ASICS Men's GEL Venture 5 Running Shoe

Comment

I originally purchased a pair just to walk around in, but ended up taking for a jog while traveling, and a couple years ater I have bought about 4 pairs. Before you think, 4 pairs in 2 years, that sucks, let me explain. I am pretty heavy for my height and put a pounding on a shoe. When i was much lighter and ran distance and XC, a pair of asic gel lite trainers would last me about 3-5 mo before being completely broken down. thats insole, upper, and outsole all showing wear and degradation. fast forward 20 years, and i dont run distance, but I do cross train among other things, boxing. Now conventional wisdom says running shoes are not for cross training, let alone boxing, and i generally agree- softer EVA midsoles and cool tread patterns for running arent designed for heavy static loads and twisting pivot motions of boxing. But after doing it anyway, I found that this shoe was built like a tank, and could take the abuse. The fact that i had to ditch my first pair completely grimed up (saltwater, sweat, and mud) without any wear showing on the outsole or upper tell you its a tough shoe for the price. With the second pair. I had started more volume in the gym and after almost a year the pair i have is pretty compressed but still comfortable, with not a single part out of place. So this round I bought 2 pair to allow me to alternate, which you should do if you train daily, as it prolongs the life of your shoe a bit more than if you wore them every day. so in summary, i think this is a great all around shoe, probably not best for high volume road miles, but great for walking, and GP workout if you like the runner fit for that work. Solid construction, good lateral stability, and medium heel and low forefoot cushion.

Show more

Comment

They were a little snug when I first received them. I have used them for about 2 weeks now and I can say they are extremely comfortable. Due to knee pain, I have been purchasing special inserts for my insole. I have not put them in for these sneakers and I find that the fit and shape make them comfortable without the need for the added expense. No Pain at all. I cannot speak to longevity as I have only had them a short time. For the price, the quality is very good. They are just what I need. Lastly, the color is not some puke bright, unsightly thing you can see from the moon so aesthetically I am pleased.

Show more

Comment

I bought these in anticipation of doing some hiking in the Rocky Mtns this fall. I just got back from the trip last week. We put in about 70 miles on a variety of trails in Glacier, Jasper, and Banff National Parks. Within the first 20 miles the rubber began to peel back from the toes. They were the only shoes I took with me for hiking, so they got worn the entire trip. At this point, they are pretty badly beat up and wont last another hundred miles in a standard trail setting. No way they make it the 500 miles I expect a pair of shoes to last. My Asics running shoes are the best. These are the worst. I would love to have my money back, as I feel like 20 miles is a bit too early for the bottoms to begin peeling off.

Show more

Comment

Ascs are pretty much all I use. I used to love New Balance, but they only offer their good sneakers in their stores (thats true!). Id like it if there was better padding, but I just make up for that with gel insoles. Something that Id do regardless of how thick the padding was. I also get a lot pof wear out of them. I dont run or play sports, but Im on my feet for a decent part of the day, and also use them at the gym. Weight lifting and low intensity cardio. But, Im a powerlifter. I put huge amounts of weight on these for squatting and deadlifting. The heel isnt too terribly high, so it works okay for either of those lifts. I have major issues with my feet- some amputations and neuropathy. That said, I need a different type of shoe than most powerlifters would wear. This stuff is magic for my foot pain! Even the neuropathy, to a small degree. Muscle Soak Bath Salts 2 lb. Luxury Gift Bag - Soothe Muscle Aches & Pains and Reduce Inflammation with Epsom Salt and Premium Eucalyptus & Peppermint Essential Oils by San Francisco Salt Company

Show more

Comment

This is a decent running shoe if you can get the right fit. My last pair was ASICS Cumulus 10 in size 11 D. I had to go to an 11.5 D in the Venture 5 since the 11 was too narrow. They did not have an 11 2E at the time. So its is a tad long for my foot but not a major problem. This shoe has great heal cushioning almost as good as my old Cumulus. The forefoot cushion is OK to good, but not as good as my Cumulus. To be fair the Cumulus is twice the price of this shoe. This shoe is a bit stiffer than a normal running shoe which makes my feet feel secure and protected. I would call it a running/light trail shoe. It does feel well made and I havent had any issues with it in the 6 months I have been using it on pavement and well groomed trails. I usually run about 2 to 2.5 miles once or twice a week including sprints. This shoe can easily handle that. I like it.

Show more