By Paul Freary
Both the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 and Saucony Guide 19 are the best-selling support category models from their respective brands. The Kayano may very well be ASICS’ range-topping support shoe, while the Guide 19 is Saucony’s mid-range model, but they both top the charts when it comes to sales.
Both shoes offer a great combination of cushioning and control, so which should you choose?
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Kayano 33 vs Guide 19
Stats
Running Shoes | Kayano 33 | Guide 19 |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Premium cushioned structured daily trainer | Good value combination of support and cushioning |
Support | Structured Cushioning - Stability | Support/Control |
Cushion | High stack with control | High Stack |
Stack Height | 40mm heel | 35mm heel |
Drop | 8mm | 6mm |
Weight | Men 298g (10.5oz) | Men 275g (9.7oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $170 | $150 |
Fit | True to size | True to size |
Rating | 9/ 10 | 9.5/ 10 |
Design
Support
The support used in the latest version of the ASICS Kayano is a new FLUIDSUPPORT technology system. The 4D control used in the last couple of generations, with its ‘responsive posting’, has been updated to a system which aims to adapt to the varying biomechanical needs of runners, providing guidance while allowing a natural foot motion for smooth, efficient transitions throughout the gait cycle.
The Kayano 33 works well for mild to moderate overpronators.
Guide 19 and Kayano 33 - Midsole
The Guide 19 utilizes the brand’s centrepath technology. This essentially refers to the overall shape and geometry of the midsole. A slight offset helps keep the foot central and in a neutral position, and along with a straighter last on the medial side of the shoe, and sidewalls on the upper side of the midsole, it helps keep the foot seated centrally within the shoe and contributes to a stable ride.
The Saucony 19 works well for anyone from mild over-pronators to those requiring high levels of control.
Cushioning
The Kayano uses a new combination of FF BLAST PLUS and FF BLAST MAX foams in the midsole. Coming from existing shoes in the brand’s range, both are tried and tested materials which provide control with a smooth, responsive feel.
Guide 19 and Kayano 33 - Heel Stack
The combination of the FF BLAST PLUS and FF BLAST MAX foams work in a similar manner to a more traditional dual-density midsole, with the slightly firmer foam featuring more on the medial side of the shoe to smoothly reduce pronation as it happens.
A new, softer, updated version of PUREGEL features in the heel of the shoe and is approximately 65% softer vs standard GEL technology.
The Guide 19 is using the PWRRUN cushioning from the previous model, although Saucony tell us that it is a little softer to provide a little more bounce. The shoe does feel a little softer on the whole. Part of the cushioning can be attributed to the very plush PEBA sockliner. This is around 3 or 4mm thick and really does make a significant difference to the step-in feel of the shoe.
Kayano 33
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Guide 19
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Fit
The fit of the shoes in both length and width is true to size for each brand, and when compared to each other.
Guide 19 and Kayano 33 - Uppers
The Guide 19 has a slightly roomier toe-box, offering a little more width and volume. Whilst it is now baggy, many runners who might usually opt for a wide fit option have found the Guide 19 to accommodate them well in the standard width. This applies to both men and women, so it is a great option, perhaps for those with bunions that require a little extra room in that area.
Performance
In terms of simply cushioning and comfort, the Kayano has the edge here. As it should, it has a more premium overall feel for a range-topping model. It is soft and welcoming on initial step-in and has a smooth plush feel when on the move.
The Guide 19 has a similar softness, but less of a premium feel when running. That said, it doesn’t feel bad; far from it. It has a nice rockered ride from heel to toe and provides a perfectly credible ride.
Guide 19 and Kayano 33 - Heel Collars
But let’s remember that we are looking at control shoes here, and it’s that detail which must be considered above everything else.
Here, the Guide 19 comes out on top. Its ability to control pretty much any overpronator is exceptional, and it does so in a very natural-feeling manner.
The Kayano still provides a good degree of control, it’s just not as good at accommodating the wide range of runners who over-pronate as the Guide.
My Verdict
While there is a price difference between these two support-type shoes, they are both aimed squarely at those seeking daily training shoes offering control for overpronation. They are also probably the most popular shoes from each of the brands that fit this remit.
Kayano 33 and Guide 19 - Heel
The Saucony, without doubt, offers better control that works for a wider range of overpronators. Its effectiveness is among the best around right now and is quickly becoming a go-to option for running specialist stores. Be it mild or moderate control that is called for, the Guide 19 delivers, and thanks to its deep cushioning and relatively light weight, it’s a great option.
The Kayano offers a slightly more premium ride, perhaps thanks to its dual-layer midsole construction, but its control is best suited to mild pronators. It’s a great shoe, but if control is the main concern, then the Guide simply offers more.
Of course, the running shoe market is becoming more and more diverse, with super-shoe offerings from brands and the more traditional models, such as the Kayano and Guide, being seen as more ‘old-school’ models, when new, younger runners seek the latest trends.
Kayano 33 and Guide 19 Hero 2
Ultimately, we cannot escape the fact that the number of runners requiring some degree of control is still as high as ever, and there remains a place for these shoes.
Being the more established model, the Kayano 33 has a very long-reaching reputation and is still considered a great shoe choice, which, of course, it is. But the Guide 19 provides a lower cost option that works just as effectively.
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