Nike Versus Asics Running Shoes

When I started running in high school, it was basically just for fun and a bit of exercise. I enjoyed just running a couple of miles in the morning before classes and didn’t really find that my feet felt any different in one brand of shoe versus another. However, after I began to run longer distances, 5, 10 and eventually 26.2 miles, I noticed that I really had knee problems with my cushioned Nike shoes. I started using Nike shoes that were well known for their cushioning, but I did not get expert opinions on which shoes to choose for my running type.

I later found out I am a ‘severe’ pronator and have flat feet. I didn’t realize it when I first started running the longer distances but my Nike cushioned shoes were not giving me the stability I needed. At that time I had the Nike air shoes and really enjoyed the ‘soft’ run. I found, however that the tops of the shoes tended to wear out fast, getting little holes in the mesh. Also, the ‘bridge’ right at the arch of the foot wore out pretty fast even though I was running mostly on trails and soft ground.

I finally went to a running store and asked them for advice and they suggested I try some Asics for motion control. I got a pair of gel 2060’s and loved them from the first moment I ran with them. No more knee pain and I could see more even wear on the soles, especially after my long runs. Such a relief! I used the Asics 2060’s and later the 2070’s for my next 2 marathons.

My first marathon I trained using my Nike air shoes and about 3 weeks before my marathon on one of my tapering down training runs, I was injured on the homeward stretch in my right knee. Unfortunately, I did not pay attention to this as much as I should have and although I had almost complete rest up to the day of the race, I still was injured running the marathon. I ran the marathon in the Nike shoes in which I had injured myself. Maybe that accounts for some of my negative opinion towards these shoes, I don’t know. But I do know that when I trained and ran with the Asics, I found that they kept me stable related to pronation and they lasted longer–even with long runs. Running on pavement occasionally, they did not break down as fast as the Nike’s did with similar treatment.

Another thing is that compared to sizing and fit of the Nike, the Asics are better for people who have wider feet like me. I have a narrow heel and a wider forefoot. Asics are great because they tend to fit wider and more roomy at the front, and hug the heel snugly, decreasing the chances of getting painful blisters on your long runs. The Nike shoes tend to be more narrow overall and not as well suited to my foot type, at least not the Nike shoes you can generally find in running or sports stores in stock.

The Asics 2060 and 2070’s were amazing shoes to run in and fit comfortably right away. My Nike’s were comfortable immediately as well but did not perform well for me on the long runs. I was injured because I did not have the correct shoe for my running style and unfortunately, Nike was the guinea pig for my shoe awareness. The Nike Pegasus did not work well for me, but I may try other Nike’s in the future. For now, I stick with my comfortable, proven Asics and gladly trust in their staying power in the long haul for distance running injury free.