By Paul Freary
Since its launch over 33 years ago, the ASICS Gel Kayano has been the benchmark shoe for supportive and well cushioned daily trainers.
In the Kayano 33, ASICS have once again revised their support system for over-pronation and updated the cushioning to make one of the smoothest riding support type shoes on the market today.
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ASICS Kayano 33
Let’s look at the shoe, the technology and find out how it performs. Is the new Kayano 33 a shoe for the next generation of runners?
Stats
ASICS | Kayano 33 |
|---|---|
Best for | Daily trainer with mid level support |
Support | Stability |
Cushion | High stack with control |
Stack Height | 40mm heel 32mm forefoot |
Drop | 8mm |
Weight | Men 298g (10.5oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $170 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 9/ 10 |
Design
Support in the Kayano 33 now comes from a FLUIDSUPPORT technology system. Gone is the 4D control of the last couple of versions and here we have a system which adapts to the varying biomechanical needs of runners, providing guidance during while allowing a natural foot motion for smooth, efficient transitions.
FF BLAST PLUS and FF BLAST MAX foams are combined in the midsole. Coming from existing shoes in the brand’s line up, both are tried and tested materials which provide control with a smooth, responsive feel.
ASICS Kayano 33 Midsole
The combination of the FF BLAST PLUS and FF BLAST MAX foams essentially works like a dual-density midsole, with the slightly firmer foam featuring more on the medial side of the shoe to smoothly reduce pronation.
A new, softer, updated version of PUREGEL features in the heel of the shoe and is approximately 65% softer vs standard GEL technology.
ASICS Kayano 33 Outsole
The OrthoLite sockliner is a premium sockliner that provides a touch of additional cushioning and adds better moisture management for a cooler, dryer environment.
A HYBRID ASICSGRIP outsole is a combination of ASICSGRIP rubber and AHARPLUS rubber to give advanced grip on various terrains and good durability.
Kayano 33
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Fit
The Kayano 33 fits true to size in both length and width and once again is an example of the brand’s premium upper fit and feel.
ASICS Kayano 33 Upper
The upper is soft and plush with neat padding around the heel, ankle collar and Achilles. The tongue is neatly padded and not overly think or intrusive, sitting in place perfectly as you run.
Performance
The shoe features the FF Blast Max foam midsole for the first time. Originally found in the Novablast, it delivers a super-soft and bouncy feel. It is paired up with FF Blast Plus and PureGel in the heel to create a deep, max-stack shoe.
The blend of the two foams creates a modern version of a traditional medial post. The foams guiding the foot throughout the stride into a natural and more neutral position.
The control also benefits from a slightly straighter last to the shoe on the medial side from the heel into the midfoot area. Additionally, more outsole rubber in the position also makes the shoe a little less flexible here and helps reduce over-pronation.
A wider, more flared base for stability all through the stride also contributes to the guidance provided.
ASICS Kayano 33 Heel
The Kayano 33 feels instantly comfortable and well cushioned from the first stride. The PureGel isn’t really noticeable, but that doesn’t deflect from an obviously max-cushioned ride.
It’s a smooth feel from heel to forefoot and the shoes is very stable without it actually feeling likes it’s corrective. It just seems to work in a very natural manner.
ASICS Kayano 33 Lacing
For anything from easy runs up to tempo pace, the shoe felt excellent. Faster than my tempo pace, the shoe begins to feel like I was having to work harder, but that’s not what the Kayano is about. It’s a supportive, everyday cruiser of a shoe. It’s built for those long, steady miles and in that environment it is excellent.
Shoes Similar to the Kayano 33
There are several shoes that offers similar levels of control and support as the Kayano, but less models that also bill themselves as premium cushioning at the same time.
New Balance 860v15
The New Balance 860v15 for example probably provides more effective support and offers 40mm of cushioning, but is priced closer to the ASICS GT2000.
Saucony Hurricane 25
Saucony’s Hurricane is priced closer to the Kayano and offers support that is just as effective along with a responsive feel. I think the Saucony feels a little ‘chunkier’ under the foot, with the Kayano being a ‘neater’ experience, but the ride is ultimately personal preference.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 23
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 is the brand’s premium support and max-cushioned model and again works every bit as well as the Kayano in controling pronation. For me the Kayano has a feel that focuses more on cushioning, whereas I find the Brooks a little ‘springier’.
My Verdict
The Kayano 33 is another major revision to the Kayano model, but it’s one which manages to fit the brief, tick all the boxes and once again provide a very good level of control and cushioning.
ASICS Kayano 33 Heel Collar
Loyal fans of the Kayano won’t be disappointed and those new to the shoe will find it a very capable model an perhaps wonder why they didn’t try it sooner.
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