ASICS GEL-Kinsei 5 Durability?

Triathlon Forum
1

Any Kinsei users here? I have always been an ASICS guy, bounced around mostly between the 2000 series and Kayanos. My current pair of shoes is the Kinsei 4’s and I love them. They have been very comfortable, my legs have felt strong and injury free, and they have held up really well to quite a bit of abuse (I run in all conditions and on all terrains).

I am getting ready to purchase my next pair of shoes and will for sure be sticking with the Kinsei’s. I’m not too sure if I should go with the 4 since I have been really pleased, or upgrade to the 5’s, which have some really exciting new technology.

The one piece of negative press I have read about the Kinsei 5’s is with durability. They made a drastic change in the upper material and one reviewer said that his big toe started popping through the top very early on with just walking. Can any of you either agree or disagree with the durability concerns?

2

Like most shoes it depends on the persons foot. If the person has a wide foot for a D width shoe then they’ll eventually wear out any shoe that doesn’t fit them right. The toe wear on the top could just be where their toe moves when walking which is out of the ordinary. May not happen when they are running.

I like the Kinsei 5s. I work part time at shoe store and the Kinsei 5 was definitely one of the most comfy feeling shoes right off the bat.

My suggestion is to go to a LOCAL shoe store. There return policies are, for the most part, better than online stores and you can obviously try the shoe on first. For most people the new upper isn’t an issue.

3

Thanks for the info. I may see if the 4’s go on clearance since they are last years model, or at least wait for a few more reviews to come out.