I have been wearing Gel Kayanos for years - I don't even remember what I wore before I found them.  I originally bought them for the extreme cushioning following foot surgery and continued to wear them for running and every day use.  They have always been incredibly comfortable, and have great ankle support as well.  So, when it was time to replace my 17s I was excited to see the 18s were available in pink/titanium.  I read some reviews about this version of the shoe differing from older versions but I figured that Asics had never let me down so I ordered them.  I wear a standard size 7 in street shoes (normal width, no foot problems) and always order a 7 1/2 in running shoes, including these Kayanos.

SO SAD!  As soon as I put them on, these shoes felt "hard" - I've never had to break in Kayanos.  I don't know what happened to the wonderful cushion that I so loved.  They also felt quite tight across the widest part of my foot.  Usually as soon as I put on a new pair all I want to do is go for a run - this time, all I wanted was to sit down.  I wore them around the house - still uncomfortable.  I rode my recumbent bike for 30 minutes and by minute 17 my toes were numb.  I put them on again this morning for about 10 minutes while I did dishes and then took them off because the fronts of my feet were hurting.  When I removed them, I also removed my sock and noticed red spots where the bones stick out where my foot is widest.  Sadly, I just put in a request to return these - hopefully I can.  I am so disappointed and have no idea where to even begin to find a new type of shoe.