I started running approximately 3 years ago when I lost 50 pounds.  I knew nothing of running shoes so I went to my local sporting goods chain and tried on about 40 pair before deciding on the Gel-Cumulus 12s.  I finally wore those out this year (I'm a social runner, not competitive) so I knew I needed to get some new shoes.  I did a search for the Cumuluses and saw that the new ones, the 14s, were getting horrible reviews, while the 12s had gotten great reviews.  Well, now what?  I Googled, "Best running shoe for women" and found out that the Gel-Kayanos were #2.  I wanted to stay with the ASICS brand because I had really enjoyed my Cumuluses.  I searched for the Kayanos here and found that the reviews for the 19s were really good.  In addition, I liked the look of the pink and lime green together on the black shoe.

So, I did something I have never, ever done before.  I ordered a pair without ever putting them on my feet!  Scary!!  When they came and I tried them on for the first time it was like the Heavens opened up and a band of angels began to sing, "Hallelujah!"  It was easily the most amazing shoe I had ever had on my foot.  Ever.  The proof was in the run however.  I was able to do my 4 miles without any knee or leg fatigue at all!!  What a difference a new pair of shoes makes!

I have an average to wide foot and a high instep.  My arch is average.  I tend to run on my forefoot most of the time and the fit of these shoes feels like a glove around my foot.  They are true to size (I wear a 7 1/2 in all shoes, these are no different).  The memory foam around the ankle truly makes the shoe mold to my foot while on and makes it feel like it was custom made for my foot.  The padding on the tongue runs the length of my instep and makes it feel wonderful in these shoes.  The instep is usually where I find trouble in any shoe as mine is so high.  But not with these--comfort all the way!!

It scared me to pay over $100 for a pair of shoes that I had never even tried on, but I am SO glad I went with my gut and bought these.  Unless ASICS screws them up in future editions (which seems to be somewhat of a reality based on reading reviews of various shoes as they've come out with new versions each year), I will never change from these Kayanos!!  I have found the perfect shoe for my needs!