ASICS Piranha SP4...

By Frank

The lightest shoe ever made by ASICS weighting at just about 120grams, the ASICS Piranha SP 4 (PSP4) is a racing flat that I truly enjoy very much. Coming in a very sleek white, black and gold finish. the PSP4 has a very low heel to toe differential measuring at only 5mm.

The ASICS Piranha SP4...

Lateral view of the shoes...

Medial view of the shoe...

The upper of the PSP4 is made of some lightweight mesh that offers a very excellent finish as most graphics are heat welded on it, thus minimising seams within the shoe. Both lateral and medial toebox areas of the shoe has no seams at all thus allowing excellent fit for the toes. Being offered in only a "D" width, a seamless option will allow some expandable feature from the material itself hence offering a hugging but yet snug fit.

Heat welded graphics hence no seams and an expandable toebox...

To reduce weight, flat laces are used again just like in the ASICS GEL-Hyper Speed 5. It kept coming loose and it will be best to choose to stay tied laces or even bungee cord laces. The tongue offers no padding but a very cleaver feature is that it is a continuous structure continuing from the shoe's medial side hence offers no movement during running.

The continuous tongue...

The collar too offers minimal padding. However, a very tough structure is used at the heel counter to protect the Achilles region which may be plastic reinforcement. However sadly to say, the poor finishing at this area gave me a poor impression to this great shoe. The joint on a particular black stripe are not done properly hence leaving an impression of a poor cosmetic design. And a quick check with my friend Jimmy who happens to have the same shoe too had his one peeled off.

Noticed the badly done joint just above the number "4"...

The midsole is built using Solyte EVA material, the lighter yet softer cousin of the tougher and heavier SpEVA. I guess I understand the reason as a shoe being this thin, a little cushioning may help hence I truly agree on the use of it.

The outsole is totally flat with ASICS High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) placed at strategic placed at strategic high wear and tear area, which one of them at the ball of the feet forefoot area! A 5mm differential shoe, this is one area that needs reinforcement as mid to forefoot striking is made quite possible. Black beads are placed at the forefoot area to offer traction and of course durability. And speaking of durability, the outsole of this shoe does not last! Although AHAR is used, the amount is of very thin and it only takes a couple of marathon distance or so to probably eat into it.

Outsole of the forefoot area...

Reinforcement of AHAR at the heel outsole...

The PSP4 is an overall great shoe probably just plagued by a few cosmetic problem and a very steep price. If you want speed and instant feedback from the very low profile stack height that offers superior propulsion and don't mind the very high wear and tear rate, look no further than this very deadly "fish".If there is only 1 improvement that I will like to have in its successor, ASICS can consider to reduce the heel to toe differential to either maybe 4mm or go totally flat at 0mm! Oh and yes. The PSP4 is of the ASICS Japanese line-up hence do try out for size first before committing as it truly is very different.

The ASICS Piranha SP 4 is now available at major ASICS authorised dealer and retails at a recommended selling price of RM429.00

ASICS GEL-Hyper Speed 5...

By Frank

A favourite racing shoe for the current American top half marathoner Ryan Hall. the ASICS GEL-Hyper Speed 5 (HS5) as the name suggest is built for speed. With a stack height of 14mm and with a heel to toe differential of 7mm, this is one shoe that is probably considered close to minimalist since barely any of ASICS proprietary technologies are built into it.

The ASICS GEL-Hyper Speed 5...

I received the HS5 courtesy of ASICS Malaysia for my participation in the Craze Ultra 2012. It'a a perfect race to put the shoe to test on how well it will stack against the many odds.

Lateral view of the shoe...

Medial view of the shoe...

The shoe's upper is made of complete traditional overlays that looks like any other traditional shoes. The material looks cheap but it does its job holding up pretty well. I will rather to have a synthetic material like those found on the ASICS Gel-DS Racer 9 (DSR9) as it saves weight, allows better ventilation and also minimize the seams within the shoe's interior. Although seams were very noticeable, it did not cause me any irritation at all. Fit wise, I found the size to be slight a little bigger than the DSR9. Though being a racing shoe, the toebox is of reasonable space and I've no problems with it despite after running 82KM at Craze Ultra 2012.

