First off I am writing this review only to help others. I have received no compensation of any kind for it.Second off, I’ve been running since 1998 (25 years). I’m currently in my mid 40s and working towards a goal of running 3,000 miles (the distance across the continental U.S.) bit-by-bit between 40 and 50. I run 3-5 miles 3X a week, no more/no less. Since age 42 I’ve run 1700 miles. I’ve written running shoe reviews semi-professionally in the past, too. So I am pretty qualified to review a running shoe.Thirdly, my preferred brand is ASICS. I have tried a lot of shoe brands as a semi-professional reviewer because they were sent to me, but I always have come back to ASICS because they just…work. I believe the straight lasting is a lot of the reason why. Also, the tendency of the ASICS brand to put their premium technology into their budget models (GEL cushioning, for example) brings me back again and again. They just make the best affordable runners on the market.Fourthly, I have always been an advocate for budget running shoes, provided they are well-designed. I have tried the expensive ones at various times and have developed more typical running injuries in those than I have in a solid pair of reasonably-priced running shoes. Particularly, I do not like ultra-cushioned shoes. I like a low-to-the-ground natural feel when I run. In ultra-cushioned shoes, I can’t get ground-feedback when running and that’s a fail for me. It’s like running in space. It’s weird.Fifthly, and this is probably the main point, the ASICS Excite series is a favorite of mine. I have used the Excite 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, and now 9. They keep getting better. I find that they have just enough cushioning to dampen impact but not so much as to throw off my gait. I use them with my doctor-prescribed orthotics (pictured) and the combo works very well. If I were a distance runner (like a marathoner) I might need a shoe with more cushioning, but for 3-5 miles 3X a week these are absolutely ideal. ASICS has priced this model very reasonably which is great given the high-level tech used here; the GEL heel cushion plus Amplifoam midsole are superb for dampening shock from the road. The outsoles are durable too. The uppers aren’t as tough as those on the Excite 8 but it still works fine for me. Fit is on-point too. Overall for what these cost you will likely not find a better performance runner.So in summary, if you’re a regular runner/jogger and looking for a good solid shoe to use for shorter distances (up to 6 or 7 miles), look no further. These are absolutely superb and I honestly like them better than many shoes that cost twice as much or more!Update: Six months of jogging 3-5 miles 3X/week and these shoes are still going strong. Minimal tread wear, no wear to the upper, cushioning still firm and responsive. What a great value!Update 2: 9 months of jogging 3-5 miles 3X/week and my shoes are finally worn out. The cushioning no longer has enough “spring” for running, although I can use the shoes for walking or errands for a few more months. On to the next pair of the same model! I’ll say that most of my running shoes last 6-8 months of regular running regardless of the price, making these Excites a super performer. The uppers are still intact and the outsoles have minimal wear, which is surprising. My experience with the ASICS Excite 9 overall has been extremely positive. I will say that these are my choice for runners as long as they are being made. I see that there is a version 10 of the Excite out now too, which I’ll have to try in the future.