Asics ASICS Gel Kayano 31 Introduction
Few trainers have been around as long as the ASICS Kayano. This year brings the 31st edition of ASICS flagship stability trainer. Last year saw a complete overhaul of the midsole unit. For this edition they have made small changes to the overhaul from last year.
The ASICS stability lineup consists of 3 offerings. The GT-1000, GT-2000, and the Kayano. These correspond to the amount of cushioning, with mid, moderate and max.
The Kayano competes with the Brooks Glycerin GTS, Hoka Gaviota, and Saucony Tempus. They retail for $165.
Asics ASICS Gel Kayano 31 First Impressions
Upon opening them my eyes widened instantly, they popped with color along with a sleek design similar to those of last year.
The midsole which transitions from white to orange to red was one of my favorite aspects of the colorway. The blue upper has a sheen to it. The accents of peach, orange and red throughout the upper were a nice touch. The shape was very similar to the 30th.
The initial reaction slipping them on for the first time was the plushness I felt with a layer of responsiveness underneath. It was similar to the 30th edition with slightly more responsiveness. The base is noticeably wider as well. This continued the trend of having the Kayano being a bigger trainer.
The maiden voyage of the Kayano 30 was a 5k. The overall comfort continues with this edition. The Kayano is a big shoe and it took some distance getting adjusted to them. The two things that stood out to me on my first run were the wide base of the Kayano and the fit of the new upper. Overall, it was a comfortable first run.
Asics ASICS Gel Kayano 31 Upper
The upper has undergone an update in terms of the mesh used. It is a newly engineered mesh, designed to be more breathable and adaptable. It feels similar to last year with one difference, it has a bit more stretch to it. It seems to be made with a small amount of neoprene. The material has a sheen to it causing it to shimmer out in the sun.
The material provides a medium amount of structure along with a greater amount of adaptability. It molds to your feet over time. The structure from the mesh creates a secure fit. This is important because a secure fit aids in the overall stability of the trainer. This continues the comfort felt throughout the shoe. There were no points of irritation throughout the upper.
One improvement of the new mesh is breathability. It is a noticeable improvement in that department compared to the last edition. This was important with the trainer being worn and reviewed in the summer.
The heel portion of the Kayano 31 improved my view of an already ideal design. It starts with an internal heel counter securing you in place. The heel collar has a layer of neoprene around it, along with a knit heel tab which stretches as you put the Kayano on. Added to the heel counter was a medium amount of cushioning which added comfort.
Both the tongue’s length and cushioning added to this. The tongue is also gusseted, preventing it from sliding around.
Asics ASICS Gel Kayano 31 Sole Unit
Let’s start from the ground up. Hybrid ASICSGRIP makes its first appearance on the outsole of the Kayano 31. This material increased the durability along with the traction. Some areas have a thinner layer of this while others have a thicker layer of it. It is thinner than the AHAR used in the past but doesn’t sacrifice performance.
At the heart of the Gel-Kayano 31 is its Flytefoam Blast + and the Ecofoam midsole, which combine cushioning and responsiveness. They have used the same 3D construction and the same materials causing the ride to feel similar to the ride of the 30th edition. This use of materials, along with how it is built makes it more eco friendly.
Additionally, rearfoot GEL cushioning absorbs shock during impact and toe-off phases, enhancing comfort over varying distances. The stack is tall, 40 mm, with a 10 mm drop.
The 4D Guidance System makes its second appearance in the Kayano. It is made up of 4 components. Wider basenets are found on the bottom of the shoe. This gives the Kayano a wide platform, which is inherently more stable. In the arch area you will find a new medial post which is softer than previous medial posts. It engages when you need it to.
The midsole is sculpted, to provide ample shock absorption and energy return. The last piece is an increased heel bevel, aiding in controlling the impact.
Last year I said “These 4 aspects of the guidance system create a symphony while you run in the Kayanos providing comfort with every stride and stability when you need it.” about the 30th edition and the same would apply for the 31st edition. The 4D Guidance System is the strength of the midsole.
Asics ASICS Gel Kayano 31 Conclusions
ASICS Kayano is continuing their third decade in a big way, noticeable improvements to the complete overhaul from last year. There weren’t many changes, but the ones made improved an already fantastic trainer.
The midsole of the Gel-Kayano 31 is where this shoe truly shines. Featuring ASICS’ signature FlyteFoam Blast + and Ecofoam technology, it offers exceptional cushioning without compromising on responsiveness. The FlyteFoam material strikes a perfect balance between softness and durability, providing a plush feel that absorbs impact effectively mile after mile.
The 4D Guidance System continues to be a strength of the Kayano. It creates a symphony while you run in the Kayanos providing comfort with every stride and stability when you need it. My only drawback is the size of the shoe. It is big and feels big at times. This shoe would be ideal for long distance training.
The new engineered mesh improves the upper of the Kayano. It excels at both breathability and adaptability. The neoprene like feel and added layer to the heel collar and heel tab are small but noticeable improvements. It is a comfortable upper which complements the midsole.
Last year I wrote the evolution of the Kayano was complete but I spoke too soon because the 31st edition furthers the evolution.
They completely rebuilt the Kayano last year while making small but important changes to it this year. It can feel big at times, but also be one of the most stable and comfortable stability trainers out there.
Overall, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 is a solid choice for runners seeking stability and comfort without sacrificing performance. Its supportive midsole, adaptive upper, and durable outsole combine to offer a reliable platform for long-distance training.
Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of runners looking to prioritize comfort and stability in their trainer.
Whether you’re training for a marathon or enjoying your daily run, the Gel-Kayano 31 proves to be a leader in the stability field.
