Shoe Review: ASICS GEL-Kayano 30
The GEL-Kayano 30 looks and feels completely different from its predecessors while still providing the same luxurious comfort and support runners expect from the model.
ASICS Gel-Kayano 30
Features
For 30 years, ASICS has been revolutionizing comfort, technology and stability to make the ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 the best version yet.
Designers have created a shoe that feels cozy the moment you step into it and steady as you take on those longer runs. In our ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 review, one of our runners even stated that it felt as comfortable as her house slippers.
Stability never felt more comfortable than in the ASICS Gel-Kayano 30.
Details:
- Upper: The plush and comfortable engineered mesh upper provides support and breathability, ensuring a perfect fit that feels as comfortable as house slippers.
- Midsole: The midsole incorporates fan-favorite FF Blast™ Plus Eco foam for a super cushioned and energetic ride, along with PureGel cushioning in the rearfoot to absorb impact. An arched recovery pod helps position your arch for a balanced stride.
- Outsole: ASICS widened the base to enhance stability and beveled the heel for better initial ground impact, contributing to the smoothest, most cushioned, and comfortable ride.
Tech Specs
ASICS Gel-Kayano 30
| Weight |
9.3 oz (W- size 8), 10.7 oz (M- size 9)
|
|---|---|
| Drop |
10 mm
|
| Stack height (heel/forefoot) |
39 mm / 29 mm (W), 40 mm / 30 mm (M)
|
| Use |
Everyday training
|
| Category | stability |
What’s New
ASICS replaced the Litetruss™ system with a 4D Guidance System, incorporating a medial foam unit and redesigned shoe geometry based on biomedical research to enhance stability. They introduced the new FF Blast Plus Eco foam, crafted from 24% bio-based materials, which offers a softer and lighter feel. Additionally, they upgraded the PureGel rearfoot unit, making it 65% softer than traditional gel cushioning.
Who It’s Best For
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 is great for beginners or experienced runners and walkers alike. It works best for those who have flexible arches or overpronate and like a super cushioned and plush ride. This shoe feels amazing whether you are running a marathon or just need a good pair of sneakers to play with your kids.
Why You’ll Love It
You will love how the ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 provides luxurious cushioning and support for every run or walk.
Star Rating is 5 / 5
Great shoes
Love these shoes! I work 12 hr shifts and my feet feel great at the end no more heal pain.
Star Rating is 3 / 5
Walking shoes
The top of the shoe is much less comfortable than I had hoped. Not sure I would purchased it again.
Star Rating is 5 / 5
Supportive
Supportive and comfortable with plenty of cushion.
Star Rating is 5 / 5
The Best
This running shoe is the most stable comfortable shoe I've ever had. Good for trails & pavement. Great for walking as well.
Star Rating is 1 / 5
Kayanot
The soles stick out too much and I am stepping on things I shouldn't or hitting my feet together or my dog is stepping on the soles almost tripping me
Star Rating is 1 / 5
Too soft
Way too soft and I like a soft sneaker! While running my forefoot felt numb due to the softness and my feet were also hot. I guess I can also state the obvious they are HUGE and bulky and not fun to run in.
Star Rating is 5 / 5
Feels Great
Loving this shoe. I am a neutral to slight pronation runner and this fits the bill . Soft but I do not feel like I'm walking in sand. Can feel more support than with my Bondi 8 and no pain in hips knees or ankles. Body feels great the day after with no back/leg pain. Switching to Asics full time.
Star Rating is 2 / 5
Maximum cushion minimal support
I’ve worn Kayano’s for years. I have flat feet and flare ups of plantar fasciitis. The new design of the 30 is a real disappointment. Initially they feel great. They have a lots of cushioning and I recently learned if you have a flat foot you should buy a wide shoe. I did that and thought I found the perfect shoe. But then I put some walking miles on them and noticed my midsoles were in a lot of pain. Then my heel pain started to flare up. And my arches were killing me. All of the arch support that were in previous versions is gone. I don’t think this whole ‘maximum cushioning’ trend is the greatest thing for people with flat feet. We need some cushioning but we also need some support. I’m going to try Brooks adrenaline. I hope they work. My feet are killing me.
Star Rating is 1 / 5
Painful for Distance Running
These shoes were so comfortable when I put them on. I walked and did some light jogging and they were so springy I loved them but when I started doing distance in them anything over a 2 mile run they hurt! I did 3 5K runs where the balls of my feet felt like they were crushing into hard blocks at about the 2 mile marker. My fourth run in them my ankle started to hurt and I decided these weren’t the shoes for distance running. They are super comfortable and springy maybe perfect for the gym or walking but definitely not distance running.
