Are shoes shoes?

[Jamsandwich]

I need some new running shoes and the shops who measure you up are shut due to the current situation. Now, my old shoes were perfect, Asics Gel-Pheonix 8. If I go online and buy the latest generation (Gel-Pheonix 10 i think), will these be the same fit etc?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

It is well worth the gamble, as Asics have a good returns policy, I believe.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Not necessarily and especially maybe not with Asics. But worth a try, just make check the returns policy of the retailer - Amazon, StartFitness, SportsShoes are all pretty good. The Asics outlet online store is v good.

As for which model to go for, I always try buy the same one if I can, but if not available, then the next one up - so see if you can find the 8, but if not, go for the 9 and then the 10 is your 'last resort'.

[JarLo Graduate]

Asics always seem to be consistent with size for me and the thing I like about their website and the likes of Brooks is that you can answer loads of questions about your running style and get shoe recommendations to suit you. Then you are free to shop wherever you chose although the Asics outlet has some cracking bargains on out of season shoes!

[CherryCore Graduate]

A while ago I did have the gel pulse 5, that I upgraded with gel pulse 8 and I don't remember noticing any difference. I did, however, notice that gel sonoma 4 is slightly narrower (which I've bought off the internet risking with my rather wid-ish fit), but still fits me okay, especially after some days of walking in them around.