ASICS Women's Gel-Contend 5 Running Shoes

I've never tried Asics before and a friend had said how she like this brand. When looking for new shoes, I saw these shoes in the store, and bought my normal size 8, but they were too tight, so I returned them. I then found them on Amazon (much lower price than in the store), and ordered at first an 8 wide. They were still too tight. Returned those, and order 8.5 regular, and they fit much better. I think overall, these run a little small, but once I got the right fit, they are comfortable and I am happy. I wore them for the first time yesterday, and it felt like I was kind of bouncing when I walked, like on cushions, or walking on air, because of the padded insoles. I think there is some decent arch support, as well. I have high arches, and some shoes do not have nearly enough arch support in them. I got many compliments on the shoes, as well. Also, a big thing for me is the laces. Some types of laces always come untied at some point throughout the day, so I've resorted to tying my laces in double knots. I did not have any issue with these laces coming untied, and I did NOT double-knot them. They stayed perfectly tight all day. Very comfy shoes, but if too tight, you may try a half size larger. I do recommend these shoes.

Great everyday shoe for the price. Comfy and can wear all day. Size was perfect

I'm very picky when it comes to shoes but these are great! I run on an indoor track, which usually hurts my feet but not with these! These ones are super light, comfortable on my arches and the top of my feet. They're breathable and keep cool while I'm running. I love the color! It's exactly as shown in the picture. The style is super cute. I wear a size 9.5 to 10 and usually feel like I'm wearing clown shoes but not with these. So pretty, comfy and happy!

I read through the comments before buying these back in February of 2021 many described them as too narrow, with little arch support and to size up. So I went with the blue and pink once’s in a size 7.5 W and my normal size is a 7. I typically don’t wear wide shoes since my feet aren’t too wide, but i didn’t want to risk the possibility of them being too narrow and tight. After wearing them for about 4 months I do think they are a bit narrow since they fit just right when I first wore them; however, over time they did stretch out around the toe box. Now they are a bit roomy in the toe box and I always felt extra length since they are a half size bigger for me. I fear regular, non-wide shoes may scare off people that actually wear regular sizes. If regular sizes do stretch out over time, like these did, then I’m sure they would be a good fit but who really wants to play with their money like that. I have flat feet so I don’t require much arch support and these shoes don’t have much of it in my opinion. My favorite part about theses shoes is the thickness of the soles. It’s especially great for my heels which is where I have issues the most. I used them for work at an Amazon warehouse and for casual use and they haven’t worn out so easily. I have yet to try running in them. I’ll definitely repurchase these shoes just in a size 7W.

I love these shoes great for the gym. I bet they are good for running just only use them for the gym. I love the asics brand shoes.

Update review as of February 2021:I ran about 200 miles in 2020 and probably about 100 miles in 2019, when I bought the shoes. They never tore, AT ALL. They've definitely lost support and cushioning, as to be expected with an affordable pair of running shoes and after those miles put on them, but I still wear them to do small hikes and walks. I've since bought ASICS Women's Jolt 2 Running Shoes for this year (2021) because I didn't like the color options for the Contend 5 (2 years later and they still have just the same colors.) - I do highly recommend these shoes! I ended up taking back a pair of $150 Brooks running shoes for Asics.I don't understand other people saying these are too big. I read a few reviews of others also confused by other reviewers say these fit small. I was so nervous by all of the "fit smaller than expected" reviews that I went and tried on 3 different kinds of Asics in a store and the 7.5, 8 and 8.5 all fit normally. I normally wear a 7.5-8 but I was still so nervous that they'd be small because of the reviews, so I got an 8.5I wish I had bought my regular size 8 though because these don't fit small AT ALL. They fit normal. So these shoes, a size 8.5, fit just fine but I'd prefer a size 8, like I normally wear, so that they'd be a little bit more snug for running.I haven't yet ran in them so I can't review the comfort or arch support. I just wanted to quickly review the fit. If you wear a 7, get a 7. If you wear an 8, get an 8. They fit FINE! Mine were bought from Shoebacca and came with a free pair of Asics socks, too!

As a woman with 10W feet, I HATE buying shoes online... But it's a size that is so hard to find many places. I usually wear New Balance or Skechers, but currently don't have $60 to shell out on a pair of shoes that may or may not feel comfortable... So I crossed my fingers and tried these on sale.1) Width is definitely spot-on. There are times I've wanted to light shoes on fire that claimed to be wide width but really weren't. These feel great.2) I think length-wise they run a tad short. The tip of my big toe is only about 1/4" from the end of the toe box. If I were running or doing anything more strenuous than light walking, I'd have returned them.3) There is some arch support, but I'd personally prefer more. I'm plus-sized, so YMMV.4) The heel back seems to rise up a bit higher than I'm used to. I added some heel inserts and all is well.They've been very comfortable!

I went the cheaper route this time and I should have known better. I’m a big ASICS fan and have had many pairs. But for someone who works out daily and on my feet at work all day, they offer little to no support. Comfortable for limited wear but nothing beyond that.