ASICS Gel Kayano 30 Review
Overhaul Update Brings ASICS' Iconic Kayano Into Modern Age of Stability
Likes
- Modern 4D Guidance System is highly stable
- Smooth, protective ride for all daily runs
- Plush and secure upper
Dislikes
- Could be more responsive
What's New
This year the running world has already seen the evolution of two other ASICS titans, the Nimbus and Cumulus, blowing everyone away with their incredibly different and highly elevated designs. Now, the Gel Kayano, ASICS' iconic daily stability trainer, is getting its very own overhaul, and version 30 marks a whole new era for the Kayano line.
Leading the way is an all-new FF BLAST PLUS ECO midsole that is stacked 40 mm high in the heel, approximately 4.5-mm higher than its predecessor, providing plush landings and dependable protection that is excellent for long runs, recovery runs, and daily mileage. Better yet is the Kayano 30's new 4D Guidance Support System, which utilizes a wider platform and raised side walls to provide adaptive, unintrusive stability that can be enjoyed by both excessive overpronators and more neutral runners. Runners familiar with the Kayano line might not even recognize version 30, as the new PureGel pod is now embedded in the midsole, contributing to the Kayano 30's very comfortable, highly protective ride.
Along with the updated midsole, the Kayano 30 also receives an updated engineered mesh upper that will provide a comfortable yet secure hold that's perfect for any type of daily run. Combine these updates with the Kayano 30's very grippy and highly durable AHAR+ outsole, and you have everything you are looking for in a daily stability trainer. The competition better watch out, because version 30 of the Kayano is a real contender.
The Bottom Line
Since its release in 1993, the ASICS Gel Kayano has been an undeniable staple in the running world that has grown to legendary status over the years. But like an athlete nearing the twilight of their Hall of Fame career, the last two versions of the Kayano left us questioning whether or not this shoe still had the goods to keep up with the younger, more modern studs bursting onto the scene. Do not worry Kayano fans; this legendary stability shoe is not going anywhere. It performed so well throughout testing that our team is confident that the Kayano 30 will be in contention for the top spot in the stability shoe category by the end of the year.
The shoe's redesigned midsole with its innovative guidance system is the update that stood out most to our testers, as it has dramatically improved the feel and ride of the shoe. Version 29 of the Kayano utilized a more traditional posting system with a lower profile and more flexible midsole, and though it offered a solid ride and decent stability support, some found the more traditional stability system to be outdated compared to its competitors. The new FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam and 4D Guidance Support System have changed that narrative, and the Kayano now offers improved levels of support and protection that our testers appreciated on both short and long-distance runs. Furthermore, with the shoe's new, wider base and raised guide rails, our testers could enjoy balanced, nonintrusive support that adapts well to different types of runs.
Our testers did not find the Kayano 30's new midsole to be overly responsive, as the new design prioritizes comfort and support over speed, and it is best to reserve these trainers for typical daily runs and cruising efforts. Regardless of the pace, the Kayano will always deliver the protection runners need for their longest weekly run or their shortest, and the Kayano 30 has go-to, workhorse capabilities in the eyes of our testers. Overall, the Kayano 30 is an impressive update that has brought the Kayano into the modern age of stability footwear, and we do not see this legend hanging it up any time soon.
Specifications & Fit
| Weight | Men's: 10.7 oz (size 9) | Women's: 7.8 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 40 mm (Heel), 30 mm (Forefoot) | 10 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Maximum stability support |
| Sizing | True to size |
Men's ASICS Gel Kayano
Women's ASICS Gel Kayano
Individual Thoughts
Thanks to all of the modern, innovative updates, the Kayano 30 is an excellent trainer for those looking for a high level of comfort and support to cover their daily training mileage. The Kayano 30 is also an excellent option for the avid walker.
As advertised, the new 4D Guidance System was excellent, delivering unintrusive support that even the worst overpronators will appreciate and even neutral runners will enjoy. Throughout testing, I used this shoe for everything from easy daily runs to long runs and everything in between. The Kayano 30 also became a shoe that I loved wearing around the office all day and in my daily routines. Again, I wish it had a more responsive return, but given how comfortable and supportive this shoe is, the Kayano 30 will stay in my rotation as a go-to daily trainer.
The ASICS Gel Kayano 30 is a brand-new shoe compared to the previous iteration of this signature ASICS model, and it is clear that ASICS took great pains in updating one of their oldest flagship models. Where the last few models of the Kayano (28 and 29) became more and more flexible and felt like they were losing both protection and stability, the Kayano 30 is now the most cushioned and stable version of the Kayano to date. With 40 mm of stack height under the heel, the Kayano 30 also boasts enough protection for even your longest runs.
I was a big fan of the midsole geometry of the Kayano Lite and was happy to see the influence it had on the Kayano 30. The FF BLAST PLUS ECO midsole foam is well-balanced with a plush feel that is not sluggish, even with the high midsole stack. The PureGel heel insert replaces the traditional visible gel compartment and adds a noticeable softness upon step in.
While the midsole leans on the slightly firmer side compared to shoes like the ASICS Nimbus, it does so without feeling harsh underfoot. Instead, the foam feels supportive throughout your run, and the 4D Guidance System offers very natural stability correction. For me, the Kayano's wide platform and the dual-density posting supported my foot through the entirety of my stride and not just at landing. The upper was comfortable yet structured. There was just enough padding to feel premium on my foot, but the midfoot hold was very secure and paired well with the stability features of the midsole to prevent overpronation.
Overall, ASICS did a great job of updating this shoe, and I think they did it in a way that will satisfy longtime Kayano fans while also making it approachable to new consumers looking for extra support during their daily runs, regardless of whether they are overpronators or neutral runners.