I walk/run 5Ks, usually I buy and use 'cheaper' shoes. This year, I decided to upgrade and buy a 'name brand' running shoe. I chose these, Asics is a national brand, and the ratings were very good. I got them promptly, put them on, for a 3 mile walk/run and came home with a blister on my right heel. Tried them again, with different socks and a bandaged heel; the blister only got worse. I parked them, with not quite 10 miles useage. A few days later, at my doctor's office, I told my tale, to a nurse. She asked to see them and try them on. They were her size, I sold them to her for 1/2 price. I never had a heel blister, with my 'cheap' big box shoes! I was glad to see someone take them off my hands. Moral of the story: national brand don't mean they will fit your feet, and NEVER buy shoes without trying them on.