Asics Gel Speedstar 5

We were asked today to give our quick prelim opinion on this shoe. Aside from all the nice creature comforts of the new design it does not look too terribly different from previous models. I have the last model. I liked it. But, it was pretty curve lasted so, if this model is no different, and if you are a person with pronation control issues or if you still are not out of heel strike running you might not like this one. But it will allow you to mid-forefoot strike easier than the bulkier model trainers out there. It is light, sub 10oz. But our major concern is that it appears (we havent gotten a pair yet to cut them up, hopefully someone else will get to it and save us more work) that it still has a higher slope from a raised heel (>1:1) RF:FF (rear:forefoot ratio). From looking at my last pair and this one, i would be it still has about a 10mm heel rise over the forefoot height (maybe a few less if we are all lucky !, but we doubt it). Certainly better than more traditional trainers in this respect. This heel rise will inevitably still suggest or encourage heel strike. We have been pounding the floor for years to reduce this ratio…..we are so glad folks are finally listening. Maybe we can get fewer running injuries in our office and get a day on the beach with this new trend. Thanks to all the minimalist companies out there ! Just remember, walking is a different neuro-biomechanical task than running. Heel striking is not abnormal in walking because the heel rocker phase of gait is softer than in running. Also, remember, some foot types (forefoot varus, Rothbart, etc) are not likely to do well in these more minimalistic shoes ( a more curved lasted shoe could drive a foot more medially into it’s incompetent parts). Get evaluated by someone who knows what they are doing (in the doctors office and in the shoe store, that could be tough to find) so that your foot type, your running style and your shoes match up. Injuries are part of this recipe when the ingredients do not mix well !