Customer Reviews ASICS Gel-Kinsei® 5

Although I like the style of the shoe, and it was comfortable, the toe box is already falling apart. I received these for Christmas 2 months ago. I use them for my longer runs, so I have worn them 6 times for a total of 65 miles. Where the mesh meets the design appliqués, it is tearing on the top and sides of both the right and left shoe. This is a serious design flaw as I have worn Asics for over a decade, and have worn the Kinsei 3 and Kinsei 4 with no issues. I can not return these to Zappos as their return policy understandably states you can only return unworn items. Currently I have a complaint filed with Asics of America as this appears to be a major flaw. I have read other reviews that state the same problem. I hope they help me resolve this serious issue. I would not recommend this shoe to anyone.

These are by far the most comfortable shoes I've ever had. However within 2 months they had holes in the fabric above the toe area. Zappo's - which has always had the best customer service ever - promptly replaced them within 24 hours. Unfortunately the same thing is happening again with the new pair. Comfort, style, and fit are excellent (as is Zappos), but sadly no durability.

I upgraded to this shoe from a Gel-Nimbus 14. The shoes are very comfortable, lightweight and stable, but unfortunately they have only lasted a few months! My big toe tore the fabric on the left shoe after only about a month. I used duct tape to secure it (very stylish) but the same thing happened on the right toe two months later. I can still use the shoes -- with increasing amounts of duct tape -- but I'm moving to the Gel-Nimbus 15 for long runs and races. It has plenty of reinforcement above the toe area!

Loved the look and received many compliments on these shoes. After a few months, however, both shoes developed holes at the big toes -- which has never happened with any other pair of shoes in my recollection. If you don't mind dropping the money and replacing them in a few months, then these might be perfect shoe for you.

Amazing shoes. Great support and comfort. I wear them with orthotics so I can't attest to its arch support

As you can see I give this shoe my highest marks, but I have experienced the same problem with the shoe box tearing in just 4 months. Zappos does have a defective shoe policy within the first 6 months; the Customer service department at Zappos is excellent, they were very kind and without any problem at all scheduled a replacement for these running shoes. For the price I expected them to last me at least 18 months. I agree that Asics has a problem with these shoes. I only wear Asics and this is the first time I have had a problem. I hope Asics picks up on our comments and makes the necessary changes. But in the meantime, thank you Zappos for excellent customer service. I feel very lucky to be within the six month window, at this price I can't afford to replace these sneakers every 6 months. Hope this helps.

First off, these are the most comfortable shoes I have ever ran in. But they only lasted two months. Not two months of outdoor running either, two months of treadmill running. The fabric on the toe area started to separate in multiple spots. It wasn't even in an area where my toes touched the shoes. This is a terrible design flaw. I would stay away from these shoes unless you are just collecting them. I can't imagine that the fabric would even hold up if you were just walking around in them.

The toe of the shoe is a poor design, I had this shoe for 2 weeks and a hole poke up from my big toe through the top of the shoe. My toe nails were manicured prior to using the shoes, this is a Serious design flaw with the material used. I want my money back or a different shoe. This cost and 2 weeks they are junk.

These are fantastic! I loved these shoes from day one - I had previously used Gel-Kinsey 4 - I went for 12 in size (previous 11½) and that made a difference!

These are excellent shoes. I am 6'2", 180 pounds, normal arches and I require lots of cushioning due to my height. These are great shoes for everyday walk, city, gym, light jogging, etc.

These are best running shoes, had Kinsei 4 before and I like both. They are expensive but if you want true comfort for running 30-1/2 hours a day it is for you. Way better than Nike Air shoes.

I naturally under pronate which causes a lot of pain when wearing other shoes. These allow me to walk and run properly and the pain is gone. Amazingly comfortable. Light weight. Well worth the price. Will buy again when these wear out.

Great look. Great feel. Worth the difference in price. D sizing fit well on my E sized foot.

My son says these are the best asics pair he's ever had. They are light and comfortable and he says they aren't hot. I know they are expensive but we splurged and they have been worth it.

These shoes are awesome! I received them as a Christmas gift; and had to do a return because the initial pair were not the right color. Zappos had outstanding customer service! Great job!

These are expensive so it made me pause before buying for quite some time. However, this is a comfortable and well-made shoe and I have no regrets. Also worth noting I am a size 14 and often times M shoes are tight. Not these.

I'm an average runner and I currently run in Asics, Solomon and New Balance. These are my new trainers for the road and they're replacing Asics Kayano 18s. This is the new hotness from Asics with all their new tech and I've already got over 20 miles on them. They're not a soft ride, I would say they're medium softness, and the fit is true to size. The upper is this mesh and breathable and comfy, looks pretty cool and modern. I found I have to be sure to wear thin socks with these so I'm not sure I'll rock these through the winter running season but they've been really great so far on runs up to about 10 miles. I'm really happy with these for running roads/paths.

Broke in nicely, quite comfortable now for 3 mile exercise walks by a senior. They run 1/2 size smaller than everything else I wear, and speaking of wear the soles seem to be wearing a good bit faster than the Nike Air's I am used too.

I have had 3 pairs of the Kinsei 5, excellent shoes to beat the crud out of, run, run, run. I'm a heavy guy and this shoes takes good care of me without a problem. Shoe did tear on right side but easy to return and it took a while to tear. I have had most top running shoes and this shoe beats them all. If you're a heavy person, these are like slippers, but they're running shoes not for daily wearing for at least a couple months of pounding the road or treadmills.

I too feel this is one of most comfortable shoes I've owned. However I also got a hole in the top of each in the webbing above the big toe. It was a waste of money for me to have this happen in less than 2 months.

I'm 6'3"/180, supinator and run 5-10 miles/day. Colors and pattern are awesome! They look really well. I've owned Kinsei 4 as well.. Compared to Kinsei 4, Kinsei 5 has a mesh on the top that rips open very quickly to the point where toe protrudes. Compared to Nimbus 13 that I owned before Kinsei, Nimbus has much superior cushioning. Kinsei has more heal stability though. My next purchase will likely be Nimbus 16.

While nice looking and great fit they are lacking in quality. My first pair lasted about two months with moderate wear until the toe mesh failed. It started cracking and breaking apart. I contacted Zappos and they graciously sent me another pair. The next pair failed within the second week of wear. I would avoid these at all costs.

Here's the thing. I had very high hopes for this one. Spent a fortune to get my dream running shoe. And 4 months into running and several problems with this high cost item. First of all, I only run 15 miles a week on tracks. So, in total, I have run around 240 miles in it and the following things are happening - (A) The top blue layer with mesh is getting torn along the lines of mesh! (B) The inner sole feels hard and the cushioning effect is gone pretty much (C) The inside lining is getting stretchy and feeling like that will pop open as well. So bottom line: very shocked with my investment. Thought Asics makes some great shoes! :( I am now going back to my trusted friend - Brooks Shoes.

The shipping was fantastic! Prompt and reliable. I bought these shoes for a young man in Brasil that has always been so helpful to me on my visits. They are pretty expensive but they were what he wanted. I just learned that they tore in less than 2 weeks. I am going back to Sao Paulo to get them and return them in the next couple weeks. Such a hassle but I feel so bad! I am concerned about the quality.

These are super comfy and stylish shoes. Had them for three months and the fabric on the top ripped out. Ran in them a total 15 times. Probably a total of 50 miles.