Asics Gel Kayano 26 Review

Price: $99.95

The 26th edition of Asics’s popular stability running shoe stays mostly the same, save for a smoother forefoot ride and an updated fit.It is a very stable shoe that minimizes overpronation. Due to the tread, the shoe is usable on roads as well as easy dry trails.ASICS built the Kayano 26 with a wide toe box and stable foundation, so most runners will find it to be comfortable and accommodating. Plus, the engineered mesh upper molds around the widest parts of your foot without squeezing or constricting your movement.

This edition of the GEL-KAYANO 26 running shoe showcases a vibrant new design to inspire you to unleash your inner runner, on those days when you might need a little extra motivation, while added reflective details improve your visibility when you're out after-dark.Unfortunately the high price tag and the many similarities it shares with the other ASICS stability offerings hold it back from being an outstanding shoe.

Who is this shoe best for: It is a good option for a medium-to-severe overpronating runner that doesn’t care too much about speed, who needs a daily trainer that will last a long time.Gel Kayano 26 leans heavily towards being a stability shoe.

Asics Gel Kayano 27 Review

Price: $89.95

Designed for a softer and smoother ride, the ASICS Gel Kayano 27 is an updated stability classic that won't disappoint. They are a well balanced shoe that provides excellent stability no matter the distance or the pace.The shoe had more of an everyday wear appeal compared to past editions. There are six colorway options so you are bound to find one that strikes your fancy.

The ASICS Kayano 27 has undergone some small but effective changes both to the construction and design.The redesigned mesh upper helps keep feet cool, while the sole is more flexible to help promote a more natural roll through the gait cycle.This process starts in the heel with added flex grooves that isolate the initial impact to force a softer and smoother feeling at footstrike. At midstance, the foot should stop pronating and re-supinate for an efficient toe-off. This shoe also incorporates DYNAMIC DUOMAX® technology to help support the foot and increase stability for runners whose feet roll inward too much (overpronate). The midsole integrates SPACE TRUSSTIC™ technology, which provides stability and reduces the overall weight to help promote a smoother transition from footstrike to toe-off. This added stability is complemented by deeper forefoot flex grooves that create a smoother roll through toe-off, allowing the shoe to move more naturally with the foot. Lastly, a large section of reflective materials in the rearfoot helps keep runners visible when running in low-light conditions. The GEL-KAYANO® 27 model is an excellent choice for both competitive and non-competitive runners looking for an everyday trainer that combines comfort with support.

Who is this shoe best for: This is a stability shoe (for runners who overpronate) made for easy runs and long runs. It’s a premium daily trainer built to last.

Asics Gel Kayano 28 Review

Price: $109.95

The ASICS Kayano is still very much alive and kicking with this year’s 28th edition. It is ASICS stability cornerstone trainer and it underwent some noticeable changes for the 28th version of the reliable trainer.The ASICS GEL-Kayano 28 is back and bouncier than ever in its newest update thanks to the FLYTEFOAM BLAST midsole foam, the same foam used in the Novablast. Despite the softer ride, the Kayano 28 continues to offer the guidance needed through ASICS’s trusstic system, full ground contact outsole, and duomax post.  The heel feels very stable while the transition to the forefoot is more soft.These are noticable changes to a classic shoe that may bring in newcomers to the Kayano series while still maintaining the Kayano identity which will keep loyal wearers happy. 

The ASICS Kayano 28 is a top-tier stability trainer built for all paces and distances. Significant changes made to the design have turned this trainer into one of the leaders of the stability pack.

Who is this shoes best for:The Asics Gel Kayano 28 is for the runner that needs extra stability under foot to help with overpronation. It’s a daily trainer that’s been completely updated for 2021 with fresh, exciting midsole materials and a less rigid design letting your foot flex through your gait cycle. 

Asics Gel Kayano 29 Review

Price: $160

This year's Gel-Kayano 29, a stability classic, receives significant changes and updates over the previous version. Gel-Kayano 29 features a lighter and more durable midsole, improved cushioning, and a shift towards sustainability, as well as a more comfortable fit that will help you run longer. Several of these features have been made possible through a total rework of ASICS' stability system, which combines numerous ASICS technologies from previous models to reduce weight and provide runners with a smoother ride.A new engineered mesh upper creates a sock-like, snug, and secure fit throughout. A well-integrated medial post and extended medial external heel counter provide a higher level of medial guidance/stability for those that want it. Those looking for a traditional stability shoe with new age, premium features and none of the prior clunkiness should check out the ASICS Gel-Kayano 29.Continuing to drop weight while improving comfort, the Gel-Kayano 29 maintains a strong tradition of improvement and evolution in the right direction. 

Who is this shoes best for:Don't miss the Asics Gel Kayano 29 if you're any of the following runners: 

• an overpronator (feet roll inward) who wants a non-traditional support 
  

• a long-distance runner who wants protection and cushion 

• a road runner who craves durability

Where to Buy Asics Gel Kayano?

• ASICS(up to 2% super cash back)

• Foot Locker(4% super cash back)

• Nordstrom(0.6% super cash back)

• Amazon
  

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Asics Gel Kayano 26 vs. 27 vs. 28 vs 29: Comparison Side by Side

1.Construction

• Midsole

Gel Kayano 26 - The EVA sockliner offers excellent rebound and cushioning, while the Guidance TRUSSTIC SYSTEM technology brings a new level of stability, working with the contoured midsole to help control torsion. Meanwhile, the SpEVA 45 lasting improves bounce-back characteristics to put a spring in your step (quite literally). If your feet tend to roll inwards as you run, fret not. The DUOMAX midsole offers smooth overpronation control by combining two different density materials to reduce the risk of flat feet and bunions. Meanwhile, the AHAR® rubber sponge helps to reduce excessive wear for a longer lifespan. 

