The Gel Kayano is ASICS long running stability line. Their 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM ensures that your stride is balanced and supported throughout your run. In the 32nd version of the shoe, we find the thickest midsole yet which is further softened by ASICS’ PureGEL in the heel. The ASICS Gel Kayano 32 is the first Kayano to have an 8mm drop. More foam and less drop, how does this change the feel of one of the best known series to be found on the shelves?
Read on to find out.
Upper and Fit of the ASICS Gel Kayano 32
What works for me
If I am honest, the upper is pretty much perfect. It is soft in all the right places while giving a firm hold where needed. As you would expect of an ASICS shoe, the materials are premium and this is matched by the build quality. This is a shoe which I would expect to last for a very long time. Around the upper, we find a very stroud heel cup which is very pleasantly padded. Lockdown is no issue due to the rim of foam around the opening to the Kayano 32. Atop the heel cup, we have an elasticated pull tab which, despite its size, is unobtrusive on the run. That said, it does very much help pull the shoe on. When on foot, the Kayano 32 hugs you well. It is a very soft hold but a comforting one. While the mesh is thick, I have been running in it on some fairly muggy days and have not suffered any issues with overheating.
The lace chain is a fairly standard affair and it does the job well. I have suffered no issues with slippage or lace loosening on the run. On both lateral and medial sides, some extra structure is added by the ASICS logos which are superimposed on the mesh. The Kayano 32 is a shoe for long, comfortable running and the upper absolutely fits this mission statement. It even comes in a very wide range of colours which should suit most outfits. Good work ASICS.
What doesn’t work for me
The only part of the upper which I have found sub-optimal is the tongue itself. While it does do a good job of wrapping the foot, I personally find it a little thin. I like to crank the laces down fairly tightly and I have found some lace marks on the top of my foot when the run is done. Perhaps this is down to my overtightening, but it is not an issue I find in other shoes. There is some padding on the tongue, but I would probably prefer a little more on a shoe which is designed to be worn for long periods of time.
Midsole and Ride of the ASICS Gel Kayano 32
What works for me
In the midsole, we find a big slab of ASICS’ FFBlast+. With 40mm in the heel and an 8mm drop, it is not a small shoe. However, it is a very stable one. The foam is soft without being mushy and dampening rather than energetic. As a predominantly forefoot striker, I have actually very much enjoyed my time in the Kayano 32. With a couple of weeks of running in nothing but the Rebel v5 and the Streakfly 2, my ankles were crying out for a little stability. The landing in the forefoot of the Kayano 32 is pleasantly soft and remains so throughout the run. So far, the longest I have taken it out for is about 16km and I found it a very capable shoe..
The 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM offers adaptive support, this means that the stability is not overly harsh. You can feel the support system when the foot rolls towards the lateral side, it gives a definite stop when it reaches the edge. That said, it hasn’t given me any cause for concern in my knees as other stability shoes have. The roll through the shoe is very smooth. From mid to forefoot the transition is smooth, efficient and soft. While a stability shoe like this may not be my first choice of daily trainer for all runs, I have found it at its best when I have tired legs or a run after a harder race or session. It helps my tired, worn legs stay in line when my footstrike may usually wander.
What doesn’t work for me
I think that the parts of the Kayano 32 which don’t work for me as well are the ones that are the hallmarks of a stability shoe. While the foam is soft and smooth, it doesn’t have much pop. When I have taken it out on a morning run with some of my more rapid comrades, I have found it a bit of a chore to keep up. That said, when pace isn’t an issue and I am just rolling through the distance, that isn’t a consideration. Furthermore, I doubt anyone is picking the Kayano 32 as a speed day shoe.
Other than that, I find, as I usually do, that ASICS insoles don’t work for me. With the stock insoles, I did find a little hotspot under the balls of my feet after about 9km. However, when I changed them for an older, more broken-in pair from the Novablast 5, this feeling went away and the comfort returned. This is probably more a quirk of my feet than a serious issue with the shoe.
Outsole of the ASICS Gel Kayano 32
Grip and Traction
The grip of the outsole has given me no cause for concern. I have used the Kayano 32 in mainly dry conditions. Although, the British summer being what it is, I have had a smattering of rain to jog through too. At no stage has this phased the combination of ASICSGRIP and AHARPLUS rubber on the outsole. As another plus, the rubber gives a very enjoyably silent ride. I have found no slapping or squeaking on the roads. Across grass and a couple of fields, they have also proven to be suitably sticky.
Rubber coverage is fairly comprehensive but there are plenty of flex grooves and cutouts to add comfort and reduce some weight. Heel strikers have a generous amount of rubber. There is a section of exposed FFBlast+ foam on the lateral side of the midfoot but this doesn’t affect the grip.
Durability
Through about 70km so far, I can see no degradation or real wear on the rubber. ASICS make shoes like tanks, I would imagine that durability of the rubber would be very low on the list of issues people may have with the shoe.
Conclusion
Value for Money
At £180, the Kayano 32 is not a low budget option. However, when quality, durability and comfort are considered, it will probably prove its worth. When all is said and done, I would imagine that the price per mile of the Kayano 32 will probably come in low. ASICS shoes are built to last and I can see this being no different. That said, £180 is still at the very top end of daily running shoe prices so a sale or discount pair would always be welcome.
Fitting it into a shoe rotation
In a shoe rotation, it is not the most versatile option. It is good for general daily running and for those longer, slower efforts. It is a workhorse but limited in its use case. Due to the lack of pop from the foam, it will probably not become a speed day favourite. Furthermore, some may find it a little firm and stiff for those days when legs are battered and some TLC is required.
Final Verdict
The Kayano 32 is a show which will see you through a comfortable daily distance and help keep your feet on the straight and narrow. While it may not offer the most excitement on the block, it will offer good value for daily running. I will be keeping this in my rotation for those days after a race or a hard session when I want something dependable to cruise through my recovery.
Comparisons Against Similar Shoes
ASICS Gel Kayano 32 vs Diadora Mythos Volo 5 by Andy
These are both daily similar shoes in their gentle approach to stability. Neither is overbearing in their quest to keep the gait straight. Both offer a simple, easy ride and a foam which protects the legs. Personally, I think Mythos Volo takes the win for me here as it is probably little more versatile and is nearly £50 cheaper!
ASICS Gel Kayano 32 vs Salomon DRX Bliss
There really is only one winner for me here. I had a miserable time with the very hard feeling of stability of the Salomon DRX Bliss. Despite the price differential, I value fun and enjoyment on my runs. For that reason, the Kayano 32 wins every time!
