By Paul Freary
The Gel Kayano is perhaps ASICS’ most iconic running shoe. Over 30 years old, it’s always been regarded as the brand’s top-of-the-range model offering the best combination of cushioning and control.
But is the Kayano 31 still the best shoe in this category and is it worth the money?
Is the Kayano 31 better than the previous model, the Kayano 30?
Let’s take a look in my ASICS Kayano 31 review.
Kayano 30 v Kayano 31
Whilst there are updates from top to bottom in the new Kayano 31, they are minor revisions rather than significant changes. So minor in fact, that most won’t notice many of them!
The upper has a newly engineered mesh design and is a little thinner and more breathable, although I have never really had an issue with any shoes with regards to breathability, I do know that for some it’s an issue.
The fit in the ankle collar and heel is redesigned. There’s new, plusher padding and a knitted collar that sits away from the foot.
The midsole is the brand’s FF Blast Plus Eco foam and their softest yet. Again, the difference is hardly noticeable, but overall I’d say just a little softer on impact.
The effect of the 4D guidance system is improved. The responsiveness of the material used here is improved and makes it a touch more effective, but I’ll cover this in a little more depth below.
Stats
ASICS | Kayano 31 |
|---|---|
Best for | Easy pace training |
Support | Neutral |
Cushion | Maximum cushioning |
Stack Height | 39mm forefoot / 29mm heel |
Drop | 10mm |
Weight | Men 305g (10.7oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $165 / £180 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 8.5/ 10 |
Fit
The fit of the new ASICS Gel Kayano 31 is true to size. I fit a US10.5 in most brands, including the previous model, the Kayano 30 and this shoe fits the same in terms of length and width.
The newly engineered mesh upper is a little thinner and more breathable than before and perhaps creates the tinniest amount of extra volume, but it doesn’t affect the fit of the shoe.
The newly designed padding in the ankle collar is great. I love shoes with this type of design and the plush fit and feel suits my feet. The knitted section sitting atop the ankle sits away from the skin, so there’s no chance of irritation.
ASICS Gel Kayano 31
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Technology
4D guidance system
Removing the need for a traditional medial post, the 4D system replaces a firmer posting under the arch of the foot with a more resilient and responsive piece of foam.
Instead of a firmer post simply preventing the arch from pronating inwards, the 4D system aims to react with the arch and ‘rebound’ it back into a neutral position.
Pure-Gel cushioning
Replacing the brand’s exposed Gel cushioning, Pure-Gel is a lighter Gel pad enclosed within the midsole. Pure-Gel is a thin layer of material sitting in the rearfoot of the midsole.
FF Blast Plus Eco foam
FF Blast Plus Eco foam is the brand’s softest yet. It is also a 20% bio-based material.
Performance
If I were to pull the Kayano 30 and 31 shoes on whilst blindfolded, it would be difficult to tell them apart. The initial fit and feel are very similar.
For most fans of the shoes, this isn’t an issue. Fans of the Kayano tend to be loyal and have worn the model for several years and being only a slight revision means they get the same fit and feel in the main.
When running in the shoes it is again rather difficult to notice the changes and it’s only when I put one of each of the two models on each foot that I could differentiate between them.
Small changes
The differences are small. The overall softness of the cushioning makes the Kayano 31 slightly softer and slightly more responsive. The geometry of the midsole has changed a little, with a slightly different crash-pad shape on the rear, lateral aspect of the shoe. This makes the initial contact with the ground ever so slightly smoother.
The overall heel-to-toe roll-through of the shoe is also a little smoother, but again not significantly so.
The 4D guidance system is perhaps the one aspect that feels noticeably different. In the Kayano 31, the foam used here feels more responsive, a little springier, almost pushing the foot out of a pronated state. This is more of a ‘structured cushioning’ shoe than an ‘anti-pronation’ model, so it manages this function well enough.
A few miles later
After several runs and around 60 miles covered in the Kayano 31, it has settled nicely into my weekly rotation of shoes. It’s found its place as an easy-pace training shoe for those zone-two type runs. In this respect, the shoe works perfectly well. It’s not a shoe for intervals, speedwork or indeed anything faster than steady-state running.
The shoe soaks up the miles easily, but it lacks any real responsiveness. It’s a very good shoe, but in what it does best there are several other very good competitors.
Comparisons
Brooks Glycerin GTS 21
The Glycerin GTS features Brooks’ Nitrogen injected, DNA Loft V3 foam. It’s a denser feel than the Kayano, so initially a little firmer underfoot, but I’ve found that after around 30 miles of running it really softens up and gives a great responsive feel.
Support in the Glycerin GTS comes from the Brooks Guiderails, a system that cups the rear of the foot within the sidewalls of cushioning. It’s a system that works very well and I think suits a wider range of runners than the Kayano 31.
Saucony Hurricane 24
A brand-new shoe, the Hurricane is an established model that has made a return to the market in Spring 2024.
The shoe offers a large stack of Saucony PWRRUN and PWRRUN PB foam in a combination to provide a balanced, responsive and stable ride. I’ve only managed a couple of runs in the Hurricane 24 so far, but it is exceeding my expectations.
Compared to the Kayano 31, the Hurricane is cheaper, offers more responsive cushioning and provides a level of stability that should suit a wider range of runners.
New Balance Vongo v6
The Vongo is perhaps the most similar feeling shoe to the Kayano 31 from competitor brands. With its deep stack of FreshFoam X cushioning, it offers a similarly soft, plush ride and a mild level of support.
One area where the Vongo differs is the price, again, like the other rivals being a cheaper alternative.
My Verdict
In summary, the Kayano 31 is once again a very good shoe from ASICS. The cushioning is great and feels soft and welcoming from the very first mile.
Support is reasonable but seems to have become less and less in recent years, with the Kayano almost merging into a variation of the Nimbus shoe.
Yes, the support is there, but it’s very mild and only really deals well with those requiring just a touch of support.
The main point where the Kayano is struggling against competitors is the price. It’s always been ASICS’ most expensive running shoe (except for one or two very niche models over the years) and it does have a pretty loyal customer base. That said, runners are now more open to try the vast array of shoes available and in this category, there are lots of great options.
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