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3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 Good trail running shoe for those who need stability+ Oct 27, 2011
By D. Harris
I purchased a pair of ASICS GEL-Aztec MT shoes to replace my old trail runners. My choices were limited because I'm a big guy (6'2" tall, 220 lbs, foot size: 12M with average arches). This means I need what are labelled "stability plus" or "S+" type shoes. And I didn't see a lot of choice in that category or size range for a trail runner.
Regarding style, I prefer the appearance of a minimilist shoe and I dislike the overlapping strap design of most uppers (including this model). That's why I chose the darker color (Aluminum/Black/Silver) to downplay their crisscross appearance. Sadly, I think these shoes are unattractive. If there had been another shoe model that satisfied my needs and was nicer looking, then I would have eagerly picked it, instead.
Other trustworthy vendors (like Road Runner Sports) report that this shoe model runs 1/2 size small and I was happy to see that the shoe is available in a 12.5M because most shoes jump to full-size increments in this larger size range. So I purchased my shoes in size 12.5M and they fit perfectly on my 12M feet. I recommend that everyone do the same and buy 1/2 size larger than your actual foot size.
The overall comfort is good and the shoes have very good shock absorption. But I rate their stability at only "fair". As of this writing, I've used my shoes a lot for the past month and a half and their stability is acceptable on the twists and turns of the trails that I regularly run.
I noticed one problem with comfort: The inside of the uppers are not as smooth as I would like in the toebox. So you may need to use a bit more care regarding what socks you wear with these shoes. If your socks are too thin in the toe, then your toes may become sore rubbing the uneven surface inside the shoe---especially after you've warmed past your first mile. Also, if your socks have a coarse weave (like some wool socks), they may grip the shoe more than your toes, rubbing your toes and creating hot spots which may lead to blisters.
Some of my trail time is early in the morning when grass is wet with dew. These shoes do a better job of keeping your feet dry than many others---but they are not waterproof like a Gortex shoe. They are only water resistant.
The outsoles are primarily what make these "trail" runners and they provide average traction for a trail shoe. Like most trail shoes, they do pick up mud---but not as bad as shoes with more aggressive tread. Personally, I'd rather have the more aggressive tread for the added traction.
A conventional lacing system is employed with flat laces and it does a mediocre job of distributing force along the length of the foot. Unfortunately, the laces easily twist near the top, making it difficult to keep them twist-free and flat (this is more cosmetic than functional). I much prefer the thin round laces of Merrell's speed-lacing system---but Merrell no longer makes a trail runner that fits my needs.
Overall, I rate the quality of these shoes as medium or "fair". Here's my summary:
Pros (good qualities)
1 - Stability Plus (S+) design for heavier folks with average arches.
2 - Available in half sizes even at large sizes.
3 - Very good shock absorption.
4 - Trail runner outsoles.
5 - Water resistant uppers.
6 - Choice of two color schemes.
Cons (bad qualities)
1 - Toebox of uppers is a bit rough inside, making them uncomfortable with some socks.
2 - In my experience, the stability is only "fair".
3 - In my opinion, the crisscrossing appearance of the upper is unattractive.
4 - Mediocre lacing system.
5 - Outsoles are not aggressive enough for loose soil.
I paid $71.99 for these shoes from Amazon.com which is a fair value. Based on their medium quality and (in my opinion) unattractive appearance, I would have preferred to have paid a little less. They were shipped free from Road Runner Sports and the price matches their VIP member price. So, basically, you get the VIP price by coming to Amazon for your purchase but you don't have to pay for an annual VIP membership. That was important because I doubt I would have paid more for these shoes.
If you're a large muscle-bound :-) trail runner like me who needs a stability+ shoe that can handle the extra weight and offers half-sizes above 12, then you may find these shoes to be a workable solution like I did. I recommend them for their function.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 Wonderful trail and cold-weather/slushy shoe Jan 16, 2011
By J. Dubovsky
If you like your summer-weight ASICs but need something with 1. more tread, 2. less mesh to soak up splashes then these are great shoes. I have mostly used these shoes for when there's still some slush on the ground from the snow, but they appear to do fine in rock and shallow mud, too.
3 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Pleasantly surprised by this shoe Sep 16, 2010
By L. Blasiman
I was looking for a shoe to wear mostly for walking or an everyday "out and about" shoe. Based on the relatively low price, this shoe was better than I expected. It is nicely cushioned and the fit it excellent. If someone is looking for a heavy duty running shoe I'm not sure this would be the one, however if someone is looking for a supportive walking shoe, one to do some light running in, or a shoe to go to the mall this is a good choice.
Great but cant stand the color choices. Jan 05, 2012
By Keith
I've had the gel aztec for a year now. Durability has been okay except for having to reglue the rubber toe kicks. I wear the shoes almost daily just because I can, and my feet hurt the least with these than any shoes I own. I have them paired with Montrail thermo-moldable foam insoles. The insole greatly reduces my plantar fasciitis, adds a more custom fit and stability. Back to the shoe: the aztec is one of the most cushioned trail shoes I have tried. I see no reason why this couldnt be used as a road running shoe as well. Im only a light hiker, no longer a runner. I find that I dont like most shoes with the Duomax cushioning (or similar versions in other brands) but with these its just the right amount of firmness in the arch area. I like the fact these shoes come up a little higher on the ankle than other running shoes. (One extra eyelet) I find that the size 13 runs pretty much true to size, though some reviewers on other sites say it runs a half size too small. The shoes (D width) are a little wide for my narrow feet, but no company makes a shoe in a narrow that doesnt cause me more foot pain. Now to my main big gripe with the Gel Aztec: Why can't they offer this shoe in some ungaudy colors. Im not crazy about white in a shoe which is why I prefer trail shoes, but come on, do they have to be fluorescent? I have the grey/lime version but not crazy about the Lime(chartreuse). Id order the aluminum/black version but no one has that color in my size any more (last years model?) The current black would be okay if not for the neon yellow sole and red laces. I absolutely refuse to wear bright orange in shoes. Come on ASICS! Not everyone wants their shoes to be seen a mile away! The endless search for a classy looking replacement continues.
Best off trail shoe yet Dec 26, 2011
By David N. Lambert
I like to hike off trail, but I do not want to tear up the ground like sturdy hiking boots will do. I have tried many different products and these are the best in cushioning, grip (even if wet), stability and control. I am large, 6' and over 250 Lbs. Although I am big I am also nimble on my feet and need something that can cover hard desert terrain, rough rocky hillsides and down write viscous trails. These shoes do great!
One con as all ASICS seem to have: they wear out faster than most other athletic shoes.
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