Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I have used Asics Gel Kayano since 2005 and have purchased each edition at least once since version 11. I was very happy with Asics Gel Kayano 21 (have purchased 4 pairs) and thought this was the closest thing to perfection in a running shoe. Version 22 was a big disappointment. The toe box had much less room, both in terms of width and height. The material pressed down on my toes so much that it felt like someone was stepping on my toes. After wearing it for one hour at home, I decided to return it. With version 23, the toe box is wider as it uses the shape from version 21. However, the height of the toebox is still low, causing pinching on the top of great toe to the point where I cannot wear the shoe. With two models in a row now being much worse than the previous 11 editions I have worn, I have no choice but to switch brands of running shoe. Sorry Asics. I would recommend that Asics stick with version 21 as the basis for future editions, and use the changes in versions 22 and 23 to make a new shoe product in their stability product line. Loyalists to their shoe brand (like me) who count on being able to buy an excellent shoe are quite frustrated. Other parts of the shoe, such as lacing, fit of the heel, and cushioning, are good and show improvements over previous models.