Switching from ASICS to Brooks
After many years, I recently made the switch from the ASICS brand of running shoes to Brooks. Back in April of this year, I posted how loyal I have been to ASICS since my high school running coach recommended the brand to me, but unfortunately the Gel Nimbus model I have been purchasing has quickly evolved over the last couple years to a point where it no longer suits my needs.
One of the aspects of the Gel Nimbus 11 that ASICS touts as a benefit is the large toe box that has been incorporated into the shoe, but this is not something that agrees with my feet. I view the new offset lacing that the shoe provides as a benefit, but the traditional lacing never bothered me, and the large toe box outweighs this aspect of the shoe.
Of course, there is always the option of wearing thicker socks, but I moved away from Thorlos years ago after deciding that the Neutral Plus shoes I was purchasing had more than enough cushioning, and it makes no sense to purchase such expensive running shoes if one needs to rely on socks for a proper fit. Before I discuss my positive experience with Brooks over the last few weeks, let's take a look at some recent pairs of ASICS I've worn over the last few years: Gel Nimbus 6, Gel Nimbus 8, and Gel Nimbus 11.