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The Asics Gel-Kayano 33 is the latest model of Asics’ flagship stability shoe and ASICS has made some significant changes to its stalwart stability option. With a new dual-layer, dual foam set up and a new stability system, it’s a much-changed approach to stability but does it serve up the same reliable Kayano ride? And it it still among the best running shoes for those that need stability? We’ve done the miles to test out the updates.
Design & Key Stats
- Price: £180 / $170
- Weight: 10.7oz / 304g (men’s UK 8.5 / US 9.5)
- Drop: 8mm
- Stack height: 40mm heel, 32mm forefoot
- Upper: Engineered mesh
- Midsole: FF BLAST MAX / FF Blast + foam with PureGel insert under heel, FluidSupport system.
- Outsole: Hybrid AsicsGrip and AHAR Plus rubber
Asics Gel-Kayano 33 review
How’s The Fit
Nick and Kieran tested out the Asics Gel-Kayano 33 for our review and we both found they fit well true to size.
Kieran: “You get a really airy into the toe box. There’s loads of room up front and if you want extra clearance at the end of the toes, you’re going to get loads of it. There’s lots of flex and movement in the forefoot, for a really roomy shoe that’s good for sort of longer time on feet.
“The lacing hasn’t changed and gives a really good midfoot lockdown. The uppers, heels and tongues all wrap and holds well for an easy fit with plenty of plush padding that you expect from the Kayano. Good secure heel hold and lots of nice long run comfort.”
Nick: “Good amount of room around the toes. Good hold around the heel and midfoot. Fair bit of padding around the back of the shoe, but it didn’t feel too cushy or oppressive or get too sweaty on runs. So yeah, no concerns at all with the fit. The upper seams really good, and I’ll stick to your normal running shoe size.”
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The Run Test: Likes
Nick: “Overall, I’ve clocked 50 fairly forgettable kilometers, but that’s not entirely a bad thing. Like the shoe is out there to do a job, to provide a stable, supportive ride, and it does that. I think it protects the legs pretty well. It is soft and comfortable underfoot without being at all unstable. Obviously, it’s not wobbly soft. It’s just you know a nice cushioned level of soft.
“In general, the focus is on providing support, protecting the legs, and the Gel Kayano 33 certainly does that. It picks up the easy training days on my plan well enough.”
Kieran: “I find the dual foam setup smoother and softer, with a bit more spring back. It’s just a bit more fun. It’s not a super soft or majorly energetic shoe, but you will get ample cushion right across the kind of platform of the shoe that caters well for the easier miles and heavier landings.
“There is plenty of inherent stability in this shoe and it’s reliable underfoot. But it’s also shuffled a teeny bit closer to the energy of regular daily trainers, and I found the stability experience much more kind of my kind of ride as a result.”
Another plus: the Kayano 33 is built to withstand high mileage. When it comes to durability, I don’t think you’re going to wear this out anytime soon. So there’s you know and there’s high-mileage value in it.”
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The Run Test: Dislikes
Nick: “I think you can get more versatile rides than the Kayano. It’s a big, heavy cushioned shoe that’s really built for easy and long runs and plodding along and being protective. But you don’t really get a lot of kind of punch back from the foam in the forefoot as you roll through and try and run at faster paces.
“It’s not really you know the most energy returning foam. It’s more there to absorb the impact of running, which it does very well. But there are some lighter, sprightlier options out there, like the Hoka Arahi 8, that I think do have a bit more pop at faster paces than the Kayano.”
Kieran: “The Kayano 33 remains a heavier shoe that’s a bit too blocky and clunky when you attempt anything faster. In the grand scheme of things, it’s still not really exciting or particularly punchy when it comes to energy return. It’s certainly not as lively as many of the regular max-stack daily trainers. And I would really only lace it up for easy miles. Even then, there are still probably shoes that I would choose first from the stability shelves, like the Hoka Arahi 8, Asics GT2000 15 or Saucony Guide 19. They’re more subtle on the staibitly but lighter and more versatile. The limited versatility of the shoe, I think, also makes the premium daily trainer price look a little steep.”
Verdict And Alternatives
Kieran: “For me, the Kayano 33 fits the bill as a good, reliable workhorse stability shoe geared towards the easier miles. It’s taken a small step towards being a bit more like a regular max cushion daily trainer with some guidance and away from the heavy-handed kind of sort of over-structured traditional support that you get from stability shoes.
“I personally like that change. I found it added a bit more dynamism, made it a bit more fun, a bit more natural for the low and slow miles. Fans of that extra structured kind of guidance might not be the same as me though.”
Nick: “I think it’s a good stability running shoe. I think it’s in line with past models, and if you like those, you’re going to continue to like the Asics Gel Kayano 33. It’s not a big departure from what we’ve seen from the line. It provides a nice level of softness without being wobbly. It cushions the impact of running well, and it provides extra support in a way that isn’t too intrusive. Even if you are a neutral runner, it just kind of keeps you in line and doesn’t let your foot roll too much without being, you know, firm or unpleasant in any way.”
“If you are a stability runner, I think the Kayano is a very good option. You can get better value options though in this area. Something like the Hoka Araki 8 is more versatile and cheaper and I prefer it as a trainer. It’s not quite as cushy and protective as the Kayano but it gives you a more versatile ride.
“The Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 is also a better value option. I don’t think it’s quite as stable as the Kayano, but still does a job on that front, and it is a bit cheaper. Then there’s the other big hitters in this area: things like the Nike Structure Plus and the Saucony Hurricane 26. They’re all pretty solid shoes, and actually they’re in line with the Kayano 33 in terms of performance.”