I was a Nike customer for many years and honestly thought that I would stay that way forever. True..I am still evangelistic about the style of their gear, clothing as well as their edginess. Nike is no slouch when it comes to the cool factor.

But when my running shoe was discontinued, I was crushed. I have a very narrow heel with a wider instep (not excessively wide by any means) but more wide than it should be considering my narrow heel. Also, when I run I seem to hit the outside ball of my foot under my big toe. Because of the width of my instep, I seem to feel friction or pressure on the side of my foot by my little toe. I need a solid ride under the ball of my foot and one of the Nike Air designs seemed to suit my foot's idiosyncrasies just fine...until they discontinued my favorite model. Oh, I also forgot to mention the start of a bunion on my left foot.

So with my problematic feet (at least for me) I had to search for a replacement. I tried on all of the other new Nike Air designs and none of them gave me the room I needed for the ball of my foot. The footprint was too narrow and restrictive making my toes feel like they were crowding each other.

I was forced after all of these years of friendship with my favorite shoe to divorce myself and find a new model. This quest for comfort and protection for my feet led me to ASICS and their Women's Gel Nimbus 9 design. I started out with one pair and I could tell in the store that this was the most comfortable pair of running shoes I had ever owned. I ended up buying two more pairs for the gym and for the inside track. I love them. I own two (2) pairs of the white/silver/mint and the other pair is called brown/rootbeer. There is a third color combination called white/ink/blue which I do not own.

The consumer can always tell which model you have on by looking at the heel of the shoe where you see the model number (in order to ensure that you have the latest shoe evolution).

What makes this shoe so fabulous? First, the fit and the design protection for the ball of your foot and allowance for changes in your body temperature, etc. as well as the basic philosophy of the company in terms of innovation and quality. ASICS was "founded on the belief that the best way to create a healthy and happy lifestyle is to promote total health and fitness". That was the goal of its founder, Mr. Kihachiro Onitsuka, who began his athletic footwear company (Onitsuka Co., Ltd.) by manufacturing basketball shoes out of his living room in Kobe, Japan in 1949.

The Gel Nimbus 9 model has the following "documented" features which make it the ideal shoe for me:

First, it has what ASICS calls its "Impact Guidance System (I.G.S.®)
This is a linked componentry that enhances the foot's natural gait from heel strike to toe-off.

Next is the special Solyte(tm) Midsole Material:
This is so much lighter than other shoes, and it has been combined with improved cushioning and durability.

Then there is the major comfort factor created by the special Space Trusstic System(tm). This is ASICS advanced system that creates a pocket between the Trusstic System® device and the midsole, which allows for maximum midsole deformation and more efficient foot function.

Next, there is the Biomorphic Fit Upper which provides a superior fit and finally what ASICS calls the Dynamic Cradle(tm) which actually supports and guides your feet.

Translated, all of the features above provide superior platform cushioning and comfort making these shoes the industry standard in the cushioning category. I swear it feels like you are walking on a cloud or wrapping your feet in cushions. The fit is that comfortable! I do not feel any pressure points on my feet at all...just pure comfort.

One additional feature which is perfect for me is the Personal Heel Fit® (PHF). This set-up places two layers of memory foam on the medial collar. With my narrow heel, the shoe is secure and snug yet it comfortably fits around my heel with no slippage. This fit ensures that my forefoot is roomy yet secure on top of my midsole allowing me not to rock to the side or strike the ball of my foot indiscriminately. The result is pure bliss.

You have to have problem feet to really understand my joy with this shoe. I thought that comfort was going to always be a thing of the past alongwith my discontinued Nike model. I have to admit that I really did not understand how comfortable a running shoe could be until the ASICS Gel Nimbus 9. I swear you can tell the difference even walking around the store. I love these shoes so much they are my number one favorite thing and once you put them on your feet they will soon be yours. Take them for a spin and you will swear you are on a carpet ride.

Note: I just noticed that this item was coming up as unavailable. I can assure you that if you go in and select your color preference and size on AMAZON as I just did; that there are shoes and sizes still in stock. Additionally check the ASICS site and there are other store locations where you can also purchase these wonderful shoes. Amazon's prices are very good with the special offers; but do not be deterred from getting these shoes - "any way you can". Also, once a reviewer has posted and the item then becomes unavailable later on, the reviewer can only update the review. I am still thrilled with these sneakers and if you have problems with bunions or with having enough room on the sides of your big or little toes, these shoes are mighty comfortable.

Bentley/2007

ASICS® Women's Gel Nimbus 9 5 stars

Once again, the Gel Nimbus gets better and better. I have high arches and narrow feet and Asics seems to be one of the few shoes out there which fits comfortably no matter how many miles I put on. Worth every single penny! 5 stars

I bought a pair from a sports shop earlier this year and liked the shoes so much that I couldn't stop myself from getting another pair in a different color. Also, Amazon was running a 'special' and the price was too good to pass up!

These sports shoes are very light and comfortable. Great arch support and very stable.

5 stars

Simply put, the Asics Nimbus line of shoes is my favorite. I had the Gel Nimbus 8s and couldn't wait to get the newest in the best running shoe line. The Gel Nimbus 9 does not disappoint. Asics stepped it up in every way with this shoe, from the pronation correction, to the heel to toe cushioning support. The shoe is snug and fits like a glove. I especially love the colors of the Nimbus this time around - my favorite is of course the Black, Silver and Coffee colored shoe - goes great with my Army PT Uniform.

I took these shoes through Army Basic Training and they have not failed me. I highly recommend these shoes to the casual runner to the all-out marathoner. 5 stars

The shoes looked great when I got them and were very light. However, after the first time I ran in them I had huge blisters on the sides of my heels. I thought that maybe it was because they were new. After a week of breaking them in and three runs, I'm still having the same problem. I will be trying to send them back. 2 stars