Gel Kayano 27 - The ASICS Kayano 27 features ASICS’ new Space Trusstic System for added stability, support and pronation control.It’s going to lock down your foot and ensure that you’re not overpronating.The top layer of FLYTEFOAM Propel cushioning has a bouncy, squishy feel that helps you propel off the ground. If you tend to run more toward your forefoot (and you’re a neutral runner), you’ll find that the combination of the supportive midfoot Space Trusstic system and the springiness of the FLYTEFOAM Propel really gives you that extra bounce. 

Gel Kayano 28 - The new GEL-Kayano 28 combines ASICS powerful GEL cushioning technology with its lightweight FF Blast midsole foam to deliver the smoothest ride yet.The base layer is made up of Flytefoam cushioning. It aids the stability of the shoe by being a solid base for impact and toe offs.The same amount of GEL cushioning makes up the middle layer. They use the same amount in both the rearfoot and forefoot. It lessens the impact felt by your feet and legs. This also helps shorten recovery time between runs.The top layer of the midsole is Flytefoam Blast.The Flytefoam Blast gives the Kayano an extra layer of comfort while also making the ride bouncier.

Gel Kayano 29 - Asics opted for the softer and lighter FF Blast+ Foam in the midsole. Asics claims it is ~22% softer than conventional EVA and ~19% lighter than the regular FF Blast.With a midsole that is 19% lighter than the previous model, Gel Kayano 29 is overall 4% lighter than Gel Kayano 28. As a result of the weight reduction, a small increase in stack height was also made possible (Men's - 25mm, Women’s - 24mm).The introduction of LITETRUSS technology has increased midsole durability in GEL-KAYANOTM 29. The shoe retains its midsole's energy regardless of whether you're a novice or experienced runner. 

• Outsole

Gel Kayano 26 - The most evident change made to the sole unit was the increased amount of Gel in the heel and forefoot. This was added to improve the impact absorption of the shoe along with softening the feel of the shoe.They use AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) for the outsole which makes the shoe durable.With a relatively thick outer sole that will last for many, many kilometers, this shoe is a workhorse.

Gel Kayano 27 - The material used for the outsole is alos AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber), a highly durable material that provides traction in both wet and dry conditions. After a hundred miles, a minimal amount of wear showed on the outsole.

Gel Kayano 28 - AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) covers the outsole of the Kayano 28.The external heel counter runs around the base of your heel calcaneus and it goes around the lateral side.Durable outsole and materials to stand up to considerable use from all kinds of runners.

Gel Kayano 29 - The AHAR+ outsole has a decent grip on wet pavement. Moreover, the LITETRUSS foam and construction design have been deployed to increase stability. It also creates an efficient toe-off that adds that extra bounce we’ve already mentioned. 

• Upper

Gel Kayano 26 - There weren’t many changes made to the upper between the 25th and 26th edition.Featuring a jacquard mesh upper and FLYTEFOAM Propel technology for a lightweight quality that allows your feet to breathe, Gel Kayano 26  is all about going the distance, providing exceptional support and comfort over long periods of time.

Gel Kayano 27 - The ASICS Kayano 27 underwent a visual redesign of the upper and it was evident the moment I opened the box.The two layers of mesh were two different colors, piedmont gray and peacoat blue, this made it appear speckled. The laces were also a nice touch because they had white dots throughout them.

Gel Kayano 28 - The engineered mesh which is on offer in the Asics Gel Kayano 28 was also on offer in the Kayano 26 and the Kayano 27 through the forefoot. All they have really done is slightly change the fit of the forefoot toe box.

Gel Kayano 29 - The reinvigorated engineered mesh upper used in the Gel Kayano 29 has improved overall fit. Runners can expect an upper that moves with them through their gait and over the course of running as their feet expand.At least 50% of the Gel Kayano 29’s main upper material is made with recycled materials. The sockliner is produced with the solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by approximately 45% compared to the conventional dyeing technology.

2.Fit

Gel Kayano 26 - It's true to size.

Gel Kayano 27 - Kayano 27 fits true to size but feels snugger than previous versions. Given that it isn’t as wide as the earlier edition, it suits people with narrow to medium feet better. 

Gel Kayano 28 - Like the previous editions the Kayano 28 is a tailored fit from heel to toe. A snugness was felt in the midfoot but was not overbearing.

Gel Kayano 29 - The ASICS Gel-Kayano 29 fits true to size.While the ASICS Gel-Kayano 29 are super light, they sit tightly to the foot, especially on the top of the foot. The fit overall is fairly normal in the heel with a slightly snug midfoot and forefoot. Combined with the new heel counter design (internal and external), the upper is quite secure. 

3.Specifications

Conclusion

Kayanos have improved each year from the 25th edition.If you liked the Kayano 26, you will definitely like the successor, Kayano 27, which offers the same familiar comfort and performance, but still comes with improvements that will give you a smoother footstrike and a more controlled run. If you are looking for a premier stability trainer that is built for daily use no matter the type of run, I would recommend the ASICS Kayano 28. It will be worth it.

Overall, Asics has made impressive improvements in weight, feel, and responsive rebound for the 29th iteration of the Gel Kayano. The new stability shoes are closer than previous models to neutral runners but will still provide a stable running experience for overpronators.Using a good proportion of recycled materials shows the brand’s commitment to reducing waste and carbon emissions, which will also be good news for more eco-conscious runners.Considering the price, I’d say serious runners will love the ASICS Gel-Kayano 29, and they’re well worth the investment. 

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