New running shoes

I am looking for a new pair of running shoes and would love some experienced advice. A couple of years ago I decided to start running more with an interest in triathlons. Instead of taking good advice and going to a dedicated running shop for a shoe fit, I figured out whether my feet are “neutral” or whether they tend to pronate using various methods from online. Having determined that I was pretty neutral, with possible slight pronation, I headed down to the local REI and tried on various shoes. I had a pair of old Asics that super comfortable, even when running, but I figured I would give other companies a chance. I left that day with a pair of Brooks Ghost 10 shoes. They felt like pillows on my feet and I couldn’t have been more happy.

I started jogging with them and indeed, they were pretty comfy. I noticed after half hour or so that my feet would start to get numb. I figured I needed to just “break them in.” I didn’t run as often I should have, and eventually the return on them ran out. Life got busy with work, and a year and a half ago I moved to a new town a couple hours away from the REI store. I have been running more often and these shoes still make my feet numb. I’ve swapped the laces for speed laces and keep the shoe looser than tying with regular laces, to no avail.

So, I’ve decided to get different shoes. I love the Asics I have, but they are really old (~ 15+ years) and worn. I have decided to go with Asics again for that reason. I am stuck between Gel-Kayano 26 and Gel-Nimbus 22 because both have great reviews for bigger guys. The kayano is described as a “stability” shoe, but I’ve read that they are for “mild to moderate pronation.” The Asics website describes them as “made for Neutral and Overpronation.” I take that to mean mild pronation as opposed to severe. The Nimbus is described as being for neutral runners.

I determined last night that my old shoes are Gel-Phoenix 3’s, which I have found described as somewhat of a stability shoe. However, I imagine the “stability” platforms of 15-20 years ago are nowhere near the same as what would be in today’s shoes. My concern is the Kayano would be too “stable” if you will. I’ve attached a pic of my foot pattern, which I would say is pretty neutral to mild pronation?

If you’ve read this far, I realize you’re thinking “well dummy, just go try both pair on and see which you like better.” That’s the obvious answer. But I live 2.5 hours from REI and any legit running store, and with COVID numbers on the rise here, I am simply not traveling up there to try on shoes. I was wondering if anyone had any experience on either of these, especially how much stability the kayano provides? The Brooks I have are described as neutral shoes (like the Nimbus), and I don’t think pronation is an issue in them, I just think they may be a touch too small/narrow that after a bit, my feet go numb.

The kayano’s are $50 cheaper right now. My thought is to order those, give them a try for a week or two, and then return for the Nimbus if the balance seems off. But if anyone thinks they’d be “too stable” and be uncomfy trying to push my feet the other way, I’d love to hear it. All of this will be done by mail order, so it’s going to take a few weeks to get it dialed in I think.
Thanks in advance.






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