ASICS Gel-Foundation® 8 SKU #7402334(View on Zappos.com Classic)

These are the best shoes I have found for those needing stability. I am about 6' 2" and 220 lbs, and need a sturdy shoe as I do 4 - 5 miles a day for 4 - 5 days a week. My shoes really take a pounding. Also, my feet are very flat. If a shoe has too much arch support, it induces a lot of stress on the arch, and gives a lot of pain. The key for flat feet is to find a shoe that provides support, but not too much of a painful hump under the arch. Some of the other reviews faulted the shoe for not having enough arch support, but that is the way these are designed. Asics makes other shoes that will provide the required high arch support, or else you could consider a Superfeet insert if these shoes would work for you other than that. Cushioning is key for my body size and the mileage I do. The problem I have run into with other shoes is that they either provide too much cushioning and the ride feels sloppy and vague, or there is a bit too much and I get some pain in the ankle and shin. These provide just the right balance. The other shoes I have tried recently in this category are the Brooks Beast and New Balance 992. I would rank the New Balance 992s as a close second to the Asics Foundations. I went through 2 pairs of the 992s and really liked them. My only small complaint with them is that they are not quite as cushioned as I would like, but this does not have a negative affect on the workout and there is no pain afterward like I have had with other shoes that didn't work as well. They were very good shoes. I would give them an A- or B+. I heard that the Brooks Beast was more cushioned than the 992s, so I decided to try something different to see if I could get an even better shoe. I disliked it and would rank it a distant third place after the other two. The Beast had too much cushion and not enough "control"; it just felt sloppy the tendons running through my ankle hurt. I would give them a D for me personally, although they make work for other people. I went back to an old pair of NB 992s that were pretty much work out and immediately liked them better than the nearly new Beasts. I was going to buy a new pair of 992s, but a friend recommended the Asics Foundation shoe so I decided to give them a try. Loved them! I am on my second pair of the Foundations now. I am sticking with the Asics Foundations from now on.

Good update on this shoe. More cushion that the Foundation 7. I use a custom orthotic to correct overpronation and a history of plantar fasciitis. These shoes are a great balance of motion control and cushion. However the support of this shoe PLUS the orthotic was way too much correction and forced my feet to supinate. The result of intense ankle pain even after a break-in period. Buy with caution. For most mild over-pronators this shoe will and the Asics Evolution will be too much correction and can lead to injury. I'm going back to GT 2100 series. They don't last long, but they work for me. ALSO- ZAPPOS has been GREAT in dealing with my returns. GREAT, GREAT on-line retailer!!

My husband has medium width heel. His toes have been damaged...hammertoe, arthritis. Before foot problems he used to wear D width. Now because of his toes he must wear 4 E. The toe box is roomy but the heel narrow. Best athletic shoe he has ever owned given his problems. Great service from Zappos.

Arch Blisters that won' go away - I had been training on the predecessor to this shoe for months and had no problems. I was happy to move to the Foundation 8whne my old one's wore out. On my first run I developed lag and blisters in my arches. No matter what I tried, I continued to get blisters in this area. I held on to these through a half-marathon which was a mistake and finally switched out. The shoes provided great support and I really enjoyed the look and feel. I've searched on line and found that my others had the same issue. To the best of my knowledge, there is such an incredible degree of motion control that if you’re not severely in need, the shoes have too much pressure into the forward arch area. I'm sure it's great for some but didn't work for me.

Great fit and oh so comfortable, it’s like walking on pillows. Plenty of room for my wide toe area with a nice snug fit for my narrow heel. The arch support provides instant relief to the aches and pains I used to get after being on my feet all day. Did I mention how comfortable they are? Sweet!

Thanks from the boonies - I came to this site on a lark. I am located in rural Nebraska and shoe selection is a luxury. I have had problems finding shoes that fit and do what I need them to do. I am sure I will be using Zappos again for buying shoes. Not only is the selection better but so are the prices. Thanks gang!!!

The Best Shoe For Pronator - I have a high, wide foot and pronate. This shoe has done the best job of any I've tried. I have owned Foundation 5, 6, 7 and now 8. They have not changed the shoe, except for color. I tried Brooks Beast, but was not satisfied.

Many Happy Miles - My husband and I have both been running in Asics for years and the Foundation has been his shoe of choice for many of them.

Thanks Zappos - I just had to comment on how I appreciate Zappos, you folks are top notch. These ASICS are the best shoe I have ever owned, I haven't ran in over twenty years and wanted to start running again, I was able to run for longer than I have in so many years without pain I can't believe how great these feel on my large size 16 foot. I wear custom made orthotics for arch support and with this shoe I don't think I'll need to wear them. I tried the new balance 820 and they fit really tight, I returned them. Both the ASICS and the New Balance came in just two days. I love this store, I will definitely order here again!!!!!!

This is a great shoe. The shoe is a bit still, but loosened nicely after a week or so. They offer great support and cushioning.