Excellent for running, They feel perfect on the track, I had never used asics before but now I recommend them!!
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
I bought a pair of Contends about 9 months ago for everyday wear, not intending to run in them. Good thing too, because they are already wearing out. Pieces of the outsole are coming unglued, particularly corners of the lugs near the back.
I shudder to think how these shoes would have held up, if I regularly went running in them. I only did that once so far, because I had misplaced my usual gear. I have worn my Contends almost daily since I bought them, and it shows. Perhaps it's because, as a student, I tended to walk a lot while classes were in session.
Compare the outsole of this shoe to that of a more expensive model, such as the Asics Kahana 6. There just isn't as much "meat" on the Contend. So I definitely wouldn't buy these if you are a trail runner. If you run on pavement, you might need more cushioning, and would benefit from something with a beefier outsole.
I don't mean to steer anyone away from this shoe, just be sure to manage your expectations. You get what you pay for. These might make an excellent entry-level or starter pair for actual running, due to the low price. The Contend is an adequate walking shoe, even if I'm a little underwhelmed by its (lack of) durability in that role.
Best Deals for ASICS Men's Contend Running Shoe
Let me first start by saying that I am a loyal Asics customer and I used to ONLY buy Asics sneakers. I currently own a pair of worn, beat up pair of Asics Gel-Strike 2, a pair of equally beat up Gel-Strike 3, Gel-Contend, Gel-Cumulus and a pair of Asics hiking boots. If I were to compare these Gel-Contend's to the rest of them in terms of quality, comfort and durability I would say that they are the worst of the bunch.
I have owned a pair of Asics Gel-Strike 2 for over 4 years now. Both the Gel-Strike 2 and Gel-Contend are budget sneakers and they cost around the same mount when they came out. As a matter of fact I believe these Gel-Contend's are a continuation of the Gel-Strike's. The Gel-Strike 2's were by far the most comfortable sneaker's I've owned in the past 5 years and I will keep wearing my old beat up pair until they fall off my feat.
Unfortunately these Gel-Contend's do not compare one bit to the Gel-Strike 2. They don't even compare to the Gel-Strike 3 (which was a step down from the 2). I've been wearing these Gel-Contends for the past few weeks just for walking to work and back home and my feet ache when I get home. The sole on these sneakers so very thin that I can feel just about every bump or pebble I walk on. These sneakers are not durable at all. I can already notice a good amount of wear of the rubber grips and now I have to go out and buy a pair of insoles. I would not dare to run or work on with them.
I really can't beleive the drop off in quality from the gel-strike 2 to this model. I am so disappointed with these sneakers that I bought another pair of Gel-Stike 2's from fleebay for $55 (which is almost double what I originally bought them for 4 years ago) because I knew these were not going to last long. My only conclusion of Asics diminishing quality is that they just don't want their sneakers to last long so that you keep buying a new pair. Maybe they are resting too much on their laurels and believe that people will keep buying their products because it is "Asics". I have news for you guys, keep this up and I will no longer be customer.
Honest reviews on ASICS Men's Contend Running Shoe
I needed good and inexpensive running shoes so after doing quick research online; ASICS consistently came highly recommended.
I came across these; they looked great and the price was exactly what I was willing to spend. Thus, I took a chance and ordered them. Upon arrival they looked better than the picture and once I put them on my feet....instant love. The sneakers were very comfortable but I wasn't convinced fully; the real test would be running in them. Well, I did...now Im ready for the marathon; they are that great.
I barely felt the sidewalk beneath me. These ASICS are the best running shoes I have EVER owned.
Like them so much I brought a second pair and for the same price I paid for the first one...just a different color. But who cares.....streets here I come again!
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for ASICS Men's Contend Running Shoe
I have worn Asics for over 30 years and they used to have consistently reliable foot lasts, regardless of where the shoes were manufactured. Lately, the shoe size seems to vary based on the country of origin. This pair is at least a 1/2 size smaller than my other shoes and while the foot bed is EE, the fabric surrounding the foot is very snug. The shoes are fine without socks, but I will be wary of ordering any more shoes online.
