ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 Review

trws_adminFootwear Reviews, Product Information

For the 30 th anniversary the Kayano has gone through some major quality of life changes that make this a shoe almost anyone can wear. As someone that has run in 12 different versions of the Kayano over the years, this one takes the cake for the most comfortable and inviting ride. The Kayano holds a special place in my running repertoire as it was the very first shoe I purchased from a run specialty store back in 2011 (The Sports Medicine Store – Metro Walk &  Run).  I had purchased this shoe after experiencing knee pain associated with overpronation. Within 2 weeks of running in this shoe the pain was gone.  The Kayano series has been a staple in Asics lineup for years and I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these on!

WHAT CHANGED:

The shoe takes a new approach to stability by using a 4D Guidance System. The stability category as a whole is undergoing a transformation right now. Many shoes no longer have a posting as they add unnecessary weight. Stability through geometry is the philosophy of this shoe going forward.

There are four stability element changes to take note of:

  1. The overall shoe platform is widened from heel to toe
  2. The heel is more beveled for better ground contact
  3. A re-sculpted midsole shape on both the lateral and medial side to reduce overpronation
  4. Midsole foam re-tooling to resupinate the foot from an overpronated position to get you back to neutral

MORE GREAT CHANGES:

These changes should make this one of the most comfortable support shoes on the market. A couple other noticeable changes have occurred in the shoe to give it a softer feeling.

  1. An extra 4mm of cushioning have been added
  2. Rearfoot Puregel (65% softer than traditional Gel)
  3. New FF Blast Plus Eco foam for a softer ride than the Gel-Kayano 29
  4. Improved sock liner plushness

The Review:

I’ve put about 20 miles on this shoe already in the span of 1 week. The foam is soft and absorbent on landing, delivering a surprising squishy feeling that most stability shoes lack. The wider platform is more noticeable than in the Kayano 29 but feels good since everything is softened up. You can feel the 4D Guidance System at work when you’re running. It’s noticeable too while walking around.

The upper feels more snug than it’s neutral counterpart (Asics Nimbus 25), but I think that helps with it’s stability. The upper stretches better than version 29 and helps from a fit perspective, so even if the shoe is a bit tight, I didn’t notice any rubbing or discomfort with it. The heel collar has good structure as well to keep my foot from sliding around. This more secure fit also helps keep my overpronation in check.

I’ve brought this shoe into my recovery day rotation, and it felt great. It is a bit heavier than the other shoes I typically run in, but my legs usually feel fresh and recovered after running.

RECOMMENDATIONS?

I would recommend this shoe to anyone looking for a great easy day or relaxed long run shoe. I would steer away if you’re looking for a higher energy return shoe since the absorbent foam won’t give you optimal energy return.

If you’re looking for a better shoe for track workouts or faster long runs, I would strongly recommend trying the Asics Novablast 3. If you’re unsure about whether you overpronate, please come in and get fitted at any one of our 3 locations around the metro.

Now for the SPECS:

•  Price: $159.95

•  Weight:   10.5 oz (M);  9.2 oz (W)

•  Category:  Stability

•  Cushion: Maximum

 

SHOP KAYANO 30:

 

Shop Women’s Kayano Here            Shop Men’s Kayano Here

Shop Women’s Kayano WIDE Here            Shop Men’s Kayano XWIDE Here

 

 

 

About TRWS GURU Will:

Mission TRWS Fit Guru Will Henry
I’m a local runner from Kansas City currently living in Parkville. Running has been a big part of my life since I joined my high school cross country team 11 years ago. I ran collegiately at Park University and post-collegiately with Kansas City Smoke for two years. I currently run competitively for First City Track Club based out of Leavenworth, KS. I’ve been a part of the Running Well Store family since 2015 as a fit guru, starting at the Barry Road location, and now as a product purchaser, at our Mission location.

 

 

 

 

Not certain if this shoe is right for you?

We understand!  There are a lot of options of footwear on the market and deciding what model is the right model for your needs is not easy.  We are here for you! You can come into one of our three locations (Lee’s Summit, Northland and Mission, KS) for a free stride analysis. No appointment is necessary, but if you would like to schedule an appointment, click here.  We take in-person and virtual fittings.  Want to do research online?  We have a find my fit tool that will help you narrow down footwear options.  We hope to hear from you soon!