Is this years iteration of the Asics Gel Kayano really the best option for runners that need a running shoe with stability features? Well it is the first stability running shoe I am using as a runner. But the first few runs have been a great experience and yes, I will continue to use this shoe during the next few months. How and what for? I will leave that information for the end of this review.
But first a disclaimer: I got the Asics Gel Kayano 29 from Top4Running, the Nr. 1 online running store in Europe, for the purpose of review. However, I am not payed to publish this review and no one from Top4Running or Asics will get to read my thoughts on the shoe before it will be published.
Till today I ran 85 kilometers in the shoe. So this is probably more a first impression. I will write the full review as soon as I will run at least 200 kilometers in the shoe. With this out of the way let me tell you more about the shoe.
How I used the shoes so far
Since I am training for a marathon, the Asics Gel Kayano 29 was my training shoe on most of the runs the last 10 days. I did 2 easy runs in the shoe, 1 recovery run, 1 tempo run and a longrun. So just about any type of run that is required when training for a marathon. During one of my easy runs I also ran a few strides in the shoe and at the end of my tempo run I did two 1k intervals.
Upper
Straight out of the box I noticed, that the upper is much more plush than on other running shoes I use. With holes in the forefoot area for warmer days, a plush and padded tongue, elastic laces and of course the stability elements in the heal and mid foot area.
The shoe is true to size. But if buying the shoes please check your shoe size in centimeters and then order the shoe. I have size 30 cm, with Nike running shoes this converts to a 11 UK size but with Asics this is an 11,5 UK size.
Putting the shoe first on my feet I could feel that the upper is very comfortable and that the lacing system locks you in the shoe as supposed to. Before my first run I just laced up the shoe and was not thinking about the upper anymore. That is what we want from a running shoe.
The only little issue I had with the upper was, that my feet started to get a bit warmer during my tempo run and on the intervals. But that may not be just because of the more plush upper. That day it was very hot outside (27 Celsius) and it can be that my feet got warm more because of the outside temperature than because of the upper.
Mid sole
This is where the magic is in this running shoe. The first 5-6 kilometers in the shoe have been a bit strange due to the plastic stability element in the heal but from the first step I made in the Asics Gel Kayano 29, I could feel the rocker and the responsiveness from the FF Blast + foam that is in the forefoot of the shoe. It’s not a supper high mid sole, but the feel under foot is just perfect. Not too soft and not too firm.
While running at slower paces I needed to hold back a bit since the shoe is quite responsive. But when picking up the speed a bit the shoe works perfect. Well to a certain point. The shoe felt great at my marathon pace, also at my half marathon pace. While running at 10k pace and faster I would prefer a lighter running shoe.
Out sole
The out sole of the Asiccs Gel Kayano 29 has a lot of grip and is quite thick. It is a road running shoe but can be used also on some light trails and the grip is also perfect in wet conditions. If you believe it or not I managed to do a run in rain and had absolutely not issues with grip, even while running through a few tight corners.
The surface area of the shoe is wide and you can feel that during your runs. Just the opposite of some racing shoes, that are higher and narrower. In this shoe you will never feel that you could slip or hurt your ankle. But hey, it is a stability running shoe and as such it should work exactly that way.
Usability
You already know, that I will continue to use this shoe during my marathon training block and probably beyond. With the thick out sole and the build quality of the shoe it is a running shoe that will last. Well, not forever but surely for at least 600-800 kilometers, if not more.
I will use this shoe in my easy runs and my long runs, where I think I will benefit most. Will do even one or two more tempo runs in the shoe. It is a stability running shoe but easily anyone can use it. The shoe is not heavy and it works just perfect. I may be wrong but I think, that the Asics Gel Kayano 29 is the best race day option for all those runners, who need a stability shoe. And the best part of it is, that you can do all your training in the shoe and then race in it. So an all in one option.
Would I recommend the Asics Gel Kayano 29?
Yes, absolutely. Especially if you are looking for a non carbon plated all in one running shoe that will last a lot of kilometers.
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