Traditional overlays with lots of stitching...

The tongue is well padded but it does seem to move around which was very irritating. And as for the laces, ASICS chose to use the flat laces to save weight. I'm no fan of flat laces as it tends to loosen easily. I had to double or even triple tie it to prevent it and that may cause some problems undoing it to take off the shoes especially during an ultra race when I just had to relieve my poor feet. The collar was reasonable padded to give a secure hug for the Achilles region.

The padded collar which does a good job...

Earlier, I mentioned that although with a 7mm heel to toe differential, this shoe is only close to minimalist as there is still a midfoot arch shank to assist in pronation control. I rather it not be there and just leave the overall to be flat like the K-Swiss Blade-Foot Run or Blade-Light Run.

The shoe's midsole is made of SpEVA instead of the lighter yet softer Solyte with a rear foot GEL cushioning system. I've grown to actually like the harder and more responsive SpEVA rubber as I don't feel being "drown" by a softer material. However, being at 14mm stack height, and for some reasons, I still found myself being "drown" with every step and a little bit more effort is needed to propel my next step. And to protect the midsole from wear and tear, the ever trustworthy ASICS High Abrasion Rubber is placed at strategic areas. The forefoot area is design like a web to provide traction especially on wet surfaces and the design is pretty similar to the ASICS Skysensor Neo. The outsol alsoe consist of a few ventilation and drainage ports which come in handy when the weather either gets too hot or wet. 

The durability of the shoe was put to the maximum test at the harsh conditions of the Craze Ultra 2012. Though most parts of the shoes held up well, the same can't be said with the outsole. After running 82KM, the forefoot area melted away literary leaving only a piece of smoothen rubber under the intense heat of say about 40 degree Celsius. The heel area was fine though and this has proven what a 7mm or lower  heel to toe differential can do to our running gait. 

Gone after 82KM of torture...

Overall and personally speaking, the HS5 is an over-rated shoe. It's still a good shoe but I would not call it great. The ASICS Skysensor Neo and also the GEL-DS Racer 9 deserves a much more better attention. And I do think that the colour-way can be improved. The one strength of this shoe is probably the affordable price.

The ASICS GEL-Hyper Speed 5 retails at a recommended selling price of RM349.00 and is now available at major ASICS authorised dealers.

Gait Analysis by ASICS...

ASICS Malaysia goes a step further by introducing their world re-known ASICS Lab to Malaysians to analyse our gait pattern, well at least only for 2 days. ASICS Malaysia invited Andy Neo, ASICS Product Specialist all the way from Singapore to conduct the 2 days sessions in conjunction with the Penang Bridge International Marathon 2012 scheduled on 18 November 2012.

Yours truly was invited by Kris Lee, Assistant Brand Manager of ASICS Malaysia to be their humble first person to be analyse. Not that I have not done this before nor that I do not know about it, but it's always good to know or at least to have a 2nd opinion. I was trained by a podiatrist before (though I do not have paper qualification) and my last previous gait analysis done by a professional was done probably 5 years ago. So let's see how much has changed.

And so on a Saturday noon, I drove down to ASICS Concept Store at Pavillion. A rented treadmill was in the store and quickly enough, Andy prepared all the necessary hardware which consist of a rear camera connected to a notebook. I was required to put on specially marked shoes which are basically just basic minimalist neutral shoes. 

Put on these specially marked ASICS shoes and you are ready to go...

On a constant speed of 8.2KM/H, I ran while the camera captured all the necessary from behind. And by 5 minutes, all results were out. And so my gait did not change much. I still pronate a little on my right feet, and probably the difference now is that I strike the ground on mid to fore foot. And bad habits don't change either, I still cross my legs over when I run. My guess is probably due to my bow legged issue.

Off I go...

Kris takes a go at it too...

The view from the notebook (sorry for the blurness)...

