Asics - YouLookFab Forum

I have worn Asics Running Shoes for so long I don't remember when I bought my first pair. They fit me perfectly and met every activity need.

I just received a replacement pair from Zappos. I ordered the same exact style/color/size I bought last year before my trip to the Grand Canyon. I was shocked at the change in quality from just one year ago. The quality was so diminished that I had to check the box to make sure Zappos had sent me the correct shoe.

I haven't tried them on yet. The shoes may still offer the same excellent support, but I am disappointed. A part of me feels that if the outer portion of the shoe has been cheapened, the important inner portions of the shoe likely suffered the same fate.

I will likely be stopping by one of our running specialty stores. Perhaps they can recommend a new brand for me to embrace going forward. I am sad because I never thought poor quality I see in the clothing sector would affect the sports sector. I see I was naive.

Anyways, any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I use my shoes to lift weights; power walk along flat, asphalt greenways; run on treadmill; and hike rocky trails in the mountains. Thank you.

8 years ago

LaPed

Veteran

I've had so many running g shoe love affairs over the years, but they never last more than a couple seasons. Inevitably shoe companies will redesign the shoe that I loved and render it unwearable, and then I'm back to the drawing board. Right now I'm wearing Altras and love them, but they just got sold to a big conglomerate (Timberland?) So who knows whether my next pair will get as good...

Joyce B

That sucks. I will keep it in mind and will promptly duplicate my next great pair of sneakers. I have some Merrell hiking sneaks that I have not seen offered any longer.

Chris987

Wow that stinks. ASICS has been one of my go-to brands for athletic footwear. Maybe they dropped the quality on a few of their items but not all of them. It appears to me that Ralph Lauren has done this with their clothing and i wonder if other companies are doing it too. Or maybe ASICS has dropped the quality on everything. Good idea to go into a store and talk to them, often an SE in a store that carries multiple brands will be honest with you about whether they've seen quality issues in one brand or another.

I recently ordered Clarks loafers from Zappos only to find that they squeaked loudly right away! I looked at the reviews and lots of people had commented on it. A strap across the toe area was the culprit. Back they went. How ridiculous. This tells me they didn't bother wear-testing them. Very surprised at this from that brand.

The "cheapening down" (like "dumbing down") of clothing seems to be gaining momentum. So disappointing as you say.

I would also suggest you post a review on Zappos about this. Maybe it will get back to ASICS, who knows.

delurked

Bummer. I have usually worn saucony and new balance, but got my first Asics last year, which I did duplicate. The saucony I usually love had a new version of my prior style, and that’s my second shoe so I can trade off. But it hasn’t felt nearly as good as the past ones. It’s frustrating how frequently they “update” versions. When I find ones that work, I usually end up with two or three of them.

If I were you I wouldn’t rule out the whole brand permanently. I find specialty running/shoe stores to be invaluable to finding athletic shoes because of how well they know their products.

Anonymous

I'm keeping them. When I compare them to the earlier pairs (bought in 2016 and 2017), there is a significant difference. But my body tells me that the older pairs have worn out and a new pair is necessary. This is the new pair. BUT I doubt I will ever buy another pair, sight unseen, over the internet. Next year I will be shopping my running shoe stores and talking to the sales staff.

Shoot . The Asics Gel trainer has been 'my' shoe for years now and I desperately need a new pair. I did notice that Famous Footwear is selling them now, which makes me suspicious .....could explain the quality issue you noticed.

Sara L.

I used to wear Asics but I switched to Saucony for my last couple pairs. I order the same exact pair if I can, but when they make changes, I stop by the specialty running store to get fitted again. That's how I ended up with the Saucony's.

Toban

How frustrating! I always try on a variety at a specialty running store but nearly always get Saucony because of its roomy toe box or sometimes New Balance. My husband almost always gets Nike or Brooks. I guess my point is that I find real life try-ons for running shoes critical but tend to be brand loyal because they get ‘my feet’. It’s very personal.

Agreed. I am returning the asics and going shopping this weekend.

Suz

(website)

With a bit of hunting you might be able to find your old pair, Sterling. Sometimes you can get last year's version (on sale, too!) You would need to know the model number.

Regardless, this is frustrating!

orchidfae

Active Member

Same thing happened to me! I wore the same pair of Asics for 3 years for floor nursing, and they were still great....decided I should probably get a new pair and tried on the new updated ones for this year. I swear they felt like walking on cardboard! So I ended up with Mizuno brand. I love them! The only con is that they are so loud when I walk, not squeaky, just sound like I have pumps on when trying to be quiet during night shift, lol.

STERLING- I wish I could tell you it is isolated to ASICS- unfortunately it is not. I use to be able to depend on both sizing and quality in footwear and clothing. No more- name brand sweaters pill quickly, brand name footwear have horrible insoles, Tees are just poor quality and/ or off grain.
Since the area I live in has little shopping, I must use online retailers. I don’t get a chance to look at seams and feel the fabric. So I don’t buy unless I love it enough to pay return shipping. Expensive & aggravating.
So far so good on Rockport/ new balance/ Cobb hill brand- but pardon the pun.......I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop;-)
Sorry about your disappointment.

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