As a retired nurse with a history of plantar fasciitis, I've learned to look at trainers differently. Prevention is the best way to go and that means wearing a good shoe that compliments a size specific insole that is designed for your specific foot issue. I've worn Asics for years and have purchased 3 pairs in the Gel-Venture series. These shoes offer great stability, are super durable and house my favorite insole (Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer) well. Practically speaking, a shoe is only as good as it's insole and most insoles are made for the average foot. As a person with abnormally high arches, I find that regardless of the price, no shoe is going to offer the arch support I need. I've tried expensive trainers (Brooks Reverie) but these are a far more comfortable and stable shoe for walking. I average somewhere between-15-20 miles per week on asphalt and my Gel-Venture 5s lasted 18 months. In comparing the Gel-Venture 5 to 6, the 6 has (1) a slightly more rounded toe which results in more toe room (2) less padding on the tongue (3) a deeper tread (4) feels a half size larger and (5) more padding on the heal. Personally, I prefer the Gel-Venture 6. In regards to sizing, I wear a 6.5 in shoes, 6.0 in sandals and found the 6.5 in this shoe accomodates thick socks comfortably. Wore them for the first time today and walked 6 miles in total comfort.

Only worn a couple of times but put them on for the time as was completely satisfied with the superb comfort. Time will tell as far as their long time wear and continued comfort.