An Open Letter to Asics.

Dear Asics,

Why do you hate me so?

For years now I have been a strong supporter of your Cumulus Gel series. I've embraced each new addition to the series with open arms, wearing them as extensions of my own soles, and I have recommended them to others as a good place to start when looking for a new shoe that provides adequate stability and sensible cushioning. So when your new Cumulus 10 came out, I picked up a pair with the certainty and trust I would maintain with one of my closest friends. For I thought we had become friends, Asics. I thought you loved me.

Oh, what a surprise I encountered when I put the Cumulus 10s on for the first time! The heel feels as though I'm wearing pumps. The shoe doesn't contour to my feet like its predecessors always did. And the soles. Oh, the soles. Although this model touted even MORE cushioning than the older versions, the additional support in the midsole canceled out the improvements and instead left me feeling as though I were running barefoot on the sidewalk.

I'm not trying to be dramatic here, Asics. That's not how I roll. But it's time I told you the truth about us.

I've gone back to the past, snapping up as many Asics Cumulus 9's in a size 9.5 that I can find before they are gone forever. So far I have found and purchased two pairs, which I figure will last me through marathon season and well into the new year. I know there will come a point when I have to leave our relationship behind forever, when our differences are just simply too great to reconcile. I'm hoping that the arrival of two new pairs of shoes will give us enough time to grow closer together once more, to move past our relationship issues and come out stronger for it.

Today I am returning the Cumulus 10s to my local running store. Later down the road, barring any last-minute reconciliation, I will go back to them for a new fitting and will likely leave without your products. I can't say what friendships I might cultivate in your absence. Saucony? Brooks? New Balance? It's unclear to me now. But I will have a little while to figure it out while you and I remain separated.

I'm sorry it has to end this way, Asics. But let this be a lesson to us both: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

With much sincerity,
Hope :)