Customer Reviews ASICS GEL-Forte™

Okay, if Zappos is smart, they'll replace my previous review with this one. I thought if Asics said it was a motion control shoe, it would be. Well after wearing them around the office for a day, they are going back. 1. not a motion control shoe; this new 'heel grip' system is a laugh stability wise compared to previous shoes like the gel foundation 2. ankle holes are smaller and more round; cuts into the front of my foot, and I can't lace with a heel lock like I used to 3. worst yet: much less depth than previous shoes and these shoes uncomfortably dig into the tops of my feet (I have high arches and wear orthotics) So that all sucks, so I thought I'd get back on Zappos and look for other motion control/stability shoes from Asics that did not use this silly useless 'heel grip' system. Well, guess what, there aren't any. It's like their entire line of motion control and stability shoes is just poof, gone. Asics just lost me as a customer. Very disappointed. Previously wore: pre-version 17 Gel Kayanos; a gel Asics with asymmetrical lacing; gel foundation; the new Kayano sucks too in case you were wondering.

I was looking for the replacement for the Asics Gel-Evolution which was recently discontinued for some reason, and was told the Gel Forte was the replacement. Well, it is not. The Gel Forte has a different feel and doesn't have the same cushion. I was very disappointed. I pronate but like to run fast, and this just felt like a heavy hospital shoe. (Asics, if you're listening, the Gel Evolution series 4 & 5 was perfect, you could've stopped there. The Evolution 6 was still okay but you could see how it was changing to become a brick.) I ultimately decided to cough up the money for the Gel-Kinsei, which is working out nicely but still not as well as the Evolution 4/5. Therefore, my advice is that if you really liked the Gel-Evolution, especially the earlier versions, your best choice now is the Kinsei. If I ever meet someone from Asics, I'm going to yell at them for dropping the early versions of the Evolution.

I wore Asics Gel-Foundations for years -- they were great shoes and I wish Asics would bring them back. But since they've been discontinued, I tried the Gel Fortes, which are supposed to replace them as Asics motion-control or stability shoes. Unfortunately, these shoes are going to be returned. Asics has changed the sizing, and these shoes are much narrower in the middle of the shoe and in the toe box, making them too tight to wear with orthotics. The only part that isn't tighter is the heel, which is now too loose -- my heel slips out, and the up and down draws my socks in. Wish I had something good to say, but I can't even say they're cute: asphalt gray and purple? Really? Since Asics also discontinued the Evolution, I'm off to try Brooks or New Balance. What a shame.

I am so sad that Asics discontinued my running shoe and replaced it with this foundation shoe. It has not worked out for me. Its sole is too hard, it doesn't cushion my foot the way the Asics foundation shoes used to, it doesn't lace up snugly...my foot moves around...a lot. Also, it doesn't wrap snugly around my heel like the old ones. Boo! Asics, I am freaking out! You messed up my mojo! Now I have to try and find a replacement and trust me, this isn't it.

These were really great for me. I'm and over-pronator and I wore these shoes until I wore them out.

I've been wearing these great shoes for a week and they are comfortable, with good support. I have never had a shoe with so much cushioning. Walking is easy, they keep your feet in line. I have trouble with pain in my left foot, but these shoes lessen the pain, making walking for health possible.

The shoes are comfortable and provide the arch and ankle support needed for my daughter.

I have extreme problems with flat feet and tried all different brands. I wore New Balance for years at the suggestion of my podiatrist. But they cheapened them and changed them. So the search was on. I tried these because I saw the reviews recommending them and have been extremely happy. I now have good mobility and foot comfort. I liked my first pair so much I recently bought this second pair. they have good stability, they have a roomy enough toe box and can accommodate my inserts.

I love these shoes! I have flat feet, so my feet pronate, but these shoes are so sturdy I don't feel my feet go in. It's the first time I buy this brand and I'm very happy with them. Before I bought them, I read some reviews that said that they run smaller than the actual size, so I got a half size larger.

Good buy for the money. Nice toe bed and support. A little heavier than others, but that's balanced by the support. I'm usually an 8.5 in Asics, but needed a 9 in this style. Replacing a pair of Asics GT-2120 which served me very well.

My physical therapist wanted me to get a stiffer foot bed for my sneakers and these shoes are great. I only wish they had a pull-on tab in the back.

I currently like the pre-gel-kayano 17 generation, and gel evolution. I like that this is a motion control shoe, but comes in a neat color like the gray and pink. Very stylish compared to the ugly all gray gel evolution! I have always worn size 9 in all brands except asics. Maybe this generation finally corrects that. Given the other two reviewers at the time I ordered, I ordered both my normal asics size of 8.5, and a size 9. Size 8.5? My toes were bumping the front and top, so definitely needed a half-size up.

This is a new sneaker for Asics. I over pronate. 9 months ago I got the ASICS GEL-Foundation 10 in a 7.5 and the size was perfect, I'm always a 7.5. These Gel-Forte's run small! This was my first time wearing an 8 in anything but Uggs. I suggest ordering a half size up.

I am not a runner. I am just on my feet 10hrs a day at work. These shoes are a bit stiff. They are comfortable but not too much cushioning.

They're a great looking shoe, but I cannot believe they are considered wide - much less extra wide! We even ordered a size larger because of other reviews and the shoe is still tight. Nowhere on the shoe can we find a marking that indicates that it's wide. The box, yes, but not the actual shoe. It is so incredibly hard to find cute tennis shoes in wide, we're a bit stuck on what to do next. Return and get yet another size larger?

These shoes were less cushioned and narrower than I expected (ordered an 8.5 wide). I have a high arch as well and these shoes just didn't work well for me but my daughter liked them and gave them to her.

I'm usually an Asics fan, but not this time. Shoe was too heavy and I felt I had bricks tied to my shoes. One wear was enough. Sorry Asics.

These shoes run short and very narrow. I normally wear an 8 2E. I ordered a 1/2 size larger and I could barely get my foot into the shoe.

I am so disappointed in this shoe. It is supposed to be an "upgrade" to the Gel Evolution 6, which I've found to be literally the only shoe that allows me to go all day pain-free on my terrible feet (posterior tibial tendonosis and subtalar fusion). I need the motion control. The Gel Forte keeps the same sole as the Evolution but ditched the side support and the padding. It's horrific, like walking on bricks and without the benefit of motion control in the sides. This was a terrible mistake for Asics. Sigh...what will I do without my Evolutions? This one is going straight back to the shop, with a note directed to Asics Consumer group as well.

This is not a motion control shoe like the evolution. Just another shoe company that has abandoned the market for those that need strong and stable motion control shoes. Thanks Asics.