So yes, although this is nothing new to me, it is still a good service by ASICS Malaysia and I applaud them for bringing them here although it's only on a tour basis. Many Malaysians thought the simple step and print test (wet test) is an easy way to determine the foot type. Well, basically its inaccurate as those are call static test. What ASICS Malaysia has brought in is called dynamic test which Running Lab also conducts (minus the camera and notebook) is for us to walk and run on the treadmill as our feet pattern does change as we walk or run. It will not be the same as compared to standing still. 

My gait...

So if you are interested to know more about your feet, make yourself down to ASICS Concept Store at Pavillion Kuala Lumpur on 26 August (3.00pm - 5.00pm and 6.00pm - 8.00pm) and 27 August 2012 (10.30am - 1.00pm and 2.30pm - 5.00pm). For a nominal fee of RM120, you will have your gait analyse and ASICS Malaysia will also throw in some complimentary goodies such as a duffel bag, vouchers, socks and lanyard.

ASICS Gel-Fuji Racer...

By Frank

I never had any luck with trail shoes. All my previous trail running events are ran with either trail shoes that I didn't like, ill fitting or one that offered little traction. And when I signed up and learnt about the terrain of the Old Fisherman Trail Challenge at Cape Town, South Africa that I ran last June 2012, I began searching around for one that will fit and suit me nicely, and one that will last me for quite a while.

The ASICS Gel-Fuji Racer...

Enter the ASICS Gel-Fuji Racer, a brand new and lightest model yet trail shoe from the Japanese company. ASICS has never given me the impression of a good trail shoes.  But when I read about the Fuji Racer and that most reviews are on the positive side, I quickly hunt them down.

Lateral side of the shoe...

Medial side of the shoe...

The Fuji Racer is built upon the popular ASICS DS series and I must say its one handsome looking shoe. Weighing in at about 240 grams for a size men US8.5, its a low enough profile trail shoes measuring at a 6mm differential and it offers a rock plate protection, thus offers excellent protection from the rough surfaces but yet satisfying my needs for a minimalist shoe. Don't be mistaken when I mentioned minimalist shoe though as you still can't feel the ground wearing it. I'm rather more emphasizing on the 6mm differential.

The fit was excellent and I did not had any problem with the size. It was true to my US8.5 size and it fits wonderful. Snug but not overly tight, a curled in arch area with the trusstic system in providing a "hugging" feature there and a hardened heel counter for the stability and protection on the Achilles region. And although coming in a "D" width, the toe box has very minimal stitching over it. Instead, most of the cosmetic except for the tiger stripes are welded on it hence minimising seams and also offering excellent flexibility. All these features is already enough to provide me a glove like fit! And yes, no hotspots too, at least from my experience.

Very good flexibility for a trail shoe...

The upper is made upon what ASICS claim to be breathable upper. Built on top a dual layer mesh, I won't say it's very breathable but rather acceptable. I guess not many of us will want a highly breathable trail shoe too, as it will mean debris and moisture entering the shoe. The tongue is also a one piece construction which also offers a lace pocket for inserting the shoe lace in it to prevent it fro being tangle up by branches while running.

The lace pocket...

The midsole is made again of ASICS lightweight Solyte EVA rubber (why can't SpEVA be use more often?), with no pivot nor stability feature built into it. And with ASICS High Abrasion Rubber used on the outsole to offer durability  at high wear and tear area, I enjoyed very much every step I made at my ascend and descend at Table Mountain with the shoe as if offers excellent traction and control. Traction is made possible with the tiny "X" shaped lugs founds mainly at the forefoot area. And when I stepped on mud and I must say it was ankle deep, the outsole did not become an instant mud cake. To my surprise, I managed to carry on running with a rather "clean" and "mud-less" shoe. I was impressed.

Closeup on the Solyte midsole and also the upper mesh...

Besides the cushioning offered by Solyte at all around the midsole of the shoes, a rear gel cushioning is built into the rear as like most other ASICS shoes. And honestly speaking, although I know that ASICS are known for their gel cushioning and is a proprietary feature in their shoes, I will rather have the gel removed.

Drainage ports and the outsole pattern...

