The ASICS® Gel 160 women's trail running shoe delivers affordable quality in a cross-trainer without sacrificing performance. It features GEL® Cushioning System in the heel SpEVA® midsole material for bounce-back and the DuoMax® Support System to enhance stability.

• Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System attenuates shock during impact phase and allows for a smooth transition to midstance


• SpEVA Midsole material improves bounce back characteristics and decreases midsole breakdown DuoMax Support System is positioned to enhance support and stability positioned sport specifically


• Trusstic System reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe


• Width specific


• Removable sockliner can be taken out to accommodate orthotics

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Great shoe with the right fit

I have run in Kayanos for the past 5 years and each year I nervously try the new model only to find it is as good if not better than the last. I read quite a few reviews for the Kayano 15 and I was more nervous than ususal because there were a few comments about a new feel the effect of the different lacing pattern on the toe box etc. I have now been running in 15s for the past few months and I can safely say that for me these shoes are as good if not better than the 14s. I have not noticed any discomfort and this shoe seems to fit me just a bit better than the 14s. A shoe review is certainly subjective and no shoe seems to fit everyone the same way but I'm 6'0" and 195 and I run moderate distances on a weekly basis and the fit and stability of the Kayano 15 has been perfect for me. I just hope I can say the same for the 16s when I need to replace my 15s later this year!



Update (9-4-09) Just a brief update. I can confirm my earlier comments and recommendation for the 15. The shoe has worn very well and I never experienced any issues with them. I increased my mileage over the past couple months (training for marathon) so I can report that they are just as effective for me at short distances as they are for long.More detail ...

Good Improvements On One of Asics Franchise Running Shoes

For background I am an average runner that runs three to six miles several days a week - 2/3rds of the time on a treadmill and 1/3 of the time outside. Some seasons I kick up the miles for a marathon but in general running is part of a cross training program. I have traditionally oscillated between New Balance and Asics but flirted with other brands.



Asics makes excellent running shoes in general but at the high end of their range the Kayano and the Nimbus are standouts. Kayanos are best suited for "neutral" runners who have a perfect step and gate. The Nimbus are a bit more forgiving for those of us who run on the outer edge of one or both of our feet. I fall into this category in that my shoes show wear on the outer edge of one of my heals. Having run in both the Kayano and the Nimbus I would give the nod to the Nimbus as it provides a little more "support." (Note - they provide support for running but next to no lateral support necessary in other sports such as basketball. They are best for running or spending time on your feet all day.)



This is the eleventh (or XI) version of the Nimbus. In theory each iteration would get progressively better but that has not always been true. Version ten (X) was a bit less cushioned and slightly heavier than nine (IX). That has been cured with this latest model. It is softer and lighter (purportedly by an ounce which sounds silly unless you run). It breathes a bit better as well.



For the fashionable crowd the colors are much better in person than shown on the website. The black / graphite version in particular is a nice addition to the traditional white / blue color combo. For those new to Asics the one downside of all of the Asic's shoes is they have lots of textures and grooves in the foam / rubber areas that pick up dirt easily but they are "running" shoes so buy something else for street shoes.



One other comparison of note is that Nike's competitor the Vomero has improved as well and is close but not quite as good. They have a slightly wider toe box and feel softer at the ball of the foot out of the box but the softness translates to a slight dissipation of energy. Ok for the casual runner but not for higher mileage - like running in soft sand.



Two niggles that bother me with running shoes at this level that are worth mentioning: (1) the insoles are pathetic and (2) they are made in China. I find it irritating that you spend more than $120 for a pair of shoes and the insole is barely better than cardboard. Second I always feel a slight pang that anything made in China is made under suspect circumstances. But all running shoes (save for a few New Balance models) suffer from these issues so I am not deducting a star for this.



In summary if you like the Asics feel you will be pleased with this latest Nimbus. It is a worthy successor to the heritage.More detail ...

Simply Perfect

Asics has been my favorite brand for the past 2 seasons. This is my favorite training shoe for this season. Excelent cushioning and support. I'm 6ft and 92kg with mild pronation so this is exactly what I need to help prevent injuries. Anyone coming from the 2130 shoes will not be disappointed. So far I think it's even better than the current Kayano.More detail ...

Runs Small Narrow Toebox Good Support

I have worn Asics for years and "upgraded" to the Kayano 15 after my Nimbus 9's started to wear out. I usually order my true size 8.5 B and don't need to size up. However these shoes even when the laces were loosened to try and increase the toebox area were still a bit snug across the toes. I ran in them 3 times and developed blisters on both sides of my toes each time. I paid a lot of money for these shoes and have always been very happy with my Asics in the past but these did not live up to my expectations. They are a bit stiff also but do provide good cushioning/support as they did alleviate the knee pain I experience when my shoes need to be replaced. I would advise you to go up 1/2 size for maximum comfort in the toebox which runs narrower than the Nimbus and GT2130 shoes.More detail ...