Asics GR 4's

[curvefan]

Hi,

Does anyone know if these shoes are available to purchase new? Size 11.

What do the retailers do with new shoes (GR4's) that are replaced with newer models of the same version?

Surely there are some to be found somewhere. Should I contact Asics?

I bought two pairs earlier on and should have stocked up when I had the chance. My bad..

I just love these shoes. If I can't find this exact model, (GR4), I guess I'm gonna have to decide between the GR5's or the newest GR6's.

Anybody know which of the two newest versions would be most like the GR4's in fit and stability?

Thanks.....

 

[fuzz nation]

I got a pair of those GR4's from TW on clearance and they've been rather good for me. When I was recently shopping around and sampling this and that, the description of the GR5's seemed to be quite similar to the impressions I've had with my GR4's. Those could be a good bet.

Despite the comfort of my GR's, I wasn't terribly wild about how much "stuff" there seems to be in the soles of these shoes. I've had some great luck with a couple pairs of shoes that also gave me very good comfort, but had more of a low-to-the-ground design and I fell in love with that. In fact, one of these shoes was an early generation of the Asics Gel Game, but I has to quit on these when a newer generation was impossibly narrow for my feet.

Right now I'm getting to know a pair of Lotto Ultra Raptor IV's, which are perhaps slightly more narrow than my old pair of GR4's, but so far I seem to be settling in with these nicely. They'll likely loosen up after I rack up a few miles with them and they also give me a feeling of having my feet down closer to the court. That helps me feel more stable and sure-footed.

Good luck with your quest!!

 

[Gyswandir]

One comparison I've read is Andy's from TW, here
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=510105
But I personally find his dislikes my likes:

I'm going to weigh in too because the Gel Res 4 is very dear to me...in fact it's my favorite tennis shoe EVER! Well, them and the Nike Breathe Cage II...

I agree that the Gel Res 5 is a little bulkier and rides higher off the court. It doesn't provide that same locked-in, streamlined fit that the 4 does. However, I've actually switched over to the Solution Speed 2 for tournament play. It isn't quite as durable as the Gel Res, but the ride is similar to the 4 and so is the comfort.

Another one I'd recommend is the Lotto Ultra Raptor IV. It isn't quite as cushioned as the Gel Res 4, but it offers a stable, low to the ground ride with a very natural court feel under foot. It's one of the best shoes around and doesn't get the credit it deserves. However, it does have more of a narrow fit, so if you have wider feet it won't be an ideal selection for you.

In my opinion, nothing stacks up to the Gel Res 4, but those would be a couple good options for you to start with in order to get a similar fit and feel.

Andy, TW

I like the 5 for the softer upper and less bulky feel than 3. Haven't tried the 4. At the end, you need to identify YOUR likes and dislikes and figure out which shoes fits you best

 

[curvefan]

Thanks guys for your input.

I'm probably gonna hold off until TW reviews the GR6 or play testers chime in with their impressions of the GR6.

The GR5 worries me a little because of how it is supposed to be bulkier and a higher riding shoe than the GR4. I've had ankle issues in the past and so I try to stay away from anything even remotely high. Probably all in my head.

I really like the looks of the Lotto Ultra Raptor IV, but since it's been described as a more narrower shoe than the GR4, it's probably not gonna work for me. Great looking shoe.

Plus it's been described as not as cushioned as the GR4 and that's one of the best things I like about the GR4.

Thanks again................

 

[fuzz nation]

One thing I discovered that gave me much more foot and ankle comfort was the aspect of proper ankle alignment with my shoes and it made me rethink my assumptions about cushioning.

The first low riding shoes I tried were a pair of Diadoras from several years ago. When I got them (2nd hand actually) and tried them on, they reminded me more of soccer shoes than tennis sneaks I was more used to at the time. Aside from the cleats that protrude from the soles of soccer shoes, there's typically not much under the foot aside from a hard plastic "base". Same with these Diadoras and I was worried that they'd be tough on my feet.

As it turned out, the comfort and durability of these shoes ranked them among my all time greats and despite having rather thin soles (compared with the GR's), I found that the fit I had with these Diadoras gave me especially good ankle alignment. I had a little ankle tendonitis here and there some years ago and certainly appreciate having "enough" cushioning in my shoes, but when I had proper alignment in these almost paper thin sneaks, I became a believer.

Just a thought that might help at some point down the road. The right shoe may give you good ankle alignment, but sometimes it can also be improved with an appropriate insole.

 

[Kenny022593]

That thread Gyswandir posted was the one I made!

I would say if you consider the GR4 the best tennis shoe you have had, do not buy the GR5. It is a completely different shoe with a more barricade like feel.

On Andy's recommendation I bought a pair of the Solution Speed 2's. The only two differences I found were that the heel is just a tiny bit higher off of the ground, and I needed a 10.5 instead of an 11. I am interested to see the play-test results of the GR6, though.

 

[Gyswandir]

Kenny: can you please elaborate on similarities/differences between GR5 and Barricade (model?)?

I've bought two GR5s, but if the 6 turns out to have a stiffer upper, I'd be happier with something more like the 5

 

[curvefan]

That thread Gyswandir posted was the one I made!

I would say if you consider the GR4 the best tennis shoe you have had, do not buy the GR5. It is a completely different shoe with a more barricade like feel.

On Andy's recommendation I bought a pair of the Solution Speed 2's. The only two differences I found were that the heel is just a tiny bit higher off of the ground, and I needed a 10.5 instead of an 11. I am interested to see the play-test results of the GR6, though.

Thanks Kenny,

Yeah, if the GR5's are anything at all like a Barricade I would definitely pass on them. Never did like the Barricades, although I have several pairs of old Barricades laying around.

If I walk around in a pair of the old Barricades and then switch to my GR 4's, It's like changing from work boots to slippers but with great stability.

I am probably gonna wait to see what the folks at TW think about the new GR6's and go from there.

I don't really like the looks of the Solution Speed 2's, so they're probably not gonna be one of my choices.

So, to sum it up,

Top choices:

1. GR4's

2. GR6's ?

3. Anything close to these two, that I like the cosmetics as well. I really like the looks of the Lotto Raptors but I'm afraid they might be too narrow.

Thanks guys.....