The Fuji Racer has no water repellent or proofing coating like Gore-Tex or Ion-Mask on it, hence water will surely sip into the meshes. However, the outsole also have these drainage ports which allows water to actually escape the shoes. However, it also allows water to enter the shoe, hence one needs to be careful not to run over puddles of water.  But I still think this is a very neat feature that I have enjoyed in my previously owned K-Swiss shoes. Drainage ports, yes or not, water will still enter the shoe when it pours or even when the entire shoes goes into say a river. The main thing is, to allow the water to escape from the shoe! And this was proven when I went knee deep over at a waterfall somewhere on top Table Mountain, and ankle deep at a small stream near Hout Bay. Shoes were soaked to the max, but the extra wetness were quickly got rid off as I ran.

With the ASICS Gel-Fuji Racer, my search for my "first" trail shoe is over as this shoe will certainly be my choice for 2 upcoming trail runs. My many thanks to Ms. Kris Lee of ASICS Malaysia for arranging and sponsoring this pair of ASICS Gel-Fuji Racer for my Old Fisherman Trail Challenge and also for review purposes.

The ASICS Gel-Fuji Racer retails at a very reasonable price of RM349.00 and is available at most ASICS authorised dealer.

ASICS Skysensor Neo...

By Frank

The ASICS Skysensor Neo...

The ASICS Skysensor Neo isn't really a new model by ASICS, in fact it was releasd to the market mid year 2011. However I recently got it "deployed" out of the box and used it for my KL Marathon 2012. A Japanese spec racing flat that is highly popular in the land of the rising sun, this is one particular model that is pretty tough to find in our local retailers.

Lateral view of the Skysensor Neo...

Medial view of the Skysensor Neo...

The Skysensor Neo is a unisex model. As it's of Japanese specification, sizing will be a little tricky as I found out from many years back that it can be pretty inconsistent compared to the regular ASICS models. It will be good to personally try them out at the store itself before committing. Besides, since this is of a racing series, they tend to fit like a glove which I kind of like it since I have a narrow feet. As for those with wider feet say like 2E width, tough luck then. Weighing in at about 183 grams for size US8.5, the Skysensor Neo falls under the neutral racing flat category.

Front view of the SkySensor. Note the ventilation on the toebox area and also the narrow width....

The Skysensor Neo is a very low profile shoe, something which I've learn to like after years of running. Although looking minimal, this isn't a minimalist shoe as I measured around a 8mm differential in heel to toe drop. The midsole is built on top of ASICS 2 very popular material call Solyte, which offers lightweight and cushioning, and SpEVA which offers durability. I am not really a big fan of Solyte as I find that it offers too much cushioning. Most of you will have know that I prefer firmer compound shoes and therefore rather to have the midsole to be made fully of SpEVA as it offers pretty good durability (if comparing EVA rubbers) and also good bounce.

Upclose on the Solyte midsole...

However, as both Solyte and SpEVA are made of EVA rubber, durability is enhanced on the rear foot and forefoot areas using ASICS High Abrasion Rubber or more widely known as AHAR+. I can swear by this rubber compound as it is one of the key material that gives ASICS shoe excellent durability. And this is also the material that give the shoe a firmer outsole.

I did take note of a separate material on the the midsole over at the medial forefoot area. It kind of look and feel like a stability posting as the rubber compound is certainly firmer when pressed. However, I did not feelt any discomfort during my run with the shoe hence I can't comment much on it. Whether functional or part of cosmetic design, I leave it as of a mystery.

The greyish silver area of another rubber compound suspected to be a stability posting...

The shoe has nothing fancy to be shout about. Not much of technologies are used in building it as only a rear gel cushioning is used over at rear outsole. Coupled with ASICS Magic Ventilation which I don't think it's magical enough to offer better airflow through the shoe, and also WetGrip technology on the outsole's fore foot area to allow better traction, this is all that makes up the shoe. Speaking about the WetGrip, it actually worked pretty good as tested on the wet morning of the recent KL Marathon. Excellent traction on wet tarmac and decent enough on the smooth surfaces like those red inter-lockable brick surface. Otherwise, everything else that builds the shoe are just plain overlays meshes, synthetics and normal flat shoe laces.

A couple of drainage pots on the outsole. 

WetGrip is made possible with the tread design on the blue area of the forefoot...

