ASICSWomen's Gel-Venture 8 Mid Top Running Shoes

I bought a second pair so I would have more color options! But this is what I had to say about the first...Bought these because Asics were recommended to me by my podiatrist. But I prefer to have high top shoes and I'm obsessed with Amazon! I was having issues with planter fasciitis, tried insoles and compression socks with little to no relief.. These were instant comfort from my PF! However, after my PF went away my heels started to bother me on days I had to work more than 8 hours. Maybe that's just my feet but it is a bit disappointing. They came right on time and fit great! I did size down by half, as I've tried asics on in store and the 9s were just a bit big.

Actual rating 4 1/2 starsI took these on a 14-mile trail run to break them in (a little risky, I know.) However, they have exceeded my expectations! The trails were pretty wet and muddy from a recent rain shower, and these shoes felt grippy and sure on the slick rocks and slippery trails. I crossed a number of creeks and -- while my feetsies did get a little wet -- the shoes did a good job of not retaining copious amounts of water. By the end of the run, the shoes genuinely didn't feel that wet. The colors are nondescript and will match a number of running outfits. These also look and feel like they will take quite a beating. Dont get me wrong, they're not super rugged like a true hiking shoe, but they do have a durable feel to them. My ONLY complaints are minor.Compliant 1: The fabric/tab by the ankle/achilles heel area is VERY irritating if you wear ankle socks. After 14 miles, that area was extremely raw. This is an easy enough fix (longer socks), but something to be aware of.Complaint 2: These run just a tad big. I am a true 8.5 and they were a little roomier than I would like. They aren't so big that I need to return them, but I feel like a slightly tighter fit (especially in the ankle area) would improve the shoe's overall stability.Overall, I think this is a fabulous running shoe! I didn't have an issue running 14 miles on the trails. I'm a little iffy on how long these shoes can handle that kind of mileage, but so far so good) I wouldn't say this is a good shoe for road running. You'll have to decide for yourself, but I think a little more support would be needed. Nevertheless, I do think it can make a great hiking, trail running, or walking shoe.

I really liked the style of these shoes, and they are very comfortable. They do run a bit small, I wear a size 9 and my toes ran into the ends, and the toe box seems narrow, so I would have to size up 1/2 size.They are very lightweight, but the materials are too thin and insubstantial....The mesh on the upper part of the foot is so thin, if you lift up your toes you can see them sticking up through the material. You could easily wear a hole through the thin mesh with your toes.They are well made, and sewn together well, they look very attractive, and I really liked the mid top style, and are very comfortable; but the detailing is also a thin and flimsy material.I wish they had used more durable materials to make these, as the materials seem thin and cheap for such a well made shoe, and how can the shoes last very long? Sneakers used to be made with more durable materials, but now they seem to make them with such thin and flimsy materials.UPDATE: I tried these a 1/2 size up (9.5) and they fit better in the toes, but a little big, so I added a different shoe insert. Also, I purchased some "Shoe Toebox Blowout Hole Prevention Repair Inserts/Patches" that you can stick on the inside of the shoe to create a more substantial upper that my toes cannot stick out of and to provide more protection to the top of my foot. You just get the patches and trim them and carefully place them into the front of the shoe sticky side up, to patch up the too thin mesh top/upper part of the shoe. Should NOT have to do this, but with manufacturers using such thin and cheap materials, it is necessary to prolong the life of your shoes, and protect your foot!

Love these asics, but just note the tops are very much navy and I personally think the black and the navy together sort of clash. They are super comfy though!

I was in search of a high or mid top trail runner as i Find boots to be too stiff.This shoe is lightweight, sturdy and extremely comfortable. Absolutely perfect! It was comfortable the first hike and I am thrilled with the fit and the price!!!

Love these

Love the height and ankle support. Missing the old ASICS foot bed with the good arch support. I have been using inserts the last couple years , seems like they ain’t what they used to be in that regard. Otherwise love this shoe. Will use as a light weight hiking shoe/boot.

These are great shoes and felt wonderful on one foot, but on the foot that has had problems from sprains and is always swelling they were just too small and tight.

These shoes fit quite wide in the toe box, making the foot move around too much for hiking. They are made of a very thin material both on the upper and the sole. No support and makes the feet feel sore and tired. I do not recommend.