text: I really, really wanted to like this shoe.  For the last 10 years, I was wearing one particular style of AVIA running shoe that has been discontinued. (A shoe that has hundreds of rave reviews, by the way... why discontinue it??)  So, I called AVIA and asked for info on what shoe would be the closest to the one I loved, and they recommended the Pulse.  Well, right out of the box, I knew this shoe was not the same quality as my old AVIA favorite.  The toe box is way too wide and roomy, and the fabric in that area is far too thin.  The tongue also is of very poor quality - much thinner, and less substantial, than what I was looking for.  Aside from the toe box, the rest of the shoe was pretty comfortable on my foot, but it was obvious to me that the quality of this shoe was far below what I was used to, so I sent them back.  They may be a great shoe for lots of other people, but it's just not for me.