Customer Reviews ASICS GEL-Contend® 8

Just not as comfortable as the new balance I bought last time.

Half size too small

Left shoe gave out, went flat, no support. Right shoe, no problem. They only lasted a few months. Perfect fit before the problem came about.

Many moons ago, I bought the very first Gel Contends (2012 model) and remember finding them OK on the whole, but too thinly cushioned. Looks like this line hasn't improved with time -- these Contend 8s seemed comfortable in the store, but I soon found out they don't cut it for anything serious. I went on a 2.5-mile walk and woke up the next day with Plantar Fasciitis (foot pain) -- the first time that's happened in my life -- forcing me to miss work for days and limp around with a cane. Let's just say the Contend marks the bottom of the Gel line, and it shows. I'd recommend stepping up to at least the Venture (typically just $5 more). I've had the best luck with their mid-range models like the GT-1000 and GT-2000, but of course they cost more. Tip: always buy Asics in Wide, since they tend to run narrow.

Fit was too narrow around toes.

When I first tried these on, I loved the way the soles and arches felt. But after a day or so I realized they were too loose — sliding off my heels loose. Of course by that point I had already worn them outside and couldn’t return them. I ordered a different pair of Gel-Contend 8s in a 7.5 and they were MUCH too tight and pinchy. I sent those back. I’ve tried to make these work for me - heel pads (which help), toe fillers (too big), etc. On top of that, one shoe feels larger than the other, and I know that it is common for people to have two different-sized feet but I’ve NEVER noticed a difference in fit this dramatic. The right shoe slips down my heel when I walk, and both shoes just feel loose and wobbly; I can feel blisters forming. If the soles didn’t feel so good, I wouldn’t be so upset about the fit, but it’s a real bummer.

Meh. Mediocre at best if you REALLY need a pair of 'budget' sneakers asap. I'm in unison w/ a lot of the other feedback here- 'something' has def. changed w/ this brand the last couple years. For many years they were my go to brand for *consistent quality...esp. when it came to the toe area and width. Doesn't seem to be the case anymore. Not at all as sturdy, roomy, comfy, or wide. Yeah, def. a 'nice looking' sneaker but I'd rather less nice looking exterior and get the quality on the interior. I have a wide 11.5 sized foot & walk several miles a week. Just not gonna cut it so instantly returned it. Looks like from here on in (esp. when it comes to 11.5 4E) got to go w/ pricier brands closer to $100 vs $50. If you're a serious walker or jogger it's DEF. worth it for a bit more! Asics (imo) are clearly a 'budget' brand now.

They are advertised on the Zappos site as being a 4E width. Not even close.

These are my first pair of Asics. I bought them for the value and appearance. They are supposed to be running shoes, but I work in a hospital and do a lot of walking. I have worn them three straight days this week, and I am absolutely hating them. From mid-morning through afternoon my feet are killing me. I guess I don't understand how shoes which are supposed to be for running and take impacts are not good for just plain walking and standing. I guess you get what you pay for. I thought I was getting a good deal, but so far all I have is a good deal of pain.

Like walking on concrete. Returned after a couple of runs because my feet were hurting.

This shoes have no cushion. My feet are really sore after wearing them.

I bought 2 pairs of contend 8 and I noticed the quality isn’t like the 7s , the material is cheap feeling and the shoes don’t feel like all the other contends . Overall it’s not a high quality product.

My son loves the Contend 7, but the Contend 8 he found very uncomfortable. Notable difference that I could see is that the heel is very hard/stiff on the Contend 8 and this is not the case for the Contend 7.

This size Asics usually fits, but this particular pair feels uncomfortable.

This size in this brand usually fits, but this particular pair is uncomfortable.

Both of the first long walks I put on these left my achilles bloody due to rubbing. It's possible that I got a defective pair maybe? Sizing should be spot on - I went with same size that I've ordered in ASICS's GEL-Venture series which Zappos shows I've ordered 5 times over the years + another pair locally. Never had problems with the GEL-Ventures.

I have been a fan of the ASICS gel line and extra wide versions. But these are oddly stiff and have too much curve up at the toe and rub my big toe! Not enough cushion either. Returning!

Felt a full size smaller than it is labeled.

the shoe did not look wide at all compared with the asics Jolt 3 which I am wearing now

Stitching began falling apart after 6 months of light use. Fabric wore out soon after. No warrantee from Zappos.

Too small