher drop shoes. Wearing heels all the time will exacerbate this issue, especially if they're more than an inch or so. 3 will kill your calf flexibility and strength in the long run.

    Get in the gym and do tonnes of calf raises and stretches. And get shoes with a ~12 mm drop. Asics Gel Nimbus, Brooks Adrenaline, Nike Vomero, etc. would be your best bets.

    http://www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes/does-a-shoes-heel-to-toe-drop-matter

    "If someone has heel pain from plantar fasciitis or Achilles or posterior tibial tendonitis, then I recommend a more traditional heel drop of 12 millimeters,” Fullem says.
    Matt
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    edited May 2017
    Damn, so much to read. Thank you all.

    @Ryan Heisler - I was hoping you'd chime in. I have a pair of Brooks Ghosts and like them but don't LOVE them. I appreciate the read that where I'm looking is similar to the Asics.

    I thought about stocking up on the Excel 33 3 as suggested but I think I will renew my VIP membership at RoadRunner with their awesome 90-day guarantee and try something that might be a model that is around two years from now.

    Hoka? They are getting more attractive. They are not the shoe hit with the ugly stick they used to be. I might need to try out a pair.

    Thanks again gang.
    KenElPescadoPeladoRyan HeislerAaron Webstey

    Great Uncle, Average Father, Mediocre Triathlete

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    rigpigrigpig Member, Rooster Endurance Member
    edited May 2017

    @rigpig I think wearing the Clayton is probably the way to go. I like the Tracer a lot for open road racing and HIMs, and I might wear it for Placid, but I think it might lack cushioning for that application.

    What Newtons are you in? That would probably guide your best options.

    I used the gravity for training, distance for racing and some training runs, and have a pair of MV2's that i use on the treadmill and at the track, but not exclusively. Every spring or ramp up I fight shin splints. This spring, after taking 5 months off, has been about the worst. Took 2 weeks off, kept up rolling/calf raises, and went to the Hokas. I used the newtons only on short runs, mostly off the bike.

    Kevin Brydges
    You're the rig guy? You don't look like you worked on rigs....
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    MamaCheetahMamaCheetah Member, POTM
    edited May 2017
    Love em or hate em
    Hokas are sho nuf fugly
    Short dudes get a bump

    Hmmmm. My haiku class is starting to pay off ...
    MattTad_MGentlemanJerseyDaveKenElPescadoPeladosimonsen77Aaron Webstey
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    I just realized this thread has nothing to do with me - Triathletes just like talking about Sneakers.
    M_WarerigpigkjrunninAndrew PerelsonEvanCraig_DTad_MAaron WebsteyMamaCheetah

    Great Uncle, Average Father, Mediocre Triathlete

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    MartinMartin Member, Rooster Endurance Member


    Hokas make you drool.
    Aaron WebsteyTad_MMamaCheetah
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    Aaron WebsteyAaron Webstey Administrator, Rooster Endurance Member, Rooster Endurance Officers

    I just realized this thread has nothing to do with me - Triathletes just like talking about Sneakers.

    Welcome back, buddy. Nothing has changed. :)
    MamaCheetahMartinGentlemanJerseyDave
    #KOAT
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    MattMatt Member, Administrator, Rooster Endurance Member
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    kjrunninkjrunnin Member, Rooster Endurance Member, Level 2 Supporter
    The greatest spectacle in running!
    No one should ever wear crocs. Ever.
    wchevronM_WarebalsdorfAaron Webstey

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    Matt said:

    Or you could do what this kid did an run 1:11:53 in CROCS.




    this story deserves its own thread. Buried in there is that his Dad ran a 1:16:00 in Crocs as well!!! Freaking insane. Fuck Asics!
    Tad_MKenElPescadoPeladoAaron WebsteyrigpigMatt

    Great Uncle, Average Father, Mediocre Triathlete

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    Aaron WebsteyAaron Webstey Administrator, Rooster Endurance Member, Rooster Endurance Officers
    Agreed. That is nuts!!
    #KOAT

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