Overall, I find the ASICS Skysensor Neo to be a pleasant pair. I'm not sure how will it compared to the pretty similar ASICS Hyperspeed series, but overall I just like the simplicity of it.

Many thanks to ASICS Malaysia and Ms. Kris Lee for giving me the opportunity to test out the ASICS SkySensor Neo.

The ASICS Skysensor Neo retails at RM469.00 and can be found at major ASICS stores and dealers nationwide.

ASICS GEL-DS Racer VII...

By Frank

The ASICS GEL-DS Racer VII, the seventh edition in the popular ASICS GEL-DS racing series is certainly not for the faint hearted. A low profile racing flat with a very mild medial support and weights only at 195 grams, it's certainly a fast shoe if you ask me.

The ASICS GEL-DS Racer VII...

I bought this shoe specifically for use at the Macau Marathon 2009 and with it, I achieved a new personal best. With only 2 weeks to "run in" the shoe before the race, I was really glad that it doesn't require much time to do so. With only 20KM ran in the shoe, I was already used to it. It doesn't require much running in as it's build very basic and doesn't implement any mumbo jumbo technology in it.

Medial view of the shoe...

Lateral view of the shoe...

One highlight of the shoe is that it allows me to land on my midfoot or forefoot easily without having to adjust much of my running gait. Even with the I.G.S. (Impact Guidance System) that guides through our natural gait, landing on the midfoot or forefoot is made possibly easy by the very low profile design and that the heel counter doesn't have much weight in it thus allowing balance weight on the entire shoe. And for those who lands on forefoot, you will be delighted with the TPU material used there as it offers superior traction. And being low profile, I can almost feel the earth. Great for those who are trying barefoot running but yet need some protection from the harsh roads.

I.G.S. for natural gait guidance...

TPU material for extra traction for those forefoot strikers...

The first impression of the shoe is certainly the weight. It now stands as the second lightest shoe I have after the Nike LunaRacer+ but yet it balances itself between weight and comfort. Everything around the shoe is reasonably well padded, from the tongue to the collar. Well enough to give the needed protection but yet shedding weight off. The fit of the shoe is great, hugging around the feet where it matters most. However, I do wish the toe box to be a little wider.

The ventilation of the shoe is good and is made possible with the use of the standard air mesh on the overlays. Nothing too fancy here coupled with the traditional ASICS logo design that runs over the shoe.

Traditional air mesh...

The midsole is built on ASICS Solyte cushioning system. However, the use of the GEL word made me wonder if there is really GEL built in the shoe as normally, the GEL unit will be seen exposed at the heel counter. Hmmm... And finally, the medial support is built on their popular DuoMax material running the entire length of the foot arch which helps control the pronation rate. As for the outsole, it is made durable with AHAR (ASICS High Abbrasion Resistant) carbon rubber with the above mentioned TPU materials at the forefoot which adds traction to every forefoot strikes.

DuoMax for added stability...

And at the time of writing, I have ran about 100KM with it including the marathon. The carbon rubber especially on the right side where most of my pressure is, seems to have shown a little wear and tear syndrome, but not much. I will foresee that this shoe should be able to last me about 300KM or so.

The lacing system is the conventional type and not Asymmetrical Lacing Design. Though the laces are of light weight anti slip material, I do find the length to be too short.

A weird thing about this shoe will be the sizing. Wearing a size US8.5 on my other 2 ASICS shoes, I was suprised that only a size US7.5 will fit me on this. I do not know how ASICS determine their sizes, but I was suprised that ASICS choose not to standardised it among their shoes. I was glad that I gave it a try first before purchasing, else it will be major headache.

At the time of writing, the ASICS GEL-DS Racer VIII is already available though it has yet to arrive at our shores. What I have notice besides the colour, is the change of the lacing system to the Asymmetrical Lacing Design while reducing weight by improving the materials used. Therefore with not much changes to it, the ASICS GEL-DS Racer VII remains a popular racing flat and retails at a recommended selling price of RM429.

Comfort: 8/10
Cushioning: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Flexibility: 9/10
Weight: 9/10
Overall: 8.6/10

ASICS GEL-DS Trainer 14...

