Customer Reviews ASICS GEL-Pulse® 12

I went for a professional fitting at a running store, where they told me that most people need to go up one half to a full size larger in length, and possibly wider in width when selecting a running shoe. Additionally, they told me that the more flexible your foot, the more rigid your shoe needs to be. And vice versa. I have extremely flexible feet and ankles, with medium low arches, so I chose 2 models of ASICS: the GT 1000 9 and the Gel Pulse 12, each in 2 sizes---9.5 and 9.5W. Based on the glowing reviews, I thought the GT 1000 9 would be best, but it turns out they make me feel like I'm overpronating MORE, not less. There is no support under the big toe, and a sharply curved sole, which makes me feel like my foot turns inward and becomes pigeontoed. It also has a slimmer toebox, which makes my toe feel like its going to scrape through the mesh in a few weeks. The Gel Pulse 12 feels much more natural for my foot. It's not a perfect shoe---it doesn't seem to have much arch support, the laces are overly short if you are used to tying double knots, and after about 6-7 miles, there is definitely some foot strain. But it's the best I've found so far, and much better than the Gel Contend 6 (too flexible and floppy) and the GT 1000 9 (the most rigid, but no support under the toe). With all 3 of the ASICs shoes I mentioned, the 9.5 Wide fit the best, and my normal shoe size is between 8.5 and 9 in regular width dress shoes. So PLEASE believe all the reviews that say to go up at least a half size. You may even be better off going a full size larger. If you care about color---the Mako Blue is a nice Prussian blue. It's primarily a saturated dark blue, but in certain light it looks like there is a greenish undertone. In terms of looks, the Gel Pulse 12 is a much better looking shoe than the GT 1000 9, which has old-fashioned north-south perforated mesh, versus the Gel Pulse 12, which has horizontal perforations and a sleeker overall look.

As recommended by Zappos, I purchased 1/2 size larger than my actual shoe size. Glad I did, a secure fit even at the 1/2 size increase, which has stretched out slightly with wear. Feels light on the feet, offers great support for my weak ankles. Very pleased with my purchase.

This is my third pair of these particular Asics shoes (and 100s of other Asics) and I've always ordered a 6.5 but my Zappos recommended size was 6. I debated sizing down but went ahead with my usual size of 6.5. Was glad I didn't size down because these shoes are about 1/2 size too small. Having said that, I don't like my shoes too roomy, so I'm keeping them as I will totally trash them and need another pair in three months anyway. I would give these shoes five stars if it wasn't for the inconsistent sizing issue.