These shoes are the biggest disappointment to come out of Asics. I don't mind spending a bit more on a shoe, after all the difference between the cheapest and most expensive is about one visit to the Physio!
I've had nothing but problems with these since I got them, and I've had 5-6 pairs of Kayanos before, that were simply flawless - I could put them on and go running, without breaking them in or worrying about blisters and whatnot.
The Kayano 16 has a new offset lacing, which is different than the offset lacing in the 15's. The Kayano 15 were actually quite comfortable and this lacing scheme seemed to work quite well, I can't figure out why did Asics have to go and ruin it. The 16's have an awkward lacing scheme that puts pressure on the tendon running on the top of the foot, from your toe towards your ankle. After a single 4 mile run my foot was sore, and I've seen reports from others who went for longer runs and ended up with bad bruising and blue/purple feet!
Since the shop I bought them from is playing deaf I tried to fix this and found a lacing technique that goes straight across (straight bar lacing, or military lacing) which works quite well, the laces don't cross in the middle thus not producing pressure points along the top.
Then we get to another problem, the removable insole is a surprisingly bad fit, it runs too high up the heel causing blistering. I've replaced it with a third party sorbothane insole which seems to work much better.
It's early days yet, but you shouldn't have to spend this much effort in trying to fix so many issues with a "top of the range" shoe from a reputable manufacturer. Did they even bother testing these?!
Posted: 15/03/2010 at 11:25