By Frank

The ASICS GEL-DS Trainer 14, which looks and feels like the ASICS GEL-Kayano 15 is a light weight performance trainer which weights in at about 290 grams. Categorised as a stability shoe, it is suitable for those who pronate slight more than 15 degrees and for those looking for arch support. Handsomely built, my version came in white, black and red in colour which I believe is the second batch.

The ASICS GEL-DS Trainer 14...

Medial view of the shoe...

Lateral view of the shoe...

The shoe's built is a solid one. What is found on the ASICS GEL-Kayano 15 can be found on the ASICS GEL-DS Trainer 14. The upper is built on ASICS Biomorphic Fit Upper system which provides superior fit and function where the shoe wraps around the wearers feet. I find it to extremely comfortable even with the missing PHF (Personal Heel Fit) memory foam. Instead of it, ASICS replaced it with just a common foam which I find it to be a great choice as it's just as comfortable and protective for the Achilles region while at the same time reducing weight. Same goes to the tongue. A thinner padding is used while still providing the necessary support.

In order to reduce weight, I notice there were a few overlays layers lesser compared to their standard trainers thus providing a reduction in weight and also better ventilation. And coupled with the ComforDry Sockliner, bacteria and fungus growth are kept at bay. Standard with all ASICS shoes now is also the Asymmetrical Lacing Design where the laces are tilted to a side for a more natural movement for the metatarsal and tarsal bones, especially when the wearer flex. However, when it comes to flexibility, I was actually pretty upset with it as it wasn't as flexible when wearing it compared to by pushing by hand. A shoe of this caliber, I have expected more from it. However, it did got better with every run. Maybe it just need to be seasoned. Hmm...

Asymmetrical Lacing Design...

The midsole, like any other ASICS shoes are built on top of their GEL cushioning system coupled with Solyte midsole material. There isn't much GEL used in this shoe due to it's low profile. The medial support built on their firmer EVA rubber call DuoMax is present at the entire midfoot section which is a welcome design. With the addition of the gender specific Space Trusstic System arch support, it really help control the pronation rate.

GEL cushioning...

Solyte midsole material...

DuoMax medial support...

The outsole is built on top ASICS High Abrassion Resistant carbon rubber which provides superior durability. However, as ASICS version of carbon rubber is much harder compared with other brands, I do find that my mid foot strikes to be just on the little uncomfortable side. Probably due to the low profile design and also lesser GEL in it. Not forgetting that this also caused some discomfort on the arch as with each strikes, the medial support tends to "knock" onto my arch. But it may be for the earlier stage only as ASICS shoes normally require a run in first.

The shoe's outsole...

For those who likes the ASICS GEL-Kayano 15 but am uncomfortable with its weight, then the ASICS GEL-DS Trainer 14 is a good alternative. It may have its hits and misses and it's still a good shoe although I really expected much more out of it. It retails at a recommended selling price of RM429.

Comfort: 8.5/10
Cushioning: 7.5/10
Design: 8.5/10
Flexibility: 7.5/10
Weight: 8/10
Overall: 8/10

ASICS GEL-Kayano 15...

By Frank

16 years has passed since the introduction of the first ASICS GEL-Kayano. 14 editions later, the 15th edition was introduced and quickly enough in February 2009, Runners World awarded the ASICS GEL-Kayano 15 the Editor's Choice award. Upon reading about it, I was really impressed with it and at the same time, I ran out trainers. Therefore, a check with with a friend of mine who works as a foot care consultant reveals that the shoe is highly recommended for me and therefore brought me and the shoe together.

The ASICS GEL-Kayano 15...

However, somehow for some reasons, it took me a while to actually review this shoe due to the long testing sessions I have to go through with it as I can hardly find any major faults with this shoe! I may sound bias here, but I can assure you that I am not.

A medial view of the shoe...

The ASICS GEL-Kayano 15 falls under the stability category which is suitable for those who pronates a little more than usual and those looking for mild arch support. No doubt it looks big and bulky but ASICS has done a superb job in maintaining the weight at just about 350 grams for a size US8. That's an impressive weight for a trainer that offers much comfort and protection for the foot and not to mention the excellent durability from it. I wore it with no problems lifting the legs stride after stride.

