What To Look For
Asics with gel cushions are athletic shoes that provide a cushion of gel in the bottom. The manufacturer claims the gel makes the shoes more comfortable and helps cushion your body as you run or jump. Asics places these shoes into different categories, based on the activity frequently associated with the shoes. The Gel-Hyper Speed is a shoe for racing, while the Trail, Trail Attack and Trail Sensor are meant for hiking. The company also offers the Foundation, Evolution and Fortitude, which provide the most support. The Trainer and Phoenix provide the gel cushioning with more structure to protect your feet.
Common Pitfalls
When shopping for any type of running shoes, including the gel versions from Asics, it's important to try the shoes on later in the day. The more time you spend on your feet, the more your feet swell and change. To compensate for these changes, you may even need a larger size later in the day than you did early in the morning. Try on different shoes. Find a pair of Asics that fit your feet comfortably, even when your feet are slightly swollen. The shoe should fit all areas of your foot, without much space in the toe box.
Where To Buy
The best place to buy Asics with gel cushioning is from a specialty shoe store, specifically one that specializes in athletic shoes. The trained staff will first remove your current shoes and then measure your feet to determine your proper shoe size. This also helps you determine if you wear the right size regularly. Visiting a shoe store also lets you try on the shoes before you buy and see how the shoe fits your feet. Walk around the store, testing the cushioning and support of the shoe, before making a final purchase.
Cost
The model name and type of shoe determines how much you'll pay for Asics with gel cushioning. As of 2010, the shoes retailed for around $40 to well over $100. The most expensive is the Kayano, which is a running or racing style of shoe. Both the men's and women's version of the shoe retails for around $140. The men's and women's shoes are comparatively priced, while the child sizes are much cheaper and retail for less than $30 in most cases. Generally, the specialty styles are more expensive than the basic shoes with gel cushioning.
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