Let's start with the shoe's upper feel. I personally likes memory foam around the shoe's collar. Not only it feels good wrapping around the ankle, it does help prevent chaffing on the Achilles region. Personally, all shoe's collar memory foam are more or less the same but ASICS choose to name theirs PHF which literary stands for Personal Heel Fit. Next up, the Asymmetrical Lacing Design, a first in the ASICS GEL-Kayano series. A quick look on the lacing reveals that is very different from conventional lacing system. It is tilted to a side! The reasons behind this design from ASICS does make sense however as it aligns the medial and lateral quarterly-panels evenly which is how our feet is shaped. A more natural protection and movement for the metatarsal and tarsal bones, runners can look forward to an irritation free and perhaps pain free run. I'm sure that this system will soon be featured in all major ASICS shoes and probably in other brands too. A quick note though is that it may take a little time in getting use to it for those who have yet to try this system.

Asymmetrical Lacing Design...

The shoe's ventilation is good but not great. For those with sweaty foot, they may experience some squishy runs with it. But as OrthoLite technology is used here, bacteria and fungus growth are kept to a minimal. Just don't go smelling your shoes though. And as for the flexibility, it is actually pretty good here considering it is a trainer. Built upon a system called the BioMorphic Fit Technology, this allows the shoe to stretch and expand at certain movement areas of the foot, thus moving together with the foot and reducing any potential irritation.

Next we look at the ASICS GEL-Kayano 15's midsole. There is no secret that ASICS are well known for their GEL cushioning. It can be found all around the shoe's midsole from the forefoot to the rearfoot. However, to further enhance it, a new material is added this round known as the Solyte midsole material which helps cushion the foot even more. And ASICS claimed that the Solyte material at the heel area does deform faster to allow enhanced shock protection by allowing it to shape according to the runner's gait. How true is it, I do not know? But I certainly have no problems running with it.

Front overlays and the Solyte logo...

The GEL cushioning for the heel...

No stability shoe is without a medial support. And ASICS choose to name theirs DuoMax. What I really like about it is that ASICS has chosen to feature the DuoMax for the entire midfoot area hence providing an even support for the arch. Together with the arch support call the Space Trusstic System, not only I find my run pain free, but absolutely comfortable as my foot collapse inwards due to my pronation rate. And what's good to know is that as the shoe does come in gender specific models, as the system is built accordingly to each gender's running style. So no worries on hip injuries.

DuoMax medial support...

The gender specific Space Trusstic System (men's version seen here)...

To the outsole now, the layer of rubbers that come in contact with the earth. Runners who knows ASICS will know the awesome durability of the shoes. One factor that contributed to it is the carbon rubber used called ASICS High Abrasion Resistant rubber. A word of note though, for those who are used to Nike's BRS1000 or Saucony's carbon rubber system, you may find this just a little on the stiff side though. However, together with the outsole's cushioning rubber call the DuraSponge, the shoe's lifespan is prolonged which I believe can easily reach an average of 1,000KM running mileage.

The outsole is built to last...

There is certainly a lot of technology used in building this shoe. But how well will it go to serve each and every individual? I have heard praises on it but also at the same time heard some struggling with it. Personally, I have no problems. My advice however to those finding it hard to adapt to it, will be to have the shoe "run in" first which should take around 50KM to 100KM depending on running style. This will allow the shoe to be "molded" to the runner's foot. To make things easier, I do recommend to walk with the shoes first maybe around the house for a couple of weeks as I do find this rather helpful.

To end my review on the ASICS GEL-Kayano 15, all I can say that it is a great shoe. It really deserves the awards and through 15 generations, it has proven to the running world that it's not only a running shoe, but a legend of its own. The ASICS GEL-Kayano 15 is now available at retail at a recommended selling price of RM599.

Comfort: 8.5/10
Cushioning: 9/10
Design: 8.5/10
Flexibility: 7.5/10
Weight: 7.5/10
Overall: 8.2/10